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 Re:

it's like rapture might happen in our or our kids lifetime bad.

What is God saying with all the hurt that we're going through

 2010/12/4 4:10









 Re: How bad are things? (am asking in all sincerity )

note: this should be in the news section, but i thought it appropriate here. i, as we all have, been hungry in my life, but something about this article sent a chill thru me. i know why that chill went thru me, but i prefer to be silent:)

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December 3, 2010
Millions Bracing for Cutoff of Unemployment AidBy MICHAEL LUO, KIM SEVERSON, DAVID HERSZENHORN and ROBBIE BROWN
More than two million jobless Americans are entering the holiday season seized with varying levels of foreboding, worry or even panic over what lies ahead as they cope with the expected cutoff of their unemployment benefits.

Their economic fates are now connected on a taut string to skirmishing between Democrats and Republicans in Washington over whether to extend federal financing for unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless.

Tuesday marked the expiration of a pair of federal programs that had extended unemployment benefits anywhere from 34 to 73 weeks on top of the 26 weeks already provided by the states.

The federal extensions have been customary in past recessions and their aftermath, but they have become ensnared lately in political jousting over the soaring budget deficit.

Some recipients have already received their final checks. If the impasse remains unresolved, others will see their payments lapse in the coming days or weeks, depending on how long they have been receiving benefits.

By the end of December, more than two million are set to lose their extended benefits, according to estimates by the National Employment Law Project, and about a million more by the end of January.

While benefits have lapsed twice before in this downturn because of Congressional bickering — the last time, in June and July, payments were interrupted for 51 days— advocates for the unemployed are worried that if the issue is not resolved by the current lame-duck session of Congress, prospects in the next, with Republicans ascendant, are even slimmer.

That would mean a new reality facing legions of people across the country: a cutoff after six months of benefits for anyone out of work.

MICHAEL LUO




In Washington, Partisan Gridlock

WASHINGTON — With jobless benefits starting to run out for up two million of the long-term unemployed, Senate Democrats this week repeatedly tried to bring up a bill that would prolong aid for a year, only to hear Republicans object and block the legislation. Democrats, in turn, rejected Republican counterproposals.

In both the Senate and House, Democrats are pressing the case for jobless aid on two fronts, arguing that it is both the moral and humanitarian thing to do — especially during the holiday season — and that it is also an effective policy mechanism to help stimulate the economy.

“Unemployment insurance, the economists tell us, returns $2 for every dollar that is put out there,” the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, said in a floor speech on Thursday. “People need the money. They spend it immediately for necessities. It injects demand into the economy. It helps reduce the deficit.”

Republicans said they would be willing to extend benefits provided that Democrats agree to cut spending elsewhere to cover the cost, sparking indignation among Democrats who noted that the Republicans never insist on offsetting the revenue lost through tax cuts.

A deal to extend the aid is likely, but only as part of a wider agreement on the expiring Bush-era tax cuts, and it is unclear how long that will take.

One exchange on the Senate floor, between Senators Jack Reed, Democrat of Rhode Island, and Scott P. Brown, Republican of Massachusetts, was emblematic of the debate.

“In my state of Rhode Island, people are in a very serious situation,” Mr. Reed said. “They are struggling to stay in their homes, to educate their children, to deal with the challenges of everyday life. They have worked hard and long all their lives, and now they are finding it difficult to get a job.”

Mr. Reed noted that Congress has always extended jobless benefits in times of high unemployment.

“We have always done it on an emergency basis because it truly is an emergency,” he said. “We have always determined that it was necessary to get the money to the people who could use it, who needed it desperately, and we should do that again.”

Moments later, when Mr. Reed asked for the Senate’s unanimous agreement to consider his bill, Mr. Brown was waiting. “I object,” Mr. Brown said. “And I have a pay-for alternative on which I would like to speak.”

Mr. Brown proposed that money previously appropriated but not yet spent be redirected for the jobless aid. “The recent job numbers in Massachusetts reflect over 280,000 people unemployed in my state alone — over 8 percent of the Massachusetts work force. As the senator from Rhode Island mentioned — and I know Rhode Island well; I eat in Federal Hill regularly — the unemployment is much higher there.”

Mr. Brown noted that within just six and a half hours benefits would start to run out. “I don’t want this to happen,” he said. “If we fail to act today, 60,000 Bay Staters will see their unemployment checks evaporate at the end of the week.”

