Friday, October 17, 2008
The Current Economic Fiasco
When it comes to the current economic fiasco, the questions tend to fall into three genreal categories: What has happened? Who’s at fault? What does this mean for my family’s future?
While there's plenty of blame to go around, it probably started with politicians who tried to buy votes by establishing the Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA (goaded on by neighborhood activist groups) pushed banks into lending mortgage money to people who shouldn't have borrowed money. Then those banks dumped the bad paper on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. While hiding the true nature of these loans (aided and abetted by rating agencies who pretended that all was well), Mac and Mae re-packaged the junk mortgages into respectable-looking bonds. Then they sold those bonds to every imaginable investment firm—some of whom were showing them at 100%+ of value on their books—and also leveraging those amounts by as much as 30/1 (i.e. Lehman Brothers). Then, insurance companies like AIG insured these bonds—without having enough money to cover their guarantees. When home prices began to sink—the handwriting was on the wall.
But at the heart of it all was the belief that God was wrong -- that, in fact, the borrower is not the slave of the lender. (Proverbs 22) As we embraced this kind of thinking, we began to believe that by digging an ever deepening hole we could eventually build a mountain of wealth.
We are a culture that is saturated with “stuffaholism.” (I think Jesus referred to this as “loving the things of this world.”) And, we have fallen for the lie from the pit that says: Stuff, sex, money = Happiness. If that were true, it would stand to reason that the happiest families would all be in Hollywood!
Sadly, many Christians (who are called to be the “salt of the earth”) have lost our savor. Many of us are in the same mess. Even Christians normally critical of those who abuse drugs and alcohol think nothing of anesthetizing the pain they feel when the credit card bill arrives -- by going back to the mall.
There are three lessons that might turn this very difficult experience into a fruitful learning and growing opportunity for God’s people:
1. James, put a high premium on wisdom. (see James 1:5) Today, there seems to be confusion between wisdom and knowledge. They both have their place, but they are not synonymous. Knowledge is what tells one that tomatoes are a fruit. Wisdom is what tells us not to put a tomato into a fruit salad. Today’s world has plenty of knowledge, but a dearth of wisdom. The smart people of today’s financial world have had their turn at things, and we are in trouble. Maybe it’s time to re-think the fundamental tenets of our beliefs. Wisdom speaks to this. Wisdom says whenever one gets something for nothing, there will eventually be a disproportionate price to be paid.
2. Solomon was fond of saying, “There is nothing new under the sun.” It seems to me that there is nothing “new” about this present predicament. But you say, “Oh, this is different than anything before — including the Great Depression.” While I would agree that the names and players are different, the root cause is the same. It pivots on the three things that John warned the early Christians to be on guard against, “Do not love the world, nor the things of the world…For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 2:15,16)
3. We would serve ourselves well to remember that the best financial teaching is in the Bible itself. I call it “Money 101.” It comes from a man who knew how to live with prosperity and without. Paul told his protégé, Timothy, the secret to dealing with money in 1 Timothy 6:17-19:
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Note the three things Paul tells rich Christians to do. (By the way, if you have a bath tub in your home—you’re a rich Christian.)
First, he tells us not to be prideful and arrogant. Wealth doesn’t make one person better than another. Second, the Apostle tells Christians not to trust in their 401(k) plans. Yes, plan for your future but always be ready for things to change. As we’ve all seen, dollars in the bank do not guarantee anything. Third, the wealthy are encouraged to enjoy their wealth — but be ready to share at the drop of a hat. Too simple for our complex world? I don’t think so. It gets back to appreciating the difference between knowing a lot about wealth, and actually having the wisdom to use our wealth properly.
I would submit that what we are experiencing may not necessarily be a bad thing. Most humans (Christians, too) only look up when they have been sucker-punched, and are lying on the floor looking up. That’s when we tend to see the eternal through the temporal.
Will we as a nation get through this? I suspect we will. Over the last one hundred years, stocks have gained value in every ten year period—including during the Great Depression. Will there be pain in the meantime. I suspect there will be. The question laid squarely at our feet is How will we respond to this tempest in the teapot of eternity? What if this caused Christians to again become salt? What if we led by example? What if we bought fewer “extras?” What if we paid off our credit cards and bought cars we could afford — and saved more than we spent? What if we always had money to give to others — and were truly ready unto every good deed?
While there's plenty of blame to go around, it probably started with politicians who tried to buy votes by establishing the Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA (goaded on by neighborhood activist groups) pushed banks into lending mortgage money to people who shouldn't have borrowed money. Then those banks dumped the bad paper on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. While hiding the true nature of these loans (aided and abetted by rating agencies who pretended that all was well), Mac and Mae re-packaged the junk mortgages into respectable-looking bonds. Then they sold those bonds to every imaginable investment firm—some of whom were showing them at 100%+ of value on their books—and also leveraging those amounts by as much as 30/1 (i.e. Lehman Brothers). Then, insurance companies like AIG insured these bonds—without having enough money to cover their guarantees. When home prices began to sink—the handwriting was on the wall.
But at the heart of it all was the belief that God was wrong -- that, in fact, the borrower is not the slave of the lender. (Proverbs 22) As we embraced this kind of thinking, we began to believe that by digging an ever deepening hole we could eventually build a mountain of wealth.
