Daily Devotional for Friday September 26, 2008

An Economy in Crisis, a God Who is Not

(Matthew 6:25-34)

An economy in crisis, a God who is not! I would be shocked if by the end of the weekend, this $700 billion rescue bill is not shoved through and signed by the President. It is amazing how fast things can get done in Washington when the political careers of people in both parties are on the line. As always, it is the taxpayer who will lose when the dust has settled. To not pass some form of this rescue bill means the world markets, which open Sunday night in the US, will tank, and Monday's Dow could drop as much as 1,000 points.

In addition, the credit banks lend to each other, large companies need to simply operate, will not be available sending a shockwave through the global economies. Some banks will fail. Many major corporations will go bankrupt because they simply can't get the money they need. Without a deal, Monday will begin an economic nightmare that will be felt by everyone, so it would be shocking if some bill is not passed.

There are other viable, more prudent options to deal with these deep rooted problems, but none that are quick enough to avoid a global economic meltdown come Monday. Don't be fooled. Even with whatever bill they pass, the average consumer is going to have a very difficult time getting credit for a long time. It is going to be very difficult to get a home mortgage. It is going to be very difficult to get a school loan. It is going to be very difficult to get a car loan. It is going to be very difficult to get any sort of credit because the companies who give credit are going to have trouble themselves in getting the credit they need to operate.

Also, the scrutiny on applications for credit will be much greater as businesses become fearful of any bad loans. So no matter what happens this weekend with the proposed $700 billion rescue bill, most people will be feeling the effects of this economic crisis for quite a while.

I don't normally give out financial advice, but let me share just a couple of basic thoughts. Unless God is truly going to unleash His wrath on this nation through the economy, in which case everyone will be affected in a major way and the current system as we know it will be destroyed, be patient through this. Most people have been hit in their 401k, in their stocks, in their other investments this year. Most of these should be long term investments, so hang in there and don't panic and sell.

Try not to add on any more debt. Take it easy with your credit cards. Don't worry about the value of your house for a while. It is going to take a while for the real estate market to come back, so don't worry if your house has depreciated. We may be in for a few years of economic hard times, but it will eventually bounce back. Patience and discipline are the keys during these troubled times.

It is during these unsettling times that we must learn how to really become dependent upon God. We must never forget that it is God who opens the door for our employment. It is God who gives us wisdom and discernment in handling our finances. Everything we have is simply on loan from God and we are simply stewards over the things He entrusts into our care during this life. God is our provider and our source.

God has promised in His Word to meet our daily needs. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus said, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." What things? All of the things the Lord spoke about in the preceding verses, food, clothing, and shelter. God has promised to meet your daily needs. Our job is to seek Him and His Kingdom.

Listen, I am well aware of the hard times many in the Liveprayer family are going through. People out of work. People losing their homes. People struggling just to pay their basic bills. Many people are going through very difficult times. I pray daily for God to meet these needs of employment and the basic finances just to live. I want you to know that if you are struggling today, God has not forsaken you and will not abandon you.

Just the opposite. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. Now is the time to make your faith real and to trust Him to provide for your needs. God is amazing how He works. His promises are true. Please know that I am here and praying for you as God gudies you through these difficult times.

Liveprayer has also been dealing with the fallout of the economy for the past 20 months now. From 2003 thru the end of 2006, we have had a group of apx 30 people who love the Lord and had a real burden for His work here at Liveprayer. This group was blessed financially and were able to send between $5k-$10k when I called on them with an emergency. During 2007, we lost about half of this group since they were involved in some way with the housing industry. They were home builders, people in the mortgage industry, real estate agents, appraisers, and others whose finances were tied to the housing industry.

During the course of this year, we lost another 10 from this group who were connected to Wall Street and have had horrible years financially. Three months ago, our largest donor over the years passed away after a long bout with cancer. So this special group that I depend on and gives me so much peace just knowing they are there, is now down to only 5. *If the Lord has blessed you financially, please pray about being part of this special group. I have never called on anyone in this group for help unless it was an emergency. If God is leading you to be part of this group, please let me know.

The good news is the donor base to keep Liveprayer.com going is very solid. We have a wonderful group of people who love the Lord and faithfully send in their $25, $50, $100, or more each month to keep our base internet operations solid. The Internet TV program is doing well, and the ad revenues from the 4th qtr of 2008 and the first two qtrs of 2009, will enable us to pay off the notes to the 30 people who helped us launch that vital part of the ministry earlier this year.

So we keep pressing on, doing our best to be faithful each day as we reach out to the lost and hurting with the hope and love of Jesus Christ while bringing His Truth into the marketplace. I never forget for a moment that without your love, prayers, and financial sacrifice, Liveprayer would not exist. So I am thankful each day for the opportunity we have to serve the Lord, knowing HE is the ONLY hope and ONLY answer for this nation, the nations of the world, and for each person!!!

I love you and care about you so much. I know many people are very concerned about the current economic crisis we are facing. As painful as this time is for so many, I also see it as a great opportunity to share the hope and love of Christ with people. It is in these types of times, people start to realize that there has to be something greater than themselves. Let me encourage you to look for the opportunities to share His hope with people as you discuss these economic problems we are facing.

Unless this is the time God has chosen to pour out His wrath on our nation for our wickedness, and it could be, the economy will recover and move forward. In the meantime, I will be praying for those who are dealing with difficult financial problems in your life today. I can only pray that during these trying days, you find the peace, strength, and hope that only the Lord can provide. I will be praying for you and your family as HE gudies you through these difficult days and meets your every need.

Thank you for praying for me and the work of God here at Liveprayer. Now more than ever we have got to press forward. These are the moments God has raised up this work. To be His voice and shining light in the midst of the darkness and turmoil of this world. For those who God has blessed and are able, please pray about making that sacrifice each month to insure God's work here continues to move forward. Thank you for helping me!

In His love and service, Your friend and brother in Christ, Bill Keller