Today, the Presbyterian Church USA voted to change their doctrinal wording on marriage and open the door to allow their clergy to marry homosexual couples. You can read the story from Detroit here.
No doubt some people will say that this is the first of many to follow this path. You can count on other changes being made by mainline denominations. The press will declare that we Christians are finally waking up. Mark my words, the above comments will come even stronger than I have written. And I say "ok, no problem!"
Some of you may ask me how in the world I could say that?
It is simple!
Votes by man nor words by people and the press mean anything. Only the Word of God matters! And the Bible is crystal clear that marriage is between one man and one women! Human nature affirms this reality regardless of what people may say.
God has no need of we humans to get enlightened on culture and grow in our interpretation of His Word. The Bible is the same yesterday, today, and forever! It does not and will not change!
I do not hate homosexuals. I do not want them to be miserable in life! I am not homophobic. I simply believe the Bible. I do not place homosexuals as second class citizens. I just read and know that God said in Matt 19:5-6
"4 And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,'
5 "and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
6 "So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
(NKJ)
And then speaking of the natural, the Bible tells us clearly:
Rom 1:20-32
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
(NKJ)
I dare not mess with what God has clearly spoken! And regardless of trends or votes by large groups of people, I and I alone answer to God for following His Word or not. Jesus will not say to God that "poor ol Tim had to deny the Bible because a group of people voted to change what it says - thus let him off for his disobedience."
Every Pastor and every church better settle this now. Either you will follow God or you will be in direct disobedience to Him.
No one knows what the consequences will be for standing with the Word of God in the area of marriage. Frankly, I do not care!
This I know - I will stand with God and His Word and no one will be able to force me to do otherwise. And if I go to jail for it? I will be in great company with the Apostle Paul and others.
Votes by people mean nothing in changing or altering the Word of God!
And it is here that I will loving and courageously stand!
How about you?
Blogging for the purpose of Spiritual Growth and Edification
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Monday, December 9, 2013
Have we lost our minds?
The title of this post is not hyperbole. After thinking for more than a few days on what the best title should be, it remained the only one that fit! So what am I speaking of? The crazy messed up education system in our country. It is far worse than any of us may be willing to admit. Here are two examples of people and their educational paths that led me to the title.
Case #1
A graduate of a medical school recently shared the following: "After paying for my undergrad and now my MD, I begin my career with $340,000 in student loan debt." In case you missed that, reread! I have never owned a house worth that much! I cannot imagine being in debt on one thing nor several things that amounted to $340,000.
This person is actually working in a hospital today. The learning received was great and the skill being applied to help those in need was the best. Problem, the Government is cutting the amounts that insurance will pay for services. No longer is there a thought that this MD will ever earn more than $350,000 per year. Today, this MD is earning around $180,000. Nice salary indeed. But not so nice when one considers just the loan repayment for the education that provided the knowledge to earn the wage. And while you are sitting there thinking, dwell some on the fact that amount will NOT be forgiven. This amount is on this MD's credit report. No home loan. No car loan. Either pay rent or live with parents! That's it. Drive a used car. Pray you marry someone who will earn far more than you and is willing to pay down that HUGE loan. And money to raise children?
Case #2
A teacher I spoke with recently shared frustration over having to live at home with parents. As the discussion continued, revealed was the simple fact that in order to graduate in 4 years with a degree that allowed employment in a school system, this person had run up a school loan debt of $93,000. Starting salary at the school where job was offered payed started out under $38,000. It does not take long to do the math and discover that this income to student loan debt ratio is similar to the MD. And teacher pay raises are few and far between. I discount the arguments that snarly people people make about teachers only working 9 months. Putting up with undisciplined brats that parents have failed to raise, add demanding parents who do not want you to discipline their children, and you see clearly that the pay is no where near enough - for any amount of months worked.
But a teacher who works hard, cares for your children, and seeks to give your child the basics of education to be productive in society will struggle to buy a home, pay for a car, and have the money also to raise their own children. Why? $93,000 in student loan debt will eliminate most options of obtaining credit until this amount is greatly reduced.
Results Summary
Our educational system is broken from a financial stand point to a devastating level. It is totally impossible to maintain the American economy on this type of debt, learning, and pay scale. A teacher is equally strapped just as is a MD. I keep referring back to the television show The Walton's. Three generations living under one roof seemed so old school. It was a way of life for a farmer or lumber mill owner. But for a Medical Doctor and Educator, the education was sold as a way to break out and achieve more.