Mr. Brown then asked unanimous consent for the Senate to take up his proposal. Mr. Reed, however, was waiting. “I object,” he said.

DAVID HERSZENHORN



Lessons in Making Do With Less and Less

ORLANDO, Fla. — People used to living on little learn a lot of tricks to get by.

How long to ignore the notices before the power really gets shut off, for example. Or how many days past the freshness date stamped on a package of bologna is one day too many.

But the people walking into the Community Food and Outreach Center here have often run out of options. And now they may soon have to learn to be even poorer.

It is the responsibility of the center’s staff to try to help them deal with this new level of doing without.

“We already turn off the AC and pretty much eat those dollar noodles with the seasoning packet,” said Jacynth Allen, who at 47 finds herself for the first time among the long-term unemployed.

Workers here are preparing to increase by about 30 percent the amount of food they have available, just one example of preparations occurring across the country as social service providers brace for what they expect to be a surge of people in need.

With the memory of the onslaught that occurred when unemployment benefits lapsed over the summer, the center is planning one of its most aggressive food drives ever, along with a campaign to drum up donations and volunteers, said Andrae Bailey, the executive director.

The organization is also planning to invite governmental agencies and other nonprofits to set up on campus to offer assistance.

“These families don’t know how to navigate through an economic crisis,” he said. “Their support system is already depleted. They have nothing left to sell and no one left to ask. And now they are going to lose the $250 they use for housing and food.”

It is among the center’s aisles of free bread and deeply discounted packaged food that the simple daily challenge of being newly poor shows itself. Trying to put together a meal when even a dime makes a difference is bewildering for someone who used to stroll down the aisle at the grocery store with only a casual interest in coupons.

How do you plan a menu around a random collection that might include a tube of anchovy paste, a can of mandarin orange slices and a slightly crushed box of Ritz crackers?

The relative value of the little things a household takes for granted — plastic garbage bags, toothpaste — must be weighed against an extra box of cereal or a package of off-brand cookies that might soften the situation, if only for a few bites.

Troy O’Dell, 42, rejected a dented family-size can of tomato soup the food bank had marked at $1.29. He knew he could get it at a grocery outlet for 89 cents.

Mr. O’Dell resents having to even think about the price of a can of soup. He’s a dry waller who was never out of work until a couple of years ago. He figures he has one unemployment check left.

He says he will have to get even smarter about stretching his food bank supplies to feed him and his 14-year-old daughter.

The deer he shot a few days ago will help. With his last unemployment check, he plans to buy an $8 seasoning packet so he can make 40 pounds of venison jerky.

“That way, it’ll last longer,” he said.

KIM SEVERSON



Mounting Bills And Pessimism

FAIRBURN, Ga. — Frank Sanders can visualize how his tidy, green-shuttered mobile home will deteriorate if he does not regain unemployment benefits.

His living room furniture? It is scheduled to be repossessed. The kitchen? He is already stockpiling canned food donated by churches. The mobile home itself? By next month, he will have spent his last rent money, and then Mr. Sanders, a 64-year-old Vietnam veteran who lost his job as a welder last year, is bracing for the possibility of homelessness.

“We’re running low on time,” said Mr. Sanders, a bulky former Air Force parachutist who lives with his disabled wife, Ruth, in this small Atlanta suburb. Their monthly income of $948 in Social Security benefits does not cover her medical expenses, let alone their car, phone, rent, food or electrical costs, he said. “The bills just keep piling up.”

Add to that grim outlook a new concern: This week is the first since Mr. Sanders lost his job in May 2009 that they will not receive $323 in government unemployment benefits. Unless Congress approves a measure extending federal assistance for the long-term unemployed, they will be among more than two million jobless Americans who will lose their benefits by the end of this month. So there is a special urgency to Mr. Sanders’s daily trips around town in his Chevy Trailblazer, applying for jobs at fast-food restaurants, construction sites and retail stores. An artist by hobby, he also paints landscapes on common items — milk jugs, vinyl records, buzz saws — and sells them for $15.

Such hardship is humbling. Raised in a working-class family and employed all of his life until last year, Mr. Sanders went to a food bank for a donated Thanksgiving turkey. “I’m supposed to be the provider, I’m supposed to be taking care of the situation,” he said. “There I am begging for food.”

