“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1).

Ralph sat reading the newspaper in his barber shop. Things were a little slow that afternoon, and it gave him the opportunity to get off his feet and enjoy a few moments of quietness before the next customer would arrive. Glancing through the regional section of his newspaper, Ralph read the police reports of robberies, assaults, and drug arrests. Many of these serious situations were taking place in the neighborhood in which he lived. As he read the newspaper, Ralph shook his head and said to the Lord, “These really are perilous times!” Just then the local pastor came into the barbershop for a haircut. Pastor James sat down in the chair, and as Ralph was securing the barber cape around his neck he said to the pastor, “So what do you think is happening in these neighborhoods of ours?” To his amazement Pastor James said, “Well Ralph, obviously I believe the Scriptures say in the last days perilous times will come. These surely appear to be perilous times to me. But you know, Ralph, the wonderful part of all this is knowing the Lord Jesus as our Savior. I do not live in despair. I do not live in discouragement. I do not live in depression. I know the Lord, and I also understand that my precious Savior is going to take me home to be with Him. Oh Ralph, this world is not my home, I’m just passing through!” Ralph smiled and thought all day of the wise pastor’s counsel.

For today: Rejoice that our God is sovereign and that this world is not our home!