After The Storm...
By
January 1, 2009“But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.” (Acts 27:14) America (and indeed much of the world) is experiencing an economic Euroclydon, a financial hurricane that is wreaking destruction on personal fortunes everywhere. But like all storms, it will subside. It is not the end of the world. It may however, be a category five hurricane. Time will tell. But the storm is not the worst of it. Remember Katrina? The storm was over, but the situation worsened. No water. No food. No electricity. Sunny weather, but no relief. Katrina serves as a prophetic picture of the effects of an economic Euroclydon, the one that is upon us now. Long after the storm passes and the big companies fail, the bulk of society struggles for years to rebuild. Many businesses slowly dying for want of a drink of fresh water or a morsel of food. New Orleans is far from recovered some three years after the storm and may never fully recover. So while we are all on the good ship America and most of us have no direct input to the course our nation is sailing, we can lighten our load, simplify our life, remove the distractions, hearken unto the Spirit, report for duty and get ready to assume new positions as we undergo the most sweeping changes seen in America in our lifetime. If you don’t know how to free yourself from the flesh now, God will help you, but it is better always to fall on the rock than to let the rock fall on you. Get my drift? In 2009, the Lord will make His wine. He will take the grapes that are fat and plump and plush (that’s us) and squeeze the living juice out of them, to make His wine. Sound like fun? Probably not so much, but boy does that wine have some punch. It carries the force of His spirit, the determination of His will and it will accomplish what no amount of flesh can ever accomplish. Now that’s a life worth living wouldn’t you say? Beat the rush. Fear God now or be very afraid later when the ship hits the rocks. Preparation comes in many forms, but the first and most necessary is spiritual preparation. Learn to hear His voice, heed His warnings and obey His commands. For some it will mean launching a new business. For others it will mean shutting down. Safety is found in His will. Read His Word. Know His voice and obey right away. It could make all the difference in the world. If you want to join me as part of God’s cleanup crew in the business world for 2009 and beyond, join us in Panama next month. Click here for details... Here’s to becoming fine wine in 2009! Cheers!
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Comments (7) - Post a Comment
THAT was the most appropriate parallel yet! Thank you Michael for \"squeezing\" the grapes...ME!
It is time to get into \"production.\" POWER-JUICE!
Irene Deese at 6:35am EST - January 1, 2009
Happy 2009 Michael,
As always your insight is so fabulous and I thank God for your words of wisdom!!
Kristy Orison at 12:05pm EST - January 1, 2009
Michael,
I've enjoyed your newsletter for a couple of years now but am not one to comment much. I appreciate your insight and agree that recovery will create new challenges. With the turmoil comes abundant opportunity. I believe God will provide those He loves with vision to see those opportunities if we will submit ourselves to His will.
I am fortunate that so far (fingers crossed) our business is doing well. I even posted about it. http://polytickle.blogspot.com/2008/12/busily-looking-forward.html
Chris McClure at 12:37pm EST - January 1, 2009
Good word! Much appropriate for the day.
Carpe freakin' diem folks!
T. Russell Eavey at 5:39pm EST - January 1, 2009
(o-:
Happy New Year to you all folks!
Michael Q. Pink at 6:20pm EST - January 1, 2009
Happy New Year to you Michael, and all the 'bloggers' - bless you! When I read this, part of me was cringing and part of me was really excited about what God has in store. Today we heard a sermon on the reason Caleb chose the mountain (Joshua 14:10-12) he knew that it was not only where the giants were, but also that when Abraham first went to live by the oaks of Mamre, that was the land he was looking at. Caleb knew that God's promise to Abraham could well be fulfilled in the generation that entered the promised land, and despite his age and the generation 'gap', he so desired to be an heir of the promise he was prepared to take on the giants to see the next generation inherit the promises.
As I see it, we have to be prepared to take on the giants of corporate greed and corruption, of government mismanagement and ungodly policies, of local business greed and dishonesty, and to show by example what it is to run a life and business according to the Word of God in the supernatural realm. OK it scares me half to death, but having lost everything by doing it the world's way, what have I got to lose?
I for one want to see my children and their offspring enter a realm few of us ever dreamed of, to see the Kingdom of God come to earth like we have never seen, manifested in the lives of people who 'know their God and do exploits'.
Chrissie Staples at 11:03pm EST - January 3, 2009
Happy New Year Chrissie!
Thanks for posting! I had not made the connection between Caleb and Abraham with respect to the oaks of Mamre. Would love to hear that sermon you heard. Any chance it is posted onlline?
Blessings, Michael
Michael Q. Pink at 8:58am EST - January 4, 2009