“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'” (James 4:13, NKJV).

A close examination of this passage from Holy Writ speaks very much of some of the gravity-defying trends in the corporate environment. Brushing aside the doom plus gloom brought about by the ensuing pandemic might be breathing in optimism, but to what degree would it be helpful? Unfortunately, it is the kind that is more than exuberant; in many ways, it is over-inflated and somewhat grandiose.

Real estate is still deemed as a premier investment in the prevailing situation. Many who join this rush for a big hunk of profits enter the market at highs that appear ridiculous; there is this argument that within twelve months, happy days are here again, and life will get back to where it was. Some market-savvy folks could probably make a killing that is on the back of picking the correct piece of property. The same would go for the punters in the cryptocurrency scene. Quick returns when they click the mouse at the appropriate moment.

Well and good! They got their money, so they go spend it. There is more than enough to buy about close to anything, if not everything. Really the case as the pandemic shows little signs of abating. For a start, some businesses have shuttered because of pandemic-induced restrictions, which more than strangulate consumer demand. The boutique around a posh precinct could be history, and the same could be said of a fine dining outlet. It could bring someone flush with cash to a boil when the money in hand cannot purchase the heart’s desires!

It gets seemingly meaner by the day. The bigger stores could have empty shelves; the next best options could have a grossly overpriced tag. More likely an instance of raving and ranting when electronic money leaves somebody’s account as a result of fourth choice! Whatever available eating-out option might yield another dismal show by way of not just price hikes but a sizeable number of not available stickers!

Is this letdown a one-off temporary ill wind that will come and then go? Afraid not! Let us examine what is driving this bugbear.

The highly restrictive nature of the countermeasures directed towards the pandemic, alongside soaring casualty rates in hospitals, has dealt a very severe blow on global if not regional supply chains. Processes that link producers to end-users are grossly impeded, and as the situation worsens – it is a matter of time before they are permanently impaired. Factories could be at below operational capacity because of lockdowns plus personnel down with the virus. These entities could be losing money to the point that they would fold up. Similarly, finished goods could idle because there is no one to unload and distribute them. The longer the wait, the more likely some merchandise could end up as trash!

As worldwide supply chains get pummeled, shortages of every sort will mushroom. Over a protracted period of time, it would simply be too much money chasing after items that become increasingly scarcer by the day. Hyperinflation! That is the future ahead. It will be on a global scale. Scenarios like these are fraught with income inequalities which, in turn, fan the flames of social unrest. History repeating itself. Except that the whole world will very much be like what North Korea or Venezuela is today! Is this a hard-to-stomach fable? Not the case. The Living Word portrays a realistic scenario in Revelation 6:6.

“And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.'”

The socio-economic model of the above-mentioned rogue countries morphs into the world standard. If there is disbelief in the possibility of this happening, then this question should be asked: Why in the world are things so rigid across the continents? Is it not happening at increasingly brute force?

Multitudes could dismiss Scriptural truths as nothing more than fairy tales. But what if these people live on to the day when all these unspeakable things envelop them like the tentacles of a horror movie monster. Then there is nowhere to run to and no place to hide! Your assets will be incapable of any measure of performance.

Our Heavenly Father always has the final word. HE is always right on the spot. Those who challenge Him ultimately lose, and Luke 12:21 says much about the futility of trusting in earthly wealth.

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

What has been given thorough attention earlier on points to impending godless poverty, which is not only physical but spiritual – this really looks like nothing to live for.

The escape route from this looming desolation is currently still available, except that the time is running really short. Turn away from the world, which is dying. Turn to Jesus Christ, who indeed is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Maranatha

Edwin

Contact me at edwinuk13@gmail.com

Today more than ever, we all need something to lean on and cling to that will bring us real hope. With all the increased satanic activities, it’s sad that so many are turning to the things of this earth in hopes of finding new meaning for their lives. Though there may be short-lived “inspirations” and somewhat satisfying pleasures, eternity will be a nightmare for the majority. (ESV – all emphasis mine)

Lucifer, Satan, the devil, has been the world’s largest antagonist that ever existed. The Lord God Jehovah could have created all heavenly beings and all earthly humans that would be required to totally submit to whatever He wished. He could have prohibited free will or free choice, but then that would not have been a God of pure love.

