Well, I don't know about you but I have had it with trying to convince my friends and loved ones of disaster coming to all of us. The stock market looks very bad and it seems to me our leadership in this country will change big time.

I don't know where in scripture Jesus says that God will blind the eyes of the world so that these things shall come, but I sure would like to know the reference.

I believe God is bringing in the End Times very quickly now. I am not a fanatic! Just look at where we were 20 years ago and what has happened since. Technology has skyrocketed, information, communication,economy, medical breakthroughs have all dramatically increased.

Then 9/11 changed everything. Now it seems there is a global leadership approaching and around here in my neck of the woods many are desiring and embracing it! My husband informed me of a global banking, a ONE WORLD BANK FOR ALL PEOPLE!

I have been shaking my head wondering how could God let this stuff happen. The only reponse I get is it must to have Christ come back and take us home. So LORD Jesus Christ, heavenly Father full of mercy, do your perfect will and come quickly swiftly. LORD have MERCY on our loved ones! OPEN the eyes of the world and fill them with TRUTH so that they may want YOU to save them. We love You, Jesus, Abba we need You desperately, Holy Spirit do wonders and convict to bring Glory to our Father's name, in Jesus most wonderful powerful name, Amen.

I just noticed that Beth's new Bible study on "Esther" is coming out next month. It couldn't be coming out at a more critical time than now.

If this situation does get worse, I really pray that I am exagerating here, many people will be flooding to churches. We really will be priests who will be sought after for refuge. We were born for such a time as this.

To have a heart that is unselfconscious, totally yielded to His heart and serving Him is what I want more than ever.

I think you are mistaken if you think people are going to flood to the churches because of the world markets crashing. Most churches had more people in their doors initially after 9/11, but soon after attendance returned to pre-9/11 levels.

I think God is shaking all the kingdoms and idolatries of his people. Read the ending verses of Hebrews 12:

26 . . . "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."

27The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

28Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,
29for our "God is a consuming fire."

I totally agree, Lightheart...

These are scary times!

And, to prove that, my own hometown may be soon become a "ghost town", even though it has about 60,000 population now. And, this is due to General Motors' [GM] promise that the plant here will shut down COMPLETELY by December 23rd, 2008, not in 2 years, as was talked about in the past. Most of this city's employment comes through this GM plant, as other companies are also here that tool and make parts for these mid-sized trucks at GM.

And, my brother-in-law, Steve, works for a place that makes car seats for them. But, once GM closes it doors for sure, he will NOT be receiving what the GM employees have been promised in unemployment wages... And, he and my sister have 2 college aged children [my oldest niece and nephew] to take care of...

And, we heard that GM's stock went down to $5.00 per share the other day !!! I know nothing about economics or the stock market, but I do know a low number when I see it....

Lightheart, why would the Esther Bible study have anything to do with this crisis? I have not read that book just yet in God's Word.

And, this crazy election... Oh my! I just want to vote "God's way".... Does that make any sense at all?

In Christ,

Jennifer

Kay Arthur did and is doing two series on this.
America at the Crossroads (will be repeated I think in a few weeks), and Isaiah.
Both point out that God may judge us, and may just let us have the things we seem to want (not believers, but unbelievers).
We'll see.
I just pray He helps those of us with small businesses, because it is scary for us right now (and of course, for everyone.)

Jennifer,

Esther was used by God to bring the Israelites back to their homeland from captivity. Esther trusted God and followed His leading. She was extemely bold and courageous.

I know someday our freedom to worship God and speak of Him publicly will come to an end. I don't want to sound morbid or negative here. In fact it makes me want to be bold and courageous all the more to share Jesus to who ever He brings into my life.

So many people are looking for freedom from addictions and healing from pain and hurt. They are looking for "Esthers" in their lives. What a time God has placed us in!