Yes!

We must be aware of what is happening in the world around us and how it affects us and the future of our loved ones. But to throw our hands up in despair and claim that the end of the world is near and the Lord will return soon is a big mistake. We must always be fighting the battle of filling all the dark places of this world with the light of Christs love – that is our duty as Christians.

When Christ comes for me, I hope to be on the battlefield, carrying his message and hope against all odds. Not sitting on the sidelines in fear.

God Bless!

You said:

"The Lord could come tomorrow, it could be another 1000 years. We don’t know. Only God knows."

I have said almost the exact same thing many times. I love it.

The danger of saying that we know Jesus is returning soon is twofold:

     1. It isn't true that we know! We may think we know, but we do not. As you said, only the Father knows.

     2. Claiming that we know encourages an unhealthy withdraw from transforming the world we live in now. I wonder if God refrained from telling us when Christ would return for this very reason.

The parable of the ten virgins (Matt 25:1-13) is precisely about people who were not prepared to wait a long time for the return of the bridegroom! It ends emphatically with "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

I love 2 Peter 3, especially verses 8 & 9, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

The Lord could come tomorrow, it could be another 1000 years. We don't know. Only God knows. We are to be about his business telling the Lost about Christ. We are supposed to be "fishers of men".

As far as our government and country is concerned, #1 we are to pray. Prayer is the most powerful. But I also believe, as Christians, it is our responsibility to be vocal and active in protecting are God-given freedoms. My articles, http://faithfulinprayer.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/… and
http://faithfulinprayer.wordpress.com/2009/07/13/…
say it best.

I was so excited when I stumbled on that Bonhoeffer quote. His attitude captures mine so well. I like to tell people that no matter how dark things get, God's breakthrough is inevitable!

God Bless and visit again sometime!

Keep up the good work and be blessed.