We are a culture that is saturated with “stuffaholism.” (I think Jesus referred to this as “loving the things of this world.”) And, we have fallen for the lie from the pit that says: Stuff, sex, money = Happiness. If that were true, it would stand to reason that the happiest families would all be in Hollywood!
Sadly, many Christians (who are called to be the “salt of the earth”) have lost our savor. Many of us are in the same mess. Even Christians normally critical of those who abuse drugs and alcohol think nothing of anesthetizing the pain they feel when the credit card bill arrives -- by going back to the mall.
There are three lessons that might turn this very difficult experience into a fruitful learning and growing opportunity for God’s people:
1. James, put a high premium on wisdom. (see James 1:5) Today, there seems to be confusion between wisdom and knowledge. They both have their place, but they are not synonymous. Knowledge is what tells one that tomatoes are a fruit. Wisdom is what tells us not to put a tomato into a fruit salad. Today’s world has plenty of knowledge, but a dearth of wisdom. The smart people of today’s financial world have had their turn at things, and we are in trouble. Maybe it’s time to re-think the fundamental tenets of our beliefs. Wisdom speaks to this. Wisdom says whenever one gets something for nothing, there will eventually be a disproportionate price to be paid.
2. Solomon was fond of saying, “There is nothing new under the sun.” It seems to me that there is nothing “new” about this present predicament. But you say, “Oh, this is different than anything before — including the Great Depression.” While I would agree that the names and players are different, the root cause is the same. It pivots on the three things that John warned the early Christians to be on guard against, “Do not love the world, nor the things of the world…For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” (1 John 2:15,16)
3. We would serve ourselves well to remember that the best financial teaching is in the Bible itself. I call it “Money 101.” It comes from a man who knew how to live with prosperity and without. Paul told his protégé, Timothy, the secret to dealing with money in 1 Timothy 6:17-19:
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Note the three things Paul tells rich Christians to do. (By the way, if you have a bath tub in your home—you’re a rich Christian.)
First, he tells us not to be prideful and arrogant. Wealth doesn’t make one person better than another. Second, the Apostle tells Christians not to trust in their 401(k) plans. Yes, plan for your future but always be ready for things to change. As we’ve all seen, dollars in the bank do not guarantee anything. Third, the wealthy are encouraged to enjoy their wealth — but be ready to share at the drop of a hat. Too simple for our complex world? I don’t think so. It gets back to appreciating the difference between knowing a lot about wealth, and actually having the wisdom to use our wealth properly.
I would submit that what we are experiencing may not necessarily be a bad thing. Most humans (Christians, too) only look up when they have been sucker-punched, and are lying on the floor looking up. That’s when we tend to see the eternal through the temporal.
Will we as a nation get through this? I suspect we will. Over the last one hundred years, stocks have gained value in every ten year period—including during the Great Depression. Will there be pain in the meantime. I suspect there will be. The question laid squarely at our feet is How will we respond to this tempest in the teapot of eternity? What if this caused Christians to again become salt? What if we led by example? What if we bought fewer “extras?” What if we paid off our credit cards and bought cars we could afford — and saved more than we spent? What if we always had money to give to others — and were truly ready unto every good deed?
Monday, September 29, 2008
Girl of God
Girl of God, as I watched you tonight, I wished for an opportunity to talk with you. I watched your beautiful face as you sang and worshipped. You reminded me of myself seven years ago. And then, after Church, I watched you as you got into that car with a boy who does not know God. Oh, yes he was at Church tonight. He even went to the altar and shed a few tears. I am sure that you would not accept the idea that, for him, this is just a means to an end.
Seven years ago I was in your shoes. I had known God since my early teens, and had grown up under God-anointed preaching and teaching. I didn't lack boy friends or dates, as is so often the case in Churches where the girls outnumber the boys. Some very wonderful, consecrated young men came my way. But Satan, who watches diligently and waits patiently to ensnare a soul, saw me one day as I was lukewarm. Oh, I was still going to Church and playing my accordion and singing and doing all the right things outwardly. But I had never really had that special moment with God when His will and mine were made one.
I met the young man at work. And before long, without anyone else's knowing it, I felt I couldn't live without him. He knew about my Church, and when he attended with me, he went to the altar and cried. And so I married him, while my family and those who loved me wept and agonized.
It was just six months later that I realized my soul was in danger and that I had to have a touch from God. I prayed through and got a grip on God. Then the battle began. No, he wasn't going to Church anymore. I could count on my fingers the number of times he went during the last seven years. Before I married him, the thought of living without him was unbearable. "How lonely it would be!" I thought. But now I know what loneliness really is, and I'd like to tell you about it.
Loneliness is receiving a blessing from God and going home to a man you can't share it with. He isn't interested; he's watching television.
Loneliness is going to a Church social alone and watching the young couples enjoy God's blessings together. You can go alone or stay home alone; he has other interests.
Loneliness is feeling the urgency of Christ's coming and knowing that the one you love most on this earth is not ready, and shows no sign of caring.
Loneliness is seeing two children born and knowing that if your influence is to outweigh his, it will be a miracle.
Loneliness is going to a General Conference and seeing young couples everywhere who are truly one and dedicated to God's work. And there goes the young man who loved you once and wanted to marry you. He's preaching the gospel now, and he has never married. Oh God! Help me! I mustn't think of it!
