This is a week old now, but James' article about Credit Card Protector Plans was featured in last week's 100th Edition of the Carnival of Debt Reduction (hosted last week at No Credit Needed).
The article even produced a playful comment from NCN...
Monday, August 20, 2007
Shall Our Brethren Go To War Alone?
The flea and an elephant crossed the bridge. When safe on the other side
the flea said to the elephant, “Boy, we sure did shake that bridge, didn’t
we?” (Winkler 195)
That little story is all too characteristic of what we see in many congregations of the Lord’s Church. A minority of the people do a majority of the giving and supporting the work of the congregation. Christians must come to understand the shared responsibility they have with their brothers and sisters within the congregation. In chapter sixteen verse two of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Paul instructed that “each one” of the Corinthian Christians was to lay something aside. Every single Christian has shared responsibility in the Lord’s Church; that is true in regards to our financial giving as well. However, far too often in the Church today some people give 25% while others will barely give 2%. This problem has been caused by people not carrying their fair share of the load. The story is told that J.P. Sanders saw a group of ants carrying a dead grasshopper along on their backs. Looking a little closer he saw that some of the ants had climbed up on the grasshopper and were just getting a free ride. God wants His children to get off of the grasshopper and start carrying their share of the load.
One of the greatest examples of this shared responsibility is seen in the Israelites occupation of the promised land of Canaan. In Numbers chapter 32, before Israel entered into Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad requested that they be allowed to settle in the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead. They desired this land because they were cattlemen, and they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were good for cattle. Moses replied to their request in Numbers 32:6 with some very penetrating words saying, “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?” Moses was making the point that the tribes of Reuben and Gad had an obligation to support the other tribes of Israel as they went to conquer the land of Canaan. The leaders of these two tribes reassured Moses that they would not abandon their brethren. The Bible tells us that Reuben and Gad were allowed to occupy that land only after they fulfilled their obligation to help their brothers and sisters take possession of the land of Canaan.
In the Church today we are at war with the army of the Devil in the same way that Israel was at war with the pagan nations of Canaan. Paul stressed this point throughout his writing. In Ephesians 6:11-13 Paul encourages his brethren to, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” He admonished Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith,....” And in 2 Timothy 2:3-4 he warns, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
This war which Paul describes can be won, but we need more preachers, more missionaries, and more benevolent acts so that the love and Lordship of Jesus Christ might be demonstrated to a lost and dying world. All Christians must understand that they have a responsibility to the Lord and the Church not to let their brothers go to war while they just sit there and do nothing. All Christians must take their responsibility seriously to support the war effort. That includes people of all ages, people of all economic levels, people of all social statuses, and people of all different situations in life. If one is a Christian then he has an obligation to give to the Church.
While most would deny the truthfulness of “faith only” salvation, too many of those same people in the Church are practicing “faith only” religion. They say that they believe in Jesus Christ. They say that His body is the most important thing in their lives, but they fail to demonstrate that faith by parting with their precious money. James said in James 2:17-18, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Which is worse? Preaching “faith only” salvation or practicing “faith only” salvation. I would hate to be guilty of either on the Day of Judgment.
the flea said to the elephant, “Boy, we sure did shake that bridge, didn’t
we?” (Winkler 195)
That little story is all too characteristic of what we see in many congregations of the Lord’s Church. A minority of the people do a majority of the giving and supporting the work of the congregation. Christians must come to understand the shared responsibility they have with their brothers and sisters within the congregation. In chapter sixteen verse two of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Paul instructed that “each one” of the Corinthian Christians was to lay something aside. Every single Christian has shared responsibility in the Lord’s Church; that is true in regards to our financial giving as well. However, far too often in the Church today some people give 25% while others will barely give 2%. This problem has been caused by people not carrying their fair share of the load. The story is told that J.P. Sanders saw a group of ants carrying a dead grasshopper along on their backs. Looking a little closer he saw that some of the ants had climbed up on the grasshopper and were just getting a free ride. God wants His children to get off of the grasshopper and start carrying their share of the load.
One of the greatest examples of this shared responsibility is seen in the Israelites occupation of the promised land of Canaan. In Numbers chapter 32, before Israel entered into Canaan, the tribes of Reuben and Gad requested that they be allowed to settle in the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead. They desired this land because they were cattlemen, and they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were good for cattle. Moses replied to their request in Numbers 32:6 with some very penetrating words saying, “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?” Moses was making the point that the tribes of Reuben and Gad had an obligation to support the other tribes of Israel as they went to conquer the land of Canaan. The leaders of these two tribes reassured Moses that they would not abandon their brethren. The Bible tells us that Reuben and Gad were allowed to occupy that land only after they fulfilled their obligation to help their brothers and sisters take possession of the land of Canaan.
