As America’s economic woes continue and worsen in the coming days, the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ will be in a unique position to make a difference in the lives of so many hurting people. When everything shakes, only the real remains immovable! Throughout history, our Lord’s Ekklesia has risen to the challenges when everything else has failed. It’s time again to take advantage of the situation around us and storm the gates of Hell.
We know two things; “the thief wants to rob, kill and destroy,” and we know that our enemy cannot do anything unless he is permitted. God is in control and while He can change everything in the twinkle of an eye, He has chosen to allow this that we now see to come upon this country. We are in the hands of a Father who loves us so much that He will not allow the Church in America to continue in its present condition.
I would like to outline some areas where those who have an ear to hear can take advantage during these troubling days (the worst is still ahead of us, by the way) to establish the Kingdom of God on Earth as it is in Heaven. The Body of Christ will come out of all this more united, less self centered and more sensitive to the needs of those around us.
1. A word to the Unemployed- So you have lost your job and you don’t know how you are going to make ends meet. Take this opportunity to scale down in every area of your life. That means let everything go that you have been accumulating in your life. Like Paul’s perilous journey at sea, throw everything overboard that is not essential. While this is not new to the rest of the World, the woes that others overseas have been experiencing have come to roost here in our land. Relationships are primary, first with the Lord and then with our family. The kitchen will come alive again as eating out will be replaced by special moments around the dinner table.
Be humble and take a lower paying job. I remember Argentina in 1996 as an attorney drove me around the city in his taxi. It was all the work he could get and the family had to eat. I remember my dad taking a janitorial job at a nearby church when he was laid off at the railroad in 1973.
If you can, take this opportunity to volunteer in the many ministries needing help as they seek to handle the overload caused by the increase of need all around us. Finally, increase your prayer time, Bible reading, worship time and in general draw closer to the Lord. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not advocating more “church time and services.” I am advocating that you dust off your personal walk with God and making your home a 24/7 altar unto the Lord.
2. A word to those who are still employed- Thank God every day for your job. You don’t know how much longer you will have it. Be smart; don’t wait for difficulty to arise to begin to trim down your expenses. Instead of thinking of yourself and hoarding the difference, ask the Lord to show you brothers and sisters who need help.
Prepare meals for more than your family and then take it to those you know are going through a difficult time. Don’t wait for the “church” to tell you what to do. You are the Body of Christ… go and make a difference in the lives of others. People who are out looking for a job spend lots of money in gas. When was the last time you filled someone else’s tank? Many will lose their cars in the coming days. Give your second car away!
Recently, I heard how those living in expensive areas of our city are losing their homes and they are too proud to tell anyone. Right now there is a huge relocation and migration going on as families are moving back with relatives to survive. Be sensitive when they ask for help. They are already beat up by the loss of everything and the shame of needing a hand out. Praying for them is good, but NOW is the time for action. Remember that LOVE is a verb.
1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
The “church” as we know it is not prepared to be the Body of Christ. With giving down, most Christian leaders will be trying to figure out how to keep those buildings and the staff they have hired. The Lord will have His church, and the Body of Christ will go from being members to being ministers. This is God’s purpose behind what we are experiencing. Don’t waste your time blaming Obama or any other political leader. God has the reigns and He is reigning!
Jose Bosque
Chief Editor
JaxChristian1@aol.com