Loneliness is lying awake struggling with the suspicion that he's unfaithful. Then comes the unbelievable pain of knowing for sure. He doesn't care if I know. She even calls me on the phone. After a time, he makes an effort to break it off. I vow to do everything humanly possible to keep this marriage together. I will love him more and pray for him more. Seven years of my life are involved in this! There's a little girl and a little boy!
Loneliness is now. My children and I will go home to a dark, empty apartment that will be my home until the lawyer says it's all over. I, who have always been afraid to stay alone, now welcome the peace and solitude.
As I look in the mirror; I see that seven years haven't changed my face so much. But inside I am old, and something that was once alive and beautiful is now dead. Of course, this is not an unusual story. The remarkable thing about it is that I am still living for God. I am thankful for my family and their prayers of intercession for me.
Oh, I am praying for you, girl of God! Please believe me when I tell you that no matter how wonderful he is, how loving, how tender, you cannot build a happy life upon disobedience to God's Word. You see, no matter what the future holds for me, I have missed His perfect will for my life. I will never stop paying for breaking a commandment of God! Don't let it happen to you!
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
2 Cor. 6:12
- Author Unknown
Seven years ago I was in your shoes. I had known God since my early teens, and had grown up under God-anointed preaching and teaching. I didn't lack boy friends or dates, as is so often the case in Churches where the girls outnumber the boys. Some very wonderful, consecrated young men came my way. But Satan, who watches diligently and waits patiently to ensnare a soul, saw me one day as I was lukewarm. Oh, I was still going to Church and playing my accordion and singing and doing all the right things outwardly. But I had never really had that special moment with God when His will and mine were made one.
I met the young man at work. And before long, without anyone else's knowing it, I felt I couldn't live without him. He knew about my Church, and when he attended with me, he went to the altar and cried. And so I married him, while my family and those who loved me wept and agonized.
It was just six months later that I realized my soul was in danger and that I had to have a touch from God. I prayed through and got a grip on God. Then the battle began. No, he wasn't going to Church anymore. I could count on my fingers the number of times he went during the last seven years. Before I married him, the thought of living without him was unbearable. "How lonely it would be!" I thought. But now I know what loneliness really is, and I'd like to tell you about it.
Loneliness is receiving a blessing from God and going home to a man you can't share it with. He isn't interested; he's watching television.
Loneliness is going to a Church social alone and watching the young couples enjoy God's blessings together. You can go alone or stay home alone; he has other interests.
Loneliness is feeling the urgency of Christ's coming and knowing that the one you love most on this earth is not ready, and shows no sign of caring.
Loneliness is seeing two children born and knowing that if your influence is to outweigh his, it will be a miracle.
Loneliness is going to a General Conference and seeing young couples everywhere who are truly one and dedicated to God's work. And there goes the young man who loved you once and wanted to marry you. He's preaching the gospel now, and he has never married. Oh God! Help me! I mustn't think of it!
Loneliness is lying awake struggling with the suspicion that he's unfaithful. Then comes the unbelievable pain of knowing for sure. He doesn't care if I know. She even calls me on the phone. After a time, he makes an effort to break it off. I vow to do everything humanly possible to keep this marriage together. I will love him more and pray for him more. Seven years of my life are involved in this! There's a little girl and a little boy!
Loneliness is now. My children and I will go home to a dark, empty apartment that will be my home until the lawyer says it's all over. I, who have always been afraid to stay alone, now welcome the peace and solitude.
As I look in the mirror; I see that seven years haven't changed my face so much. But inside I am old, and something that was once alive and beautiful is now dead. Of course, this is not an unusual story. The remarkable thing about it is that I am still living for God. I am thankful for my family and their prayers of intercession for me.
Oh, I am praying for you, girl of God! Please believe me when I tell you that no matter how wonderful he is, how loving, how tender, you cannot build a happy life upon disobedience to God's Word. You see, no matter what the future holds for me, I have missed His perfect will for my life. I will never stop paying for breaking a commandment of God! Don't let it happen to you!
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
2 Cor. 6:12
- Author Unknown
Thursday, September 18, 2008
If I Pray
If I pray "OUR",
then my faith must make room for others and their need.
If I pray "FATHER",
then I must demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living.
If I pray "WHO ART IN HEAVEN",
then my interests and pursuits must be above earthly things.
If I pray "HALLOWED BE THY NAME",
then I must be striving for God's help to be holy.
If I pray "THY KINGDOM COME",
then I must be willing to accept God's rule in my life.
If I pray "THY WILL BE DONE",
then I must not be resentful of having it in my life.
If I pray "ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN",
then I must be truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now.
If I pray "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD",
then I must be expending honest effort for it an cannot withhold from my neighbor the bread I receive.
If I pray "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US",
then I cannot continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
If I pray "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION",
then I must choose not to deliberately remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
If I pray "DELIVER US FROM EVIL",
then I must be prepared to fight with my life and my prayer.
If I pray "THINE IS THE KINGDOM",
then I must be willing to obey the King.
If I pray "THINE IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY",
then I cannot seek power for myself or my own glory first.
If I pray "FOREVER AND EVER",
then I need not too be overly anxious about each day's affairs.
If I pray "AMEN",
then I must honestly say "Not MY will, but THY will be done", so let it be.
then my faith must make room for others and their need.
If I pray "FATHER",
then I must demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living.
If I pray "WHO ART IN HEAVEN",
then my interests and pursuits must be above earthly things.