Today, the educational system is being sold identically. Get your under grad and don't stop. Continue on for a Masters. And then dig deep and press through to that doctorate. But if one has to do so while piling up loans the size mentioned above, one wonders how that educational system has missed the reality of simple cost and benefit? Do educators no longer think about cost recovery? Our Government has facilitated this problem with the out of control student loan programs. The whole thing is about to change the core of our society and economy. I did not even mention the PhD student who knows that the starting salary for teaching college courses will be limited to the $50,000 range.
So I was reading an article the other day concerning highest paid jobs that are struggling to find applicants. I discovered that the trade of welding is being lost in America. One can start out making $135,000 with no college degree required. The cost to learn welding does not require student loans. And a welder will begin their career in the black able to buy a home, a car, raise their children, and even take a vacation. And this was just one of the many manual labor jobs available with high pay. Problem, no one wants to do these jobs. The very industries that are the backbone of America are no longer viewed as worthy of our time. We are told to get a degree and make something of our ourselves. But our system prevents this from an economic standpoint. It not just crippled, it is broken. And what kind of a person goes so far into debt to get educated and yet will spend the rest of their working lives trying to pay it off?
Come to think of it - maybe we have lost our minds!
P.S. I did not write this to discourage anyone from striving to obtain an education. I am currently working on my PhD. But no degree, regardless of level, can be substituted for common sense and sound financial decision making. We as parents and grandparents need to slow down and make sure we are leading our children with the right goals while also laying the proper foundation of expectations. A degree at the cost of high debt is NOT smart. Maybe we need to take longer to earn them. Maybe we need to go another route. We need to guide our children to make wise decisions. We need to understand that a degree does not make you a better person nor does it guarantee you anything. We need to step back and re-think our ideology. Reality is showing us a serious problem with our current thoughts. We need to re-engage our minds if we still have one!
Case #1
A graduate of a medical school recently shared the following: "After paying for my undergrad and now my MD, I begin my career with $340,000 in student loan debt." In case you missed that, reread! I have never owned a house worth that much! I cannot imagine being in debt on one thing nor several things that amounted to $340,000.
This person is actually working in a hospital today. The learning received was great and the skill being applied to help those in need was the best. Problem, the Government is cutting the amounts that insurance will pay for services. No longer is there a thought that this MD will ever earn more than $350,000 per year. Today, this MD is earning around $180,000. Nice salary indeed. But not so nice when one considers just the loan repayment for the education that provided the knowledge to earn the wage. And while you are sitting there thinking, dwell some on the fact that amount will NOT be forgiven. This amount is on this MD's credit report. No home loan. No car loan. Either pay rent or live with parents! That's it. Drive a used car. Pray you marry someone who will earn far more than you and is willing to pay down that HUGE loan. And money to raise children?
Case #2
A teacher I spoke with recently shared frustration over having to live at home with parents. As the discussion continued, revealed was the simple fact that in order to graduate in 4 years with a degree that allowed employment in a school system, this person had run up a school loan debt of $93,000. Starting salary at the school where job was offered payed started out under $38,000. It does not take long to do the math and discover that this income to student loan debt ratio is similar to the MD. And teacher pay raises are few and far between. I discount the arguments that snarly people people make about teachers only working 9 months. Putting up with undisciplined brats that parents have failed to raise, add demanding parents who do not want you to discipline their children, and you see clearly that the pay is no where near enough - for any amount of months worked.
But a teacher who works hard, cares for your children, and seeks to give your child the basics of education to be productive in society will struggle to buy a home, pay for a car, and have the money also to raise their own children. Why? $93,000 in student loan debt will eliminate most options of obtaining credit until this amount is greatly reduced.
Results Summary
Our educational system is broken from a financial stand point to a devastating level. It is totally impossible to maintain the American economy on this type of debt, learning, and pay scale. A teacher is equally strapped just as is a MD. I keep referring back to the television show The Walton's. Three generations living under one roof seemed so old school. It was a way of life for a farmer or lumber mill owner. But for a Medical Doctor and Educator, the education was sold as a way to break out and achieve more.
Today, the educational system is being sold identically. Get your under grad and don't stop. Continue on for a Masters. And then dig deep and press through to that doctorate. But if one has to do so while piling up loans the size mentioned above, one wonders how that educational system has missed the reality of simple cost and benefit? Do educators no longer think about cost recovery? Our Government has facilitated this problem with the out of control student loan programs. The whole thing is about to change the core of our society and economy. I did not even mention the PhD student who knows that the starting salary for teaching college courses will be limited to the $50,000 range.
