Economic whoas... let's pray for one another!

Well, right now, personally, we haven't really 'felt it' yet.

Actually, the price of petrol has gone down, which has helped the economy somewhat.

But, as we have heard on the news, this is going to be long term.

I keep thinking of the scripture in 1 Kings 17 about Elijah, how, during the drought and famine, the ravens fed him twice a day.

Also, the word of God tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust. Or, in other words, some will experience hard times and some will not, whether they are saved or not.

But, we would be wise to keep in prayer and to keep others in prayer, no matter our financial situation.

God bless.

Right now krispy I am looking at layoffs at the company I work for Lehman brothers and others have hurt us. I work for an insurance/investment firm I have been working with investment products for a while now and I saw all of this coming. But even in the middle of all of this mess I have a strange peace about it all. I know that God will provide and that he is sovereign and will take care of his people. I will pray for all of you I mean that. I will pray that God will give us all peace and that we be anchored in him and his word. God bless :-)

Thanks Krispy I really appreciate it dear friend.

Greetings

I will be praying for everyone who has posted as well. I know how difficult things are right now. Both my oldest son and my husband work in retail. Been praying for them as well as others because after Christmas everything will be slowing down even more then it is now.(for my son getting full work hours has been hard) We expect that there will be layoffs coming perhaps as soon as January. Just praying both husband and son have enough time and so forth not to loose their jobs.
Gas is down to $1.99 here, but propane for heating is still almost $3.00 a gallon. We are planning on wearing more sweaters on colder days:-)

The hardest thing for me in all of this is not to worry. I struggle with fear and worry at times about how things will work out. In my heart I know that I need to trust and have faith, God is in control not matter what I and I can walk with Him and not be afraid. I really do not want to give into this sin of fear/worry about this or anything else. I will pray for you and thank your for your prayers as well.

God Bless
MJ

It is getting harder for my family.

I just got out of a meeting at work. They told us our medical costs are going up.

Already, my wife & I have decided that we will need to end our children's music lessons. Which is sad, because they love playing for the Lord (my son plays the piano, 1st daughter plays the flute, and 2nd daughter just started the violin a couple months ago). Also, we don't eat out very much any more. We have six kids & my wife doesn't work because we homeschool our children. Food, utilities bills, & medical costs are hurting us.

But I have a lot to be thankful for. My job is pretty safe. Gas is down to about $1.70. We are all healthy.

[i][b]5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.[/b][/i] Proverbs 3:5-10

I am about to graduate with my B.A. degree in a month and I am trying really hard to trust in God and not allow my sinful worry overtake me. We have used student loans to help pay our rent for the last two years and now that I am no longer a student, I don't know how we are going to pay our rent, bills and my student loans, which will start in June. I currently have no prospect of promotion nor any different job opportunities that will be any more lucrative. I have no clue what we will do, but I need to trust that God will provide what we need, when we need it.

This last week I have been focusing on God's promise of never leaving nor forsaking us (as talked about in Joshua 1 and Pslam 1). If God is mighty enough to create all the universe, why do I worry about what I am going to do about my rent?

A challenge I have faced is that I do not know what it means to not worry. What does faith in God look like? Is it merely a mental struggle? Will I always find peace? If I do not have peace does it mean I am still worried or holding on?

3More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5

I am striving to find comfort from scripture. I pray that you all would too.

Greetings

We are a homeschooling family as well. I do not work, my husband does. I am thankful though my son who still lives with us helps out with living expenses.(To expensive for him to work and take college classes and live on his own)

I think striving is a really good way to describe what I have been doing. When I feel over whelmed with the economic news(have had to just not read any for a while now) I turn to the Lord and keep my focus on Him. In the end I know if I lost everything but still had Him then I would still be better off then the richest person in the world.

Thanks for creating this thread its has really helped to know that I am not the only one in this.

God Bless
MJ

Two things I might add to this conversation.

1) Realize it is human nature to want to know the future, and as a result prognostication is going to big business both in the church and out of the church. Predictions of the future, whether by pundits or prophets can become idols that replace faith in God. Especially you men; protect your families from the growing onslaught of predictors as best you can by keeping your family rooted in the Word of God alone.

2) As a practical strategy; don't forget the barter. Goods and labor still retain their intrinsic value even if money wobbles.

Blessings,

MC

It is my prayer that this will give you all good reason to rejoice.