If I pray "HALLOWED BE THY NAME",
then I must be striving for God's help to be holy.
If I pray "THY KINGDOM COME",
then I must be willing to accept God's rule in my life.
If I pray "THY WILL BE DONE",
then I must not be resentful of having it in my life.
If I pray "ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN",
then I must be truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now.
If I pray "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD",
then I must be expending honest effort for it an cannot withhold from my neighbor the bread I receive.
If I pray "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US",
then I cannot continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
If I pray "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION",
then I must choose not to deliberately remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
If I pray "DELIVER US FROM EVIL",
then I must be prepared to fight with my life and my prayer.
If I pray "THINE IS THE KINGDOM",
then I must be willing to obey the King.
If I pray "THINE IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY",
then I cannot seek power for myself or my own glory first.
If I pray "FOREVER AND EVER",
then I need not too be overly anxious about each day's affairs.
If I pray "AMEN",
then I must honestly say "Not MY will, but THY will be done", so let it be.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Rev. Charles - Raise Your Children Right
For those of you who don't know, Rev. Charles is one of my favorite YouTube preachers. Here is another example of why.
Desperate Times
Wednesday night, my wife saw Pat Oliphant’s cartoon spoofing Sarah Palin’s "speaking in tongues” on the Washington Post website http://wpcomics.washingtonpost.com/client/wpc/po/2008/09/09/. 
She complained for a few moments about how the liberal view of tolerance applied to everyone’s beliefs and lifestyle except the conservatives and Christians. The lament continued over the fact that a cartoon ridiculing Muslim beliefs, ethnic traditions or homosexual tenants would never be published online or in print by the mainstream media for fear of backlash from one of those communities.
And thennnn...she found the Katy Couric interview with Matt Damon.
As she watched the YouTube clip she became visibly frustrated and began speaking to the computer screen – and trust me, it was not in tongues. She grilled Matt Damon with a few of her own choice questions, ones that I am sure would not have fit into the agenda of Katy's line of questioning.
Oh, I probably should mention here that she was already unhappy with Senator Obama’s "lipstick on a pig" comment before this evening’s episode began.
As I was sitting there watching her (hey, who needs TV when you have your own personal HBO right in front of you), I could not help myself, I just started laughing. Hindsight being 20/20 and all, I realize now that laughing at the scene before me was probably not one of my more brilliant moves. However, in my defense, I was not laughing at her or the “attacks” she felt that she was personally enduring.
She spun around in her chair and with anger formerly reserved for Oliphant, Damon and Obama, she demanded, "How can you be laughing about this?"
Here's the thing, while many become outraged by lipstick comments, tongue talking cartoons, Matt Damon rhetoric and so on...I am just laughing long and hard. Though I certainly don't approve of these things, I do recognize them for what they are...signs of desperation. They are pitiful jabs of a campaign and party that is losing a "sure" thing and can't figure how to right the vote…I mean boat.
Three weeks ago, the entire left side (politicians, media and special interest groups) walked into Denver assured in their own minds that nothing could stop them and that this would be an easy victory. Counting on a post acceptance speech bounce that would carry them through November, the "rabbit" filled the stadium and prematurely congratulated itself. After all, they had a celebrity and “everyone wants a celebrity,” not Wilfred Brimley McCain.
Suddenly out of nowhere, comes a turbo-charged tortoise that passes by the DNC so fast that it leaves the Magnificent Hare looking more like a Mexican Hairless. The RNC now has a celebrity also, only she is more articulate, attractive and approachable. Then again, the fact that she actually has some executive experience doesn’t seem to hurt anything either. Her selection breathes life into the party and campaign; grabs the attention of undetermined independents and disgruntled democrats; and appeals to women and minority voters.
How does one attack the vice-presidential candidate without drawing attention to the fact that their own candidate has the same glaring weakness and yet he wants to be president? It was easy for Obama’s team to spar with Hillary, but when it comes to Sarah…well, that’s different. After all, everyone knows it isn’t proper to hit a lady and from every account, this mother of five is certainly a lady, even if they did nickname her the “Barracuda.:
So, all that’s left to attack is moose hunting, speaking in tongues and personal beliefs about the age of dinosaurs. After all, we understand that anyone who prefers Intelligent Design instead of Mysterious Explosion (either way, one must accept by faith a scientifically unproven theory), that person must not be a sensible enough person and to carry “the football.”
When the liberal candidates and pundits speak of desperate times, it is no longer political rhetoric to get them elected. For them, these truly are some mighty desperate times. And so out come the most indefensible arguments. Grasping for anything that might slow the leak, they hurl accusations and insults. Each appears more ridiculous than the previous, all appear more desperate than before..
Speaking of desperate times, would somebody please stop emailing these links and stories to my wife. I can’t afford the pay-per-view.
She complained for a few moments about how the liberal view of tolerance applied to everyone’s beliefs and lifestyle except the conservatives and Christians. The lament continued over the fact that a cartoon ridiculing Muslim beliefs, ethnic traditions or homosexual tenants would never be published online or in print by the mainstream media for fear of backlash from one of those communities.
And thennnn...she found the Katy Couric interview with Matt Damon.
As she watched the YouTube clip she became visibly frustrated and began speaking to the computer screen – and trust me, it was not in tongues. She grilled Matt Damon with a few of her own choice questions, ones that I am sure would not have fit into the agenda of Katy's line of questioning.
