I wrote two weeks ago that I believe the story of 2009 is the fact the world thought they had one man, a "messiah-like" guy who could make the world that was turning upside down set itself on a right course.  While I am not in the forecasting business, expect to see more galloping globalism, a further rush to the one-world religion, an even greater "falling away" (II Thessalonians 2:3), an intensified yearning for a "global fix," and a lot more that the Bible outlines.

Keep your eye on the "epicenter" -- Israel. There is coming more conflict there than we can imagine. God will take care of Israel; it's the nations that are coming against her -- including America -- that need to be forewarned. America now has new foreign policy that gives Muslims an advantage and that throws Israel under the bus. This combination is both foolish and deadly.

Clearly 2009 was the year when total "strong delusion" came over our nation's leaders. Many Americans are even perplexed as to how to pray, for one cannot pray for policies that are anti-God. The perplexity of 2009 is how to deal with godlessness in leadership while clinging to the exhortations of the Bible. Right now, the two are irreconcilable.

The heartbreak of 2009 is the brick-by-brick dismantling of America by those in our midst who hate this shining beacon on a hill. No, God does not have a covenant with us like He does with Israel, but He has clearly blessed us abundantly. Another terror disaster was averted last week on a plane the evil ones planned to blow up in flight. That tells me God has not abandoned us as many other such attempts have been foiled this year as well. Many believe America is under judgment and that may be true. If so, things will get more difficult as perilous times are in overdrive. (II Timothy 3:1-9)

For a brilliant six-minute video presentation on the tide of our times, visit this link on my Web site.

One of the most stunning stories as it relates to Bible prophecy is the fact that oil has been found in Israel. This will give fuel -- no pun intended -- to the Gog/Magog invaders of Ezekiel 38-39.

Also, later in the week, my assistant, Heidi Swander, will look more carefully at the "birth pangs" we are now experiencing.

But to change America, our churches must be strong and sadly, that is the weak link. A nation is only as strong as believers and churches pray and praise. While many pastors hold to truth today, it would seem just as many have strayed into false doctrine leaving the sheep as "sheeple" and thus leaving America vulnerable. With "gospel lite" being preached in many places, the sheep don't even know what to pray against and what to stand for.  And there are too few "watchmen on the wall" (Ezekiel 33:6). As in Nazi Germany, pastors now have to watch what they say or face possible "hate crimes." This is hardly a good scenario to help turn things around.

This year-end commentary is being sent to many who are "watchmen on the wall." Keep it up. Always "encourage one another" (Hebrews 10:25 ). If you see a hurting Christian brother or sister -- or an unbeliever who is particularly cast down -- take time to give them a good word. It will make their day in these turbulent times. They may be jobless, out of money, and feel there is little that is positive right now. Remind them that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).      

Thank you for encouraging this ministry in 2009. Thank you for not abandoning us in our truth-telling and speaking the inconvenient truth. We appreciate all who have participated both prayerfully and financially.  Pray for our radio outreach and against the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" that would shut down programs like "Understanding the Times." That effort by the current administration has been on hold while they focus on health care and the further socialization of America.

The good news is that we know the last chapter of the book -- the Bible. We know who wins.  We have our "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) which every believer can cling to.  We know that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). We know our citizenship is not on earth but in Heaven. God has given each one of you an assignment for however many days, months, or years we have left before we reach the gates of Heaven. Since you are here on assignment, no Christian can say they are without a purpose, for God has one or more for you. Now is a very good time to figure out what it is and proceed with His marching orders.

We are in a war that will get hotter. One of the greatest contributions you can make to our turbulent times is to contend for the faith (Jude 3) no matter what it costs you.

In the meantime, remember Jesus' words, "Behold, I am coming quickly" (Revelation 22:20).