Y2K AND YOU, ARE YOU PREPARED?
This is what the LORD says:
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
"I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."
The Problem
We have been hearing about the possible economic crash for years and now it has taken on the name Y2K. Y2K stands for year 2000 and refers to a massive computer crash caused by the inability of most programs to recognize 00 as 2000 instead of 1900. To quote one man "the computer will think it is the year 1900 and so will you." As of yet there is not a total solution, but time keeps ticking. You're thinking, so what I don't use my computer much anyway, but the truth is computer chips and computer systems operate more than you think. They operate all kinds of things from traffic lights, to regulating sewage systems, to phones and fax machines, all banking systems, air traffic controlling, most forms of modern transportation, some medical equipment, power grid systems that provide our electricity. This little date problem could affect everything from our national security to Grandmas pacemaker. You mean we might not have electricity? Maybe. You mean I might not be able to call Momma in California? Might not (so call Momma now and share Jesus with her). You mean I might not be able to flush the toilet? Could happen. You mean with no national security we might sell out?? It's possible, give most Americans a week without a microwave and air-conditioning and they'll sell out to just about anyone.
You say, "that's not going to happen to me, I'm the blessed of the Lord, I'll never see tribulation and I'll never suffer persecution." If this is your answer, then you haven't read the Bible. Get studying, Old Testament and New. You say this computer thing isn't really a problem, or maybe God will send a miracle solution. Ok, so what if the computers never crash. What about the tornados, fires, floods, earthquakes, and solar flares (look that one up on your own). Face it, God's judgement is coming to America. Not to destroy America but to bring her back to Him.
So, what's the solution? Ok, no electric, how about a generator? Well that's fine until you run out of gas (gas stations use electric pumps). It's OK, I'll think of everything. I'll stock up (honey, did you buy enough toilet paper?). I'll put lots of meat in the freezer (that will do a lot of good with no power). Even if you get really serious about storing food and water and start cutting firewood, you cannot fool yourselves into thinking you can remember everything (honey, did you buy extra toothpaste?) Even if you have spring water, springs can dry up.
We absolutely cannot place our trust in our own abilities. We must place our trust in God.
I am the Lord your God... You shall have no other gods before Me. (Exodus 20:1-3)
The Bible tells us to be prepared (Titus 3:14) but it also tells us not to lay up our treasures on earth, but in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). We must get prepared so that we can be of use to God. How much good are we going to be to others if we are irritable from caffeine withdrawls? Are we to think about storing food, etc? That's OK if God is leading you to it and that's not where you're placing your security. Your security must be in Jesus. In the Winter of '94 we had two severe ice storms here in Tennessee. That was quite a shock to us Southern California folks. The second storm caused us to have no power for 5 days. This completely changed our lives and created great family unity. It was a blessing for our family and we have lived more simply ever since. Because of doing without many comforts we are now more secure with the Lord than we have ever been.
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives (Titus 3:14).
Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21).
Open your hearts and take this test with me.
Can you fast without soda, hot chocolate & caffeine?
Can you praise without an electric guitar?
Can you pray without air-conditioning?
Can you study the bible without a computer?
Can you trust God to protect your family without a 357 magnum?
Can you trust God to heal without medication?
Can you trust God to provide without an ATM?
Can you witness without a printed tract?
Can you sing a song to the Lord without a praise tape?
Can you get excited about God without TBN or a revival video?
Can you even get up to say "Good Morning Jesus" without an alarm clock?
If you answered NO to any of these, then PRAY WITH ME Oh Lord, I repent, I want to be more attached to you than things. Help me to trust in you and your ways so that I may serve you better. Amen.