February 13--This is late! Sorry!

Proverbs 11:26, 27 holds a recipe for condemnation as well as one for esteem. It says, “The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is upon the head of him who sells it; for he who diligently seeks good seeks God’s favor. The reality of both aspects of this passage is evident in stressful economic times.

Although there are conflicting points of view regarding governmental bail-outs to large corporations that mismanaged their enormous assets much sympathy lies with the “little guy” who has been snared in the net of corporate greed and its resultant economic earthquake.

If jobs are lost and savings accounts are wiped out, all eyes are turned to the entity that can give respite from the world-wide upheaval—to the government. When leaders withhold the funds to keep the system afloat, they are distained. When they open the public coffers and spend tax dollars that future generations will be forced to pay to reduce the enormous debt that will be incurred, they are perceived as saviors. In the larger picture, however, the Word points us toward the Lord!

We should require both our leaders and ourselves to diligently seek God’s favor and His solution for the enormous problem before us! We must return to the God of our fathers and seek His blessing and His provision, for vain is the help of man! Instead of signing away our grandchildren’s future wealth, we should be calling for national prayer and fasting so we may hear from the Lord. He alone can direct us on the path that will lead us out of our trouble—not through the forest of debt but through the plane of His provision!

February 14--HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Galatians 6:9 addresses an issue that confronts the most stalwart of believers at some time or another in his walk with the Lord. It says, “Be not weary in well-doing for in due season you shall reap if you do not faint.” In other words, you may be tired, but don’t give up!

Our loving Heavenly Father knows our frame. He knows our natural proclivity is to spend ourselves with the intention that we shall receive speedy if not instant reward for our effort. Indeed, much of the economic woe that has been visited upon us stems from the way business has been conducted—invest then pull out quickly with the assurance of ever increasing profit!

But in his letter to the Galatians, Paul points out a truth that all of us must confront ultimately, whether in the economic realm or in the spiritual realm, and that is, our commitment must be for the long haul. If we think we can go on forever like the investors whose goal is to make a quick profit and bail out, we will be sorely disappointed with our walk of faith.

If we are to be effective for the Kingdom of Christ, we must be prepared to endure! If we are willing to stay the course, to pursue the goal to its conclusion, we will not be disappointed. If we become tired, we know that Christ has promised to be our strength. If we lose our way, He has promised to be our guide. With Him, we can do all things.