Not a week goes by that someone does not send me a news piece detailing the precarious position America occupies in today’s world. I continually read articles that describe the ambitions of countries like China, Russia and India to assume a dominant role in their regions and on the world stage. When you are number one, there is always someone wanting to knock you off.

This morning I read an article discussing the challenge to American leadership from these nations and how difficult it will be for the next U.S. president, whomever he or she may be, to deal with the ongoing problems of terrorism, financial upheaval and nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. These and other issues will not go away regardless of the domestic issues on which politics often turn.Polls show that people in some countries see America as a menace and the number one threat to global stability. These countries feel America is played out, deep in debt, energy dependent and too long at center stage. They feel it is time for America to exit—that it is their time in the sun.

As I travel I sometimes see the strong feelings that America provokes among many, especially in the Middle East. Of course there are many people on the street who see the good that America does in today’s world. In the past seven years the United States has spent more in humanitarian, medical and financial aid to Africa than any nation at any previous time. You don’t always hear about such aid, and certainly we don’t see the changes we would like to see because of the endemic problems in Africa. Tribalism, government corruption and poor hygiene top the list of the obstacles to dramatic change across the continent.

Our world is locked in a struggle for resources, power and peace. Russia wants to regain its place among the nations and is using its energy resources to assert itself in Europe. China seeks to dominate Asia with the size of its population and economy. The United States seeks to maintain a fragile yet enduring Pax Americana—a peace in many ways guaranteed and patrolled by its vast navy and troops. This struggle will only intensify in the coming years.

March/April World News and Prophecy

We are at work on the March/April issue of World News and Prophecy. Our lead article will deal with the housing crisis in America, which continues to be a cause for concern. Housing prices are slumping in many parts of the country while inflation creeps up, reflected by the rising price of gasoline and food. Americans are seeing more money go out of their pockets for these basic commodities. Brace yourselves; it is going to get worse. This article will give you some simple yet important steps you can take to combat the current economic climate.

Recessions and economic downturns are part of our capitalistic society. No matter how many events impact our lives, we always have the power of choice to make sound decisions in managing our lives and our money. Education is a key to staying ahead of changes. Living within our means is another vital key to economic security. Credit abuse is a leading “sin” of our consumer society. You and I cannot overextend ourselves financially without paying a penalty relatively soon.

A government can seem to get away with unsound monetary policies, but that’s deceptive. It just takes longer for the effects of fiscal mismanagement at that level to take effect.

Never lose the ability to control your financial well-being. Learn the basics of sound money management. Above all, take God as your partner in this and all matters in your life. There is a way to make your life “recession and depression proof.” It starts with knowing the key spiritual principles revealed in the Bible. 

Look for the March/April World News and Prophecy online next Thursday.