Kathy's Bible StudyCourtesy Of Firequill Publications email: FireQuill@cox.net

by Max Lucado

Christ tells us that they will. He predicts spiritual bailouts, ecological turmoil, and worldwide persecution. Yet in the midst of it all, he contends bravery is still an option. (Matt. 24:4-14)

Things are going to get bad, really bad, before they get better. And when conditions worsen, “See to it that you are not alarmed” (Matt. 24:6 NIV). Jesus chose a stout term for alarmed that he used on no other occasion. It means “to wail, to cry aloud,” as if Jesus counseled the disciples, “Don’t freak out when bad stuff happens.”

“See to it…” Bosses and teachers are known to use that phrase. “See to it that you fill out the reports.” Or “Your essay is due tomorrow. See to it that you finish your work.” The words call for additional attention, special focus, extra resolve. Isn’t this what Christ is asking of us? In this dangerous day, on this Faberge’-fragile globe, with financial collapse on the news and terrorists on the loose, we have every reason to retreat into bunkers of dread and woe.

But Christ says to us, “See to it that you are not alarmed.” (NIV)
“Keep your head and don’t panic” (MSG).
“See that you are not troubled” (NKJV).

And remember: “All these [challenging times] are the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8 NIV), and birth pangs aren’t all bad. (Easy for me to say.) Birth pains signal the onset of the final push. The pediatrician assures the mom-to-be, “It’s going to hurt for a time, but it’s going to get better.” Jesus assures us of the same. Global conflicts indicate our date on the maternity calendar. We are in the final hours, just a few pushes from delivery, a few brief ticks of eternity’s clock from the great crowning of creation. A whole new world is coming!

From Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2009) Max Lucado

In my private reading time I came across the following verse from Psalm 11:3 – “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

I personally know many people who are being greatly affected by our current economy, and I will bet you do also. My friends are good people who have played by the rules, attend church (most do), have families and have lived good moral lives. Some are Christian believers some not. It doesn’t matter, what are people to do in days like this?

As believers we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. It doesn’t say “be thankful” but we are told to give thanks. Why? Because when you do this you are recognizing God’s sovereignty. God has a plan whether it looks like it or not, he does.

Also in 1 Timothy 2, we are told: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority”. Why and how could the Apostle Paul tell us this when he lived under one of the most insane Caesars ever—Nero? Same answer as before. Caesars and Presidents come and go, because God is really the one in charge. President Obama isn’t really in charge, God is. Obama will be held accountable for all this mess he has caused and God won’t accept the “It’s Bush’s fault” excuse.

So let me come back to my original question from Psalm 11—“What can the righteous do when the foundations are being destroyed?” I found the answer just two Psalms over – Psalm 13:5-6; “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.”

I hope no one thinks that I am making light of what they are going through, I’m not. I know many people have no idea whether they will ever be able to get another job but God knows. Many people are unsure about paying their mortgage or rent, but our Heavenly Father does. There is hope: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

This makes absolutely no sense to any reader if they don’t share our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It can’t and never will. So where do you start if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus? Start by recognizing that he wants one with you, that’s why you are reading this page. Ask him to make himself real to you and don’t be surprised when he does. The last verse I quoted above from Philippians 4 says that “He will guard your hearts and minds”. Trust him today and if we can help email us at Firequill@cox.net.