Here are some thoughts on the economy: With the stock market doing roller coaster rides, dropping sharply and, then, "rallying" again more recently, it seems conducive to present some Biblical guidelines, though very limited, on the subject of money.

1. "It is more blessed to give than to receive," are the words of our Lord and, of course, "All we have is from God," as one of the prophets stated. Also, the Psalmist made mention, "The cattle of a thousand hills are Mine, and all the gold and silver; if I were hungry I would not tell you," as he spoke for God. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that prosperity gives us a sense of well-being and that by giving we get.

2. The prayers "Give us this day our daily bread," "Ask, and it shall be given you," and "God, help us!" are still in effect.

3. It used to be "In God we trust." Now it's, "In the lottery we trust." "The love of money is a root of a lot of evil," still holds and, as Jim Bakker once remarked, "It's one thing to have money but quite another thing for money to have you." In addition, there are many crying, "Give to God," but it is their names on the return address. And tithing is Old Testament theology, but giving, of course, is still in.

4. To conclude, the Bible warns the rich to be "rich toward God" and to be "rich in helping others." Although "money answers all needs," King Solomon pointed out, "It is foolish to think that money can bring you happiness," he went on, especially if we're not "content with food and clothing." Finally, "Beloved, I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in health as your soul prospers."