A bit of deviation from my usual type of posting.. A little more on a serious note, although there'll probably be at least one funny in there somewhere..A quick look at the headlines today shows that supposedly the world is in a panic because of financial situations on Wall Street which are effecting the rest of the world. Admittedly, I don't know much about finance. Never had a lot of money, so I historically have never paid attention when the news turns to stories of fast approaching regression and the like. This time its different. Not because I have a lot of money now and am worried about what's going to happen with my stocks.. Actually, I don't have any stocks and still don't have a lot of money.. The biggest difference this time around is my perspective...
I would be lying if I said I'm not concerned. I am human, I have a family to feed and bills to pay. However, being a servant of the Most High, we need to understand that we are not subject to the financial principles of this world, as we belong to a higher Kingdom with an Economy that is all together different. By no means is this a prosperity message, so toss that out now before we get any further... Better yet, let's touch on that for a second.. Since when did prosperity become synonymous with abundant wealth? Granted, prosperity can mean great wealth, but I have met so many people with little monetary gain, but were most definitely prosperous. Anyway, more to the point, I think what I really want to say is this...
As God's people, now is most definitely a time for us to shine. In a time where the world is on the verge of committing suicide because their stock value has bottomed out, we can boldly stand strong, knowing that our God will supply all our needs. Philippians 4:19 says in the Message translation:
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.
This is a perfect time for us to show the power of God at work. Not that we wont face difficult times ahead as well, but we can face them with a certain amount of surety, knowing full well that God is still on the throne regardless of what is in our pockets. This type of stability in shaky times will cause the world to stop for a moment to see why we are not shaken. This is an opportune time to share the basis of our faith. This is a time, I believe, when God will use an unfortunate situation to show His good fortune, His faithfulness, His love, His mercy... We can use this time to help turn people's attention away from the gold and silver gods who have deserted them and focus them on the Living God who will never leave you or forsake you.
In lieu of all this, it is time for me to try to get some work done. I haven't done much income producing work this week, but we're still doing fine. This message is for me just as well as anyone else. Be sure to keep our communities up in prayer in the weeks and months ahead. Let's focus our prayers on seeing people come to know Jesus in the midst of this "turmoil." Also, let us be sure that those who come in this time are not "jailhouse conversions," but be sure to follow up and disciple them so that they stay in the faith, even when and especially when the good times come. Too many turn to God during trouble, but once they think they can make it on their own because the have a few dollars in their pockets, they quickly forget about the God who brought them there.....
Anyway, that's my rant for today.
Later, and God bless,
-myk
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