Forfeit?

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Matthew 16:26

In my daily devotional and study I am reading through the Book of Matthew.  Mainly because I find Jesus words and life fascinating and also because of how perfect Jesus is and how He responds and reacts to his surroundings and world around Him.

In this passage, Jesus discusses the point of being rich here on earth, but having stored up nothing in Heaven.  What good is it to have money and even lots of it, if your spiritually broke?

He continues on to say ‘each man will be rewarded according to what he/she has done.  Heavy thoughts, when you think about it. 

Throughout Jesus’ ministry here on earth, many themes are brought up.  Money is a huge aspect of His many themes.  I think that money is such a daily thought on most folks minds that Jesus knew and needed to address it.  Money is one of His top 3 themes He shares here on earth.  And Heaven and what it’s like is one of His least topics(funny huh?).  Mainly because life here on earth is a test and He wants to warn us to be wary of money and all of it’s corruption.  He never said money is bad, but it’s something we all need to be conscious of.

Furthermore, money is not the only thought on the ‘gains the whole world’ aspect of this passage.  Power is another.  Some folks are prone to want to be powerful in their communities, world or even family.  I find myself relating more to the money aspect and not so much the power aspect.  I have realized that I’m not going to run for office or become the president of a country or corporation.  So my ‘power’ desire is very minimal.  But, if your desire for power causes pain, hurt and heartache, then you’re not doing anyone any good by being in that position. 

What does it mean to you, other than what I have addressed, when Jesus says “Gain the whole wold?”

I know we all come from different places and backgrounds and I would find it fascinating to hear your thoughts on what you think Jesus is eluding to.  Please share.

“Father God Almighty, help us all to focus on doing good and spreading your love and keep us from evil desires. In your name we ask.  Amen”

where is my money?

OH, there it is in Argentina, being spent on what???   I have some serious issues with this y’all….

US Government Funds $400,000 study on Gay Sex in Argentina bars.

What is my country doing and who authorized this?   Where is the taxation without representation?  Why do I feel robbed right now?  What’s next for our country to do with yours and my money…….???

state of the union, today

Our current economic situation is in the pitts everyone.  We all know this, but what can we do about it?  I am not sure, but to pray about it.  Petition our Lord and ask Him to help us.  

Where does my help come from?   It comes from the Lord! 

We must count on something and money is not it.  Who do we serve?  Money or God?  Where is your trust? 

No one is perfect and we all have hopes, dreams and aspirations, but let’s make positive decisions to better our future and hopefully those decisions make the future a better one. 

I say we need to pray for our next president too, whether you like him or not, he needs prayer as much as you and I do and he will be facing many BIG decisions in the next 4 years that will affect all our lives.  So, let’s pray that he makes the ‘right’ decisions, not based on lobbyist and favors he owes, but out of wisdom and what’s best for everyone in the great USA!

don’t work too hard

In today’s society in America, there seems to be a need to work more hours and get multiple jobs.  But, the question is for what?  Why?  What is the reason, purpose or desire for this? 

The answer typically is, to afford a more expensive lifestyle, to pay for the things that are out of your ‘means’ and believe the lies we all see on TV ad commercials!!! or the proverbial keeping up with the Jones’

Could it be, that we all have bought into this fraudulent lie that we all need to have the newest cars, the best homes and most expensive clothes?

Scripture tells us this, “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint”  Proverbs 23:4

My interpretation of this verse is like don’t kill yourself to get rich or have multiple jobs to keep paying bills for things you can’t afford.  Why did you buy them in the first place? 

I also think that we should test our motives and find out why we’re trying to get rich.  Why do you want to get rich?  Are you jealous of others?  Are you coveting your neighbors things and think you deserve those things too?

I am not saying that God doesn’t like us to be rich.  I am focusing more on the ‘wear yourself out’ part.  Ultimately, in the BIG picture of things(I’m a Big picture guy), when your lying on your death bed…are you thinking about how much more money you could have made or wishing you bought another car or regretting that you didn’t spend enough hours in the office???  I think Not and hope Not.

Life is more than a job or getting rich or buying things.  I believe that the best things in life are free.      Jesus, The Ocean, Love, Children, Trees/Foliage, Health and Happiness.

unclaimed property

I found out today that all 50 states have a link to their state for you to search and see if you have any missing property or moneys that are for you and are currently unclaimed.  Go check it out for yourself in your home state here.  Beware, you will have to provide factual evidence that the person is you, so don’t try to cheat the system.

Happy Hunting!

good, sound advice

I read this article on the ups and downs of the stock market and how much people would have gained/loss during different time periods of the last few decades.  It makes sense, but you must read the whole article to completely understand.  In short, the summary is, hold on for the long-run and don’t make hasty moves or decisions.

Check out the article here.

