Signs of the times

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves...   "...when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.    "Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."   Matthew 10:16, 19-22

To prepare His people for future challenges, Jesus told His disciples,

"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near... Watch therefore...." Matthew  24:32-33, 42

As reminders to "watch" and be ready, Scripture references both to prophesied events and current trends will be added to corresponding news items.