So I was reading an article the other day concerning highest paid jobs that are struggling to find applicants. I discovered that the trade of welding is being lost in America. One can start out making $135,000 with no college degree required. The cost to learn welding does not require student loans. And a welder will begin their career in the black able to buy a home, a car, raise their children, and even take a vacation. And this was just one of the many manual labor jobs available with high pay. Problem, no one wants to do these jobs. The very industries that are the backbone of America are no longer viewed as worthy of our time. We are told to get a degree and make something of our ourselves. But our system prevents this from an economic standpoint. It not just crippled, it is broken. And what kind of a person goes so far into debt to get educated and yet will spend the rest of their working lives trying to pay it off?
Come to think of it - maybe we have lost our minds!
P.S. I did not write this to discourage anyone from striving to obtain an education. I am currently working on my PhD. But no degree, regardless of level, can be substituted for common sense and sound financial decision making. We as parents and grandparents need to slow down and make sure we are leading our children with the right goals while also laying the proper foundation of expectations. A degree at the cost of high debt is NOT smart. Maybe we need to take longer to earn them. Maybe we need to go another route. We need to guide our children to make wise decisions. We need to understand that a degree does not make you a better person nor does it guarantee you anything. We need to step back and re-think our ideology. Reality is showing us a serious problem with our current thoughts. We need to re-engage our minds if we still have one!
Saturday, November 23, 2013
A plea to parents from 35,000 feet!
On a recent flight to take my father to see his twin sister I experienced something that you pray never occurs on a flight. I had three seats all to myself. I was happy happy happy! But the happiness did not last. For I soon discovered that seated in front of me and behind me where moms with two children each. Problem - the moms lacked basic parenting skills including how and why to discipline. I have flown many times with children all around and had a blast talking and entertaining. But not on this flight. As I sat and listened to one parent scream while other one bribed her two, I inserted my ear buds and cranked my music hoping to find some solitude. I failed.
It was easy to see from those sitting close by that I was not the only one shaking my head and looking for ear plugs. Not a single person was upset at the children involved. What became clear to all of us was that too many parents today lack the knowledge and skills in raising their children with discipline, and knowing how to discipline when it is needed - even in public.
Here are the thoughts that I began to realize are missing in these types of situations. Maybe you need this. Maybe you can share this with someone else. And please don't miss the last section!
Parents and their Emotions
When parents allow their children to push their buttons and trigger the release of their emotions, the children win! One mom was screaming at everything! She was behind me. Her daughter and son were not causing any problems for anyone else but mom. Their ears were popping. Yes this hurts! And children will cry. Parents please stop screaming! It only proves YOU are out of control. Control your emotions in the manner that you desire your children to control theirs. If you respond to them with emotions, you will get emotions back! Someone gave me a coffee cup last year (a real big one) that says "Keep Calm and Carry On!". Parents this will work wonders! Keep your emotions in check.
Know the goal of Discipline
Discipline is not for control! Too many think this. Discipline has as its goal the teaching of boundaries so that our children can learn to self discipline. Think about this one. The boundaries are established via teaching to show where danger exists. The boundaries are reinforced by firm commitment to them so that protection is provided. Our children then learn that there are limits and thus they learn to stay within those limits - the safe place. If you discipline for control, your children will lack the boundaries needed and thus will go beyond your protection. They will lack self discipline which leads to problems as teenagers and adults.
Don't forget the Bible
Notice these verses:
Prov 22:15
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.
(NKJ)
Prov 13:24
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
(NKJ)
Prov 23:13-14
13 Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
14 You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.
(NKJ)
I know there is a huge rejection in parents spanking their children today. Parents need to realize that past experience of abuse or heard stories of abuse do not negate the clear teaching of the Bible. The Bible is truth. If you chose to not follow it, you will reap from that sin. Problem in parenting is that your children will reap what you have sown. You cannot remove correction via spanking and expect your children to learn discipline. The Bible tells us this will not work!
We cannot discipline in anger. To spank in anger produces the environment for abuse! Remember the section on emotions. But we must discipline! To not do so is to NOT love our children. The Bible teaches this and it is true. Just as God disciplines us, we must also discipline our children. Our discipline must be firm, precise, and fitting. Spanking must be included. It reinforces the boundaries that are needed for our children. To not do so is real child abuse!
Bribery is evil
The mom in front of me bribed her children with everything she could think of. Nothing worked. One bribe led to another. The children had her figured out. They knew mom was willing to give them anything. This is NOT discipline. In fact it teaches children that if you keep begging eventually you will get what you want. In life, this lesson leads to a scary reality.
The message of embarrassment
Both moms said multiple times to their children that they were embarrassing them. The more I heard this the more I wanted to lean forward and back and say: "What you really mean is that you are embarrassed that others are seeing your lack of parenting skills." A lady seated across from me actually voiced this to her daughter during one of the outbursts by the moms. This lady was right. If we parents are embarrassed, it is not our children causing this. It is that we are seeing clearly that we need help in parenting. When embarrasment arrives, listen to it knowing that you are now being given the moment to make changes to your actions or lack thereof.
