I begin this week noting the Democratic National Convention is in progress as those involved in this party lay out their vision for the future of America. Clearly, America has two political parties standing in stark contrast one to the other.
Pray for discernment as you decide whom to vote for this November and pray the Lord enables our society to conduct transparent elections free from any kind of fraud.
LIVING IN GOD’S ECONOMY
Various stories in the news these days indicate our economy is creating stress for many Americans. One example is found in this headline which reads: ‘Unretirement’: Massive and Troubling Phenomenon Plaguing Seniors Victimized by Bidenomics. Here is the article from wnd.com:
Inflation ‘has caused seniors to stay in the workforce longer, or come out of retirement to maintain their existing lifestyle or cover growing needs such as medical expenses.’
Joe Biden, out of office as of next January 20 when a new president is inaugurated, then most probably will be a retiree.
He’ll have government-paid protection, multiple government pensions, the millions of dollars he’s made over the years, his primary home and a massive vacation home, a long list of other government perks, all to sustain his “senior” years.
Many American seniors aren’t so privileged.
And many of those seniors have been staying in the workforce longer, or actually are giving up on their retirement and returning to the workforce, because of Biden’s economic policies – Bidenomics.
That would be the agendas Biden has pursued that have given Americans inflation of more than 20% since he took office, that have priced food and fuel up by 20%, 30%, even 40% since Biden’s reign in the Oval Office began.
A study from caring.com reveals the tragic situation facing America’s seniors because of Biden’s tenure:
“1 in 3 working seniors ‘unretired,’ returning to work after retirement.”
“52% of unretired seniors cite inflation as a primary reason they had to return to work.”
“Almost half of working seniors don’t plan on retiring in the next 5 years.”
“14% of retired seniors say they are likely to return to work.”
“1 in 15 seniors fear they could become homeless.”
The survey, with the help of Pollfish, took the opinions of 1,500 Americans ages 62-85.
It found that one-third of respondents now are working either part of the time or fulltime.
The report said, “Inflation is unpleasant for nearly all consumers, but it hits especially hard when you’re on a fixed income. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2024 that consumer price indices for shelter and food continued to rise. According to the Senior Citizens League, adults who retired in 2000 have lost 36% of their buying power to inflation. Put another way: Retirees need over $500 more a month to maintain the lifestyles and buying power they had when they first retired.”
Faced with drastic lifestyle changes, including possibly selling their homes, the seniors instead have returned to work.
“Retirement plans for many seniors have been impacted by inflation — both due to a desired timeline for retirement and a less clear template for success with their investments amid inflation’s impact. These problems only compound for seniors relying on fixed income,” noted John Farrell, of Caring. “This has caused seniors to stay in the workforce longer, or come out of retirement to maintain their existing lifestyle or cover growing needs such as medical expenses.”
Other reasons cited by working seniors included paying medical debt, other debt, not enough savings, to learn a new skill and even to battle boredom.
Many also reported cutting back on leisure activities (60%), food (47%), and travel (57%) to cope with inflation.
And those seniors back at work report cutting back on the same items, “primarily to maintain their current living situation.”
There are a lot of variables when considering the economic situation faced by seniors, however, one thing is certain. Inflation has changed the lives of many seniors across the country.
Moving forward from here perhaps many seniors face a growing concern about their future. Worry fueled by uncertainty easily slips into the heart. If you are troubled by worry, I advise you to read Matthew 6:24-34 often. Meditate on the assurance the Lord Jesus gives concerning your heavenly Father providing for your needs.
The truth is the only real security anyone has in this world is based on the promises of God. Seek the Lord, cast your cares on him in prayer, and rest in his promises. Remember, Matthew 6:33 provides the way forward regardless of our age.
ISRAEL
As Israel fights a war against an enemy that hides behind women and children, they are doing everything in their power to save civilian lives. The news media simply does not report the truth on this matter. If you are interested in knowing how Israel is limiting civilian death like no other army has while fighting a war check out this report entitled, “40,000 Dead in Gaza: What the Media Won’t Tell You.”
This past week I also came across an intriguing video clip on the work of Israel’s Mossad agency (their equivalent to our CIA). Most believe Israel is responsible for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh (Hamas leader) in Iran on July 31st just a few weeks ago. This is why no Iranian leader should feel safe as they continue to wage war against Israel. Check out this dramatic piece here.
In one final note on Israel this week here is another fascinating report on the innovation coming out of Israel. In this piece entitled, “Israel’s BOOMING Artificial Intelligence & Drone Industry Trailblazing Modern Era” prepare to be amazed.
