Since the 1960s, Australia has been known as “The Lucky Country.” Most people have assumed that it earned this nickname because of its vast natural resources and rich agricultural land. However, there is no “luck” or “good fortune” involved in Australia’s prosperity. It has resulted from a source that very few people today acknowledge, or have even considered.

It was simply a trip to a major retail bookseller with a friend who wanted to pick up a book. Who knew it would be an eye-opening experience? Unless you go to movie theaters, watch a lot of popular television shows, or peruse the popular books at your favorite retailer, you may not be aware of the current obsession involving vampires, zombies, and other macabre subjects and creatures.

Two thousand years ago, Jesus forewarned His disciples that certain events would occur just before His return to this earth at the end of the age (Matthew 24:3-13). About 70 years later, the Apostle John recorded a vision of a woman riding a beast, picturing a future church-influenced governmental system that would arise in the last days and influence not only Europe but the world (Revelation 17).

A leading German news magazine recently published a cover article about the sad state of affairs in America (Der Spiegel, November 5, 2012).  This sobering article, entitled “Notes on the Decline of a Great Nation,” cites numerous reasons for America’s decline.  “The United States is frittering away its role as a model for the rest of the world.

Being a grandparent is one of the best “jobs” in the world. Children and grandchildren are truly a blessing, a gift, a heritage and a reward. They are our posterity. And they are an “inheritance” from God. Have you talked to your grandparents recently?