TRUST, NOT FEAR 

This morning's headlines are pretty ominous:

        “Botched Bailout”

        “Dow Crashes as Rescue Bombs”

        “Bailout Defeat Could Cause Painful Recession”

First of all, let me say that I am not an economist.  In fact, my one course in economics in college made it
pretty clear that Wall Street was not going to be my future address.

I am a pastor.  I have studied the Word of God and I believe it is both absolutely trustworthy and often a
necessary corrective to other voices we hear shouting in our ear.

And, given the events of the past few days, I believe it is right for us to take a moment and think Biblically
about these things.

Yesterday’s dramatic drop of 777 points in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, its worst single-day drop in
history, is causing many to wonder about the future of their investments and to worry about what it might mean for their retirement.

I would not want to minimize this situation, talking with my dad last night I can hear his concern about rising expenses and falling resources.  But we also need to hear what God has to say to us.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  (Matthew 6:31-34)

In the end, it becomes a matter of trust.  In what or whom do we place our trust?  Is it our savings account? 
Our investment portfolio?  Is it Wall Street or Congress?

Solomon, one of the wealthiest men to have ever lived, says

“Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,”  (Proverbs 11:28a)

Instead, how much better for us to trust in our God.  The words of the Psalmist are both instructive and assuring in these days of uncertainty.

“When I am afraid, I will trust in You.  In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me? . . . In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise – in God I trust; I will not be afraid.”  (Psalm 56:3-4, 10-11)

May God grant us the ability to walk in confidence during these uncertain days.  May trust, rather than fear, be the expression of our heart.  And may God be honored as we rest in His sovereignty.

INTRODUCING:

I am pleased to introduce to you two new members of our ministry team.  Working part-time, these two women have already begun to provide leadership and assistance in our ministries.

Jennifer Shelton is Director of Connections.  After serving as a missionary in China for ten years, Jennifer has returned to Liberty and is directing our efforts to connect newcomers to the church and assist all of us in getting more engaged in the life and ministry of the church.

Laurie Marvel has been involved in our children’s ministry for many years.  Now, in her new role as Director
of Early Childhood Ministries, she works with Mike Akert, our Children’s Pastor, to oversee all the ministries to our youngest attenders – those between birth and kindergarten.  Laurie is married to Rod and they have five
children.

We welcome these two women to the ministry team of Liberty Bible Church and ask that you pray for them as they assume their leadership roles.

Cheerfully,

Pastor Bob