I believe the man wrote this around WWII but was ahead of his time.

http://www.mun.ca/rels/hrollmann/restmov/texts/dasc/TNOM203.HTM#Sec7

THE PREDICTED END OF CAPITALISM

by "Philip Mauro (1859-1952)

In James v. 1-8, we have a passage of Scripture which wonderfully illuminates the present stage of Industrialism. That this passage relates to the end-times is certain, because it is specifically addressed to those who have heaped up treasure "in the last days," (this is the literal rendering of ver. 3). [b]Moreover, the counsel it gives to the "brethren," whose endurance was to be tested by the accumulation of these fortunes, is to wait patiently "until the coming of the Lord." This is a plain intimation that, when the period of swollen fortunes should arrive, then "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (ver. 8), so near, indeed, that they who suffer by reason of these evil conditions need formulate no plans for their own relief. The Lord's coming will bring deliverance to them before they can accomplish anything for themselves.[/b]
. . . . . . . .
The result is that the "business world," after a long period of "prosperity," is one day awakened suddenly, to the fact that there is a glut of commodities on hand; the disappearance of profits frightens the manufacturers into a sharp curtailment of output; the banks, knowing from bitter experience what is about to happen, refuse to lend money, since no "interest" can be paid them by borrowers unless profits are first earned; and thus a "panic" is brought about. Of course, the capitalist must cease making goods when there is no profit in making them; and thereupon, quite naturally, he discharges workmen and reduces wages, until the surplus stocks of goods on the market are disposed of in some manner. This brings about one of the financial and industrial panics, and the periods (more or less prolonged and severe) of business depression which follow them, and which, in every manufacturing centre, are marked by the presence of large numbers of workmen unable to secure employment, and for whom indeed there is none.
_______________________

Rv:3:11: Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Rv:22:7: Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Rv:22:12: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Rv:22:20: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Can anyone give me (us) a suggestion to a sermon(s) on this website (Sermon Index) to listen to for encouragement & building up of one's faith during these trying times?

Thanks!

LoveGodsWay2 wrote:
Can anyone give me (us) a suggestion to a sermon(s) on this website (Sermon Index) to listen to for encouragement & building up of one's faith during these trying times?

Thanks!

I did not know this post would be here, but I knew the thought I had from my time with God this morning was to be conveyed in this thread. It seems even more appropriate than I thought in light of the post I have quoted.

When hardship comes in waves, satan's intent in it is to steal, kill and distroy. But the same wave's that he means for our distruction, if we get under them, will transport us to see God's glory if we remain on top of them.

They are coming in on us like a flood. It is tempting to listen to satan's threats. In stead, we look to God. I don't mean a little 15 minute prayer. But hours with God until He gives you His take on the situation. You will be amazed as God speaks, and He will if you do not give up, at how He is able to lift you to the top of the wave.

After these thoughts, this verse came to mind.

"When the enemy comes in like a flood" Isaiah 59:19

It is a good passage to read. It begins verses earlier, when it states that there was no intercessor. Because there was no intercessor, God Himself raised up a standard to guard against the enemy. Let it not be said of us that there was no intercessor. Let us intercede on our own and own the behalf of others as we face the hardships and 'whoas' associated with these ecomomic hard times.

For anybody who might have the stomach for it, I highly commend to you the radio programming of Glenn Beck. Since I am not able to listen to the show while at work, I subscribe as an "insider" and listen to it in the evenings. Though, for free you are able to read the main portions of his shows transcripts. Beck, though a bit "gloom and doom" I personally find very sobering. The logic of his arguments about the things we can likely expect are simple yet rock solid.

Though, since he is a Mormon, take what he says with a grain of salt. Some of his outlooks are simply grounded in Mormon theology (namely, his hope that America will rise from its ashes and restore the constitution [through Mormon leadership]... which is official Mormon eschatology), though, he never tells his listeners this.

However, his analysis of the economic situation seems to be divorced from any Mormon theology, and is based simply on the simple state of our union. Whether or not we recover from the economic fallout our country (and the world) is getting ready to experience is yet to be seen. Simply put, those stock brokers who tell you the economy is going to recover sometime after 2010 seem quite deceived. They've bought into a mentality that says "the stock market must always eventually go back up." Such is a financial doctrine that, historically speaking, has been right so long as America has existed. But as any stock prospectus (and the Scriptures) remind us, past earnings do not guarantee future earnings. Of course, there is always somebody out there making money and that will make money (notice how in Revelation, Babylon has rich merchants up until the moment of its final overthrow).

But, as the Scriptures remind us, everything that can be shaken will be shaken. There is no guarantee for tomorrow. The American dream is nothing more than that, a mere dream, and is gone the second you are awaken with a jolt. Even though I believe we should dramatically cut our spending as much as possible, pay off our debts as best we can, and save as much as possible for the crisis that is getting ready to come upon us (remember how Joseph saved in anticipation of the 7 years of famine), ultimately, we must not rely on those things to survive the things that are coming upon the Earth.

Hab 2:4 reminds us "the just shall live by faith." That's more than some mere doctrinal statement that tells us how to get saved. That was literally an issue of life and death for the remnant of God, who lived in Jerusalem at the time Babylon laid siege to the city for 2 years, reducing many within to cannibalism. Preparation and such is good for the times that are before us, but, ultimately, we must cast ourselves upon the Lord and radically rely on Him for the times that are ahead. Get rooted and grounded in the faith as quickly as you can. For if you cannot do it now, you will not be able to do it then.

