December 1, 2008
It's Thanksgiving night and I'm sitting in my quiet place, contemplating all the things that I'm thankful for. While I know that I am blessed, my thoughts are focused on those who are less fortunate.

Just this week alone, the company that I work for, considered one of the more successful in its field, laid off more than 100 people. I personally was directly involved in a number of these terminations.
During my quiet time I found myself weeping. Was it because my blood sugar was too high from the over-indulgence of my blessings? I thought for a moment -- maybe -- but in the end I knew it wasn't.
It was because I mourn those who are losing their means to support their families, losing their retirements they've worked all their lives for -- their sense of direction that once seemed so normal, secure and safe.
It was because that while this is happening they have nowhere to turn.
It was because they don't know Jesus!
And then my tears turned to frustration and anger because our churches and their leaders have failed so miserably to prepare these folks for such a time as predicted in the scriptures -- the same scriptures they profess to uphold.
I've said all along and for many years that the lack of teaching of Bible prophecy eaves a huge hole in a Christian's over-all preparedness. Today's world proves that statement.
In the many churches I've attended over these past few years, hardly ever did I hear about the coming times where we will be tested in many ways. Jesus spoke of the negative results of testing with His parable in Luke, chapter 8. It concerned the seeds that head no roots. Specifically in verse 13 its says, "Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they will fall away."
In today's seeker-friendly environment the focus appears more on attendance, budget, programs, and entertainment. While they claim it's to produce followers of Christ, the driving force behind the emerging church is growth and prosperity. The general thinking is that these so-called seekers don't come in the doors looking to become followers of Christ. They come to belong to something bigger than themselves where they can be entertained and feel better about themselves by doing some good works without being made to feel guilty or having to commit to anything.
Pastor David Jeremiah once said that our churches have gotten so involved in long-term programming and events that the Second Coming of Christ could well be viewed as a disruption to their plans.
Scripture says in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, "For a time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will father around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
And this scenario doesn't appear to be changing any time soon. I'm talking with Christian friends in other areas, most seem to be having difficulty in finding a church with a burning desire to seek Jesus, a place where they can focus on the Bible and experience some intimate worship, the kind that makes the heart break, the tears flow, and the knee bend.
Therefore, I encourage every Christian out there 'that gets it' to witness and share the safety, comfort, and strength that our soon-coming Messiah provides.
Just look around and you will see and find many who are seeking and need this promised hope.
Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Additionally, I Timothy 6:17 states, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Finally, Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
Do not be afraid brothers and sisters! God's promise is real and eternal.
Until next time,
Red