Oh, I probably should mention here that she was already unhappy with Senator Obama’s "lipstick on a pig" comment before this evening’s episode began.
As I was sitting there watching her (hey, who needs TV when you have your own personal HBO right in front of you), I could not help myself, I just started laughing. Hindsight being 20/20 and all, I realize now that laughing at the scene before me was probably not one of my more brilliant moves. However, in my defense, I was not laughing at her or the “attacks” she felt that she was personally enduring.
She spun around in her chair and with anger formerly reserved for Oliphant, Damon and Obama, she demanded, "How can you be laughing about this?"
Here's the thing, while many become outraged by lipstick comments, tongue talking cartoons, Matt Damon rhetoric and so on...I am just laughing long and hard. Though I certainly don't approve of these things, I do recognize them for what they are...signs of desperation. They are pitiful jabs of a campaign and party that is losing a "sure" thing and can't figure how to right the vote…I mean boat.
Three weeks ago, the entire left side (politicians, media and special interest groups) walked into Denver assured in their own minds that nothing could stop them and that this would be an easy victory. Counting on a post acceptance speech bounce that would carry them through November, the "rabbit" filled the stadium and prematurely congratulated itself. After all, they had a celebrity and “everyone wants a celebrity,” not Wilfred Brimley McCain.
Suddenly out of nowhere, comes a turbo-charged tortoise that passes by the DNC so fast that it leaves the Magnificent Hare looking more like a Mexican Hairless. The RNC now has a celebrity also, only she is more articulate, attractive and approachable. Then again, the fact that she actually has some executive experience doesn’t seem to hurt anything either. Her selection breathes life into the party and campaign; grabs the attention of undetermined independents and disgruntled democrats; and appeals to women and minority voters.
How does one attack the vice-presidential candidate without drawing attention to the fact that their own candidate has the same glaring weakness and yet he wants to be president? It was easy for Obama’s team to spar with Hillary, but when it comes to Sarah…well, that’s different. After all, everyone knows it isn’t proper to hit a lady and from every account, this mother of five is certainly a lady, even if they did nickname her the “Barracuda.:
So, all that’s left to attack is moose hunting, speaking in tongues and personal beliefs about the age of dinosaurs. After all, we understand that anyone who prefers Intelligent Design instead of Mysterious Explosion (either way, one must accept by faith a scientifically unproven theory), that person must not be a sensible enough person and to carry “the football.”
When the liberal candidates and pundits speak of desperate times, it is no longer political rhetoric to get them elected. For them, these truly are some mighty desperate times. And so out come the most indefensible arguments. Grasping for anything that might slow the leak, they hurl accusations and insults. Each appears more ridiculous than the previous, all appear more desperate than before..
Speaking of desperate times, would somebody please stop emailing these links and stories to my wife. I can’t afford the pay-per-view.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Bible Reading Plan for Growth and Freshness
The following is a plan of Bible reading and study that I believe will be a blessing to you, should you choose to implement it in your own life.
Begin your study each day by reading a chapter of Proverbs. If you start at the beginning of the month and read a chapter each day, you will read through the book every month. On the few months that have less than 31 days, you will need to read a little extra to keep on track and read through it each month.
Read the chapter of Proverbs first, because Proverbs contains the distilled spirit of wisdom, and is written and structured in a way that reflects the way God thinks—cause and effect, black and white.
Reading the book of Proverbs does for your mind what running a comb through tangled hair does; it gets the “rats” out and prepares you to receive illumination from the Word.
I find that the Scripture seemed to speak more clearly to me when I begin each day’s study with Proverbs. It seems to focus the mind to receive from the Word.
Next, read at least one chapter from the Gospels. We need to read about the words and deeds of Jesus every day to keep the mind and focus Christ-centered. It is difficult to spend too much in the Gospels, and there is inexhaustible thought material there.
The third place to read from every day is the book of Acts. The book of Acts contains not only much doctrinal material but a tremendous amount of faith building Scripture. Signs and wonders and healings abound. Apostolic structure and Apostolic authority permeate the chapters of the book. It is critical to keep these things fresh in your mind and prominent in your thinking if you want to have a true Apostolic ministry and live apostolic lives. Read the book of Acts continually and it will pay dividends in your ministry. Reading the book of Acts lends itself to living the book of Acts; living the book of Acts lends itself to Apostolic results.
In addition to Proverbs, the Gospels, and Acts, read from the epistles every day. The epistles contain solid instruction regarding church government, sanctification, doctrine, eschatology, and ministry. We need this.
The epistles also stretch you intellectually, especially the writings of Paul. John’s epistles are a personal favorite of mine because of his love for exalting the deity of Jesus Christ. You need a steady diet of the Epistles.
Thus far, most of the reading plan has consisted of the New Testament, but don’t neglect the Old.
The Old Testament can be divided into History, Law, Prophecy, and Wisdom Literature.
Try to always be reading through at least one book in the Old Testament at any given time to encompass a wide scope of these categories.
There are advantages and benefits to reading from a broad range of Scriptural settings at a given time. You tend to reach toward what you read, and with this type of reading plan, there is a broad range of subject matter in the forefront of your thinking that God can speak through and that you can draw from. This keeps you from becoming stymied and repetitious in your ministry and walk with God.
If you don’t have some kind of structured plan for your reading and study, your tendency will be to read over and over again those books and passages that are your “favorites.” If you fall into this pattern, you will have a hard time generating fresh and versatile material for ministry.
