Trying to Remain Positive in the Midst of A Storm

Yes, I admit that I haven't done nearly enough to push myself out of this financial mess I'm in. Yes, I admit there is a great fear that time is running out to do something productive and move forward on my dreams. No, I will not give in to despair. No, I will not wallow in self-pity and doubt my abilities to move forward.

I am trying to remain positive about my situation. I know that there are others that are far worse off than I am. I know I can't give in to fear or succumb to the irrational sense that things are falling apart around me. It is difficult to remain calm when my bank account is so low. I don't know what to do. Yet I do know that God has a plan for me. I know that he won't leave me alone and without hope.

I have to believe that there is hope for me and for my country. I need to believe that God is merciful and just. I know that God's wrath is real and will remember to follow his will. I do fear for those who believe wrongly that there is no hell and no consequences for their actions. I have to believe that those who willfully push their evil ways on those who are vulnerable will see that wrath poured down on their heads. I need to believe that those who are laughing as they desecrate the land and the people will get their "just desserts." I know that God won't tolerate those who blatantly mock God and his word for long. Their day is coming. Judgment will be swift and unending for those who continue to mock God, dismiss his servants and break his laws.

I do feel this in my bones. Our young people are being brainwashed to believe that everything is supposed to be handed to them on a platter. None realize that it takes a lot of hard work and determination to make a success.

Somedays I do feel like I'm spinning my wheels trying to find some work that I can do. I try to remain positive in this storm, but I need help.

Crisis Mode: Will My Friend Lose Her Home?

The July 4th weekend and the weekend following the celebration was a time to reflect and be thankful for what I still have. It is hard to hear though that some are not as secure. My friend is going through a particularly rough time now. School and municipal taxes are due and she doesn't know how she will get the money to pay them.

There is a very real possibility she could lose the house she grew up in. Tax liens, as I have been reading on the Internet, are serious. The municipality could decide to put the house up in a tax sale to get tax money. I think about that for my own sake as well. Our household is in a financial crisis too. I do worry about local and school taxes.

It is a pickle. I'm not sure what to tell her or where she can turn for help to keep her home. I have to believe that there is something that can be done. My greatest fear is homelessness. I see the homeless people on the street in Philadelphia and thank God that I'm not there yet.

I have to admit that it frightens me. I am like my friend in some ways. I don't have anyone I can turn to in case this scenerio plays out for me. I have to trust that God has a plan for me. I have to believe that he won't leave me and my friend alone. I have to learn the lessons now that God is teaching me and lean on him.

The violence of the past week has shaken me too. I can't image what is going through the minds of those involved. It just seemed that there is so much hate but not enough love.

I have to pray that her financial mess will be resolved, that she'll get the money she needs to pay taxes and be able to stay in her home. I pray this for myself as well. I have to trust that all things will work out for the good. Otherwise I might as well give up now.

In Crisis Mode But Thankful for Support

It may seem a bit strange to be saying this, yet I feel I must. I am grateful even now in the midst of this crisis. I know I am in God's hands. I know that he has a plan for me. I can be thankful for the support I've received. I can lift my hands up and praise the One who created me.

Yes, my financial "well" is running dry. Yes, it does seem like the evil forces have ruled the day. Yes, there are still some hard times ahead for me and for any who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, it is hard to face the ones I love from day to day with the news that nothing has changed. My financial situation is still dire...yet the Lord still provides for my every need.

I have to admit that I am frustrated by the doors that are being slammed in my face. No one wants to admit that the world is in crisis mode. They are like a member of my family (I won't expose him/her here) that only chooses to believe God's goodness, but not his wrath. It is foolish thinking.

Not everyone will go to heaven....and yes, there is a heaven. God's wrath will fall and is falling on those who willfully ignore his teachings and go their own way. Yes, there is a hell...and those who reject God and his Son will go there. Our actions do have consequences. I strongly believe that.

What about grace? Does grace cover a multitude of sins? Yes, it does. Yet you need to understand that even though grace is there for the asking, you need to repent and turn away from your sins first. You have to understand too...that even though you have been forgiven your sins, you still have to face the consequences of that sin. It's a foolish notion to think that you can continue to sin and turn away from God...and not face the consequences. It's even more foolish to think that just because you confessed that sin that you don't have to take some responsibility for it. I'm no bible scholar. I know though that true repentance happens when you cry out to God, admit that you sinned and actively work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

I fear what they are teaching young people in school today with their "washed out" theology that has no "bite" to it at all. If a person feels that there is no consequences or that they can simply say "I apologize" and everything will be fine then they are fooling themselves. It's in the crisis mode that you can see this clearly. It's when the "rubber meets the road" when your eyes are fully opened. I know that young people today just don't want to hear about the consequences of their unbelief. They much rather tolerate the filth and abnormal behavior of those who are supposed to mentor them.

I can't really blame the young people entirely because their world has been so saturated by the filth that has reached the highest office of the land. They just don't know any better. Yet even those who have been taught the truth are veering dangerously close to the edge. For this reason and for others, I am in crisis mode.