PASTOR TO PARENT
As discussed here before, parents these days must figure out how to guide their children in the use of the smart phone. I trust you are paying attention to this problem.
Well, schools are trying to deal with this problem and parents need to be aware and proceed to help resolve these issues. Check out this article entitled, “Why Schools Are Racing to Ban Student Phones.”
CREATION CONNECTION
The global flood detailed in Genesis 6-9 is foundational to a proper understanding of the world. The major geological features that define the surface of the earth today are largely the result of the global flood of Noah’s day, not millions of years of mythical time during which those features supposedly formed.
Here are several articles to strengthen your understanding of this important history recorded in the Word of God:
https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global/global-flood/
https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global-flood-rising-above-all-doubt/
https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global/worldwide-flood-evidence/
https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global/was-there-really-a-noahs-ark-flood/
PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP
GROWING IN CHRIST
As a pastor who disciples others I have several immediate concerns. First, I want believers to be grounded in sound doctrine. Next, I want to cultivate personal holiness in our lives. Finally, I want to see believers enjoy an abundant inner life as they learn to feed upon Christ.
It is obvious if believers are to develop into strong disciples it takes time. This is exactly why the Lord instructs pastors to “feed the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2). The result for believers who are faithful to the house of God and are discipled by a godly pastor is growth in Christ. It will happen.
The question that arises is this: are you setting under the ministry of a faithful pastor who is committed to teaching you the Word of God? There are faithful pastors that labor in the Word, but often many who could benefit are simply not at the dinner table! If you are reading this and know you are guilty of neglecting the house of God it is time to do something about it. Be careful. There is a price to pay for neglect and it is not pleasant.
THE LAST WORD
I would love to see you at our upcoming Homecoming service in a few weeks on September 8th. We are pleased to welcome the Gospel Harmony Boys to this special service. You will be encouraged by their music and the gospel will be shared. Following the service, we have food for all and a great opportunity for extended fellowship. Service begins at 10:30am.
As usual, feel welcome to share feedback with me at [email protected] and your prayers are appreciated. May the Lord bless you is my prayer
Pastor Rusty Yost
P.S. You can access past issues of Discerning the Times by visiting the blog page on my website. Once on the blog page simply scroll down the page and past issues become visible. Tell others to check this information out. For the most part, the content in these past blogs remains relevant today.
Pray for discernment as you decide whom to vote for this November and pray the Lord enables our society to conduct transparent elections free from any kind of fraud.
LIVING IN GOD’S ECONOMY
Various stories in the news these days indicate our economy is creating stress for many Americans. One example is found in this headline which reads: ‘Unretirement’: Massive and Troubling Phenomenon Plaguing Seniors Victimized by Bidenomics. Here is the article from wnd.com:
Inflation ‘has caused seniors to stay in the workforce longer, or come out of retirement to maintain their existing lifestyle or cover growing needs such as medical expenses.’
Joe Biden, out of office as of next January 20 when a new president is inaugurated, then most probably will be a retiree.
He’ll have government-paid protection, multiple government pensions, the millions of dollars he’s made over the years, his primary home and a massive vacation home, a long list of other government perks, all to sustain his “senior” years.
Many American seniors aren’t so privileged.
And many of those seniors have been staying in the workforce longer, or actually are giving up on their retirement and returning to the workforce, because of Biden’s economic policies – Bidenomics.
That would be the agendas Biden has pursued that have given Americans inflation of more than 20% since he took office, that have priced food and fuel up by 20%, 30%, even 40% since Biden’s reign in the Oval Office began.
A study from caring.com reveals the tragic situation facing America’s seniors because of Biden’s tenure:
“1 in 3 working seniors ‘unretired,’ returning to work after retirement.”
“52% of unretired seniors cite inflation as a primary reason they had to return to work.”
“Almost half of working seniors don’t plan on retiring in the next 5 years.”
“14% of retired seniors say they are likely to return to work.”
“1 in 15 seniors fear they could become homeless.”
The survey, with the help of Pollfish, took the opinions of 1,500 Americans ages 62-85.
It found that one-third of respondents now are working either part of the time or fulltime.
The report said, “Inflation is unpleasant for nearly all consumers, but it hits especially hard when you’re on a fixed income. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2024 that consumer price indices for shelter and food continued to rise. According to the Senior Citizens League, adults who retired in 2000 have lost 36% of their buying power to inflation. Put another way: Retirees need over $500 more a month to maintain the lifestyles and buying power they had when they first retired.”
