So much is going on in today's world that sometimes it gets tiresome trying to keep up with it all and make sense of people, places and events. Even though following current events and reading history are among my favorite activities, at times I get a little tired of doing so. It is very tempting to retreat into the personal realm and take a more passive approach to life. But something always seems to jar me out of that state of mind.

Usually it is an event in the Middle East or Europe that will do this. But the most recent was something that caught my eye while reading through the Gospel of Mark. I noted how many times Christ urged His followers to "watch" what was going on in their world.

Here is what He said in Mark 13:7-8: "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows."

You will have to read a few newspapers and keep up on the Internet news sites to make sure you are aware of all these things.

Verse 14: "'So when you see the "abomination of desolation," spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not' (let the reader understand), 'then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.'"

You will have to dig a little deeper on this one. This will require a reading of history, the Bible and geography to fully understand its context and end-time fulfillment.

Verse 19: "For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be."

Again, you'll need to pay attention to world history in order to appreciate the incredible magnitude of His warning. The crisis at the end will surpass any known to humankind.

Verse 22: "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."

How much do you understand about the role of religion and sectarian strife in history? Religious wars have been the scourge of mankind since the beginning. Most Americans have little understanding of the world's great religions. If you are going to avoid the type of religious deception foretold by Jesus, you must know something about the world's faiths.

In verses 33 to 37 Christ says to watch, pray and then watch some more. He says that things are happening around you. People have been left with a charge to keep an idea alive and focused. That idea is the Kingdom of God, the fundamental truth Christ came announcing (Mark 1:14). The Kingdom of God was the central focus of Christ's life and work. He said it was time to repent and live by the terms of that eternal Kingdom.

Christ's followers will be watchful, always keeping one eye on the work at hand and the other firmly fastened on the future horizon waiting, and watching, for the arrival of the King. The last thing we want to be found doing is sleeping!

Reading these words in Mark is a sharp reminder to not fall asleep on the job given to all of us. It is easy to get caught up in our busy lives and lose the sharp focus of the coming Kingdom of God. There is a lot going on in our larger world, and we all need to keep watching. "Sleeping" through life is not an option that Christ gives His disciples.

Included in the objectives of World News and Prophecy and wnponline.org is keeping you informed about the major events of today's world that foreshadow the second coming of Jesus Christ. Major events are happening at a rapid pace. Stay alert so you will not be caught dozing and miss the march of world events. WNP