Our world is in a mess (2004 ). I don't believe anyone would argue about this. I marvel at our president, George Bush, how he manages to cope with the myriad responsibilities of his office. So many problems seem incapable of solution.

For example, I don't see how it will be possible for the Israelis and the Palestinians to agree on the status of Jerusalem.

If there ever was a moment in history when people need to hear what the Lord Jesus is saying, it is now. There simply are no political, educational, or financial solutions that are going to bring harmony among nations. Only God can do this.

But we must believe God has a plan. That God knows what He is doing. That God has not turned the world over to Satan or to mankind. That God has the power to do as He likes with every creature in the universe. God is in control!

Why does God permit suffering? God does not cause suffering. It is sin that brings about suffering.

Then why does God not intervene and prevent people from sinning? Because God wants people who obey Him because they desire to, not because they are compelled to be righteous against their will.

Does God realize the agony of the African people as they experience drought, famine, and AIDS? Does God know about the African children who are being born with AIDS?

God knows about every child and feels the suffering.

Why doesn't God heal all the sick and feed all the hungry?

Because when people are healthy and have no problems they do not serve the Lord.

Does God afflict people so they will pray? God afflicted the Apostle Paul! I think it was King David who said, "Before I was afflicted I went astray." Have you personally had that experience?

God at Babel created various languages so people could not understand one another and work together. This Divine action produced wars. That should teach us that we ought not to assume what God wants. We need to hear what God is saying at any given time. The Temple was filled with the leaders of Israel, but only Anna and Simeon recognized God in the Baby Jesus. How blind we can be and never realize it!

Because the living God behaves in unfathomable ways—ways that are not approved of or even understood by the educated people of our time—we should not be rushing around trying to build the Kingdom of God when we do not know what we are doing.

We say to people, "Jesus loves you," when the truth may be that the Lord is terribly disgusted with the individual.

Paradise was on earth once. How did the people behave?

Jesus Christ was on the earth once, healing the sick and bringing blessing everywhere He went. How was He treated?

Every person who has lived on the earth and then died is somewhere in the spirit world, waiting for the Day of Resurrection. When that day arrives, every person will be judge fairly.

God died on the cross for the sins of men. So who is able to accuse God of unrighteousness?

Christ said He would build His Church. He knows what He is doing. He has seen the blueprint, we haven't. I think Jesus is looking for people who will pray every day, read their Bible, worship together with other believers, give of their means, and serve as they are able. Who will, in addition to these good works, listen carefully for the voice of Jesus at every moment of every day and night. And when they hear that voice, do precisely what Jesus commands.

"Whatever He says to you, do it!"

Meanwhile the religious Babylons will cry "Work! work! work!" But they will be eating in fine restaurants while you are endeavoring to obey them by fasting and passing out tracts.

If we want, we can dance on the mountains of spices with the Lord. I would rather do this than "burn out for Christ" while I was trying to help God out.

Wouldn't you? (from Helping God Out)