“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. Here’s to becoming fine wine in 2009! Cheers!
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