In the Church today we are at war with the army of the Devil in the same way that Israel was at war with the pagan nations of Canaan. Paul stressed this point throughout his writing. In Ephesians 6:11-13 Paul encourages his brethren to, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” He admonished Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith,....” And in 2 Timothy 2:3-4 he warns, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
This war which Paul describes can be won, but we need more preachers, more missionaries, and more benevolent acts so that the love and Lordship of Jesus Christ might be demonstrated to a lost and dying world. All Christians must understand that they have a responsibility to the Lord and the Church not to let their brothers go to war while they just sit there and do nothing. All Christians must take their responsibility seriously to support the war effort. That includes people of all ages, people of all economic levels, people of all social statuses, and people of all different situations in life. If one is a Christian then he has an obligation to give to the Church.
While most would deny the truthfulness of “faith only” salvation, too many of those same people in the Church are practicing “faith only” religion. They say that they believe in Jesus Christ. They say that His body is the most important thing in their lives, but they fail to demonstrate that faith by parting with their precious money. James said in James 2:17-18, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Which is worse? Preaching “faith only” salvation or practicing “faith only” salvation. I would hate to be guilty of either on the Day of Judgment.
WYTI Links: 08.20.2007
- The Double Tithe (via Ancient Words [Jeremiah Tatum]) Very interesting comparison...need to check our consistency when the plate comes around...
- Ridiculous Money Saving Ideas (via Blueprint for Financial Prosperity) Don't miss the sarcasm ;)
- Sammy the Rabbit Teaches Kids to Save (via Get Rich Slowly) From what I've seen about this, it sounds cool...and I don't have kids.
Friday, August 17, 2007
"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Six)
This post will be brief, because this lesson is one of the most basic in brother Black's book. The purpose of this lesson is, in many ways, the purpose of the entire book: "To impress upon the mind that God blesses a liberal giver" (33).
On page 34, brother Black points out that liberal giving has been a trait of God's people since ancient times. Back to the days even of Noah people gave of themselves to serve their Creator. That example should resonate with us today.
As the lesson continues, we are reminded of the generosity of those under the Old Testament. Specifically, we are led to Exodus 36, where materials were brought for the building of the temple. The people brought so much that they had to be restrained from giving any more. Wouldn't it be wonderful if such were the case in our congregations today?!?
The basic idea of this lesson to set forth some basic truths about liberality. On page 35, this truth is set forth: "Liberality increases spirituality." When one truly studies passages such as Matthew 6:19-21, this comes forth. As brother Black says, "Liberal, joyful, believing and sacrificial giving will make you a stronger spiritual man. It is impossible for a man to have his heart in the Lord's work while all of his material interest is in the world" (36).
The final "truth" laid out in this chapter is that "Liberality leads to plenty" (36). This is not the "health and wealth" gospel that so many preach. Rather, it is taking God up on a promise (Luke 6:38). Jesus promised spiritual gifts here. In the Old Law (Malachi 3:10) God promised to open the windows of heaven to bless those who "challenge" God in their giving. While we may not get a million-dollar bank account, God still richly blesses those who give liberally and then trust Him to protect.
Brother Black finishes the chapter with these good words:
On page 34, brother Black points out that liberal giving has been a trait of God's people since ancient times. Back to the days even of Noah people gave of themselves to serve their Creator. That example should resonate with us today.
As the lesson continues, we are reminded of the generosity of those under the Old Testament. Specifically, we are led to Exodus 36, where materials were brought for the building of the temple. The people brought so much that they had to be restrained from giving any more. Wouldn't it be wonderful if such were the case in our congregations today?!?
The basic idea of this lesson to set forth some basic truths about liberality. On page 35, this truth is set forth: "Liberality increases spirituality." When one truly studies passages such as Matthew 6:19-21, this comes forth. As brother Black says, "Liberal, joyful, believing and sacrificial giving will make you a stronger spiritual man. It is impossible for a man to have his heart in the Lord's work while all of his material interest is in the world" (36).
The final "truth" laid out in this chapter is that "Liberality leads to plenty" (36). This is not the "health and wealth" gospel that so many preach. Rather, it is taking God up on a promise (Luke 6:38). Jesus promised spiritual gifts here. In the Old Law (Malachi 3:10) God promised to open the windows of heaven to bless those who "challenge" God in their giving. While we may not get a million-dollar bank account, God still richly blesses those who give liberally and then trust Him to protect.