I'd encourage any who need some sober words of encouragement, check out my blog. I've been writing some on these issues in recent months. Browse the archives, and be encouraged.

I'm new here but might offer that we're doing rather well. I'm an independent hog producer and during 1998 the price of hogs went lower (On an adjusted basis) than the bottom of the great depression. It was terrible just to keep everyone alive. It led to many sleepless nights.
A lady in our church had sung a song that included the line " all is well" sometime earlier. I awoke one night with those words going through my mind. Realizing that with God all is well brough such a relief that although the problems remained, my faith was greatly strengthened and worry ceased. In retrospect, all is well when God is in control.

...many sleepless nights.

A lady in our church had sung a song that included the line " all is well" sometime earlier. I awoke one night with those words going through my mind. Realizing that with God all is well brough such a relief that although the problems remained, my faith was greatly strengthened and worry ceased. In retrospect, all is well when God is in control.

Welcome frontier!

I love this precious word you give here. Many of us should add a hearty amen here to your testimony. Those without Christ may feel all alone in a small boat lost on a seething ocean. Yet many of us in Christ have known we were, and continue to be, the object of his kind personal attention even through the overwhelming storms of life.

There is a story in Psalm 107 that I'll paraphrase:

We went out on the sea with container ships of goods; we were merchants on the mighty waters.

God used our business ventures to show us his sovereignty.
He did more then show us financial favor; he showed us his wonderful favor deep in the depth of our souls. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves of our sales and growth. Yet soon after our business rose like a mighty wave, it then plunged down to the depths; the peril of this situation melted our courage away.

We ran around trying to fix everything, to consult with experts, to even consult pundits and prophets---we reeled and staggered like drunkards; we were at our wits' end. (A very short trip.)

Eventually, when we were exhausted from our efforts, and despairing of our schemes, we cried out to the LORD in our trouble...

...and he brought us out of our distress.

He stilled the storm of fear and complaining in our souls to a whisper of trust; the waves of our minds calmed until the surface of our thoughts were smooth enough to reflect the Lord's beautiful face looking kindly down on us.

We were so glad when we knew the comfort of God. He took us through a storm and guided us to the only true haven which is trusting in Christ.

Let us give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for us frail and pitiful people.

Blessings,

MC

Months ago I posted the news that Crown Ministries had called for National Prayer, Fasting and Repentance. They were the only Christian radio group to do that. Sigh. Chuck Bently was interviewed on French National Radio (but not in America).

They have been giving solid biblical advice since then regarding current economic issues as things progress. More than worth a listen. They are on the web. I thought of them because [u]LoveGodsWay2[/u] posted about canceling music lessons and there was testimony on today’s (12/04) program about that very subject.

Here are cut/pastes from a list on the Sermonindex Call for Prayer Google-site. Forgive the repetitions.

(09/30/08) [url=http://www.crown.org/Media/MoneyLife.aspx ]Link[/url] In the archives you might begin with tracking how this man (Chuck Bentley) has been led to call for the kind of prayer he outlined today. 2 Kings 6:27 And he [the King] said, "If the Lord do not help thee, whence shall I help thee."

CALL FOR PRAYER AND REPENTANCE FROM GOVERNMENT LEADERS (10/12 to 12/23), then a WEEK OF THANKSGIVING TO GOD, then Sunday 11/30 a NATIONAL DAY OF GENEROSITY.

Crown Ministries was the first I noticed that focused exclusively on Prayer, Repentance and
Fasting. (If you have not already, look at this remarkable call. Summary of details posted on SI [url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=25406] here[/url]on 9/30/08.

10/14/08 Listen [url=http://www.crown.org/media/relatedcontent/101408.aspx ]here[/url] to this man who does not frequent Sermonindex. Fasting, prayer, repentance for the nation. Begins today.

I also appreciated the two testimonies on this thread. Perhaps it would be profitable to share testimony here regarding conviction, freedom from sin, and answered prayer. Sermons are very useful but testimony of God meeting needs and of the Obey part of Trust and Obey add the dimension of reality application of the Word of God. Testimony is encouraging. There is a balanced mixture of Biblical foundations, testimony and solid analysis of world events on the Christian program I posted.

I thought I'd share my personal experiences with the current economic situation.

Directly speaking, the amount of personal impact the recession has had on me is minimal. Financially, I am in about the same situation as I was a year ago, if not perhaps slightly better. So far at work, I've only had a few minor perks taken away e.g. Christmas bonus, paid lunches during staff meetings, etc. Still though, the company I work for has a multi-year contract at the major law firm we service.