Always read and study the Bible with the motive of feeding your soul; and out of that will come substance that will feed and bless others.
I certainly don’t believe this is the “only” way to study the Scriptures, or even the best way. It is just something that has been a blessing to me, and will hopefully provide some inspiration and guidance for others who want to profitably study the greatest Book ever written.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
KJV
Begin your study each day by reading a chapter of Proverbs. If you start at the beginning of the month and read a chapter each day, you will read through the book every month. On the few months that have less than 31 days, you will need to read a little extra to keep on track and read through it each month.
Read the chapter of Proverbs first, because Proverbs contains the distilled spirit of wisdom, and is written and structured in a way that reflects the way God thinks—cause and effect, black and white.
Reading the book of Proverbs does for your mind what running a comb through tangled hair does; it gets the “rats” out and prepares you to receive illumination from the Word.
I find that the Scripture seemed to speak more clearly to me when I begin each day’s study with Proverbs. It seems to focus the mind to receive from the Word.
Next, read at least one chapter from the Gospels. We need to read about the words and deeds of Jesus every day to keep the mind and focus Christ-centered. It is difficult to spend too much in the Gospels, and there is inexhaustible thought material there.
The third place to read from every day is the book of Acts. The book of Acts contains not only much doctrinal material but a tremendous amount of faith building Scripture. Signs and wonders and healings abound. Apostolic structure and Apostolic authority permeate the chapters of the book. It is critical to keep these things fresh in your mind and prominent in your thinking if you want to have a true Apostolic ministry and live apostolic lives. Read the book of Acts continually and it will pay dividends in your ministry. Reading the book of Acts lends itself to living the book of Acts; living the book of Acts lends itself to Apostolic results.
In addition to Proverbs, the Gospels, and Acts, read from the epistles every day. The epistles contain solid instruction regarding church government, sanctification, doctrine, eschatology, and ministry. We need this.
The epistles also stretch you intellectually, especially the writings of Paul. John’s epistles are a personal favorite of mine because of his love for exalting the deity of Jesus Christ. You need a steady diet of the Epistles.
Thus far, most of the reading plan has consisted of the New Testament, but don’t neglect the Old.
The Old Testament can be divided into History, Law, Prophecy, and Wisdom Literature.
Try to always be reading through at least one book in the Old Testament at any given time to encompass a wide scope of these categories.
There are advantages and benefits to reading from a broad range of Scriptural settings at a given time. You tend to reach toward what you read, and with this type of reading plan, there is a broad range of subject matter in the forefront of your thinking that God can speak through and that you can draw from. This keeps you from becoming stymied and repetitious in your ministry and walk with God.
If you don’t have some kind of structured plan for your reading and study, your tendency will be to read over and over again those books and passages that are your “favorites.” If you fall into this pattern, you will have a hard time generating fresh and versatile material for ministry.
Always read and study the Bible with the motive of feeding your soul; and out of that will come substance that will feed and bless others.
I certainly don’t believe this is the “only” way to study the Scriptures, or even the best way. It is just something that has been a blessing to me, and will hopefully provide some inspiration and guidance for others who want to profitably study the greatest Book ever written.
2 Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
KJV
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Intercessory Prayer, We Miss You!
This is just a line to let you know how things are since you’ve gone. It’s not the same without you, nor will it ever be. Although our lives seem shallow and empty when you’re not here, we’ve learned to make up for you in other ways. We’ve learned to live without you.
We now run the aisles, leap for joy, jig to the music, sing catchy choruses, and tap our feet in time to the rhythm of the drums. We use sticks, banners, black lights and our sign teams do a tremendous job acting out recorded music. We’ve learned to worship without you.
The prayer rooms are mostly silent now. Those that do go there, for the most part, come away dry-eyed. A lot of praying now is chanting and singsong style. That’s how we know we’re in the groove. We pray memorized phrases that come automatically. We love what we call Prayer Walks. Most of us don’t even close our eyes anymore during prayer. We just walk and pray while we look around. We pray because it is required. No one prays till they break through anymore. We just pray till our ten minutes are up.
Family altars are almost unheard of now. You can’t imagine how busy we are and how hectic our schedules have been. It’s unbelievable. We get up in the morning and never stop till we go to bed at night. We do try to make it to church most services and get some praying in there during the service, but prayer at home is kind of out of the question. That may be another reason you haven’t heard much from us.
Oh sure, we still believe in prayer, as such. But not very many of us are anxious for you to come back. (You were always the polite type, you know, never forcing yourself on anyone. You never came uninvited. You only left because you were ignored.)
The sad truth is you’re not really needed anymore. You see, most of us have hospitalization insurance now. (It sure takes away that old desperate feeling we use to have.) So now, there’s no need to pray more than the few minutes it takes to drive to the Emergency Room. Also, we don’t have to ask for our daily bread like we used to. We now have better jobs with good benefits and government programs to fall back on. If we lose our jobs, there is always Unemployment or Welfare. If we retire or become disabled, Social Security now supplies our needs. So, you can see, we’re doing OK. Other things have filled the void in your absence. Sure we miss you. But we’re getting over it some how. Actually, we’re too busy to entertain you right now, even if you tried to come back. I hope you understand.
