Blessings in Tough Times

[CGMedley]

Could it be that God has a provided a special blessing for those you trust Him in these tough times? Chuck Colson thinks so. You can read his commentary in this week's Adventist Review.

http://www.adventistreview.org/article.php?id=2621

[Tammy]

Why is it that the Review must resort to reprint artilces from non-SDA sources? Do we not have a wealth of our own authors? Would it not be better to reprint an article written by Ellen White? I think that be printing an article such as this one, we take the risk of members going to see what else this author has written, and eventually coming to the conclusion that they have the truth....brings in confusion....not good.

[Tammy]

A quote from the article in the Review:

Quote:

Another surprising benefit of renewed community spirit is that history tells us crime rates will go down. An extensive study by Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and the Kaiser Institute, found only one reliable predictor of crime rates in a community: whether it had, or lacked, a strong sense of community values and a willingness to impose those values on public space—what researchers called “community cohesion.” Crime was low in neighborhoods where people felt free to discipline neighborhood kids caught skipping school or scrawling graffiti on walls.

Sociologist James Q. Wilson found that, contrary to conventional wisdom, crime always drops in hard times. “The Depression pulled families together, and this cohesion inhibited crime,” he writes. It also lessened divorce, as Mike Gerson noted in the Washington Post. Many Americans “adopted a set of moral and economic habits such as thrift, family commitment, savings and modest consumption that lasted through their lifetimes—and that have decayed in our own,” Gerson writes.

Yes, that is what happened in the Great Depression...but that will not be the case this time.

Quote:

Statistics point to increase in crime during recessions By Lauren King

The Virginian-Pilot

© January 19, 2009

Across Virginia and the country, statistics indicate the crumbling economy is likely to spark growth in at least one arena during the new year: the national crime rate.

A jump in property crimes seems to occur when unemployment or poverty rates increase, according to a statewide study by Debbie Roberts, a research data programmer and analyst for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Violent and drug-related crimes also may escalate in times of recession, Roberts said, but less so than property crimes, including burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft, according to her recent report covering a 28-year period.

http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/statistics-point-increase-crime-during-recessions

[Tammy]

If you haven't seen this short video, it is worth watching -

the second video on the page -

http://ashtabulacounty.reteaparty.com/must-see-videos/

[Tammy]

This is what is here and the depression/recession is only going to intensify it ~

Quote:

We are living in the midst of an "epidemic of crime," at which thoughtful, God-fearing men everywhere stand aghast. The corruption that prevails, it is beyond the power of the human pen to describe. Every day brings fresh revelations of political strife, bribery, and fraud. Every day brings its heart-sickening record of violence and lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish destruction of human life. Every day testifies to the increase of insanity, murder, and suicide. Who can doubt that satanic agencies are at work among men with increasing activity to distract and corrupt the mind, and defile and destroy the body?--Ministry of Healing, pp. 142, 143. {ChS 53.2}

The spirit of anarchy is permeating all nations, and the outbreaks that from time to time excite the horror of the world are but indications of the pent-up fires of passion and lawlessness that, having once escaped control, will fill the earth with woe and desolation. The picture which Inspiration has given of the antediluvian world, represents too truly the condition to which modern society is fast hastening. Even now, in the present century, and in professedly Christian lands, there are crimes daily perpetrated, as black and terrible as those for which the old-world sinners were destroyed. Before the flood, God sent Noah to warn the world, that the people might be led to repentance, and thus escape the threatened destruction. As the time of Christ's second appearing draws near, the Lord sends His servants with a warning to the world to prepare for that great event. Multitudes have been living in transgression of God's law, and now He in mercy calls them to obey its sacred precepts. All who will put away their sins by repentance toward God and faith in Christ, are offered pardon.--Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 102. {ChS 53.3}

The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species of evil prevails.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 11. {ChS 54.1}

It is hard to believe that this wa written so long ago...it sounds like it was written yesterday....

[CGMedley]

Hi Tammy

The Adventist Review presents many interesting articles by Adventist authors. You'll find them in our printed magazine as well as our Web site. However, online we take the opportunity of printing a few positive, edifying, pieces from other authors that have constructive things to say.

The Review is not the mouthpiece of the Adventist Church. Everything that we print has not been officially sanctioned by the brethren.

Our articles there to offer encouragement and to spark discussion. They are not official pronouncements of the church.

I believe that our audience has the Christian maturity to discern what is helpful in their life journey and to ignore what is not.