Therefore, as long as my company does not go bankrupt, nor the firm we service go belly up, my job is "secure" for the next several years. With that said though, because of the present economic situation, there is now little to no room for advancement within my company, as it is unlikely that many additional firms will be requiring our service, and it is unlikely that anybody will be quitting their job anytime soon. Personally though, I am in much need for advancement, as I presently have to work 2 jobs just to make ends meet. Working 60 hours a week is tough, and gets "old" very quickly. Either way though, I am very thankful for the jobs I do have, as an increasing number of people are losing theirs. Having become more financially aware as a result of all this, I have cut back on a lot of needless spending, and am for the first time in a long time, building up my savings.

However, it has been sad to see that many people I know have been laid off either through the Christmas season, or entirely altogether. The small legal industry in Charlotte has taken quite a beating in recent months, especially with the difficulties Wachovia is going through. Business has been slow for many firms, and layoffs have happened almost everywhere. I've had the sad duty of escorting people out to their cars with their personal belongings when they were suddenly laid off. That's not fun.

Additionally, many people in my Church have worked in the manufacturing/mill industries in North Carolina. We are a small Church with under 100 folks that regularly attend. By the grace of God, we are still doing well financially as a Church. Nobody has lost their homes or is going hungry. Furthermore, the Church still has a great bit of cash on hand. But things are definitely getting tighter.

I'm convinced though, no matter what we as a people go through, God will be with us through it all. The economy may change, nations may go to war, we may lose our jobs, but Jesus Christ still lives forever and ever. He is still on the throne, and changes not.

Hey brethren...

In keeping with the theme of this thread, could you please pray for me. I interviewed yesterday for a VERY good job. I went through five interviews, and I know that I am one of two finalists for the position. I was praying throughout the interviews, asking the Lord for favor if this is where He would like me to be!

Thanks!

:-)

Will do Chris:)

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6: 25-34).

"Resting in Jesus in Perilous Times" - David Wilkerson

We are to listen carefully to prophecies, but we are not to become obsessed with them.

For years, I have been faithfully warning of a soon-to-come worldwide economic holocaust. Right now, we are seeing this coming to pass around the globe. I have warned that Christians are going to suffer, that there will be great loss and hardship, and already this is happening. Multitudes of precious saints all over the world are now enduring great financial and mental stress.

As awful as these things are, none of them should be the focus of our energies and ministry. Rather, we must continue proclaiming the love of God the Father and the tender mercy of our Savior Jesus for us.

I know the American lifestyle -indeed, the lifestyles of those in every prosperous nation - are about to change permanently. I know everything is reeling and shaking. But when I get up in the morning, I don't worry, "What are we going to eat? What are we going to wear? What about heat, light, security?" Jesus warned us not to do that.

Instead, when I go to bed at night, I rest in my Father's love. The fact is, I know I am not God and that he alone is in control of all these things. I simply do what the prophet Isaiah did: he put his mind to rest by fully trusting in his Lord. This prophet declared to be­lievers in every age, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3). God cannot lie.

Scripture makes it clear: we are to be alerted and warned by the prophetic messages delivered by godly watchmen. Likewise, we are to heed every prophetic message revealed and confirmed in Scripture. In short, we are to gather all the knowledge we can about the oncoming storms, so we can pre­pare our hearts for whatever we will face.

But we are not to let fear or anxiety consume our thinking, dominate our minds or take hold of our hearts. Darkness is certainly coming and judgment is at our very door. But as God's people, we cannot allow any cloud of darkness to hide the great light of his promises of love and mercy toward his people. We must be well informed by God's Word and his prophets, but we are not to dwell on prophetic knowledge so much that it takes over our lives.

The devil would love for this to happen. He knows he can't get us to doubt the Lord's Word concerning judgment, so he will attempt to take us to another extreme and drive us to a fearful obsession with perilous times.

Simply put, Satan wants to rob you of all hope by consuming you with foreboding thoughts. But you cannot figure out the future through being totally preoccupied with this. In reality, it can get you bogged down in fear and obsessing about frightful events.

The apostle Paul reassures us with this instruction: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8, my italics).

In other words: "You have heard all the warnings. Now, take heed to what God's Word reveals and to what his watchmen are saying. And, finally, fix your thoughts on Jesus and his goodness."

In a time when great judgments were falling on the nation all around him, Isaiah testified he had a double portion of peace.

The same wonderful outlook that Isaiah had in the perilous times of his day is available to us also. This promise of rest applies to "all whose minds are stayed on him "

Isaiah was overwhelmed by what he saw happening in the world around him. But Scripture reveals he enjoyed great peace. How did he come into such a place of peace, with everything he saw? There were two reasons for it:

First, as judgments were poised to strike the nations, Isaiah was in constant communion with God in prayer. "Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee " (Isaiah 26:8). Isaiah was prepared for anything because he was already "praying without ceasing."

