file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db941025.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                   Tuesday, October 25, 1994
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READ: Zephaniah 1:14-18


                       "TIMES OF TROUBLE"

                 The great day of the Lord is ...
                  a day of trouble and distress.

                     - Zephaniah 1:14-15


Turmoil continues to seethe in many parts of the former  So-
viet  Union.Unrest, revolt, hunger, unemployment, and
severe shortages still plague most of the land. It prompted
a leading Russian journalist to refer to these days as smut-
noye vremya, the "time of trouble."

The Bible uses a similar phrase to describe the events of
the endtimes. They will occur during the prophetic era
called "the day of the Lord" (Isa. 2:12-22). It will be a
time of terrible tribulation, during which mankind will
suffer as never before. There will be earthquakes, famine,
war, and death (Rev. 6).

During this period, the Jews will be singled out. Their
persecution will be so intense that the era is prophetically
referred to in Jeremiah 30:7 as "the time of Jacob's trou-
ble." But that verse ends with the wonderful promise that
the Jews "shall be saved out of it." That period of intense
tribulation will bring them to faith in the true Messiah.

As followers of Christ, we encounter personal times of trou-
ble. The apostle Peter wrote, "If  anyone suffers as a
Christian, let him ... glorify God" (1 Pet. 4:16). Our
personal "times of trouble" are opportunities for the Lord
to show us His provision, protection, and love.

Author: - David C. Egner

        God's unseen presence comforts me,
        I know He's always near;
        And when life's storms besiege my soul,
        He says, "My child, don't fear."

        - Dennis J. De Haan

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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Times of trouble
   are times for trust.

The Bible in One Year: Mark 7-10

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