That last section I mentioned above
Heidi and I have raised two boys. One a junior in college and one a senior in High School. Our boys grew up traveling with youth groups all over the country. And then they continued growing while living in the glass house of a Pastor. We did not get it right all the time. If I could, there are things that I would change. Yet as I look back, I am thankful for parents who reinforced what I have written above. I am thankful for faithful Pastors and church members who shared key insights into parenting when our boys were little. We did not live close to grandparents. We were on our own. I am so thankful that we listened and followed the best we could to the advice given. Our boys did not slow our ministry down nor did they ever disrupt our trips. We took them everywhere and we have had more fun as a family in ministry than I could have ever imagined. They lived and grew and thankfully, though not perfect, they are now Godly hard working young men who know discipline and right from wrong. The above worked!
Hard work was required. Consistency was much needed. We reminded them constantly that they were not pastors kids but were our children who God had created with a plan for their life. When they failed, we disciplined, yes we spanked, and we grounded. There was no bribing. There was no time out in the corner. Discipline was firm and it was never withheld. We did not allow them to get destructive or obnoxious. Instead we gave them the boundaries so they learned and knew what it meant to be disciplined. Any parent can do the same. You will never get it 100% right every time. You will make mistakes. We made many. But you can teach and you can discipline. The real question is very simple: Are you willing to do it? It takes effort. It requires knowing the end goal. It requires commitment to that goal. It requires us as parents being disciplined ourselves.
The two moms on the flight are in for some rocky times. More troubling to me is the fact that there are four children that will experience those rocky times thanks to their parents.
How sad is that?
It was easy to see from those sitting close by that I was not the only one shaking my head and looking for ear plugs. Not a single person was upset at the children involved. What became clear to all of us was that too many parents today lack the knowledge and skills in raising their children with discipline, and knowing how to discipline when it is needed - even in public.
Here are the thoughts that I began to realize are missing in these types of situations. Maybe you need this. Maybe you can share this with someone else. And please don't miss the last section!
Parents and their Emotions
When parents allow their children to push their buttons and trigger the release of their emotions, the children win! One mom was screaming at everything! She was behind me. Her daughter and son were not causing any problems for anyone else but mom. Their ears were popping. Yes this hurts! And children will cry. Parents please stop screaming! It only proves YOU are out of control. Control your emotions in the manner that you desire your children to control theirs. If you respond to them with emotions, you will get emotions back! Someone gave me a coffee cup last year (a real big one) that says "Keep Calm and Carry On!". Parents this will work wonders! Keep your emotions in check.
Know the goal of Discipline
Discipline is not for control! Too many think this. Discipline has as its goal the teaching of boundaries so that our children can learn to self discipline. Think about this one. The boundaries are established via teaching to show where danger exists. The boundaries are reinforced by firm commitment to them so that protection is provided. Our children then learn that there are limits and thus they learn to stay within those limits - the safe place. If you discipline for control, your children will lack the boundaries needed and thus will go beyond your protection. They will lack self discipline which leads to problems as teenagers and adults.
Don't forget the Bible
Notice these verses:
Prov 22:15
15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him.
(NKJ)
Prov 13:24
24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
(NKJ)
Prov 23:13-14
13 Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
14 You shall beat him with a rod, and deliver his soul from hell.
(NKJ)
I know there is a huge rejection in parents spanking their children today. Parents need to realize that past experience of abuse or heard stories of abuse do not negate the clear teaching of the Bible. The Bible is truth. If you chose to not follow it, you will reap from that sin. Problem in parenting is that your children will reap what you have sown. You cannot remove correction via spanking and expect your children to learn discipline. The Bible tells us this will not work!
We cannot discipline in anger. To spank in anger produces the environment for abuse! Remember the section on emotions. But we must discipline! To not do so is to NOT love our children. The Bible teaches this and it is true. Just as God disciplines us, we must also discipline our children. Our discipline must be firm, precise, and fitting. Spanking must be included. It reinforces the boundaries that are needed for our children. To not do so is real child abuse!
Bribery is evil
The mom in front of me bribed her children with everything she could think of. Nothing worked. One bribe led to another. The children had her figured out. They knew mom was willing to give them anything. This is NOT discipline. In fact it teaches children that if you keep begging eventually you will get what you want. In life, this lesson leads to a scary reality.