I must ask you: as the storm rages, are you going to the Lord in prayer, as Isaiah did? If you are, then you're gaining strength, because your mind is becoming fixed on your sovereign heavenly Father's love, and he is continually revealing his power to you and encouraging you that you'll make it through.

It is not God's will that any of his children face the perilous times ahead with paralyzing fear.

The Lord does not desire that bibli­cal prophecies and warnings frighten us. Instead, here is Jesus' heart on the matter, stated very plainly: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be trou­bled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus prophesied of world events to come that sounded frightful. He spoke of wars, pestilence, earthquakes in various places. And he warned his hearers, "You are going to be afflicted, and some of you will even be killed. Iniquity will abound. False prophets and messiahs shall arise deceiving many."

Later in Matthew, Jesus explains his reasons for forewarning of these catastrophic events. He says he told us these things so we would believe in him when we saw them coming to pass.

Jesus wasn't trying to put a burden of fear on us. Rather, he simply doesn't want us to be surprised when we are hit by awful storms. He doesn't want our faith to be shipwrecked when suddenly we face incredible suffering. Most of all, he wants us to believe there is a Lord over all these awful things, a Father who is loving enough to warn us about them and keep us through them all.

Isaiah preached hope in perilous times.

Isaiah was looking beyond all the things that were happening, toward a greater vision God had given him. In this vision, Isaiah saw the Lord coming to wipe away the tears of his children, remove their burdens and deliver them from all guilt and fear:

"It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation... He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath Spoken it" (Isaiah25:9, 8).

Here is the second reason Isaiah had come into a place of peace despite all the upheaval around him. He was saying to us - indeed, to believers of every age - in effect: "You who live in the very last days can also have this double portion of peace. Abandon yourself to simple trust in the Lord, your Rock."

"Trust ye in the Lord at all times: for in the Lord Jehovah is [your] everlasting strength" (26:4). "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation" (12:2).

God does have a word of hope for this hour.

For many months, I have searched and studied the Scriptures, pleading with the Lord to give me a message of hope and encouragement for these hard times. My spirit has cried out, "Lord, please speak a word to my heart for your children, for you alone have the words of eternal life. Only you can speak a word of comfort to us in such times."

The Holy Spirit answered my prayer, speaking the following to my heart: "I am going to give you a single promise from my Word. And if you will commit your very life to it, this word will keep you through any and all perilous times."

Beloved, I know if we will especially embrace this one verse, fully believing it, it will be a daily power-source of faith. Here is the promise the Spirit showed me:

"YOUR FATHER KNOWETH WHAT THINGS YE HAVE NEED OF, BEFORE YE ASK HIM" (Matthew 6:8).

In Luke 12, Jesus enumerates the things he says our heavenly Father knows we need. Those needs are, in short, food, drink and clothing.

"Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on... If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?" (Luke 12:22, 28).

Jesus speaks of grass that is full and green today but tomorrow is cut down. He would have us remember he gave it life and care. We dare not think he cares for our needs less than for grass. He knows full well what we need, whether it is food, finances or clothes.

Jesus added, "All these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things" (12:30). Again Christ reminds us, "Here is all you need to know: your heavenly Father knows what your needs are. He has already enumerated them."

My theme now is this: GOD KNOWS, AND THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS.

God will never abandon his "little flock."

Jesus promises, "Rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock" (Luke 12:31-32). If we will simply trust him, our Lord will bless us with all we need.

If you are concerned for your family's welfare in the coming days, I have good news for you: Your children are God's children. And he cares for your loved ones more than you do. Jesus knows exactly what you all need to survive.

HE KNOWS ABOUT YOUR NEED TO HAVE A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD. HE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT YOUR RENT BILL OR MORTGAGE PAYMENT IS EACH MONTH. HE KNOWS ABOUT THE MOUTHS YOU HAVE TO FEED AND THE AMOUNT OF FOOD IN YOUR CUPBOARD. YOU CAN TRUST HIM FULLY TO MEET ALL OF THESE NEEDS, BECAUSE HE PROMISES TO DO IT.

Tragically, many people are going to grow bitter in the coming days because God won't answer their prayers to protect their present lifestyle. Many have never known the kind of suffering we now face.

But the Lord says to rich and poor alike, "Don't fret about your worldly possessions. Give me quality time and trust me. I am going to take care of all your future needs. You will be supplied all the essentials you need to get by."

There is one lesson every believer must learn and practice.

At this moment, world events are moving so fast that nobody can keep up with them. Even as I write these words, the American stock market has lost billions. The implications of such things are too deep and complex to fathom.

Our faith is anchored in this: OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS US -HE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED AND WHEN WE NEED IT -AND THE VERY FACT HE KNOWS IS PROOF ENOUGH THAT WE ARE UNDER HIS CARE. HE DELIGHTS IN US, AND WE ARE SNUGGLED IN HIS BOSOM, SAFE AND SOUND.

