Posted February 19, 2009
Watching today's news is a scary experience!
I recently told an audience at a World News and ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia"). seminar that to find any good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . these days, I have to read the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.. Every morning when I pick up the newspapers I am confronted with headlines that tell of more layoffs and rising unemployment, financial crisis and mortgage foreclosures. Each day's headlines are a grim reminder of the depth of this current global recession. Most reports I read and hear say it will get much worse before things turn around.
Watching today's news is a scary experience!
Readers of World News and ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia"). know we see this financial crisis as a potential turning point in world affairs. When we get to the other side of this crisis we are likely to see a world much different than the present. America's role will change and in the long run that will not be a good thing.
But how do we manage day to day through this current time? Where do we find the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . to help us cope and stay upbeat? As I told the audience at the seminar, it has to be in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.. God's Word gives us plenty of encouragement through the difficult times we face. I hope you have favorite places in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. where you go for some positive uplift.
One of my favorites is Psalm 91. It opens with, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence" (verses 1-3). Finding our own "secret place" with God is a key. This is a sense of comfort knowing that God is and He hears our prayers and knows our thoughts and needs. This "place" comes through a lifetime of seeking His will, obeying His teachings and walking in a daily relationship with Him.
Psalm 91 goes on to say, "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you" (verse 7). God does actively watch over us. "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (verse 11). Near the end God says, "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him" (verse 15).
This psalm offers hope of survival. It is meant to encourage us that no matter how difficult the crisis, no matter how little time or preparation or even resources we might have, we can survive till better days arrive. This is the positive message God offers us. It is a plan for action in difficult times.
I recently read Captain Chesley Sullenberger's account of how he safely landed his US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River last month. All 155 passengers on board were saved. This event touched millions of lives and gave a measure of good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . in a bleak winter landscape. Captain Sullenberger wrote, " ...people who are in their own personal crisis...can be reminded that no matter how dire the circumstance, or how little time you have to deal with it, further action is always possible. There's always a way out of even the toughest spot. You can survive."
Couple this pilot's experience with the words of Psalm 91, or your own favorite psalm or passage of ScriptureThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18)., and you can chart your way through a difficult time. That is the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . we need to focus on today. God will direct and deliver us when we call on Him. Never forget that.
Keep picking up the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. and turning through its pages to find encouragement, inspiration and direction for life. There you will find the good newsThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . to get us through the ups and downs of daily life. You can survive!
Keep watching.
