Making Decisions in Panic Mode. Part [14] 11/10/2024 (Morning thought)

Nehemiah 5:3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth. 4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king's tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.

During the time of the great recession, beginning with the crash of the stock market in 2007 to 2008, home values across America began to plummet in no small way, and home owners watched in dismay as their equity was virtually wiped out. That downward spiral became so severe that very many persons went underwater on their mortgage, and found themselves in the unfortunate situation of paying a lot of money for a home that was losing value every, day with no end in sight.

Thus, rather than lose everything, some decided that it was time to jump ship, and sell, rather than end up with an asset that no longer had value, and in the general environment of panic that pervaded the land at that time very many people relinquished ownership, only to realize later on that Covid would spark a buying frenzy. The Christian should avoid the snare of making any decision based on fear and panic, because, as we’ve seen in many instances grave mistakes in judgment can be made.

Every decision and every choice that is to be made should be taken to The Lord in prayer, so that He could guide us with wisdom and discretion. Come Tuesday, we are not advising anyone to vote this way or that way, because the choice is yours. All we are saying is that you could, and should take the issues at hand to God in prayer, instead of making choices based solely on the heat of the moment.

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

Making Decisions in Panic Mode. Part [13] 11/10/2024 (Evening thought)

Acts 27:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. 2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Again, the sailors and captain of a certain ship are in full blown panic mode, as they believe their vessel will run aground upon the rocks, and will be dashed to pieces. Thus, in this frantic frame of mind they all decide to jump ship. However, Paul advises against the decision, for even though they were in real peril, they were not to do anything based solely on the danger of the moment. God was still in charge, even in that time of great desperation, as He always has and always will.

Acts 27:5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. 14 But not long after, there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship.

Acts 27:20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. 29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. 30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

Acts 27:31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, except these abide in the ship, you cannot be saved.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!