Over the years since that enquiry the book of Revelation has become a favorite of mine. I believe that its message is perennially relevant to our lives and times. I believe that it is what it claims to be: a revealing or prophecy of what is really taking place, in the present and the future, given by an angel to John the apostle, a word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Take note of the needs of the people and God's provision for the people.

The needs of the people.

It happens once; I shrug it off. It happens a second week in a row; I'm annoyed. It happens a third, fourth and fifth time, now I am angry at my neighbor for his inconsideration or stupidity. I have a choice. I can do nothing so the anger will likely stew even if I try to wish it away. I can do some petty yet satisfying "payback" like at night toss my dog's mess onto his fastidiously kept front lawn. Or, I can politely confront my neighbor in a reasonable manner.

Anxiety, worry and fear are no strangers to me. My mother was a product of the Depression and was a chronic worrier. I inherited my share of her fears. There is plenty to worry about in life. At each stage of our lives we have different worry demons to combat. As we get older, and realize that we have less and less control over health and financial issues we worry about end of life issues. What will become of us when we are left alone? We fear poverty and pain, neglect and loneliness.