Dear readers,
Wow, what a year 2023 has been! Here in the United States, we have been in a “quiet” banking crisis since March. Already, the assets lost from failed U.S. banks have exceeded those of the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. Bankruptcy filings this year have done likewise. Yet, many people don’t seem to realize what a disaster we are facing.
Internationally, things have been tumultuous, as well. The Russia/Ukraine war is about to enter its third year. Following the attack on Israel in October, other players have joined in – presently, Israel is under attack from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Iran. The United States Navy is also under attack in the Middle East.
Jesus told us that wars and rumors of wars are to be expected at the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Watch for China to seize Taiwan while the rest of the world is preoccupied with other parts of the globe.
So what do we do with all our burdens – financial, military or medical? Ah, I’m so glad you’re still reading, because there is an answer!
The answer to all these earthly problems is spiritual, my friends!
We have just this week celebrated the birth of Jesus – Emmanuel – “God with us.”
God IS with us, if we are with God! What an amazing joy and peace that brings to our hearts whenever we meditate on it.
While no human can solve any of the world’s problems, we can certainly find comfort and delight in growing closer to the Lord every day. In spite of our circumstances, we can experience joy in the presence of God.
Here is my advice: beginning today, commit to reading your Bible every day. If you’re not sure where to start, read one chapter of Psalms and one chapter of John each day… and go from there. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you in new and glorious ways. Pray for Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Pray for your family members and loved ones.
Even in the darkest time of history, you can be encouraged. Emmanuel… God is with us!
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” James 4:8a, NKJV