Oct 06
Last week I drove to Chicago area to participate in different events for The Harbor. Yesterday I went to my friend’s church in Lincolnshire. The pastor preached on “What would Jesus say when the Dow drops xxx points? It was very interesting sermon especially in the midst of economic crisis and struggles. Many of us have investments and worry what will happen if Dow drops another thousand or possibly thousands points. The answer during such hardships could be found in the Bible. There are five points that were made during the sermon.
Now is the time when our faith is being tested and we must stand firm on our feet and remember that God is in absolute power even during this recession.
- Jesus would say, “Even if DOW, or NASDAQ, or S & P were to drop by another thousand points it will not change anything” (this recession is reminding us that the market is just as fragile as we are and we live in a broken world. In His time things will get better. The challenge for us in the midst of market plunge is to remember what we put our hope in. Our hope comes only in and through Jesus Christ.)
o Matthew 6:33-34 says, “33. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
o Proverbs 23:18 says, “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” - Jesus would say, “We must reframe our thinking with respect of time” (our living on this earth is temporary because when our physical body dies our souls will live in eternity in the Kingdom of God. Thus, no matter what happens on this earth has time and should not be much of a concern for us.)
o 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “16. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18. So fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” - Jesus would say, “Do not put your hope in finance” (we must put our hope in Christ and not the money. It is a choice that we make whom we are going to serve. Do not store treasures on this earth.)
o Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
o Psalm 62:2 says, “He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
o Proverbs 23:4 says, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” - Jesus would say, “We need to recalibrate our perspectives” (no one owes you and you have been richly and abundantly blessed. To whom much is given, much also will be required. We must bless others as we have been blessed.)
o Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”
o Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.”
o Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
o Proverbs 19:17 says, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” - Final point, Jesus would say, “I am here” (He wants us to come to Him and He will give us peace and rest.)
o Philippians 4:4-7 says, “4. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
In conclusion, no matter what happens remember these top ten predictions:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
God whispers in your soul and speaks to your mind. Sometimes when you don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at you.
I hope and pray that this blog entry will bless you and help you to rely more on God and He will comfort and calm your soul because you know that He is with you no matter what.
Blessings, Alex
