We can see America changing and continue to wonder where it will end. There are a number of risks that we now must take into consideration. There is excess leverage, government deficits, higher taxes coming, money instability and new regulations. There is potential for inflation, rising oil and gas prices and costs resulting from the oil spill off the Louisiana coast. European country’s debt crisis could become a global threat. You may be wondering why a small European country, Greece, is affecting the U.S. stock market. It is more than just Greece. If they can’t save Greece there are other countries that could default. If the plan to keep the PIIGS, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain from defaulting does not work it could tremendously affect the U.S., Asia and Latin America. It could even lead to another recession or an economic double dip. This is one of Wall Street’s major concerns. Should they default or have problems borrowing, U.S. and U.K. banks could be seriously hurt. There is a slight possibility that it could cause the fifteen nation euro zone to become undone which could affect the world financially. It is with these questions in mind that we look to and plan for the future. The problems with Europe are their government guarantees for socialized health care, retirement benefits and high wages for government employees. America could be headed for similar problems. The direction many nations are following could put the world into a major financial crisis. If politicians had spines this could all be fixed. However, when you see rioting in Greek’s streets because people are unwilling to submit to a lowering of their standard of living you can see why it is not easy to change. I am waiting to see what will happen in California if they don’t get bailed out. We are getting a similar view with government employees in Clark County unwilling to renegotiate their contracts. If the world is headed for a potential crisis what could be the outcome?

What has caused the world to get into this financial mess? Revelation 12:9b – “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

What we are watching throughout the world is the committing of the seven deadly sins. Pride produces all of the other sins. Then there is gluttony: the desire to consume more than one requires. Two more are lust and anger. Then there is sloth or the avoidance to work or improve oneself. The two I want to discuss is how satanic forces have caused greed and envy to affect our entire world. First, let me refer to the blog: “Satan’s attack on the Catholic Church”. It is estimated that Catholic priests have performed 100,000s of exorcisms on those possessed with evil spirits. Many of those possessed may have been in leadership positions. How many successful people have we tried to emulate what they may have done to become wealthy? Can you describe their character? Do they practice honesty, integrity, fairness and service to others? Or, are they willing to do whatever to achieve success?

Have we gone too far in pursuing wealth, fame, power and instant gratification? How much is excessive? Is there ever enough for many? One of the seven deadly sins that corrupt many is greed. If we do not want to be greedy and sinful then let’s call it a different name. We can call it being overly ambitious or extremely competitive making the sky our limit. Therefore, we must determine if we are working with the right motives and many have not been. How many of us are greedy enough that we would do almost anything for money, power or fame? Would you estimate 75% of the population? Has the world been allowing Satan and his millions of fallen angels and demons influence and set people’s goals? How susceptible are we to temptation?

Let us assume we are given a raise from $75,000 to $100,000. We go home and tell our spouses how pleased we are and how much the company appreciates us. We are celebrating, excited and very pleased until we find out that another employee we work with was raised to $125,000. Now we are angry! We become envious. Envy can be worse than greed. Envy may cause more athletes, actors, CEOs and others to demand excessive pay than greed. Envy has probably caused more wars than any other reason. Envy may cause more problems in the church and between churches than other factors.

If you are listening to the evening news or reading the daily paper can you not see what is happening in our world today? Politicians, unions, different political doctrines, executives and I could continue on putting themselves before everyone else. How capable is the world of reverting back to a less standard of living if it becomes necessary? This is what happened after the great depression of the 1930s. How many are willing to give up something to benefit others? What happened to love your neighbor or do unto others as you would do unto them? Greed and envy can cause picketing, riots and revolts. What will keep all of this from occurring? History tells us that this will take God’s intervention. When will God intervene? Scripture says only after thousands upon thousands of Christians pray for God to become involved. Want to know the rest of the story? Study Revelation! If you are willing to pray for a revival go to: 100 Prayer Warriors @ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=293198612560&ref=ts