Signs of the times

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.         "For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’  He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."   Matthew 10:34-38

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.