The message of embarrassment
Both moms said multiple times to their children that they were embarrassing them. The more I heard this the more I wanted to lean forward and back and say: "What you really mean is that you are embarrassed that others are seeing your lack of parenting skills." A lady seated across from me actually voiced this to her daughter during one of the outbursts by the moms. This lady was right. If we parents are embarrassed, it is not our children causing this. It is that we are seeing clearly that we need help in parenting. When embarrasment arrives, listen to it knowing that you are now being given the moment to make changes to your actions or lack thereof.
That last section I mentioned above
Heidi and I have raised two boys. One a junior in college and one a senior in High School. Our boys grew up traveling with youth groups all over the country. And then they continued growing while living in the glass house of a Pastor. We did not get it right all the time. If I could, there are things that I would change. Yet as I look back, I am thankful for parents who reinforced what I have written above. I am thankful for faithful Pastors and church members who shared key insights into parenting when our boys were little. We did not live close to grandparents. We were on our own. I am so thankful that we listened and followed the best we could to the advice given. Our boys did not slow our ministry down nor did they ever disrupt our trips. We took them everywhere and we have had more fun as a family in ministry than I could have ever imagined. They lived and grew and thankfully, though not perfect, they are now Godly hard working young men who know discipline and right from wrong. The above worked!
Hard work was required. Consistency was much needed. We reminded them constantly that they were not pastors kids but were our children who God had created with a plan for their life. When they failed, we disciplined, yes we spanked, and we grounded. There was no bribing. There was no time out in the corner. Discipline was firm and it was never withheld. We did not allow them to get destructive or obnoxious. Instead we gave them the boundaries so they learned and knew what it meant to be disciplined. Any parent can do the same. You will never get it 100% right every time. You will make mistakes. We made many. But you can teach and you can discipline. The real question is very simple: Are you willing to do it? It takes effort. It requires knowing the end goal. It requires commitment to that goal. It requires us as parents being disciplined ourselves.
The two moms on the flight are in for some rocky times. More troubling to me is the fact that there are four children that will experience those rocky times thanks to their parents.
How sad is that?
Friday, October 25, 2013
Don't Get Picked Off!
In honor of the World Series I thought I would use the baseball analogy as a title to show the real crisis facing America in the coming months with Healthcare. Join me on a journey that highlights how many Americans are getting picked off by the politics with Healthcare and are actually going to be out as a result.
Delay it!
The law has already been incrementally implemented. Insurance companies have already trashed the old and created the new, with higher premiums. Delaying the penalty does not fix the problem!
Stop the Government from being in the Insurance Business!
Wait - they already do with medicare. Yet with the ACA they are not. Insurance companies are the ones that people are to buy insurance from. Problem, no one can afford it nor can they get access to it. So what happens when the Insurance companies are not getting their premiums from over 65% of the people come January 1? How long can they operate paying claims with such a great loss of premiums. My simple math says it will exceed a shortfall of over $350 Billion in the first quarter of 2014. Where will the money come from to pay claims?
We can just go back!
Go back to what? Politicians need to come clean and tell the truth that the old system is gone. They might also want to admit that they have NO idea what to do with the real problem come March 2014 - no money in the system to pay claims!
Throw them all out of office!
OK, but who has a solution? This is a total change of the America you and I have known and there is NO going back. Any solution will require Government intervention and controls for some time. It is remember, 1/3 of our total economy. It is not going to be a simple solution!
So what do we do?
That is a great question! I am afraid that no one knows! And that my friends is the real issue! Our politicians and leaders have let us down. They walked away from or pushed this mess on us. Both parties have sold us out. They push their spin and continue raising money knowing that NO solutions are on the horizon. They just want to get re-elected.
Do you trust them?
The polls say neither party is getting a pass. Just wait until the above scenarios happen, and they will. Who will you trust to fix the solution and what form of Government will it take to straighten out the mess?
One thing I do know. I am seeing more clearly how anti-Christ will rise to power and the messes that will pave the way for his rise. Desperation is growing daily. Problem is, few are looking to God. Funny how the one person who can help us is the one not being relied upon!
Remember, DON"T GET PICKED OFF! The pitcher in this ballgame is more sneaky than the Red Socks pitcher using a foreign substance the other night in the World Series!
Delay it!
The law has already been incrementally implemented. Insurance companies have already trashed the old and created the new, with higher premiums. Delaying the penalty does not fix the problem!
Stop the Government from being in the Insurance Business!
Wait - they already do with medicare. Yet with the ACA they are not. Insurance companies are the ones that people are to buy insurance from. Problem, no one can afford it nor can they get access to it. So what happens when the Insurance companies are not getting their premiums from over 65% of the people come January 1? How long can they operate paying claims with such a great loss of premiums. My simple math says it will exceed a shortfall of over $350 Billion in the first quarter of 2014. Where will the money come from to pay claims?
We can just go back!
