Financial Chaos in America

It is likely that more attention has been paid to the delicate balance of America's financial stability in the last 48 hours than at any other time since the Great Depression. Considering the trillions (with a T) of dollars that has been lost due to the collapse of financiers and the record fall of the stock markets, it is no wonder folks are shaken. This unrest is felt throughout our society.

A few thoughts come to my mind. The first thing is...I don't have lots of money, so the upside of that is you can't lose 'lots' of money. Those who have lived the life of luxury in Manhattan-style living are suddenly coming face to face with the realities the common man faces weekly, like living paycheck to paycheck, assuming you are fortunate enough to have a paycheck. Windfall profits and overnight successes are a thing of the past. Our nation is facing less available money, more indebtedness and fewer jobs to answer the needs of this crisis. This thing has the feel of an ominous depression.

This morning, as I watched the President give a briefing on the failure of Congress to pass a 'bailout' bill, I couldn't help but notice how President Bush seemed truly worried. He warned Americans of the downward trend that will only escalate unless some sort of governmental bailout is passed. In truth, even if it passes, we wonder if it is enough to put us back on the road to progress. Or, do we know what progress is at all? I mean...we have become subservient to the lenders of the Far East like Japan and China. That which leads to economic destruction on a personal level will do the same on a national level. One simply cannot live indefinitely on deficit spending. The 'reckoning day' for America has come. So what does that mean?

I believe things will get gradually worse, even if the 'bailout' passes. There are bigger powers at work here. We are too far down the slippery slope of globalism to ever regain our independence and superiority we once held. We are at the mercy of some 'Saviour' to rescue the world...just like the rest of the world is! The days of perplexity mentioned by Christ are here. Men with bright minds are at a loss as to long term answers. The world is ready for the Anti-Christ to step to the forefront with all the answers in hand. When he arrives, the entire world will welcome him for the relief (although temporary) he will bring to all. A man with an answer to our money hurts will be embraced by the nations. We love our money more than we love our principles. We love our riches more than we love God. We love to have our comfort and security, albeit false security, more than we love righteousness. Time will prove these statements to be true. The Anti-Christ will secure power through the wallets of mankind. A number will be assigned...mandatory chipping will be enforced and we will all be happy ever after....almost!

Friend, the only real security is in Jesus Christ. The old hymn says, "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!" I hope you and I are more concerned about our relationship with God than we are our bank statement. Invest in God, in the church, in eternal things. Stop worrying over things; things that will pass away and melt when the world is destroyed. The things of God will last forever without the threat of economic meltdown. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where rust and moth doth not corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. Heaven's economy is eternally stable.

Have a wonderful day,

Pastor T