He lost his job at a factory that welds equipment for bulldozers in Lafayette, Ind., amid a companywide downsizing. His wife’s daughter lives in Georgia, so they moved here this year, hoping he could find work as a carpenter or construction worker, but so far he has not received any offers. For “good luck,” he recently placed a large golden Buddha statue in his living room. But he admits that he is pessimistic. The state unemployment rate is 10 percent. Every evening, he watches C-Span, hoping for news that Congress has passed the extensions, and ends up yelling at the television.

“I’m wondering where the next dollar is going to come from, or the next meal,” he said. “When I’m not looking for work, my day is filled with a lot of pacing back and forth.”

ROBBIE BROWN


 2010/12/4 8:05
JoanM
Member



Joined: 2008/4/7
Posts: 797


 Re: How bad are things?

How bad are things? I think Isaiah paints an accurate picture.

If I limit myself to how bad are things in the United States, I see people turning everywhere but to God and His Word. Things are very bad indeed.

For example: I see the fruit of a politically distorted view of families ripening. I live in a 920 square foot, two bedroom, one bath, single family dwelling which was home to a husband, wife, and three children. How ever did they manage? I do not know a single member in my fellowship that does not have space, where they live, for at least one family member. Most have space for five or more, unless you think every child should have their own bedroom.

Like Nathan4Jesus, a chill went through me reading his collected posts. But not the same sort of chill. Mr. O’Dell resents having to even think about the price of a can of soup. Frank Sanders does not have the money he spent on rented furniture (or was it installment purchased while unemployed). Being on unemployment since May 2009 (1 year and 7 months). Though he moved his disabled wife to the same state that her daughter lives in, they did not join households. Daily his hope is in news from a cable TV station that the government will extend unemployment and he has “covered the bases” with a Buddha.

MaryJane: Here is a resource for Godly wisdom: Money Life, a Christian radio program, had a good series of programs on helping the unemployed [See daily program for 11/13/10 (12 practical recommendations) and 11/11/10]. You can find the programs under “media” http://www.crown.org/media/relatedcontent/111310.aspx Although I do not know anyone laid off [!], my fellowship is considering offering free diapers for a year to any recently laid off family, and all the outreach things that could go with that.

 2010/12/4 11:55Profile
Joyful_Heart
Member



Joined: 2009/12/8
Posts: 1795


 Re:

I think as the days grow worse that the more important things will be taking place in our lives. Instead of debating doctrine etc. we will be helping others more and get back to the basics of Christianity which is LOVE. The Lord knew we would all have different beliefs and be at different places with our walk with Him and that is why He said to love the brethren. He has given so many ways to do that, to forbear, forgive, give, have mercy, don't judge etc.

There are Churches that are reaching out like Joan M's Church with diapers. I was privileged to go and stand on concrete for 3 hours with no break in a fast assembly line packaging food for kids. I am not young but I came away rejuvenated and not sore in one place. Glory to God

The little City I live in is so awesome. They feed the children who are in need breakfast, lunch & dinner at school. Then on Friday we bag up a huge sack of all kinds of food, enough for them and others in the family so they wont go hungry on the weekends.

Someone donated the land and the huge warehouse building just to feed people in the city. They are giving out 4,000 of these each weekend. Glory to God.

Someone said, if the Churches would step up more we would have a lot less hunger. etc.

Also, I was so blessed by Gospel For Asia. They have a catalog with items you can purchase for missionaries & the people of the land and a lot of folks are going to do that instead of buying a bunch of Christmas gifts this year.

Joan M said it the best when she said things are getting bad but people aren't coming to the Lord in the US but they are around the world. I guess things are not bad enough here yet.

As we walk with the Lord, He will show us what and when to give. A roast to a neighbor, diapers, missionaries, service, a friendly face, a hug, to SI etc. There are so many ways to give and we dont have to be wealthy to give. I went to a Church were the poorest lady in the Church actually gave the most that year. She was joyful as she said all her needs have been met.

I pray that God will give the increase to us all. Not so we can make ourselves more comfortable with more stuff but so we can give. All glory to God. It's not about us it's about Jesus and others. This is the Christians opportunity to step up, our opportunity to share the love of God. It is an exciting time to be a Christian and will get more exciting. The darker the dark the lighter the light. All glory to God.