Go back to what? Politicians need to come clean and tell the truth that the old system is gone. They might also want to admit that they have NO idea what to do with the real problem come March 2014 - no money in the system to pay claims!
Throw them all out of office!
OK, but who has a solution? This is a total change of the America you and I have known and there is NO going back. Any solution will require Government intervention and controls for some time. It is remember, 1/3 of our total economy. It is not going to be a simple solution!
So what do we do?
That is a great question! I am afraid that no one knows! And that my friends is the real issue! Our politicians and leaders have let us down. They walked away from or pushed this mess on us. Both parties have sold us out. They push their spin and continue raising money knowing that NO solutions are on the horizon. They just want to get re-elected.
Do you trust them?
The polls say neither party is getting a pass. Just wait until the above scenarios happen, and they will. Who will you trust to fix the solution and what form of Government will it take to straighten out the mess?
One thing I do know. I am seeing more clearly how anti-Christ will rise to power and the messes that will pave the way for his rise. Desperation is growing daily. Problem is, few are looking to God. Funny how the one person who can help us is the one not being relied upon!
Remember, DON"T GET PICKED OFF! The pitcher in this ballgame is more sneaky than the Red Socks pitcher using a foreign substance the other night in the World Series!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Budget time for churches...
Every Pastor and staff love the budget planning time of the year. You know you love it. Come on, tell me you love it! OK, enough of that. We endure it - right? Right! This year the process is a bit more difficult than normal. Money is tight everywhere. Costs are rising on everything. And then there is the good ol health care issue. Here are some tips at getting through the planning this year with less stress than you thought.
1. Keep the vision alive! Reducing vision is a receipts killer. Even in a tough economy. People give to vision. People need to see, hear and experience vision. Now is not the time to shrink vision. Instead, sharpen your vision. Stage your vision. Just do not kill your vision!
2. Focus on Stewardship! Often church budgets contain poor stewardship. Be smart in every area. There is a difference in being steward compared to being tight! Evaluate, prioritize, and see what you can do as a better cooperate steward. It is time to get rid of all the "golden calves" in our budgets and think, plan, and operate as stewards.
3. Share the process! Talk from the pulpit with your people about all the areas that your team are considering and the goal of your church being a good steward in the budget process. Get creative. it will help your people understand and buy in to what your team will present.
4. Keep it Biblical! Ministry and missions are the Biblical reason we exist. Make sure you continue to fund these.
5. Avoid fads! Stick to your vision. My staff came up with the phrase "Don't get distracted!". Staying focused on the vision God has given will take you a long way down the road toward being a steward church.
6. Keep the faith factor! When times are tough it is easy to turn to human ability. We forget that faith is the Christian life. It should also be the life of a steward church. Don't go crazy! But don't forget about faith! Call your people to take steps of faith!
7. Know your banker! It all belongs to God. He will provide. We may have to improvise but God will bring us through!
8. Reduce debt! Even in tough times, reducing debt builds confidence in your people. Show them it can be done! Challenge them to step up and help make it happen. Include the benefits for every ministry in your church.
9. Breathe and press on! Take a deep breathe. It is not as bad as it seems. Keep moving forward and watch God work. He is good at it! It is His church!
1. Keep the vision alive! Reducing vision is a receipts killer. Even in a tough economy. People give to vision. People need to see, hear and experience vision. Now is not the time to shrink vision. Instead, sharpen your vision. Stage your vision. Just do not kill your vision!
2. Focus on Stewardship! Often church budgets contain poor stewardship. Be smart in every area. There is a difference in being steward compared to being tight! Evaluate, prioritize, and see what you can do as a better cooperate steward. It is time to get rid of all the "golden calves" in our budgets and think, plan, and operate as stewards.
3. Share the process! Talk from the pulpit with your people about all the areas that your team are considering and the goal of your church being a good steward in the budget process. Get creative. it will help your people understand and buy in to what your team will present.
4. Keep it Biblical! Ministry and missions are the Biblical reason we exist. Make sure you continue to fund these.
5. Avoid fads! Stick to your vision. My staff came up with the phrase "Don't get distracted!". Staying focused on the vision God has given will take you a long way down the road toward being a steward church.
6. Keep the faith factor! When times are tough it is easy to turn to human ability. We forget that faith is the Christian life. It should also be the life of a steward church. Don't go crazy! But don't forget about faith! Call your people to take steps of faith!
7. Know your banker! It all belongs to God. He will provide. We may have to improvise but God will bring us through!
8. Reduce debt! Even in tough times, reducing debt builds confidence in your people. Show them it can be done! Challenge them to step up and help make it happen. Include the benefits for every ministry in your church.