My investing savvy has been buy high and sell low.  Not the most brilliant of investors for sure, but I am in it for the long-haul for sure and thus I’m going to be patient in this tumultuous market, wait and ride it out.

crazy times indeed!

I’m not sure what to name this post because I am continually being disgusted by reports that I read about our current financial crisis.  I don’t want to be witty about the title, just straight-forward(I named this after i wrote the article and I think I like it)

Anyway, the issue today is reading the latest story about AIG(The WORLD’S Largest Insurance Company) and how they spent $440 THOUSAND DOLLARS(almost half a MILLION Dollars) on an extravagant resort weekend for it’s Executives, a WEEK AFTER the Government decided to bail them out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can’t believe what I am reading!  Here is the article.

Was the bailout a good move?   Why isn’t there any repercussion’s for those that are guilty of spending OUR TAX Money selfishly?!?!?!   These executives get off scott-free, and enjoy million dollar bonuses, whilst you and me are left to hold the bag and pay for these people to enjoy and continue to enjoy lavish life-styles.  I’m disgusted and sick and think that this whole bailout package, without good oversight and without plans to convict any of these people for ultimately defrauding the government and you and me out of millions/billions, is just a disgrace.

Lehman brother’s were handing out million dollar bonuses during the same time they were asking the government for bail-out money to help them as well.  Fortunately, they didn’t receive it…shocker!

In such a time as this, what are we to do?  Who can we trust with our money?  Who can we trust to take care of us when you and me feel so helpless?  Who really is looking out for our concerns and our well-being?  How much would it cost to reform Social Security?  Would it be less than $700 Billion?  Can you imagine $700 BILLION?????????   That number is truly unfathomable.  It doesn’t even seem to help, being that we are continuing to lose money in our stock market and 401(k)’s and mutual funds and the drop of the DOW under 10,000 for the first time in over 4 years.

The answer is this, “Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him(God) and He will lead your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6.  More scripture to support our hope that is found not in worldly things, but in the Maker and Creator of ALL things!  “Call on me in times of trouble.  I will rescue you, and you will honor me” says the Lord.  Psalm 50:15.  “When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy.  After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever.”  James 1:12

Be encouraged today!

Financial Crisis

I can’t ignore our current market crisis going on in our country and how the Dow Jones and Wall Street are taking a major nose dive.  I feel like most Americans, I believe, upset!

Why, why and why is what I think we’re all asking.  How can our government allow this to happen?  How come we are all being betrayed by the financial markets and no matter how ‘safe’ the ‘experts’ say to invest our money(s) and diversify, when everyone lost in the 777 point decline yesterday.  Which wasn’t the most percentage wise loss ever, but was the most points ever!  With that, nothing is safe!

I like rosemary’s thoughts on this topic and you can check it out for yourself here.  The emergency bailout plan seems to be something that has little oversight and a blank check.  I don’t like that and I don’t like that all these CEO’s are walking away with Millions in their pockets, while we all have to pay for their negligence!!! 

No one said things are fair or that life or finances are fair.  Maybe this is God’s way of saying, hey I’m bigger than your finances and stock market fears!  I’m bigger than these problems and can help you in ALL of your times of need.  Including this one.  I think we should focus more on Him and less on our money fears is what I hear Him saying.  I prayed yesterday for God to tell me if I should ‘jump ship’ on my investments or not.  I didn’t really get a clear answer, but I did hear Him say, “Look to me and not on your worries or concerns over financial matters…I will take care of you”

So, with that said, for me, I need to spend more time focusing on Him and not upon my worries because I know where my treasures are and they sure are not on earthly things.   The hard part is remembering that and that is part of being human and a Christian.

money

Did you know that the biggest issue that Jesus spoke about was money?  Why?  That is the question.  To answer it, we must search the Bible for answers.  “For the LOVE of money, is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from their faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows”  1Timothy 6:10   We must analyze this verse carefully in that we can misinterpret what it says.  The worldly view on this is that if any person or christian that has an abundant amount of money, then it’s a bad thing.  Not true.  The ‘LOVE’ of money is the key word there.  That’s what we need to pay attention to and not let others misuse the true meaning of what’s being said.   I believe in giving back to God and giving him His tithe(10%), and in doing this keeps me & you from falling into greediness or into the love of money.

Have you heard that to look at your checkbook or on-line banking account(21st century now) and see what you spend your money on concludes that  “For where your treasure(money)  is, your heart will be also.”  What are you spending your $$ on?

Another verse to ponder is a continuation of the previous quote on your treasures, “No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money.”  Matthew 6:24

Let’s get rid of those debts that burden us and live a life of freedom.  Let’s ask God to take control of our finances and help us take the right paths towards financial security.  Let’s ask Him to help us not put such a priority on money in our lives and let’s give that to Him.  Let’s show him by giving our tithes to Him as well as our sacrifices of service.

 “Lord, take control of my finances now as I hand them over to you and ask for your help, guidance and strength. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.”