Discerning the Times with Pastor Rusty
www.pastorrusty.com
I begin this week with the good news that Firelands Christian Academy began year number 22 yesterday with another wonderful group of children from families across our area. I have the joy of teaching High School bible this year and we are off to a great start. Thank you for covering FCA in your prayers. We are prepared for another fruitful year of spiritual and academic growth at the school.
LIVING IN GOD’S ECONOMY
Here are some of the things I have seen in the news recently on the economy:
59% of Americans falsely believe that the U.S. is currently in a recession, according to a recent survey of 2,000 adults by Affirm in June.
Citing higher costs and difficulty making ends meet, most respondents said they think a recession started roughly 15 months ago, in March 2023, and could last until July 2025, Affirm found.
Recently it was reported that there had been a “historic surge” in corporate bankruptcies, currently at a level not seen since the COVID pandemic.
Meanwhile, a separate survey recently found that over a quarter of Americans skip meals due to the rising cost of food. Almost half of those people said they did so in order to afford payments on their house.
Wow! All I’m reading suggests that many families are struggling. Certainly many Americans do not “feel” the inflation like others do for various reasons, but many face mounting difficulties as the economy limps along.
So, what are families to do? May I say kindly, it is time to seek the Lord in a fresh way! Families need to learn God’s wisdom concerning personal finance and we all need to embrace the promises of God concerning his faithfulness to supply our needs.
One of the things essential to experiencing God’s faithfulness in a greater way is to embrace the grace of giving. It is the Lord who connects certain promises to our obedient giving. Take the time to read and meditate upon 2 Corinthians chapters eight and nine. Even in our poverty we can know the joy of giving and in time we can experience God’s provision in such a way we can abound to every good work!
The things I have learned about giving over the past 50 years are not for sell!! Since I learned to put the Lord first and honor him with the first of every paycheck (from my teen years until this day) I have seen the Lord gracious provide for my family (a sufficiency in all things) and he has enabled us to abound in good works.
Regardless of how things go in America, as long as the Lord blesses me with an income, He will be first. Since His promises never expire and are NOT dependent upon the world’s economy, I believe He will prosper what I put my hand to. Amen! I encourage you to stand on the promises of God and prove the Lord. He will be faithful come what may.
AMERICANISM
There are many strengths in the American republic. Our republic affords us the greatest measure of freedom any nation has ever experienced. Remember, we are a republic not a democracy. We are a people under the rule of law, NOT the rule of the mob!
Of course, transparent, free and fair elections are essential to the rule of law. As we approach the election season pray for those tasked with maintaining an honest election. Fraud must be weeded out of the process and those in charge must stand up to any suspicious activity.
Here is a lot of encouraging news about efforts to assure potential fraud is eliminated during this election cycle:
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/ohio-secretary-state-refers-597-noncitizens-prosecution-after/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/gov-jeff-landry-signs-new-executive-order-forcing/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/breaking-texas-governor-greg-abbott-removes-one-million/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/huge-victory-alaska-voters-supreme-court-clears-path/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/us-supreme-court-upholds-arizonas-law-requiring-proof/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/nevada-supreme-court-delivers-blow-democrats-declines-block/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/pennsylvania-judge-rules-voters-election-officials-cannot-cure/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/cuz-they-cant-cheat-ny-times-admits-democrats/
ISRAEL
Perhaps you heard about the preemptive strike Israel made against Hezbollah this past weekend. Israeli intelligence alerted the IDF to a deadly missile attacked forthcoming from Hezbollah directed at areas including Tel Aviv.
Israel sent 100 jets to counter this threat! They basically eliminated the threat. Here is a link to another gentleman living in Israel with a report that clarifies the details of Israeli efforts to defend their homeland. The video is entitled, “How Israel Destroyed Hezbollah’s Secret With 100 Fighter Jets.”
PASTOR TO PARENT
This week I am combining the “Creation Connection” section of this letter with my weekly word to parents.
Unfortunately, there are many books that indoctrinate children with the myth of evolution. Are you paying attention to the books your children read? Parents with children in the public school system MUST be diligent about this. The lie of evolution is everywhere, and it surfaces continually in the public school system.
Check out this article entitled: “How Children’s Books Indoctrinate Children in Darwinism.” This is worthy of your time and it will help you guard your children against the lie of evolution.
PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP
GROWING IN CHRIST
This past Sunday evening in our local fellowship we discussed how the Holy Spirit establishes local churches in the faith. It is not the will of God for his people to be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14). Rather, we are to be rooted and grounded in Christ and established in the faith (Col. 2:6-7).
As you grow in the Lord the Holy Spirit develops a deeper understanding of the essentials truths that define our faith. I am referring to such doctrine as the Triune Nature of God, the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
I encourage you to study these great truths. It is not God’s will for you to be weak in the faith. Instead let us be strong in the Lord that we might stand against the wiles of the devil. Amen!