9. Breathe and press on! Take a deep breathe. It is not as bad as it seems. Keep moving forward and watch God work. He is good at it! It is His church!
Monday, September 30, 2013
The Fear Factor!
When life changes at 2013 speed it is easy for fear to grip us in numerous ways. If you take a step back from your busy life and list the many things that are specific to your life, the things that are changing with which you have no control, it can be frightening to see the fear factor. Fear is found in every life. And of late, fear is the leading emotion used by many to base decisions and reactions.
How can we live a life without fear?
The month of September found us studying this subject with our children's ministry and their parents. Each week highlighted a moment in time from the Bible where God's people overcame the damaging emotion of fear and allowed God to bring about victory in their lives. Such moments were seen with events unfolding that NO human being could ever do. Things like the walls of Jericho falling flat. The bravery of Joseph. Moses being brave when the atmosphere was not conducive to such.
The situations may change but the same God who has worked for hundreds of years is the same God who works today!
Jehovah God is full of power and might. He is all knowing. He is caring, kind and loving. No matter our situations, He is God, and He will bring His children through whatever struggle is before them. God is God and will always be!
In a recent sermon I made the statement "stop worrying, I have read the end of the book and we WIN!" It is a statement that I have said hundreds of times in my ministry. But this time it seemed to hit home more. That got me to realizing something. I began to see the depth of fear in the lives of many. Is our constant siege producing such fear that we miss the foundational truth needed to press on in difficult times?
Living as a winner requires more than words. But in the words "...we WIN" are found a truth that sits as a foundation for our lives, if we allow it. The foundation is that God through Jesus paid for our victory. In Him, we can overcome the reach of fear. In Him we WIN!
Take some time to look at the following verses:
Isa 41:10; Isa 41: 13; Isa 43:1; John 12:15; II Tim 1:7
These are but a few of the many exhortations Biblically given to guide us through the fear factor in our lives.
Though often people prey on our fears to manipulate and control us, God says we are to fear Him alone, and thus allow Him to defeat all other areas of fear in our lives. Ironically, the one fear we are to have and do not, is the only weapon to defeat the grip of Satan and his use of fear in weighing us down.
Fear nothing but God Himself, and watch fear depart. Fear God alone, and watch Him bring your life the victory that He has paid for!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Church and Ministry Economics - What Will We Do?
As a Pastor I see the weekly struggle our sluggish economy is feeding. As a Pastor I see the daily lives of Christians moving far away from living as a Christian Steward. I also work with Pastors and churches of all types across the country, and I see the same issues in every brand of church. It is tough in the trenches!
There are three key points in understanding today and tomorrow in church and ministry economics. These three points are currently at "critical mass" and little relief is seen - or is it?
Key #1
Stewardship is more than generosity. Stewardship is a state of being and a way of living. God says we are stewards. I Corinthians Chapter 4 drives this point home. We may run from it or try to re-define it, but God says HE has entrusted to us the Gospel and the resources. And in this trust we are to be found faithful! Until we return to a Biblical view of personal stewardship, our ministries and churches will be hurting to a point of debilitating proportion. As theological structures weaken the clear teaching of tithing and grace giving, we are presented with a huge dilemma - how will we fund that which God has called us to?
Key #2
Leadership is everything! I was slapped in the face with this a few years ago. I always give my tithes and offerings during the giving time in our services. I give as I ask others to also be obedient and give. But we had added a second service. God showed me that one of the services was missing out on seeing this modeled before them. So I now write two checks each week, and give in both. It was simple. It was no trouble. But it was noticed! Leaders are seen more than they are heard. Leaders must embrace the discipline of steward living and giving just as they do prayer and other dsciplines.
And leaders must also realize that teaching on stewardship is NOT the end of the world. I know that this is a scary subject for many Pastors. Why? So what if others have abused it. So what if others are not biblical. Lead by teaching the whole of the Bible and your people will be blessed by it. The promises of God toward faithful stewards are needed by every person in your services. Live it and teach it! As one church I know of does, celebrate the giving time in your services instead of hiding it. You and your people will find freedom and blessings!
Key#3
We are in trouble with our structures. By structures I mean buildings, denominational, and educational. Allow me to break these down:
Buildings - many have old and worn out buildings. Trying to address this deferred maintenance is a nightmare. Our churches and our educational institutions are all seeing this problem swell before their eyes. Courage and change will be required to maneuver this mountain. Add to this, many churches have built too much and too costly. Banks are no longer allowing this. But debt will have to be eliminated. Many secular approaches to debt reduction are leading churches down a dangerous path while ignoring the Biblical teachings and promoting an approach that will leave Pastors in trouble for the long haul. Pastors be careful! We must lay the groundwork for many years to come. Only strong Biblical Stewardship will accomplish this.
