Proverbs 6:18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil.      
 
      Many citizens worldwide, and notably in the United States, have found themselves having a front-seat view and becoming participants in what seems to be real-life violent video games. The freaky realization is that it is happening in real-time and in mid-daylight. In these scenes of mayhem, characters from every level of life and race are pawns being moved by master gamers. There is no on-off switch to stop or pause the game being played out. From what is taking place in the war-torn streets of Syria to the slums of downtown Los Angeles, it is like watching the progress of someone moving through game levels as they use a handheld gaming console, controlled by two major players who are named, Need and Want.  
      Shoppers coming out of a mall, carrying multiple brand-name parcels are targeted and robbed by bandits running them over using a car or truck. The robbers take everything these people have and leave them laying injured as they race away in their vehicle. Prov. 6:18 A heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil. Store invasions by vandals are so violently overwhelming that the staff are walking away from their jobs to safer places. The owners of the brand-name stores are shutting their businesses down and leaving the city and state. Street muggings are being recorded on webcam video feeds, and the muggers are smiling for the cameras as they carry out their crimes. All happening on a repetitive daily basis and becoming apocalyptic. Gen. 6:5 The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
      It is heartbreaking to see drug-crazed zombie-like souls trudging along in the agony of their hell as they wander through the inner city slums they have become residents of. I can’t help but think of all the post-apocalypse, zombie outbreaks, alien invasions, atomic accidents, and catastrophic end-of-the-world movie scenes and scenarios that now seem to be taking place before our eyes. It is as if fiction has become reality. The sad thing is the only answer the ruling ideologues can come up with is to suggest that everyone pick up a gun to defend themselves while they continue to spew out slogans to defund law enforcement officers. What are these leaders who are talking out of both sides of their mouths expecting citizens to do? Why can’t they help the people who voted them into positions of power? 2Tim. 4:3a For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.
      I have recommended this on many occasions, but it bears repeating. God asks us to pray for our leaders who are in power so that God can get through to their hearts and help them make sane decisions rather than the helter-skelter choices they are making now. 1Tim. 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. The reward for taking the time to pray for our leaders in all areas of government is that we who do pray will live in God’s peace. It does not mean that there will be peace in the land, but God will make sure that we will live in peace and dignity. That is an amazing trade-off for living in a precarious world full of dangers on every side. This may sound like religious fiction, but it is a holy reality that we can walk in.
      It is such a blessing that God has us looking up to Him when the world is hellbent on destruction. Luke 28:21 So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near! God knew this day would come upon us and that we would need to come through it in His power. I can understand why so many folks are moving off the grid and buying acreage. I also understand why so many more people want to do the same. It is a feeling of wanting to escape to a quiet place. However, it does not matter where you go, you will still need the wisdom of God and a righteous relationship with Him to make it through life, even out in the boonies.
      We need to double down in our faith and believe the word of God that promises us that God will never leave us forsaken. Heb. 13:5b God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” As I look at all the unjust events going on around the world and watch what was once written as fiction become a form of reality being projected daily on news feeds, I have no choice but to call upon the Lord Jesus for the strength to make it through the day. This blessed assurance can only come through Christ our saviour. I cannot fabricate God’s peace and confidence within my heart without Jesus living there in the first place. Thank you, Lord, for the reality of your grace and salvation that has been given to us through Christ. Lord, help us see that your love is not fiction but the real thing. Help us walk in the assurance of our salvation. Amen!