What in the world is going on? I don't mean to sound like Henny Penny. You know the one: the confused chick who was hit in the head with an acorn and thought the sky was falling. Scared and concerned for her friends at the farm she ran around to each one exclaiming, "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!"

Given the recent situation in the world the biblical Christian is forced to ask, "What, Lord?" and "How long, Lord?"

The financial state of the USA is in disarray. People in our community are losing their homes, two (potentially 3) on the cul-de-sac of 8 homes where I live. Between the adjustable rate mortgages, gas prices and the general cost of living are presenting serious decision issues regarding their spending.

Generosity in America is dropping. Normal giving has become a perceived sacrifice. People who serving in the ministry are feeling this crunch as well. Pastors and ministry staff know all too well the pains of this economy. When everything you have is subsidized by the generosity of the tithers of your church, and when giving is down, so goes the income level of the pastorate as well. Our church leaders are given less and yet still more is expected. Everyday, calls pour into the church I serve with distressing news: someone has lost a job, a home, or a marriage has come to ruin, or the rebellion of their children.

The world has recently applauded one of the largest Buddhist religious demonstrations in the world's history, in the presence of key world leaders, including our own President. Meanwhile, nearby neighboring countries attack one another as the rest of the "civilized" world continues on silently, wide-eyed and awestruck by the display of homage to a culture that is in antithesis to Biblical Christianity.


War has broken out in strategic areas of the world. Starvation is rampant. There are "natural disasters" reported nearly every week, often everyday. Crime is rising.

There is outcry for change. Yet our sinful hearts demand the same things.

For me, watching the evening news has become a comparison of what is now and is to come. World events all point to the end of the age, and the Second coming of the Messiah. I am not so presumptuous to claim to know that is here, or when it will occur, however, the word of God is clear that it is inevitable. There will come a day when all prophecy will be fulfilled and we will be with our Lord for eternity. Keep watch. God keeps His promises. His return is imminent.



Words: Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick
Music: Michael W. Smith

(Tell me) How long will we
grovel at the feet of wealth
and power
(Tell me) How long will we bow
down to that golden calf
How long will be too long
(Tell me) How long will we
curtsy to the whims of new
religion
How long will we water down the truth
'Til truth is no more
How long will be too long
Chorus:
The power of faith and love
Can change the stuff we're made of
But still we wait
(Tell me) How long will be too long

(Tell me) How long will we
drink from the chalice of
indifference
Neither be hot or be cold
Can a sober soul know
How long will be too long

Chorus:
Is there not more to us
Than cursed dust to dust
I feel my hope fading
How long will be too long

How long will be too long

(Tell me) How long will we
travel from the ways that
God intended
Won't it all tumble down if
His holy wrath comes
How long will be too long

Chorus:
The power of faith and love
Can change the stuff we're made of
When will it be too late
How long will be too long
How long will be too long
How long will be too long  ¶ 5:30:00 PM