 2010/12/4 12:25Profile
ginnyrose
Member



Joined: 2004/7/7
Posts: 7534
Mississippi

 Re:

The other day I was talking to a lady who was telling me how her husband is drawing an unemployment check. The one from the state expired and now he is getting one from the Feds. In the meantime, he is enrolled in nursing school thanks to some financial aid that he qualifies for.

She also told me that the checks he got from the state were all put into savings and that now they are beginning to spend that which comes from the Feds.

What is their financial situation? They own a farm, debt free; had a job elsewhere but was laid off of it; their son operates their 'livestock' operation; and she is an RN who works part-time who was also laid off from her hospital job.

Are these people anywheres near poor? NO!

Well, envy will not get you anywhere, but God will sustain you. Recently the LORD impressed on my mind that I should not focus on money, but on Him. As I do this, I am left asking the question: do I need this today? Remember the LORD's prayer, "give us this day our daily bread"?

ginnyrose


_________________
Sandra Miller

 2010/12/4 13:17Profile
MaryJane
Member



Joined: 2006/7/31
Posts: 3057


 Re:

Greetings Neil

As I read over what you shared I began to have a very unsettled feeling come over me. I would almost describe it as fearful. I am not sure why these stories had this effect on me but I do know that it is sin for me to be afraid.I do not really know what lays ahead but I want to trust in the Lord and learn to daily walk by faith. In these times it is difficult for someone like me but I really do want to learn to hear His voice and to be obedient in all things. Learning to discern things that are happening around me so that I might be about His Kingdom.

Thank you all for responding
maryjane

 2010/12/4 22:57Profile
Jeremy221
Member



Joined: 2009/11/7
Posts: 1532


 Re: America's Last Call (5/6)

 America's Last Call (Part 5 of 6) by David Wilkerson

Topic: America

https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=17775&commentView=itemComments

 2010/12/7 16:26Profile
Lordoitagain
Member



Joined: 2008/5/23
Posts: 632
Monroe, LA - USA

 Re: How bad are things? (am asking in all sincerity )

I was listening to a message a while back by Andrew Strom regarding the coming economic crash. One thing that he pointed out is the fact that if we make ourselves busy with taking care of the poor, then as things get worse, God will take care of us. He is highly interested in taking care of the poor.

Often it is difficult when dealing with the poor in this country, because it is often hard to discern where there is real need, or simple laziness, addictions, mismanagement, etc ...

For MANY years there have been REAL verifiable needs amongst our brethren in other countries. I believe that as things crunch down for us here in the USA, those who have been a source of strength for the body of Christ in other lands will see abundance to supply every need.

These are some good places to really make a difference:

http://www.persecution.com/

http://www.gfa.org/

A couple of years back when I started more heavily supporting the desperately needy, I saw much greater provision in my life personally.

Of course, those who are worshipping idols of materialism are not even in the kingdom of God. It may take a crash in the economy for some to even see that they are blinded by the gods of this world.


_________________
Michael Strickland

 2010/12/7 17:41Profile









 Re: How bad are things? (am asking in all sincerity )

What do you think God wants us to do about this?

 2010/12/8 0:31
Jimm
Member



Joined: 2004/4/27
Posts: 498
Harare, ZIMBABWE

 Re:

Hi codec and MJ,

I just want to reassure my fellow christians that God will take care of you in Christ Jesus. I lived through the worst economic crisis in history and I know that the one in America will be nowhere near as bad. We reached 235 million percent inflation! This came in a nice package of civil unrest and mass intimidation and brutality as those in power did not want to loose it and our constitution had no provisions against this. 10 years later, we are still here and strong in Christ for it. It was a passing wind. Our inflation is down to 4% now and look, I'm on the internet just like you!

What to do is to continually praise God through it. Look for good in every situation and every person. Refuse to blame "the system" or those in power but see this as the sovereign hand of God fulfilling the begining of sorrows in Matthew 24.

Again, things in America won't get as bad as over here. The global community will bail you out. You have good leadership. Actual gold reserves, farming, oil etc. You'll be fine. Quality of life may take a little dip, but not only is it temporary. You soon discover that the things that make up your current life, many of them you can do without but what is important is having Christ. He is our peace of mind, our joy be our hope.

James


_________________
James Gabriel Gondai Dziya

 2010/12/8 2:04Profile





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