Tuesday, September 30, 2008

DEVOTION BY OUR PASTOR GARY ROGERS

Our wonderful Pastor sends out a devotional each week and this is the one we received last night. It is so good I wanted to share it will all of you here on my blog.


September 29, 2008

If the stock market fails and the economy falls what should the Christian do? Should we spiral into a devastating depression and the American dream become a nightmare what should the Christian do? If the things we’ve counted on for financial security and financial independence collapse what should the Christian do? Psalm 11:3 says, “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" NIV Though written hundreds of years ago the writer of this psalm seems to be aware of our current events. The American economy is the foundation that influences our standard of living. For many people financial security is the foundation of their life. Security, identity, value, and even purpose for living have each become commodities found in the economy.


2 Timothy 2:19 says, “Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." NIV Here we find the sure foundation. This is the foundation that is not changed by speculation of man. In this foundation you can find assurance, permanence, stability, consistency, longevity, and every lasting hope. This is God’s solid foundation! Notice the inscription on the foundation, “The Lord knows those who are His.” God knows your address. God knows the balance in your bank account. God knows when your bills are due. God knows when you should retire. God knows how much it cost monthly for your needs to be met. On this divine foundation is written a proclamation that God knows those who are His.

God’s foundation has also a reminder written on it that says, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” This tells us about a sure investment that will yield a wonderful life. Here we are given an insider’s tip of how to handle our life in a way that results in great dividends. Turning from wickedness is the best life to live. This brings a rock solid stability in life. This provides a life without regrets.

The foundations of the world may crumble. The temporary sources of confidence and security found in this world will prove to be a bad investment. But there is a solid foundation that stands firm! The only place you can find this rock solid foundation is in God! Place your confidence and trust in Him and you will never be disappointed no matter what the stock market does.

I prayed for you,

PG

I also invite you to link on the button on my sidebar to My Church and listen to this past Sunday's message "COMPATIBLE BUT DIFFERENT" It is some of the best, and also very fun, teaching on marriage that you could find.

I'd love for you to leave me a comment on it!!


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We are leaving this morning on our trip to celebrate our 50th Anniversary on October 4th. We are not traveling with a computer so I will not be posting until we return. Please keep us in your prayers for traveling mercies. I did write up a post about my wonderful husband that is pre-set to post on October 4th so hope you'll drop by that day and read it.


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28 comments:

Lisa said...

Hey Susan,

Praying that you have a safe and happy trip.

Happy anniversary!

Loved this post by the way...

... said...

hope you have a wonderful trip and can't wait to hear about it once you get back.

happy anniversary to the both of you.

Frazzled Farm Wife said...

I hope you have a GREAT trip!

GRANDMA'S KITCHEN said...

Dear Susan, Hope this is one of your greatest anniversaries. Pray for safty on your way and a very happy time of remembering your lives together as ONE.

I love the Post. I am glad that I have the foundation that is the Lord Jesus Christ, and He never changes but remains firm.

Unknown said...

Hi Susan,
I wish for you and Mickey a wonderful time together as you celebrate this special anniversary together. In a world filled with divorce and non commitment it is wonderful to see a long term marriage being celebrated!
I also gleaned from your post. As we have had several hard months here in our home financially. He is our foundation and He is a strong one, holding this family up every step of the way.
Blessings to you...Kim

Anne Rettenberg LCSW said...

I'm not sure I understood what your pastor said. Yes, faith helps people in hard times. But people starved to death in the Great Depression and I'm sure some of those people were believing Christians.

Unfortunately, the politicians who got us into this mess got into office because they were supported by right-wing Christians whose only interests were banning gay marriage and abortion. We still have gay marriage and abortion, and we also have economic chaos, a vast and widening gap between the rich and the poor, a crumbling health care system, a poor reputation overseas, and a threat of global warming and environmental disaster. Most of this (not all, but most) is because of the policies of George W. Bush (who isn't really a Christian but pretended to be one to get votes) and radical right-wing Members of Congress, who, I'm guessing, many of you supported along with GW Bush. Am I wrong?

Maxine said...

What an excellent reminder of our sure foundation, Susan. Your pastor is right on.

I hope you and your husband have a wonderful time and I wish you a Happy Anniversary.

Susie said...

Love the devotional! You have a very wise pastor. Hope you have a wonderful and safe celebration of your anniversary. Have fun!

Sue Seibert said...

Our diocese's theme song right now is "The Church's One Foundation". Without that foundation, we are nothing.

Sue Seibert said...

Wanted to say I hope your trip is going well!

Unknown said...

Enjoy each other and your time away, praying for safety!1
Great post on the trouble of the world...

Bobbi said...

Susan,
Hope you have a wonderful trip and when you get back I have an award for you! :)
Hugs!
Bobbi

Mountain Mama said...

Your Pastor's devotion says it all.
I pray you and your husband have a wonderful anniversary trip and I pray the lord will protect you in yur travels.
God bless.

Sharon Lynne said...

Thank you for sharing the devotion about the economy...and our SURE foundation in Jesus.

Hope you have a wonderful trip. I'll be thinking of you!

Jenileigh said...

Praying for you both, have a great time dear friend! Big hugs!

Anne Rettenberg LCSW said...

I'm not sure whether what I am seeing on this blog is a sense of helplessness in the face of complicated problems, with a corresponding retreat from the real world, or sheer laziness, an unwillingness to use intellect and problem-solving skills to rationally think through decisions and solutions.

Anonymous said...

Have wonderful trip with your hubby of FIFTY years!

Your pastor sounds very relevant to the times!

Karla Cook @ Roads to Everywhere said...

Thank you for sharing those comforting thoughts! Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Unknown said...

Happy 50th! What a special anniversary to celebrate!

Your pastor's devotional was so very fitting for us. My hubby and I have been discussing this alot lately. God is in control, and we shouldn't expect the government to fix everything so our lives are easier. We Americans need to take more control of our lives and situations. Personal responsibility.

Linds said...

Happy 50th! Congratulations to you both!

Mike Golch said...

I came to visit via Brensa's site where she said that you are celebrating 50 glorious years together.Congrats.My wife and I have a few years to go to make it to 50 years (22 to be exact)

Jill said...

Praying for a safe and fun trip. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Anne Rettenberg LCSW said...

I agree with Pam that government can't solve all problems. However, we pay taxes to the government, so that money should be used for something that will help people:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/opinion/06krugman.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Susan Skitt said...

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand...

So true that our foundation needs to be Jesus Christ or else we will fall! Good post and devotional by your pastor.

Take care and I hope and pray you are having a nice trip!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Happy 50th Anniversary!! Tell us all about your celebration!

Katherine

Pear tree cottage! said...

Hello Susan, it is so lovely to be visiting you today and now having broadband all the posts and photos come through very quickly to me and that is O! so! good.

I am off now to read many of your past posts to catch up on your and your family.....best wishes Lee-ann

groovyoldlady said...

Oh Happy 50th! I wish I could make you a special cake!

Your pastor is so right. I keep hearing from people who are terrified by the economic mess and I can look them in the eyes and tell them I am at peace. My security is not in our retirement account or our stocks or my husband's job; My security is in GOD - and He shall supply all my needs.

Anonymous said...

My name is Joanna and I am looking for a pastor name Gary Rogers that used to live in the Auburn, Ca. area and was a visiting pastor at a small church called the Pioneer Union Church in Gold Run California. I am wondering if this could be that Gary Rogers. Please advise. Thank You.