Treasures In Heaven

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. *1

While experts tell us that the worst of the economy is behind us, some begin to analyze an unexpected effect throughout this situation. Currently, the U.S. government is considered the most active player in the economy.*2
The government now backs nearly 90% of all new mortgage loans. It's taken control of massive financial identities which were previously private, such as AIG, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac valued at over $5 trillion. It inject taxpayer money in the nations largest banks giving it the authority to control almost all aspects of banking industry.*3 Furthermore, the FDIC which guarantees depositors money is not only running out but will remain in red for a couple of years.*4

In the end it is the government that determines who gets loans and will establish the policies of the nations banks. It's not so difficult to place these events in the prophetic framework. The growth in control and power of the government opens the door to the enactment of Sunday laws so that only those without the mark of the beast will be able to buy and sell.*5 This is precisely why the servant of the Lord tells us what our duty will be in the end-times according to Bible prophecy:

Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble, for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God through sacrifice. If they have their property on the altar and earnestly inquire of God for duty, He will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the time of trouble and have no clogs to weigh them down.

I saw that if any held on to their property and did not inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able. I heard some mourn like this: "The cause was languishing, God's people were starving for the truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack; now our property is useless. Oh, that we had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven!" I saw that a sacrifice did not increase, but it decreased and was consumed. I also saw that God had not required all of His people to dispose of their property at the same time; but if they desired to be taught, He would teach them, in a time of need, when to sell and how much to sell. Some have been required to dispose of their property in times past to sustain the Advent cause, while others have been permitted to keep theirs until a time of need. Then, as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell.

Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven and to set our hearts in order, ready for the time of trouble. Those only who have clean hands and pure hearts will stand in that trying time. Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds, foreheads, and written in our hearts.

Some are looking too far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued a few years longer than they expected; therefore they think it may continue a few years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present truth, out after the world. * 6

This is why Jesus tells us:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. * 7

JESUS IS COMING!

1 * Revelation 18:4, 5
2 * http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/12/AR2009091202932.html
3 * http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/06/AR2009090602033.html
4 * http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052970204488304574428970233151130.html
5 * Revelation 13:17
6 * "Early Writings", "Duty in View of the Time of Trouble", Ellen White
7 * Matthew 6:19-21