To really enjoy the good life you must give your life to a purpose beyond yourself. We cannot trust our lives to "chance" and just go to with the flow of life. We must prayerfully consider our "calling" and commit ourselves to invest our lives in that quest as we serve the Eternal.
Whether the pro-life movement, issues of poverty or peace, unity in the church, growing God's kingdom, the salvation of others, raising godly children, and other worthy causes, it takes hard work. Writing from the Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King, Jr. pens these words,
"Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation."
Today, as much or more than ever before in this generation, people will be looking for answers and direction in life. We have a significant opportunity to show them real life answers by living out our faith in whatever specific form God leads to make a difference in our community and world. Don't be passive and submit to the schemes of evil. Become a winsome co-worker with God and live a great life.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
How to Enjoy a Recession
So many people, and rightfully so, are now worried about the financial disaster that has started in our country. Whenever the government passes a "rescue" bill, and whatever the bill becomes, the pain of our current financial predicament will not be over soon. Here are a few ideas to help you in this unsettling time.
1. Trust God - God is still on the throne. He still knows the hairs on your head. His eye is still on the sparrow. (Matthew 6) Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
2. Work at relationships - Continue to spend time with like minded people who encourage you and make you laugh. No matter how much money you have, these are the kinds of people who make life meaningful.
3. Making sure your financial dreams and goals are realistic. Part of the problem we are experiencing is that people (for whatever reason) bought into the idea that home ownership brings happiness, whatever it costs. On a personal and governmental level, we must all make sure we are not living beyond our means.
4. Give to others - Those of us who still have some extra should look for ways we can encourage and minister to those who are struggling at this time. We should not encourage continued waste and mismanagement, but help those who are seeking to make good and godly decisions.
5. Don't try to guess what the Stock Market will do - If you are struggling with worrying about the Stock Market, then slowly begin taking out some money and put it in some form of cash. The younger you are, and the longer you plan to have your money in the stock market, the more risk you can take. In many ways, you should never have money in the stock market (especially specific stocks) which you cannot afford to lose. It could take ten years for our economy to turn around. Unless we are really leading to "the" Armageddon, the market will recover somewhat, but the closer you are to retirement and beyond, the less money you should have in the market. If you are currently retired, you should probably not have no more than 50% in the Market. Be sure to talk to a financial planner if you have any questions.
These are just a few ideas of how to live a good life in the midst of finacial difficulties.
1. Trust God - God is still on the throne. He still knows the hairs on your head. His eye is still on the sparrow. (Matthew 6) Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
2. Work at relationships - Continue to spend time with like minded people who encourage you and make you laugh. No matter how much money you have, these are the kinds of people who make life meaningful.
3. Making sure your financial dreams and goals are realistic. Part of the problem we are experiencing is that people (for whatever reason) bought into the idea that home ownership brings happiness, whatever it costs. On a personal and governmental level, we must all make sure we are not living beyond our means.
4. Give to others - Those of us who still have some extra should look for ways we can encourage and minister to those who are struggling at this time. We should not encourage continued waste and mismanagement, but help those who are seeking to make good and godly decisions.
5. Don't try to guess what the Stock Market will do - If you are struggling with worrying about the Stock Market, then slowly begin taking out some money and put it in some form of cash. The younger you are, and the longer you plan to have your money in the stock market, the more risk you can take. In many ways, you should never have money in the stock market (especially specific stocks) which you cannot afford to lose. It could take ten years for our economy to turn around. Unless we are really leading to "the" Armageddon, the market will recover somewhat, but the closer you are to retirement and beyond, the less money you should have in the market. If you are currently retired, you should probably not have no more than 50% in the Market. Be sure to talk to a financial planner if you have any questions.
These are just a few ideas of how to live a good life in the midst of finacial difficulties.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