We are having revivals now without you. It’s not hard. The pastor fasts and prays, along with a couple others. The evangelist preaches mostly just to sinners now. Most of us try to get to church in time for the first song or two. We justify the fact that the number of new converts is down. Yes, there seems to be diminished conviction, less lasting victory, fewer miracles and many young people are backsliding. We agree, however, that it’s not us that are at fault here; it’s just the times we’re living in. It’s like this everywhere.
As your friend, I’m writing this to you, knowing how much it must hurt you to have folks say they miss you…and yet in their material and intellectual progress, they’ve weaned themselves away from the haunting memory of you. What hurts, I know, is that we were children you personally raised. You were always there when we needed you. (But now… we don’t.) You taught us about faith. You taught us about miracles. You taught us about a move of God. You taught us about revival. You taught us about how to touch God. Thank you for that, but you see, this is a new day and we are trying to go to the next level. Our services are structured differently now.
Do you know…can you believe, that now when you are ever mentioned in church, everyone gets real quite? They all feel guilty I’m sure. It’s like they experience a momentary twinge of guilt while they consider their part in your disappearance. Once in awhile some even get misty eyed when we talk about the old times you shared with us. But all that feeling vanishes along with the pizza right after church.
No, Intercessory Prayer, your coming back really wouldn’t work right now. We’re too blessed. We’re doing too well. We’re comfortable. In your day, you served your purpose, but the sentiment of most today is that we can manage OK without you now. We’ve got better clothes, cars, homes and prettier and bigger churches than ever.
Remember the folks of yesteryear coming into the sanctuary with red-rimmed eyes? Remember the baggy looking knees in men’s’ suits?
Remember all night prayer meetings?
Remember the depth that was in worship?
Remember when sinners couldn’t sit in their pews any longer, and would run to the altar? Remember when you could feel unity and brotherly love? When folks helped bear one another’s burdens? When the saints didn’t watch the clock? When they could hardly wait to enjoy the after service atmosphere, praying around the altar until the wee hours of the morning? Boy, those were to good old days. We call that “Old Church" now.
”Well, it’s pretty much all gone now. But...you ought to see our new Hammond C-3, our new drum set with a cage and everything. Electric bass guitars are just awesome and the electric guitars too. We use Praise Singers to help cover up the fact that our congregations don’t sing like they should or used to. We let them do most of our worship for us. Our Choirs just do terrific on the new style songs. Old saints don’t like the new songs much, but the younger crowd seems to like them. Many music directors don’t even know some of your old favorite songs, so they don’t get played much anywhere.
You would be proud of our church buildings. Carpet on the floors, there are pews now instead of benches and they are padded too, besides. The arched beams are beautiful, we also have the loveliest of imported chandeliers. Our pastor has polish too. He doesn’t preach long. We are more concerned about sermon length now, than content. Our pastor spices up his sermons with cute sayings… but I guess that’s progress for you. “Win some, lose some.”
Speaking of “lose some”, we’re losing a surprising percentage of our young people. An unbelievable number of marriages have gone on the rocks. Many lives have been in jeopardy. But that’s to be expected I guess. Teenagers seem to be at war with their parents and want to dress more and more like the kids at the public school. Our youth meetings may not have much in the way of prayer, but we have great icebreakers, skits and games.
We have plenty of medicines nowadays to help our aches and pains. What more could we ask for? Sure we miss you, but I guess we really don’t NEED you right now. I hope you’re not offended. I don’t mean for you to be. You’ll always have a special place in my memory. You were very kind and generous to me. You sure got me out of some hard times. I can’t thank you enough!
Still, this is a generation now that doesn’t know you at all. Your coming would probably scare them. Remember the night when my mother sat at the piano bench and you joined her there? Remember how she wept and groaned in the Spirit and slumped to the floor during the revival service and how some tried to call the ambulance because they thought she was sick? They never knew you and her were talking. That’s what I mean.
A good many never got to know you well. And most never knew you at all. Those that knew you personally have waited so long to talk to you that they are now, to say the least, embarrassed.
So while we are trying to work out our feelings about you, and see where you might fit into our plans in the future, you might try your luck someplace else. Try Brazil, Ethiopia, or how about the Philippines? You might have better luck in Third World Countries, or behind the iron Curtain. You might even luck out and find someone to talk to you in some little storefront on the other side of the tacks. Surely someone somewhere needs you.
We’re terribly sorry, Intercessory Prayer, we miss you, but we really don’t NEED you… right now!
By Martyn Ballestero Sr.
We now run the aisles, leap for joy, jig to the music, sing catchy choruses, and tap our feet in time to the rhythm of the drums. We use sticks, banners, black lights and our sign teams do a tremendous job acting out recorded music. We’ve learned to worship without you.
The prayer rooms are mostly silent now. Those that do go there, for the most part, come away dry-eyed. A lot of praying now is chanting and singsong style. That’s how we know we’re in the groove. We pray memorized phrases that come automatically. We love what we call Prayer Walks. Most of us don’t even close our eyes anymore during prayer. We just walk and pray while we look around. We pray because it is required. No one prays till they break through anymore. We just pray till our ten minutes are up.
Family altars are almost unheard of now. You can’t imagine how busy we are and how hectic our schedules have been. It’s unbelievable. We get up in the morning and never stop till we go to bed at night. We do try to make it to church most services and get some praying in there during the service, but prayer at home is kind of out of the question. That may be another reason you haven’t heard much from us.
