Americans are facing a monumental economic crisis. As pundits worldwide examine every angle of this issue, from bad mortgages, Wall Street greed, and Washington's failures, there is little doubt that the United States is grappling with unprecedented challenges to its financial future.

As you see your own personal retirement plans, home values, and other finances decline from where they were a year ago, let me challenge you to examine where you are spiritually compared to a year ago. Are you worried about money right now, and is that affecting how you plan to live your Christian life? Are you planning to work longer hours and serve God less? Are you thinking you will not be able to continue to give of your time and resources in the wake of the market crisis?

At this critical time – examine where you are with the Lord, and where your treasure is! The Word of God shows us that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. If our lives seem to be falling apart this week, perhaps our treasures have been misplaced!

The Bible also says that the generous soul will be made rich in the Lord. As we commit our ways to Him, no matter what happens on Wall Street or in Washington, God will honor our faithfulness to Him. Remember that God is faithful, He cannot deny Himself! Commit to continuing your cheerful giving unto the Lord, and see what great things He will do!

Beyond your giving of tithes and offerings to the Lord, what about your time and abilities? Are you giving of yourself to the Lord? Again and again in ministry, the BEST way to lay aside your worries and forget about yourself is to serve others, using your gifts and talents for God's glory!

So be encouraged to get involved in God's work if you are not already – serve by feeding those who undoubtedly will have even less to eat if markets take further turns for the worst. Serve by assisting in the day-to-day operations of your local Bible-believing church, as it will undoubtedly be on the front lines helping those who are seeking the Lord during these times of difficulty. Serve in the areas of evangelism, outreach, radio, communication. Essentially, serve doing anything God has gifted you to do! Commit to serving others, remembering that whatever you do to the "least of these" you do unto the Lord Himself! And as you continue giving of your resources, your time, and your talents, remember an important point about your attitude during this crisis. Christian, are you frantic with worry, or are you resting in the Lord? Are you thankful in the middle of the storm?

When David sought to build God a house in 2 Samuel 7, God clearly answered "no" to his seemingly noble prayer request. Instead, God promises to build DAVID a house. How did David respond? He answered God with thanksgiving! David magnifies the Lord, saying something we would all do well to remember in this difficult season: "Who am I, O Lord God? ... You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You," (2 Samuel 7:18, 22).

No matter what news comes in, magnify the Lord as David did! Remember, God is not moved or shaken by worldwide events. To the contrary, He knows each event and has warned us well in advance! God remains God no matter what happens, and that should give us much cause to be thankful!

God has taught us in His Word that the end times will be fraught with chaos. World powers will turn fully and forcefully against Israel. Today we see Russia and Iran posturing against Israel and its allies, including the United States. The world stage seems poised for cataclysmic events, and yet none of these events should surprise or move us.

We must all the more seek the Lord in these Last Days! Remember to be about His business, praying for His people, giving unto His work, serving in His fields and preparing to watch Him fulfill the many great and precious promises in His Word!