Faced with drastic lifestyle changes, including possibly selling their homes, the seniors instead have returned to work.
“Retirement plans for many seniors have been impacted by inflation — both due to a desired timeline for retirement and a less clear template for success with their investments amid inflation’s impact. These problems only compound for seniors relying on fixed income,” noted John Farrell, of Caring. “This has caused seniors to stay in the workforce longer, or come out of retirement to maintain their existing lifestyle or cover growing needs such as medical expenses.”
Other reasons cited by working seniors included paying medical debt, other debt, not enough savings, to learn a new skill and even to battle boredom.
Many also reported cutting back on leisure activities (60%), food (47%), and travel (57%) to cope with inflation.
And those seniors back at work report cutting back on the same items, “primarily to maintain their current living situation.”
There are a lot of variables when considering the economic situation faced by seniors, however, one thing is certain. Inflation has changed the lives of many seniors across the country.
Moving forward from here perhaps many seniors face a growing concern about their future. Worry fueled by uncertainty easily slips into the heart. If you are troubled by worry, I advise you to read Matthew 6:24-34 often. Meditate on the assurance the Lord Jesus gives concerning your heavenly Father providing for your needs.
The truth is the only real security anyone has in this world is based on the promises of God. Seek the Lord, cast your cares on him in prayer, and rest in his promises. Remember, Matthew 6:33 provides the way forward regardless of our age.
ISRAEL
As Israel fights a war against an enemy that hides behind women and children, they are doing everything in their power to save civilian lives. The news media simply does not report the truth on this matter. If you are interested in knowing how Israel is limiting civilian death like no other army has while fighting a war check out this report entitled, “40,000 Dead in Gaza: What the Media Won’t Tell You.”
This past week I also came across an intriguing video clip on the work of Israel’s Mossad agency (their equivalent to our CIA). Most believe Israel is responsible for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh (Hamas leader) in Iran on July 31st just a few weeks ago. This is why no Iranian leader should feel safe as they continue to wage war against Israel. Check out this dramatic piece here.
In one final note on Israel this week here is another fascinating report on the innovation coming out of Israel. In this piece entitled, “Israel’s BOOMING Artificial Intelligence & Drone Industry Trailblazing Modern Era” prepare to be amazed.
PASTOR TO PARENT
As discussed here before, parents these days must figure out how to guide their children in the use of the smart phone. I trust you are paying attention to this problem.
Well, schools are trying to deal with this problem and parents need to be aware and proceed to help resolve these issues. Check out this article entitled, “Why Schools Are Racing to Ban Student Phones.”
CREATION CONNECTION
The global flood detailed in Genesis 6-9 is foundational to a proper understanding of the world. The major geological features that define the surface of the earth today are largely the result of the global flood of Noah’s day, not millions of years of mythical time during which those features supposedly formed.
Here are several articles to strengthen your understanding of this important history recorded in the Word of God:
https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global/global-flood/
https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global-flood-rising-above-all-doubt/
https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global/worldwide-flood-evidence/
https://answersingenesis.org/the-flood/global/was-there-really-a-noahs-ark-flood/
PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP
GROWING IN CHRIST
As a pastor who disciples others I have several immediate concerns. First, I want believers to be grounded in sound doctrine. Next, I want to cultivate personal holiness in our lives. Finally, I want to see believers enjoy an abundant inner life as they learn to feed upon Christ.
It is obvious if believers are to develop into strong disciples it takes time. This is exactly why the Lord instructs pastors to “feed the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2). The result for believers who are faithful to the house of God and are discipled by a godly pastor is growth in Christ. It will happen.
The question that arises is this: are you setting under the ministry of a faithful pastor who is committed to teaching you the Word of God? There are faithful pastors that labor in the Word, but often many who could benefit are simply not at the dinner table! If you are reading this and know you are guilty of neglecting the house of God it is time to do something about it. Be careful. There is a price to pay for neglect and it is not pleasant.
THE LAST WORD
I would love to see you at our upcoming Homecoming service in a few weeks on September 8th. We are pleased to welcome the Gospel Harmony Boys to this special service. You will be encouraged by their music and the gospel will be shared. Following the service, we have food for all and a great opportunity for extended fellowship. Service begins at 10:30am.
As usual, feel welcome to share feedback with me at [email protected] and your prayers are appreciated. May the Lord bless you is my prayer
Pastor Rusty Yost
P.S. You can access past issues of Discerning the Times by visiting the blog page on my website. Once on the blog page simply scroll down the page and past issues become visible. Tell others to check this information out. For the most part, the content in these past blogs remains relevant today.
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