[GP Tract]

The countdown is on to the "launch" of the millennium bug—that "insignificant" computer programming shortcut that now threatens to thrust mankind into its worst technological disaster ever. But the big question is, how bad will it be? At midnight December 31st, 1999, when the twelfth stroke of the clock ushers in the year 2000, will we barely notice it, or will the fears of many come true?

Will the lights go out? Will global electronic systems fail? What about banks, telecommunications systems‚ stock markets and government agencies, not to mention private businesses and individual computer operators? How prepared are they for the problem when it comes to pass, and what will happen should their computer-driven systems go kaput?

Will technologically-dependent societies cease to function properly, and if so, for how long? With micro chips embedded into most utility systems—such as power, water, sewage treatment, gas, etc.—at risk of malfunctioning, what will that mean for your home? Will it just be a "hiccup"—a few days or weeks of minor inconveniences—or will the world be thrown into mass confusion?

There is much speculation about what will happen when computer systems around the world click over to the year 2000, which many systems will instead mistakenly recognize as 1900. Opinions on the possible effects of what is known as the "millennium bug" or "Y2K bug‚" and how widespread and devastating they portend to be, vary widely. But there's one thing that just about everyone agrees on: Nobody really knows what's going to happen. And that's leaving many folks pretty uncomfortable.

If you think the Y2K bug won't affect your life—think again. You may feel confident that your company has taken the proper precautions and called in experts to fix the bug in their computers and machinery, and so maybe you feel safe. Maybe even your local city government has been on top of things and claims to be "Y2K ready." But that doesn't necessarily put you in the clear.

Life in the digital age has many wonderful advantages. Yet with them comes one stark reality: In today's high-tech society the world is linked like never before. A myriad of complex and inter-connecting computer-driven systems control nearly every aspect of modern life, including many basic amenities that most people take for granted. Considering this, it's evident how someone else's lack of preparedness could very well affect you.

When the fireworks and celebrations usher in the next millennium, the lights might not go out where you are. Depending on where you live, the Y2K bug may or may not appear to immediately affect your life, and your community may not be thrown into turmoil. You may even go back to work after the New Year's holidays to find things at your job running relatively smoothly. But one way or another, the systems that do fail are bound to affect your life. And they could cause you a lot of trouble if you are not prepared.

How can you prepare? There are some practical steps you can take in case you have to survive indoors for a few weeks in the event of civil disorder or stores and businesses being shut down or services disrupted: Stock up on enough food and especially drinking water to last you two weeks to a month. Make a list of other essential items you might need, and purchase those ahead of time. Better to have it and not need it‚ than to need it and not have it.

But the best and most important way to prepare for the events of the new millenium is to link up with the one system that will never fail. Whether the Y2K bug hits you hard and fast, or whether you just feel its ripple effect, the one way you can rest assured that you're going to be all right is by opening your heart to Me and receiving Me as your Savior. If you link up with Me, I'll always take care of you no matter what. You don't have to hinge your faith on man's frail and unstable systems. Put your faith and trust in Me, and I will save you and keep you through times of trouble.

If your faith rests in this world's electronic systems and the wisdom and ability of society to work out its own salvation, then brace yourself for some rough times ahead. But if you choose to trust in Me‚ I am able to keep you through whatever hard times may come. There may be shortages and power-outages, computer systems and equipment may fail, turmoil and confusion may come—but I will be with you.

If you open your heart to Me and ask for My guidance, I will speak to your heart and instruct you directly on how to best handle each problem that may come your way and overcome each obstacle you will face. I can whisper to you in your thoughts and show you what you should do to prepare for the days ahead. All you have to do is to accept My love in your heart. Simply call on Me and say, "Jesus‚ I accept You into my life. Please fill me with Your love and peace, and help me to learn more about You by reading Your Word in the Bible. Speak to my heart and help me prepare for the future."

This is the most important thing you can do to prepare for the millennium bug and the potential disruptions it may bring to your life and society as a whole. The physical preparations are important and necessary, but the preparation of the heart is the most important, because My love in your heart will give you the courage and strength to face anything that may come your way.

If you open your heart to Me, and if through your prayers you continue to look to Me for help and guidance, I will take care of you. I promise that I will never leave you nor forsake you, because I love you. And on top of that, when the years have gone by and your time in this world grinds to a halt, I will bring you to your new home in Heaven. You'll then enter a new world of love where you'll be safe and secure for all eternity.

Prepare for the new millennium—receive My love today!

Love, Jesus

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