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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

As the year 2000 approached the media was talking about Y2K.  The reporters said that many computers would not be able to handle the year 2000, which would shut down most industries and trade.  The world would be in chaos.  Many conversations included some talk about the end times, which brought more questions.  The Bible does tell about a time that will be very chaotic.  What IS known is that God is in control.

So what should you do?  The verse that says a lot about uncertain times is found in Proverbs 3: 5-6.  It says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your paths."  How easy it is to start trusting in your abilities, your job, your government, etc. and forget to trust in the Lord.  It is easy to lean on your own understanding of the situations in life.  But this verse says don't lean on your own understanding.  The promise of this verse is to acknowledge Him, which means show love and respect to Him and He will show you His way.  You are never alone.  He is there to guide and direct.  So, what can you learn from this verse that has to do with the future?  There were many conflicting predictions about what was going to happen in Y2K, but knowing God would guide us and help us deal with the possibilities.  You don't have to understand everything to make the right decisions.  You need to trust God - today and always.  He will direct you.

What are some practical things you can do?  Get your financial house in order.  Pay off as many debts as you can.  Give to your church or an organization that is helping the poor, widowed, or imprisoned.  Help someone who has less than you do.  Jesus said,  "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."  Matthew 25:40.  Tell others of Christ's love for them.  If you knew the world was to end next week, what would your priorities be today?  Do something that tells others you believe Jesus when He said He is coming back again.  You should be encouraging others to love God more each day.  The time will come when you will not be here any longer.  What needs to be said to your family, your friends or your coworkers if that would happen next week?  Jesus loves them and so do you!

Pray!  Seek!  Listen!  Obey!

Let God direct your path to find out what you need to do for the future.  The future is in God's hand!  No worries! 

Steps I Can Take to Make My Life Better......

1. Seek God this month by spending ____ minutes each day reading the Bible and praying.
2. Thank God for His promises to direct me.
3. Make a list of people I should pray for.
4. Pay $ _____ extra on my ________ to show God's direction in my finances.  I may have to sacrifice.
5. Read Proverbs 3.  Then make a list of things it teaches me.
6. Make a commitment to not worry about the future and to trust God.
7. Help someone this week.
8. Share with ________ that God loves them and the only way to heaven is to believe in Jesus.

"When those most in need are helped,

the entire community reaps the rewards."