THE LAST WORD
Again, you are welcome to attend our upcoming Homecoming service on September 8th. We are pleased to welcome the Gospel Harmony Boys to this special service. Their music is sure to bless your heart and the gospel will be shared. Following the service, we have food for all and an 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.
www.pastorrusty.com
I begin this week with the good news that Firelands Christian Academy began year number 22 yesterday with another wonderful group of children from families across our area. I have the joy of teaching High School bible this year and we are off to a great start. Thank you for covering FCA in your prayers. We are prepared for another fruitful year of spiritual and academic growth at the school.
LIVING IN GOD’S ECONOMY
Here are some of the things I have seen in the news recently on the economy:
59% of Americans falsely believe that the U.S. is currently in a recession, according to a recent survey of 2,000 adults by Affirm in June.
Citing higher costs and difficulty making ends meet, most respondents said they think a recession started roughly 15 months ago, in March 2023, and could last until July 2025, Affirm found.
Recently it was reported that there had been a “historic surge” in corporate bankruptcies, currently at a level not seen since the COVID pandemic.
Meanwhile, a separate survey recently found that over a quarter of Americans skip meals due to the rising cost of food. Almost half of those people said they did so in order to afford payments on their house.
Wow! All I’m reading suggests that many families are struggling. Certainly many Americans do not “feel” the inflation like others do for various reasons, but many face mounting difficulties as the economy limps along.
So, what are families to do? May I say kindly, it is time to seek the Lord in a fresh way! Families need to learn God’s wisdom concerning personal finance and we all need to embrace the promises of God concerning his faithfulness to supply our needs.
One of the things essential to experiencing God’s faithfulness in a greater way is to embrace the grace of giving. It is the Lord who connects certain promises to our obedient giving. Take the time to read and meditate upon 2 Corinthians chapters eight and nine. Even in our poverty we can know the joy of giving and in time we can experience God’s provision in such a way we can abound to every good work!
The things I have learned about giving over the past 50 years are not for sell!! Since I learned to put the Lord first and honor him with the first of every paycheck (from my teen years until this day) I have seen the Lord gracious provide for my family (a sufficiency in all things) and he has enabled us to abound in good works.
Regardless of how things go in America, as long as the Lord blesses me with an income, He will be first. Since His promises never expire and are NOT dependent upon the world’s economy, I believe He will prosper what I put my hand to. Amen! I encourage you to stand on the promises of God and prove the Lord. He will be faithful come what may.
AMERICANISM
There are many strengths in the American republic. Our republic affords us the greatest measure of freedom any nation has ever experienced. Remember, we are a republic not a democracy. We are a people under the rule of law, NOT the rule of the mob!
Of course, transparent, free and fair elections are essential to the rule of law. As we approach the election season pray for those tasked with maintaining an honest election. Fraud must be weeded out of the process and those in charge must stand up to any suspicious activity.
Here is a lot of encouraging news about efforts to assure potential fraud is eliminated during this election cycle:
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/ohio-secretary-state-refers-597-noncitizens-prosecution-after/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/gov-jeff-landry-signs-new-executive-order-forcing/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/breaking-texas-governor-greg-abbott-removes-one-million/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/huge-victory-alaska-voters-supreme-court-clears-path/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/us-supreme-court-upholds-arizonas-law-requiring-proof/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/nevada-supreme-court-delivers-blow-democrats-declines-block/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/pennsylvania-judge-rules-voters-election-officials-cannot-cure/
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/08/cuz-they-cant-cheat-ny-times-admits-democrats/
ISRAEL
Perhaps you heard about the preemptive strike Israel made against Hezbollah this past weekend. Israeli intelligence alerted the IDF to a deadly missile attacked forthcoming from Hezbollah directed at areas including Tel Aviv.
Israel sent 100 jets to counter this threat! They basically eliminated the threat. Here is a link to another gentleman living in Israel with a report that clarifies the details of Israeli efforts to defend their homeland. The video is entitled, “How Israel Destroyed Hezbollah’s Secret With 100 Fighter Jets.”
PASTOR TO PARENT
This week I am combining the “Creation Connection” section of this letter with my weekly word to parents.
Unfortunately, there are many books that indoctrinate children with the myth of evolution. Are you paying attention to the books your children read? Parents with children in the public school system MUST be diligent about this. The lie of evolution is everywhere, and it surfaces continually in the public school system.
Check out this article entitled: “How Children’s Books Indoctrinate Children in Darwinism.” This is worthy of your time and it will help you guard your children against the lie of evolution.
PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP
GROWING IN CHRIST
This past Sunday evening in our local fellowship we discussed how the Holy Spirit establishes local churches in the faith. It is not the will of God for his people to be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14). Rather, we are to be rooted and grounded in Christ and established in the faith (Col. 2:6-7).
As you grow in the Lord the Holy Spirit develops a deeper understanding of the essentials truths that define our faith. I am referring to such doctrine as the Triune Nature of God, the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ, salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
I encourage you to study these great truths. It is not God’s will for you to be weak in the faith. Instead let us be strong in the Lord that we might stand against the wiles of the devil. Amen!
THE LAST WORD
Again, you are welcome to attend our upcoming Homecoming service on September 8th. We are pleased to welcome the Gospel Harmony Boys to this special service. Their music is sure to bless your heart and the gospel will be shared. Following the service, we have food for all and an 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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