How to begin. Where to begin. All the bad news out there it is causing uncertainty, concerns, worries and fears. Especially in the financial markets as we see the stock markets speeding downwards. I ask myself if I will be able to retire in two years or will I have to work for several more years. Governments are trying to apply financial brakes in the form of tens of billions of dollars, cutting interest rates, etc. all to hopefully restore some confidence amongest consumers. Will they be able to bring this financial disaster under control? We hear of numerous CEO's, Presidents of banks and other financial institutions walking away with millions. I heard of one CEO who earns 3-4 Billion dollars a year. One Bank president has a contract with his Bank that if it goes under he walks away with 15 million dollars. Greed and power of a few obviously have played a major role in what is happening in our socities. Notice how all this had a global domino effect? Now everybody is scrambling to undo the errors of their ways. Will foriegn governments now come to the rescue with financial aid offers? Countries like China, and other third World powers? Who says one has to invade with military force to conqueor. We hear of homes being lost because people no longer can afford their payments. One report from the USA sttated 60,000 homes a week were being foreclosed.

In Canada and in the United States we see Federal elections and with it comes the usual mud slinging, accussing each other of being incompetent to govern, being uncaring about the needs of the nation, of the people. Insults and lies are hurled back and forth, closet ghosts are out hoping to discredit one candiate or more. Here in Canada we have four "choices" Conservatives (Prime Minister Stephen Harper) Liberals ( Stefan Dion ) New Democratic Party ( Jack Leighton) The Green Party ( Mrs. May). In the USA you have Obama & McCain In both countries questions are being raised are any of these men qualified to run to be Prime Minister or President? But then who is? eh?

Then there is the high rate of immorality and crime in this country. We continue to hear of children being molested, abducted, murdered, sexually, physically and emotionally abused abused. The situation is not improving. Crime rates are increasing ( never mind what National Statistics say). Homeless is increasing, drug abuse (illegal & legal) continues at an alarming rate. Alcoholics are more numerous than most believe. Poverty is not going away. Here in Canada approximately 1-2 million children live in poverty not counting adults ( figures vary). On any given day in Canada there are 10,000 homeless people on the streets of our major cities. We see an increasingly high number of teens and youths involved in criminal activity such as murder, gang activities, rapes, assaults, etc.

I just received a new book called "QUITTING CHURCH" by Julia Duin a Religion Reporter for the WASHINGTON TIMES. The one question she raises is is why are so many Christians retaining their faith but stop attending worship services? I am going to start reading this today and will give a book report on my GROUPS when I'm done. We have a casual staff who is a former minister. We have had several interesting discussions on Christianity. Basically his belief is now that the established or mainstream churches no longer satisfy the spiritual needs of christians and no longer appeal to non-Christians. As one Teenager put it"Mainstream churches" are no different than the rest of the world. How many of us honestly feel comfortable or spiritually blessed in our congergations? Are we satisfied with the level of true spirituality? If not who is to blame? Or is it me? How many Christians worship God in Spirit and in Truth? How strong is bond between brethren? Be honest now. Too many who wear the name Christian spend too much time squabbling amongest themselves when we should be praying for oneanother, supporting oneanother, bonding in Christian love and unity. If we spent praying for our politicians, our Governments as we do in critizing them, condemning them. etc. we would hsve better governments. If we were more interested, more concerned about investing in spiritual riches how much happier and blessed we would be.

Skypilot

True Riches

Stop Worrying

Matt 6:19-25 (GW)