Daniel said of the Lord: "He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him" (Daniel 2:22). God knows all about the dark days ahead. And he knows that even this darkness cannot obscure his face from us.

Indeed, our clear path through hard times will be found only in trusting the Lord. He is calling us today to have a simple, childlike trust in his faithfulness.

Let us all keep our eyes on Jesus. Let us trust his great love and care for us. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

---This letter introduced the above article---

Dearly Beloved:

In my prayer walk today, I asked the Holy Spirit to give me a word of hope and strength for these troubling times.

I want to share with you what I heard the Lord speaking to my concerns. I strongly believe God still speaks to his children today. Let me summarize what was made known to me:

There may still be a short respite from the financial crisis — but it would be a mercy call to repentance, both to wicked society and to an apathetic church.

It will come down to this:

Do I truly believe that my God of the Bible always was, always is, and always will be?

If I believe God always was, is and will be, then I must believe nothing is impossible to him.

If I believe he is truly God, then he can and will do the impossible. I must believe he is all he claims to be: my Father, my hiding place, my shepherd, my provider, my keeper, my strength, my all-in-all. I must believe he will do for me what seems impossible in my times of trouble.

Beloved, hold to your confidence. One day our precious Lord will explain it all to us. So, in the meantime,

"Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward" (Hebrews 10:35).

"For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" (Hebrews 3:14).

Brother, sister - THIS IS ALL GOING TO PASS. We will all stand before Christ's throne one day, and I hope to fight the good fight of faith until that day. I do not want to stand before him disillusioned, fearful, unbelieving. All I have now to bring him is my faith, my unwavering confidence in the saving power of his shed blood.

A closing word: Financial panic and confusion still grip the world. We are all going to be affected in one way or another — even churches and all missionary endeavors.

I pledge never to beg or plead for finances. I will not send you desperate letters or pressure you in any way. We will keep giving to all our missions outreaches to orphans, feeding ministries and other works, as the Lord provides.

I have trusted God for finances for over fifty years of ministering to the needy, through three major reces­sions. He has never failed! He will see us through this one, too.

Our prayers are with all God's people who receive our messages. God will not fail you, either. Hold fast now to your confidence in the Lord.

Yours in Christ,

DAVID WILKERSON

DW:bbm 10-27-08

AbideinHim wrote:
"Resting in Jesus in Perilous Times" - David Wilkerson

"YOUR FATHER KNOWETH WHAT THINGS YE HAVE NEED OF, BEFORE YE ASK HIM" (Matthew 6:8).

I began a thread a few days before this one called, 'the current hard times'. It is indeed on a lot of our minds. I am glad to see the responses here of so many of the situations and comments that have been made.

I enjoy reading some of the thoughts and often catch myself trying to figure out what the person posting the thought might look like or do for a living. Several have made at least part of that clear in this thread. I think, if I remember correctly, 'krispy' is s structural engineer. I had 'kingjimmy' pegged wrong. I had him as a preacher.

Myself, I am, or was, a developer. We have built custom homes for years. In 04, we decided to develope a high end subdivision. For the first 2 years, it seemed we had made a good choice. The last 2 has resulted in a refining process unlike any I have ever been through.

At first I prayed and trusted for deliverence. Isn't that where we all start? But after a while, the Lord stopped me. He said He did not want me to ask any more; He wanted me to trust and promissed He would sustain.

That sounds easy at first; I can do that; this is going to be cool. It has had some cool moments, but some grueling ones too. But the harder things got, the more I would look to God. No matter how high the wave, He would lift me to the top of it.

I say all that to give a little background, that in light of the word from Wilkerson, I can say personally, I have experienced the benefit of the words he quotes. I have learned that satan is a liar and roams to discourage and distract us from our trust in God. He is full of false accusations and empty threats. If we listen to them, we are done. If instead, we go to God and give Him an opportunity to speak, His words will dispell satan's lies. As we hear Him speak, He lifts us above the wave.

My original post was a result of one of these times. I debated on whether to include here or not, but as you can tell, I decided to.

The original post...

Paul tells us in Phillipians to not be anxious about anything. It is especially difficult to not be as more and more us experience hardship due to the nations economy.

This morning, instead of worrying, I took my concern to God as Paul suggested. It is natural to hope that in so doing, God would relieve the hardship. Who in their right mind would not want that?
We often think we are at our end before we truly are. We don't want to go to the real end, but the real end is where God's glory resides. God will not tempt us beyond what we can bear, but He does want to stretch us to get closer to our end before we lose it.

Ultimately He wants us to get to the place where we do not approach Him to tell Him what we want Him to do, but rather to see what He wants us to do. It is our duty to follow, knowing that if we do, we will see His glory.