When God created Lucifer, he was possibly the most beautiful archangel ever. Ezekiel 28:17; “Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings to feast their eyes on you.” Ezekiel 28:14; “You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the Holy Mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked.”

Then Isaiah 14:12-14; “How you are fallen from Heaven, O Day Star, Son of Dawn. How you are cut down to the ground; you who laid the nations low. You said in your heart, I will ascend to Heaven; above the stars of God; I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the Mount of Assembly in the far reaches of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”

Is it any wonder that the Father hates destructive self-pride? We are warned throughout the scriptures against pride that will bring us down and take us out of the will of God. Satan is going full-speed today to instill that attitude on as many souls as he possibly can. He knows his time is drawing to a close. His end is certain, even if he somehow believes he can “cheat the system.”

At the end of the 7-year tribulation period, Satan will be cast into a bottomless pit for 1,000 years. Then, he will be released for a short time in order to mount one more rebellion against Jesus. That will also be put down almost immediately. Revelation 20:10; “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were (Revelation 19:20), and they shall be tormented day and night forever.”

What is critical today is for people to turn their eyes upon Jesus. While more will reject the Savior than accept Him (Matthew 7:13-14), all true believers will have an amazing eternity. The hardest part for some is to receive and accept the gift that Jesus gave us at Calvary. We don’t add anything to it, nor do we take anything away from His gift. It’s like any gift which must be “opened” in order to benefit the recipient.

First and foremost, all must know that John 14:6 is the one verse that spells out just who Jesus is and why we must call on Him for our Salvation. “Jesus said to him [Thomas], I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father, except through Me.”

This is why we need Jesus in our lives, as He is our one and only eternal Savior. Steve Green found this to be true, and in 1984 released a song that is absolutely full of meaning. It’s “People Need the Lord.” Please consider the words.

1.) Every day they pass me by, I can see it in their eyes; empty people filled with care, headed who knows where.
On they go through private pain living fear to fear; laughter hides their silent cries, only Jesus hears.

(ref) People need the Lord. People need the Lord. At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door. People need the Lord. People need the Lord. When will we realize, people need the Lord?

2.) We are called to take His light to a world where wrong seems right. What could be too great a cost for sharing life with one who’s lost?
Through His Love, our hearts can feel all the grief they bear. They must hear the words of life, only we can share. (ref)

In Luke 20:28, Jesus said, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” What things? Just try to keep up with today’s real news, and you will see them all. It’s already begun, and each passing day, we’re nearer and nearer.

For the world, this is all just folly, as given in 1 Corinthians 1:18. But just as Paul said, that to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

Jesus is fully aware of everything we are going through. Remember, He was personally tempted by Satan in the wilderness after fasting for 40 days. Though He did not submit to Satan’s temptations, He understands when we do. He knows we are weak and will sin (Romans 3:23). That is why He has a pathway to forgiveness for His followers, as found in 1 John 1:8-10.

How many times can we be forgiven? By His own example to Peter in Matthew 18:21-22, not seven times, but seventy times seven. This is not to say that after 490 times we’re doomed. Jesus just used this example to tell us He will forgive us as often as we call out to Him for forgiveness. He does expect us to do our part in avoiding sin but is there to provide grace and mercy to us when we do.

One thing we do need to understand; we are forgiven, but that does not relieve us of any discipline that may be involved. Hebrews 12:5-11 tells us we are still subject to the Father’s discipline. When we are disciplined, it’s because the Father loves us and is treating us as a loving parent, not to cause us grief.

The ABCs to receive our gift are given in Romans 10:9-13. Admit we’ve all sinned and cannot save ourselves. Believe Jesus is the only way we can be forgiven and saved. Call out to Him, and He will save us.

Remember, God doesn’t grade on a curve system. Straight and narrow is to accept Jesus as our Savior and have a Home in Heaven. The broad path is to reject Jesus and have eternal torment in Hell. There are no other options.

No matter what your past has been, Jesus is there to receive your confession and to give you eternal life. Time is getting shorter by the hour, and right now would be an excellent time to call on Him. Tomorrow could just be too late, as the Rapture can take place any second now. After that, there will be more misery on this earth than anyone can imagine. God gave us the freedom of choice – choose Jesus and eternal life.

Shalom! Maranatha!

huebshman46@gmail.com