What can be said to the generation facing the greatest trial of history? Clich s will not do. Fantasies will vanish like morning mists. Popular predictions will prove to be cheap talk. Head-in-the-sand denial will only sooth the ostrich-mentality. Boasting and braggadocio will lead to humiliation. Wilderness survival training may appeal to the young, the rugged and the strong. Building underground bunkers may seem like a good idea to the wealthy. Stockpiling supplies and weapons may appeal to others. Unfortunately, not one of these will stand the test of the final hour. Only the words faith will meet the coming challenge. One prophet declared, "You have not gone up to the breaches in the wall to repair it for the people of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the LORD" (Ezekiel 13:5 NIV). This volume seeks to quarry the biblical building-blocks sufficient to fill the gaps in the wall of faith in preparation for the greatest of all trials. From hope and repentance, to love and forgiveness, to trust and endurance, this volume addresses biblical themes, all couched in the words: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, ' says the LORD Almighty" (Zechariah 4:6 NIV). This third volume of Prophecy Papers builds on the first two: Daniel, Islam and Israel and Time's Puzzle Nearing Completion. This volume, however, takes a more pastoral approach, dealing with concerns believers will face in the hard days to come. While, the volume addresses particular matters to arise in the day of great trial, it assumes that preparation for worst-case-scenarios will aid believers as they face lesser trials before that time. Serving for nearly fifty years as pastor, missionary and educator; Donald F. Hawkins now considers himself retired -- but not from the word of God. Donald spends much of his time in study, research, and writing on biblical and historical themes that have intrigued him throughout his lifetime. His interest in Middle Eastern issues began with a trip there in 1964. He has returned twice and served in Africa on three occasions. Donald received BA degree in 1966, an MDiv in 1970 and an MA Rel. in 1994. He lives in Lakeland, Florida with his wife Jeane.