And remember these two important things:
1. You must maintain what you build!
2. Having an empty building 6 days a week does NOT bring honor to God! Build smart and flexible!
Structure - There is much dissatisfaction with the bloated structures that are found in our religious circles. People in the chairs and pews today are NOT sold on much of what denominations, conventions, and fellowships do. Networking is easier today than ever. This presents a major issue for our current structures. Add deferred maintenance issues, lack of interest, and poor stewardship together and you will see what I am talking about. It is NOT going to be pretty. But remember, change is more often good than bad. We need major change in our structures. Follow the money and you will see this clearly.
Educational - Maintenance alone puts our religious institutions in jeopardy. Add to that a poor economy, student loan debt from under grad schools, online and alternative sources of education, and one discovers that we are in the middle of a major shift. We cannot sustain the current model for long. Change is coming and change must come.
But all is NOT over.
It is a great time to return to Biblical Stewardship and cast a new more effective model of how we do what we do, and prepare for it. We have the ability to shape a younger generation that is living in the struggles of material sin from their elders. Their mindset is different and we must make sure we provide the resources and vision to capture and lead them to a Biblical model of steward living. It is possible because God is still God! It is doable because the Word of God says so.
What will we do?
There are three key points in understanding today and tomorrow in church and ministry economics. These three points are currently at "critical mass" and little relief is seen - or is it?
Key #1
Stewardship is more than generosity. Stewardship is a state of being and a way of living. God says we are stewards. I Corinthians Chapter 4 drives this point home. We may run from it or try to re-define it, but God says HE has entrusted to us the Gospel and the resources. And in this trust we are to be found faithful! Until we return to a Biblical view of personal stewardship, our ministries and churches will be hurting to a point of debilitating proportion. As theological structures weaken the clear teaching of tithing and grace giving, we are presented with a huge dilemma - how will we fund that which God has called us to?
Key #2
Leadership is everything! I was slapped in the face with this a few years ago. I always give my tithes and offerings during the giving time in our services. I give as I ask others to also be obedient and give. But we had added a second service. God showed me that one of the services was missing out on seeing this modeled before them. So I now write two checks each week, and give in both. It was simple. It was no trouble. But it was noticed! Leaders are seen more than they are heard. Leaders must embrace the discipline of steward living and giving just as they do prayer and other dsciplines.
And leaders must also realize that teaching on stewardship is NOT the end of the world. I know that this is a scary subject for many Pastors. Why? So what if others have abused it. So what if others are not biblical. Lead by teaching the whole of the Bible and your people will be blessed by it. The promises of God toward faithful stewards are needed by every person in your services. Live it and teach it! As one church I know of does, celebrate the giving time in your services instead of hiding it. You and your people will find freedom and blessings!
Key#3
We are in trouble with our structures. By structures I mean buildings, denominational, and educational. Allow me to break these down:
Buildings - many have old and worn out buildings. Trying to address this deferred maintenance is a nightmare. Our churches and our educational institutions are all seeing this problem swell before their eyes. Courage and change will be required to maneuver this mountain. Add to this, many churches have built too much and too costly. Banks are no longer allowing this. But debt will have to be eliminated. Many secular approaches to debt reduction are leading churches down a dangerous path while ignoring the Biblical teachings and promoting an approach that will leave Pastors in trouble for the long haul. Pastors be careful! We must lay the groundwork for many years to come. Only strong Biblical Stewardship will accomplish this.
And remember these two important things:
1. You must maintain what you build!
2. Having an empty building 6 days a week does NOT bring honor to God! Build smart and flexible!
Structure - There is much dissatisfaction with the bloated structures that are found in our religious circles. People in the chairs and pews today are NOT sold on much of what denominations, conventions, and fellowships do. Networking is easier today than ever. This presents a major issue for our current structures. Add deferred maintenance issues, lack of interest, and poor stewardship together and you will see what I am talking about. It is NOT going to be pretty. But remember, change is more often good than bad. We need major change in our structures. Follow the money and you will see this clearly.
Educational - Maintenance alone puts our religious institutions in jeopardy. Add to that a poor economy, student loan debt from under grad schools, online and alternative sources of education, and one discovers that we are in the middle of a major shift. We cannot sustain the current model for long. Change is coming and change must come.
But all is NOT over.
It is a great time to return to Biblical Stewardship and cast a new more effective model of how we do what we do, and prepare for it. We have the ability to shape a younger generation that is living in the struggles of material sin from their elders. Their mindset is different and we must make sure we provide the resources and vision to capture and lead them to a Biblical model of steward living. It is possible because God is still God! It is doable because the Word of God says so.
What will we do?
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