I use the word ultimately for a reason; few are there. Most of us are somewhere along the way. We are learning to trust. Remember that He will not tempt us beyond what we can bear, but He does want to stretch us that we might be able to bear more and more.

I understand this is not entirely encouraging: it wasn't entirely encouraging to me. Who wants to go there. But in light of how bad things could get, we may find it nescessary, more and more, to keep this in mind.

To my brethren in the US.
May we all learn to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and not lean on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct our paths. (Prov.3) It has been a trying time for me also thinking about the future, being a missionary in a foreign country and not knowing where finances will come from, since we only labor in preaching the gospel. I started to worry for a day about this, and I saw how I was not walking by faith and gave it to God in prayer, within minutes I recieved a phone call asking me to do a little job for $5 US dollars. This was quite a miracle since I dont work out here. Since leaving America, we have truly never been in need, God has always met all our needs, I should have not worried, especially since we are good right now. Hope that the Lords grace would be upon us all to not worry about tomorrows bread, for He has promised to supply our needs(food and rainment).

This video my David Wilkerson was a great blessing to me for these times we are in, its on the bottom of the page under Featured Video:

http://www.puregospeltruth.com/

Blessings to all, be strong in the Lord, be content in Him alone, and if everything around crumbles you need not worry for you are standing on the Rock!

-Lina Urban

From Kripsy's original post: [b]"Lets bond together as the Body of Christ and pray for one another."[/b]

I think the idea and heart to pray for one another is from the heart of God, Krispy. Not just because it is biblical and not just because intercessory prayer is Christ-like, and not just because we would be joining Christ in praying for His Body. Wait a minute. That is more than enough reason now that I write that out. I should add not just because the times are in dispirit condition spiritually and recent events touch livelihoods.

[u]What I started out to mention[/u] in this post was something I have come across several times today: what I call [u]“side-effects” of prayer[/u].

I suppose most people that continue in prayer have noticed those “side-effects.” It’s the same kind of thing those who teach Sunday school or preach mention. There is always a gift from God to the one who serves. I have found the nature of that gift is most often a surprise, something I needed without knowing I needed it, sometimes an aid to the next growth step. God does not muzzle the ox.

Here are some authorities on the subject to encourage our praying for one another. Remembering James, I trust no one is foolish enough to aim at turning a “side-effect” into a goal. It is just a sweetness from the Lord.

"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends."—[b]Job 42:10[/b].

"I have benefited by my praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them, I have gotten something for myself." — [b]Samuel Rutherford[/b]

"The circumstance which attended Job's restoration is that to which I invite your particular attention. "The Lord turned again the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends." Intercessory prayer was the omen of his returning greatness. It was the bow in the cloud, the dove bearing the olive branch, the voice of the turtle announcing the coming summer. When his soul began to expand itself in holy and loving prayer for his erring brethren, then the heart of God showed itself to him by returning to him his prosperity without, and cheering his soul within. Brethren, it is not fetching a laborious compass, when from such a text as this I address you upon the subject of prayer for others. Let us learn today to imitate the example of Job, and pray for our friends, and peradventure if we have been in trouble, our captivity shall be turned." – [b]Spurgeon, Intercessory Prayer, 1861[/b]

If you have not heard the 4th message of this recent posting it is encouraging about even the smallest day-to-day need of others. The speaker mentions that each one of us (not just those labeled as missionaries) is in a particular place set and known to God.

[url=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=26238&forum=16]A sermons series by Helen Roseveare (Stir Me)[/url]

JoanM wrote:

"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends."—[b]Job 42:10[/b].

Very good word, JoanM.

In my time with God this morning, I read Joshua 8. Joshua sets up an ambush to take his enemy. It had been on my mind to send a note to 2 other couples we know facing a similar situation as ourselves that we might pray together and for each other.

The story in Jos 8, had the enemy being attacked from both sides. We have 3. One from Missouri, one from South Carolina and one from Georgia.

I am amazed at how God directs so many of us, sometimes in different ways, yet the same instruction. There must be something to it.

Well, in my past 57 years the economy has always gone up and down regardless. I sure am not going into any panic mode now, and to be honest with you, I personally think all the panic going on is probably as much as 60% or more the reason the economy is were it is now, I feel if God is in your life, there is not reason to worry about it, as for as I am concerned he is still in control.

Are times tough? you bet they are! I am not blind nor is God, but we here have seemed to fair pretty good so for just by cutting back on eating out as much and being a "better" Steward of Gods money.
God Bless
Mr. Bill

Hi SaintLina...

Thank you for this reminder! In my travels to Mexico, I have noticed that some of the extremely poor people that we worked with seemed less materialistic or concerned about their provisions than most American believers. It is easier to believe God to meet your needs when you don't try to think that a western or American lifestyle is [i]normal[/i].

