Have you been watching the news? Reading the paper? If so, you're sure to have noticed that our nation is in some financial trouble -- big time trouble.

I just read an article on the Internet featuring a certain government official assuring us (the people) that our nation's financial status will remain stable through these tough times. Hum ... ?

My grandmother lived throught the Great Depression and has shared some incredible stories about those difficult times and today individuals believe that we are headed toward another depression.

Now that we are so dependent on loans, credit, and technology, we are in an increasingly vulnerable state. Many authories have warned that we can no longer depend on Social Security for our future income, yet, in these days of high dept and low savings, many inviduals and families will be totally without support should our current system "crash."

I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be all doom and gloom, but reading these stories has once again reminded me that we can only depend on one thing alone: Jesus Christ. Our future in Him is secure.

The Bible clearly instructs us to make wise choices regarding financies and eliminating dept. God's Word also implores us to focus on those things that can be stored up in Heaven. In other words, we need to be depositing huge doses of love-driven deeds into our heavenly bank accounts. For this is a system that will never need "bailing out." It will always be. Our greatest rewards will be realized in Heaven, not here on earth.

Please, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying the way to Heaven is by good deeds, for we could never DO enough to get there. It's our personal relationship with Christ that secures our future and gives us a permanent Source of Hope. Loving Him and experiencing His love for us is what drives us to serve others with love.

I believe in the days ahead, as prices continue to sky-rocket and more people are desperate for something, anything to lift them out  of despair, we as believers will have a unique opportunity to share where (with whom) our faith and future rests.

Also, it is important for us to remember -- no matter how much or how little we own/have in this age -- will not matter in the next.

I know that I've had some major financial concerns of my own and must continually remind myself that God has it all in control. He will provide. I have to continually be reminded: Stuff does not equal happiness. Nope. It's all temporary.

For as Paul so clearly reminds us, we can choose to be content in whatever situation we might find ourselves ... or not. In plenty or with little, God rules and reigns, and our futures remain safe in Him.

Let us remember, friends, in times of darkness we are to be the lights on the hill. Let us continue to shine God's goodness and grace for all to see. For in Him alone can we trust.

Dear Lord,

So many people are losing their homes, their businessess, and their livelihoods. They're scared and unsure of where their next meal will come from. More and more men and women, even families, are living out of their cars and in shelters.

We as a nation bought into the age-old lie that more is better. We have spent money we didn't have to spend. We have withheld money that is rightfully Yours. We have fallen short of Your best.

Thankfully, Your Word tells us that You never leave or forsake Your children. Let us confess our sins and turn our financial futures over to You. We can trust that You will care and provide for us. Help us understand that it is not about what we "have" in this world but who we know -- You. It's all about You, Jesus. Give us courage and passion to reach out to others struggling during these difficult times. Help us be lights in a dark world. If we're struggling give us the courage we need to seek help.

Thank you for saving and setting us free. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.