Ian Cole the founder of World Prayer Centre shares some thoughts on the current signs that we are seeing around the world.

Millions on the move, wars and rumours of wars, desperate people fleeing from desperate people, killings in the name of religion, aborted baby parts being sold, environmental disasters, political leaders struggling to find answers, nations in uproar, car manufacturers cheating millions, financial instability increasing, good called evil and evil called good. At one time we could have been accused of exaggerating, not any longer.

So, how near are we to Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21? The answer is we do not know, but Jesus did tell us to watch, watch for the signs, and watch that you are not deceived. Watch and pray. We are encouraging each other here as a team and we want to encourage you to watch from a position of confidence and shalom (peace) in God our Father, Christ Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit. The Psalmist wrote as he watched, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear" in fact he encourages us to "be still and know that God is God". (paraphrase Psalm 46 NIV)

So we watch, but we also warn. Watchmen are useless if they see the danger and stay quiet. The Christian message is that God loves every girl and boy including those in the womb and He loves every man and woman on the planet. Yes even those who plan, organise and carry out such evil things, even they are not outside God's mercy. However we have to warn that for those who deliberately live a Godless life, those who reject God's plan of salvation through the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus, there are not only serious consequences in this life but also in the life to come. The truth is, as with an individual, so with a nation.

So as you watch, are you concerned about all you see and hear, are you fearful for your future, your children's future? In the midst of your storm take a moment or two, be still and speak to God. Tell Him your fears, tell Him your failings, tell Him your worries, He's big enough to cope with them. When the disciples were in the middle of the storm, fearing they would drown, it was Jesus who was in the boat with them that stilled the waves and stilled their hearts. Reach out to Him, He will do the same for you.

Are you new to prayer?  Then check out this great resource that helps you to strat praying...