The most content believers that I have ever met were the Tarahumara in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua. They lived without electricity, running water, etc... Most of them lived in caves, with the rest living in small wooden shacks. Yet what a beautiful and sincere faith they had!!! They were living off of corn and vermin, meeting beneath trees for "Church," yet they thanked God for meeting all of their needs.

It is so encouraging to realize just how the Lord looks after us. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice...then how much more will he take care of us -- even if we feel that we have such little faith? Matthew 6:33

:-)

Dear MJones

I am so persuaded that there is something to it, I rarely post on a thread without observing this phenomena before or after. Glory to God!

PS. I do not do computers but I have seen that Skype allows for free group calls, if you can figure that kind of stuff out. :D

I teach guitar. The economy is really starting to have an effect on my business right now. I really need prayer to have a good Christmas and I can get 15-20 new students minimum.

Hello...

ccchhhrrriiisss wrote:
Hey brethren...

In keeping with the theme of this thread, could you please pray for me. I interviewed yesterday for a VERY good job. I went through five interviews, and I know that I am one of two finalists for the position. I was praying throughout the interviews, asking the Lord for favor if this is where He would like me to be!

I will begin my first day there in about an hour. Thank you for your prayers...and please continue to pray for me throughout this first day.

:-)

Hello and Praise the Lord family,

I have a question for you Krispy, and it is in reference to the end of your previous post

This is the quote.....
I believe God is not pouring out His wrath on us, but I do believe He is shaking us... warning us... wooing us... and if we ignore it then His wrath will come.

But, Isn't revelation already established? Don't we already know what the outcome will b?

Do we not realize that we are ignoring it, and that we will continue to ignore it as a whole?

According to the Four horseman, the Vials of wrath, and the seven seals, we may all see very terrible and incomprehensible days ahead of us...

Praise God and thanks brothers & sisters for the dialogue

We are told to 'Watch!' We are told what to 'watch' for and that we are wise enough to know when the weather is going to be bad. I am convinced these ARE the end times. There us no telling the day but the times are unmistakable to me. What harm if I live my life as if my Lord is returning at any time?

Some words from Matthew 24:

36"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

42Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

What harm if I live my life as if my Lord is returning at any time?

I would say based on these verse, not one thing. I would say that we are all to act as if Christ were to return at any moment, but I would say there is no sense in trying to predict the time (like 88 reasons why christ is returning in 1988). It is silly to even try to predict because not even the Son knows - only the Father!

I would say that these are my end times. I'm only going to get 80 years or so if the Lord wills it. I don't have much time because if Jesus doesn't return soon, I'm gonna meet Him there!

Actually Brother krispy,

It is understood and through the minds of the great men of God including the Apostle Paul that saw with the spiritual eye that when Jesus ascended into Glory, after that occurrence the "last days" were automatically assumed by the Apostolic community.

They expected Jesus to come back at any moment, for one reason was the great tribulation and persecution they went through, the other reason was their vigilance to see Jesus again face to face.

But these days as another brother stated, the times have become unmistakable....

Let us look at Israel, the surrounding arab nations hatred for them, the broken ozone layer(extreme warming of the globe, the unprecedented conflicts around the globe, famine at an all time high, -virus/infectious disease at an all time high, natural catasrophe at an all time high even with regards to comparison to the documented problems of old.

Last but not least, the The forming of the EU, the economy sytem of the entire globe is in dire need and a Tsunami taking out 300,000 and possibly more but no documentation to prove others are missing, and that took place in 2-5 hours of sheer misery for the people of those countries.......

Sure brother krispy, we know not the day nor the hour, but it is quite quite gloomy for any of us that have lived up to this point!

But God can tarry as long as He wants to.

Amen Brother!

I found these two articles to be encouraging:

Zac Poonen:
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/article_pdf.php?aid=23381

David Wilkerson:
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/article_pdf.php?aid=16024

KrispyKrittr wrote:
Which I can't... and neither can you. Throughout history people have believed they were in the "end times".

It is my [b]opinion[/b] that we COULD be in the end times.... but to say with absolutely certainty? No, cant do that.

Krispy

You exactly right! I can remember when my Grand Father back in the 50's use to tell me many times these are the end times, he also said that during the great depression many, many folks keep saying they thought these was the end times.

I do believe that when things get a little tough like they are now, you will hear more "these are the end times" attitudes, if your listening to God and not man, I feel you might be a little more disinclined to just throw out these "these are the end times" at every little valley in life.

Technically the end times have been going on for over 2000 years, I personally don't believe at all these are the end times at least not right now, I just think God is doing a little pruning. Like Krispy said God is pruning back the Beeemer, and the black berry, and the iPod, and wide screen TV's and getting our focus back on him. My Grandfather use to also tell me don't totally believe anything your read "except the Bible", I think that is about the best advise I have ever had in my life. :-)