Oh sure, we still believe in prayer, as such. But not very many of us are anxious for you to come back. (You were always the polite type, you know, never forcing yourself on anyone. You never came uninvited. You only left because you were ignored.)
The sad truth is you’re not really needed anymore. You see, most of us have hospitalization insurance now. (It sure takes away that old desperate feeling we use to have.) So now, there’s no need to pray more than the few minutes it takes to drive to the Emergency Room. Also, we don’t have to ask for our daily bread like we used to. We now have better jobs with good benefits and government programs to fall back on. If we lose our jobs, there is always Unemployment or Welfare. If we retire or become disabled, Social Security now supplies our needs. So, you can see, we’re doing OK. Other things have filled the void in your absence. Sure we miss you. But we’re getting over it some how. Actually, we’re too busy to entertain you right now, even if you tried to come back. I hope you understand.
We are having revivals now without you. It’s not hard. The pastor fasts and prays, along with a couple others. The evangelist preaches mostly just to sinners now. Most of us try to get to church in time for the first song or two. We justify the fact that the number of new converts is down. Yes, there seems to be diminished conviction, less lasting victory, fewer miracles and many young people are backsliding. We agree, however, that it’s not us that are at fault here; it’s just the times we’re living in. It’s like this everywhere.
As your friend, I’m writing this to you, knowing how much it must hurt you to have folks say they miss you…and yet in their material and intellectual progress, they’ve weaned themselves away from the haunting memory of you. What hurts, I know, is that we were children you personally raised. You were always there when we needed you. (But now… we don’t.) You taught us about faith. You taught us about miracles. You taught us about a move of God. You taught us about revival. You taught us about how to touch God. Thank you for that, but you see, this is a new day and we are trying to go to the next level. Our services are structured differently now.
Do you know…can you believe, that now when you are ever mentioned in church, everyone gets real quite? They all feel guilty I’m sure. It’s like they experience a momentary twinge of guilt while they consider their part in your disappearance. Once in awhile some even get misty eyed when we talk about the old times you shared with us. But all that feeling vanishes along with the pizza right after church.
No, Intercessory Prayer, your coming back really wouldn’t work right now. We’re too blessed. We’re doing too well. We’re comfortable. In your day, you served your purpose, but the sentiment of most today is that we can manage OK without you now. We’ve got better clothes, cars, homes and prettier and bigger churches than ever.
Remember the folks of yesteryear coming into the sanctuary with red-rimmed eyes? Remember the baggy looking knees in men’s’ suits?
Remember all night prayer meetings?
Remember the depth that was in worship?
Remember when sinners couldn’t sit in their pews any longer, and would run to the altar? Remember when you could feel unity and brotherly love? When folks helped bear one another’s burdens? When the saints didn’t watch the clock? When they could hardly wait to enjoy the after service atmosphere, praying around the altar until the wee hours of the morning? Boy, those were to good old days. We call that “Old Church" now.
”Well, it’s pretty much all gone now. But...you ought to see our new Hammond C-3, our new drum set with a cage and everything. Electric bass guitars are just awesome and the electric guitars too. We use Praise Singers to help cover up the fact that our congregations don’t sing like they should or used to. We let them do most of our worship for us. Our Choirs just do terrific on the new style songs. Old saints don’t like the new songs much, but the younger crowd seems to like them. Many music directors don’t even know some of your old favorite songs, so they don’t get played much anywhere.
You would be proud of our church buildings. Carpet on the floors, there are pews now instead of benches and they are padded too, besides. The arched beams are beautiful, we also have the loveliest of imported chandeliers. Our pastor has polish too. He doesn’t preach long. We are more concerned about sermon length now, than content. Our pastor spices up his sermons with cute sayings… but I guess that’s progress for you. “Win some, lose some.”
Speaking of “lose some”, we’re losing a surprising percentage of our young people. An unbelievable number of marriages have gone on the rocks. Many lives have been in jeopardy. But that’s to be expected I guess. Teenagers seem to be at war with their parents and want to dress more and more like the kids at the public school. Our youth meetings may not have much in the way of prayer, but we have great icebreakers, skits and games.
We have plenty of medicines nowadays to help our aches and pains. What more could we ask for? Sure we miss you, but I guess we really don’t NEED you right now. I hope you’re not offended. I don’t mean for you to be. You’ll always have a special place in my memory. You were very kind and generous to me. You sure got me out of some hard times. I can’t thank you enough!
Still, this is a generation now that doesn’t know you at all. Your coming would probably scare them. Remember the night when my mother sat at the piano bench and you joined her there? Remember how she wept and groaned in the Spirit and slumped to the floor during the revival service and how some tried to call the ambulance because they thought she was sick? They never knew you and her were talking. That’s what I mean.
A good many never got to know you well. And most never knew you at all. Those that knew you personally have waited so long to talk to you that they are now, to say the least, embarrassed.
So while we are trying to work out our feelings about you, and see where you might fit into our plans in the future, you might try your luck someplace else. Try Brazil, Ethiopia, or how about the Philippines? You might have better luck in Third World Countries, or behind the iron Curtain. You might even luck out and find someone to talk to you in some little storefront on the other side of the tacks. Surely someone somewhere needs you.
We’re terribly sorry, Intercessory Prayer, we miss you, but we really don’t NEED you… right now!
By Martyn Ballestero Sr.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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