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The fact is, this year God intends to take you and me deeper! Even as I write this, the whole world is frightened, perplexed and confused. Even some of the most devoted Christians are wondering about all the fast-moving events as they rapidly unfold. Are we in the very last years of human history? I do not know-but one thing is sure: we are seeing an acceleration of world events as never before.
Today many economists believe we are on the brink of a depression that will surpass even our worst hard times. You've seen the headlines brimming with the news, the world's economic system cannot continue as is. One doesn't have to look much further than the financial situation of world governments including the United States, with almost 50% of the population receiving their primary source of income from the government, and less than 50% of the population paying federal income tax. In addition the United States government is 16 trillion dollars in debt and an additional 75 trillion dollars in unfunded Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security entitlements.
The numbers are unsustainable. Greece has hit its debt wall. Spain and Italy are facing their own debt walls, as is France. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair recently stated that if Europe did not change its entitlement mentality, it would not survive.
There is no easy way out of the situation. We cannot tax our way out, borrow our way out, print our way out or grow our way out. The longer we deny reality, the greater the pain and sacrifice. No one is telling the whole truth. And no one wants to call for joint sacrifice. I am convinced in my spirit and by the word of God, we're about to witness the unfolding of great and fearful times.
The Titanic was called an unsinkable ship. Yet when enough compartments were breached under the water line, the chief engineer responded to the captain: "She's made of iron, sir. I assure you she will sink." They were unprepared and thus more than 1,500 people died because of their lack of preparedness. Our country is breached. Our world is breached. Even the churches of the day are breached.
It is time to prepare for the role that each of us can play, knowing that the world is facing an impending crisis. Most have much to fear but some; a very, very few have nothing to fear. Why? Because God has promised to preserve all who trust IN Him, He says, "Do not be afraid... I am your shield." Genesis 15:1. This is a promise God made to Abraham and extends to all of Abraham's seed that have faith IN HIM. He becomes our shield, not our resources, not our solar power and gardens, not our gold and silver, not our country properties nor even our correct theology and church alignment, but God and God alone!!!
God will humble us by bringing us to a place where all human ingenuity is vain and all we have left is to TRUST IN HIM. Is your soul anchored IN HIM?
Take time right now to pull out your Bible and read Psalms 91 in its entirety. Though it was spoken to David, it holds true for every generation since then-especially for us. Don't try to figure out how God will go about preserving you. You can't figure it out any more than you could have guessed how He would open the Red Sea... how He would keep the Hebrew children alive in a fiery furnace... how He would shut the mouths of hungry lions all night long as Daniel sat among them...how He would bring water out of a rock and bread from the sky...how He would feed 5,000 people with just a few loaves and fishes.
We could never figure any of that out. Our responsibility is not to figure all that out, but to TRUST in Him. GOD MUST BE OUR REALITY not OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. You and I have the freedom to choose which reality we will live in. If we are not choosing God as our reality today, how on earth are we going to choose Him as our reality in the unknown ahead of us!
Is God the reality in your everyday living? Are you presently surrendering all your thoughts, words and actions in and through Jesus Christ? If not, you are the one IN CHARGE and have much to fear for your future. If you are, you can rest, for God is your assurance no matter what lies ahead!
Is God the reality in your marriage? Are you presently in love and making your spouse the priority in your daily life? If not, you are MAN MANAGED and not GOD GOVERNED and have much to be anxious about. If you are, you can be at peace, regardless of your circumstances, because God is your defense!
Is God the reality in your family, your friendships, your church associations and your employment? If not, I would be scared for what lies ahead. Why? Because the foolish virgins did not have time to prepare and lost out in the end!
Yes God wants to take you and me deeper this year. He wants to become OUR REALITY. He wants us to learn how to filter everything through Him! He wants us totally dependent on Him and Him alone. Our real daily work is before us "Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace." Job 22:21 Why? So that like Moses, His presence will go with us, and He will give us rest in the impending crisis!!!
Secure in Him,
Jim & Sally Visit ELM Website
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