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1/5/2019 0 Comments How Sensible Are You? Lisa was quite frustrated with Jacov. He and his wife were not in agreement when it came to living sensibly. She wisely stewarded resources while he grew up living lavishly. Their arguments over finances and possessions put significant strain on their marriage. His lack of preparation and impatience often caused them unnecessary challenges. Finally, in desperation to bring peace, Jacov found a marriage counselor that he and Lisa could go to for help. To their surprise, the counselor actually made their sessions pleasant and more importantly, he equipped them with ten guidelines to help them live sensibly. He encouraged them that if they both observed these recommendations they should have less friction and fighting in their marriage
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10/31/2015 0 Comments Tuning in to Hear GodPastor Brady Boyd walked over to an old radio he had set up as a prop for his message. After turning on the battery-powered machine he slowly moved the knob in search of stations within range. The point he was making is that often we seek God’s voice but all we hear is static. And so he asked a rhetorical question: What keeps us from hearing God?
5/13/2015 Setting Up PillarsWhile I was a cadet at West Point, my two friends Dave and Brian and I had a saying we frequently recited to remind us that we needed to focus on what was eternal. “It’s all going to burn.” Little did we realize how significant that phrase would become. Dave and his wife Melody lost their home in the Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs. It was a traumatic event for the Meads—they lost almost everything they owned. Now as they look back, they would say that they are better for their loss.
2/1/2015 Worst Economic Advice?Meditation
Matthew 6:33—But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. I would imagine if you quoted Jesus’ advice above to a secular financial advisor he might laugh you out of his office after you explained that “all these things” referred to food, drink and clothing (6:25,31). “Are you crazy! Don’t put your trust in some ancient religious leader. After all, God helps those who help themselves. If you want to live the good life and be secure, you better make lots of money.” 12/20/2014 Downsizing: Saying Goodbye to . . .Meditation
Proverbs 3:9—Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest. I had a novel thought this morning concerning Proverbs 3:9. One of the ways that I honor God with my possessions (beyond tithing) is giving them away! As Kathleen and I pack up our belongings for our move to Colorado Springs, we are realizing that we don’t need to take a lot of stuff. 2/18/2013 Write Your WillWhile I was in college my uncle had a massive heart attack and died. His death was far more tragic then necessary. Norm was a very wealthy man. Because he failed to write a will, when his heart collapsed, he left his wife and two daughters with no plan and protection. Because he did not train his sons-in-law how to run his business, they badly floundered. Soon a shyster appeared and proceeded to horrifically swindle my aunt and her family. Later, one of the sons-in-law died. He failed to write a will. The financial and emotional suffering caused by two men unwilling to prepare for death extends to this day.
1/28/2013 Treasure HuntingIt was a bittersweet day. Although I earned my Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) at Fort Benning, Georgia as a Second Lieutenant, I lost my West Point ring in the process. I have always thought it would be great to rent a metal detector and go searching for that lost treasure. The problem is, many decades later, I have no idea even what area to search!
12/18/2012 0 Comments Leave Them for the PoorWhen asked what she wanted for Christmas the little girl responded, “I want an I Phone and everything that starts with I.” You have to love the simple honesty of a child. How many adults would admit to the same self-gratification?
10/16/2010 0 Comments ChallengesMeditation
Luke 14:26, 27, 33—If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say good-bye to all his possessions cannot be My disciple. 11/30/2009 0 Comments Self-CenteredI make it a habit to read the Bible daily because I want to grow in my relationship with God and I need the wisdom His word gives to help me live in a God-pleasing manner. Sometimes Scripture jumps from the pages and slaps me. Such was the case recently when reflecting on 1 John 1:3,4.
This is how we are sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 8/20/2009 EldersAs the Apostle Peter neared the end of his life he wrote powerful words of instruction to those who were leaders of God’s people. Coming alongside special men, Peter urged them to shepherd God’s flock. Then he carefully defined what their motives and attitudes should look like. Those same penetrating words of truth ring applicable to us today.
8/12/2008 0 Comments StewardshipMeditation
Luke 16:10-12—Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. So if you have not been faithful with the unrighteous money, who will trust you with what is genuine? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own? Once upon a time a man and woman lived off Dutch Canyon Road in Scappoose. They had six children all of whom were in their 20’s. The father was a wealthy man, well beloved in his community, but terminally-ill with cancer. One day while reason still lingered, he asked his beloved wife to invite their children for dinner and an important announcement. Curious and concerned they all came.
6/30/1999 0 Comments Povility (Poor in Spirit)Meditation
Matthew 5:3--The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 5/6/1999 0 Comments PoorMeditation
2 Corinthians 8:9-- For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich. Rather incredible isn’t it? The Lord of the universe willingly disrobed of the heavenly splendor that was His. 1/3/1999 0 Comments LoyaltyThe beginning of the year is a time when people in our society reflect. For many, new resolutions and goals are forged on the gold-embossed pages of a new journal. Yet as the past is closed for the door of tomorrow a timeless God is not concerned with another year. His word makes His question clear—are we loyal to Him?
12/7/1998 0 Comments PossessionsMeditation
Luke 12:15--He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions. 5/8/1998 0 Comments InsuranceMeditation
Matthew 6:34—Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 2/13/1998 0 Comments Sin--ResponsibilityWhy is our civilization morally crumbling? Why is our country trapped in the quicksand of evil? Why is our society torn by the passions of selfishness? Why is our culture enamored with what is wicked? Could it be that we are adorned in the clothing of excuses to mask our responsibility for sin? Paul Harvey, the famous radio commentator shared a prayer, Pastor Joe Wright of the Wichita Central Christian Church gave at an invocation for the Kansas state legislature. Joe’s prayer was immediately denounced by the governor of Kansas and several legislators stormed out in anger. This prayer has much to say. I hope it will stir your heart as it stirred mine.
11/20/1997 0 Comments DesireHow do I know when I am growing spiritually? One sure way to tell is to evaluate my desires. Jesus said “For where your treasures is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Treasures do not have to be tangible possessions. Our thoughts our often our treasures.
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