Each of you is well-aware that we are living in very difficult times. Every morning when I read the paper, I am reminded of just how close to home these difficulties really are. Just this morning I read where two kids, who were waiting on the school bus, were shot! No one in his right mind wants his children or grandchildren to be exposed to this kind of hooliganism. Of course, this is just a drop in the proverbial bucket! We can all rest-assured that this kind of depravity will only get worse (if depravity can worsen) in direct proportion to the corruption that is going on at every level of government. The financial crisis is obviously bringing to surface the very worst in man, and we haven’t seen anything, yet. I could go on-and-on, but be aware–please.

On top of all that is going on not only a round our feet, but also around the world, we know have a huge storm that is about to cause much devastation along the east coast. If, as predicted, this storm hits the Outer Banks of NC and lands on Long Island and NYC, we will have one major catastrophe. My prayer is that God will change the storm’s course (He can, you know!), but, if not, then to spare lives. So many seem determined not to move out of the storm’s fury, so who knows what will happen to them? The financial ramifications of this storm will be enormous; however, we seem to have plenty of money, so that should not be a major concern. Our debt is now only 14 trillion and I do not believe we have any on reserve for emergencies, so I guess we will have to print more next week.

Have we all gone nuts? What has happened to reason, to common sense? I heard someone say the other day, that listening to the Democrats and Republicans argue over how to solve the debt problem is about like listening to two drunks aboard the Titanic argue over who would pay the bar tab.

Folks, like the Titanic, this “ship” will sink, even though most are fully convinced that all is well, so in my opinion most of the arguments of the day are really irrelevant. We have but one hope and that Hope is Jesus, the living, breathing, Son of the Living God, our Savior! Whatever else you might do, lay hold of Him, as He is one, fine life preserver.