The "Caller Times" ran a story Tuesday morning that stock of American Airlines parent company had dropped to a 2003 level on fears they were heading for bankruptcy. Apparently company employees had picked up on the rumor earlier for 129 American Airlines pilots retired last Friday. They are the only major airline that has lost money this year. They lost 286 million in the second quarter alone! Why would this company remembered as the best in the air years ago be stumbling toward bankruptcy? I have not a clue so I simply share what the experts say. They want to bring the labor and debt costs in line with other airlines who are making money. Is American Airlines broke? They expect to end the third quarter with 4.3 BILLION in cash reserves. Their liabilities, however, are about 9.77 billion.
Bankruptcy is a strange system these days. It has become a way out of a bad situation. I think I remember when it was a time when some person or business simply said..."I'm whipped. I am going out of business and you won't get your money because I don't have any." 4.3 billion dollars in cash reserves is not exactly broke.
Being an Apostle was not a lucrative business. I think it bothered Judas and he went for some easy money, he thought. The guilt of what he did cost him his life. Peter and John had not found their new way of life making them rich. A crippled man was taking his place at the temple gate to beg as he had done most of his life. "When he saw Peter and John he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him,as did John. Then Peter said, 'Look at us!', so the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk!' Taking him by the right hand he helped him up and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk."
These two men who could be called "bankrupt" by the world had something far more valuable than silver or gold. Jesus had empowered these Apostles with His own power to heal. They may have appeared worth nothing but they were exceedingly rich! You and I are too as we have the saving love and grace of God. We will never have to file for spiritual bankruptcy.