Brother Black finishes the chapter with these good words:
It is not wrong to tell the farmer that if he makes an investment by sowing seed, that he, in due season, shall reap what he sowed. It is also right to tell the Christian what the Bible so often says: "giving" is sowing and the Lord of harvest guarantees the reaping. (37)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Time is Money
Google's Internet Accelerator
When we find a way to save time, we are in essence being more frugal. I want to share just one quick way to help save time.I spend more time on the internet than most people, I'd say, and really most days probably more than I should! However, if I'm going to be looking at things on the internet, at least I can do some things to save time while on the internet. One of these time savers is of course to get high-speed internet. I cannot fathom going back to dial-up. In dial-up days I would usually do something else while I looked at things on the internet. For example, I'd read, and every time I finished a paragraph check to see if the page had loaded yet. With DSL, I basically just surf. In addition to high-speed internet though, I recommend an internet accelerator. Google's Web Accelerator is free to download and use, and helps to speed up page load times. One method of doing so is through 'pre-fetching.' When you go to a page, the accelerator begins downloading the links from that page into a temporary storage folder, in case you want to view them. This is a benefit, because over time it shortens the time you have to spend waiting on the pages to load. Since I purchased my new laptop in December, I have looked at 38,021 web pages. To view all of this information would have taken 3 solid days of browsing with my DSL connection. With Google Web Accelerator, I've spent just less than 2.5 days - I've saved 13 hours of browsing time in 6 months (click here to see Google Web Accelerator's report of my usage). That's a considerable amount of time saved, and time is money!
WYTI Links: 08.15.07
I'm feeling very "foundational" this week for some reason...so here are some current links that reinforce sound--and basic--financial principles:
- The 11 Principles (via Money Crashers) One sentence summaries of MC's basics.
- 24 Signs That You Could Be in Financial Trouble (via Generation X Finance) Foundational Principle: You have to honestly evaluate yourself and your financial standing.
- A Maxed Out Roth IRA = $11 A Day (via My Money Blog) Foundational Principle: A little done a lot is more than a lot done a little.
- The Top 3 Mental Blocks to Personal Finance [And How to Get Past Them] (via Get Rich Slowly) Foundational Principle: There is an emotional aspect to finances that must be addressed.
- Getting Rid of Debt Without Worrying About the Latte Factor (via Money, Matter, and More Musings) Foundational Principle: There is more than one way to do things and still be financially healthy.
- How to Balance Your Checkbook in the Era of the Debit Card (via The Simple Dollar) Foundational Principle: You have to know what's coming in and what's going out.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Five)
After trying to help us understand that we must give, but do so cheerfully, lesson five reminds us that free-will giving is "God's Plan for the Support of His Church." Many seem to feel that a congregation "runs" without money, but money is needed to do the Lord's work. Each member giving from his/her livelihood is the Lord's plan for supporting the work.
For example, if we are to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), we will either need our own money or we will need to give money to support others willing to go to other lands, or who are willing to give up a secular profession to preach locally. There are dozens of other needs for financial support, and every member should see these needs.
I don't want to give away too much of this lesson, but it's basic purpose is to take a brief survey of giving throughout the three dispensations of the Bible (Patriarchy, Mosaic, Christian). While this may be a basic lesson, it helps us see the importance of giving from the very beginning.
Finally, the chapter ends with a quick reminder to not just give, but do so with the right attitude. While this has been mentioned in the book before, it needs to be emphasized at this point, because we need to avoid giving "just because others have in the past."
For example, if we are to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), we will either need our own money or we will need to give money to support others willing to go to other lands, or who are willing to give up a secular profession to preach locally. There are dozens of other needs for financial support, and every member should see these needs.
I don't want to give away too much of this lesson, but it's basic purpose is to take a brief survey of giving throughout the three dispensations of the Bible (Patriarchy, Mosaic, Christian). While this may be a basic lesson, it helps us see the importance of giving from the very beginning.
Finally, the chapter ends with a quick reminder to not just give, but do so with the right attitude. While this has been mentioned in the book before, it needs to be emphasized at this point, because we need to avoid giving "just because others have in the past."
Monday, August 13, 2007
WYTI Links: 08.14.07
- Official government site for assistance with any bank-related isses: helpwithmybank.gov
- Improve Your Office: How to Re-Organize Your Bookshelves (via Real Simple Magazine)
- Protect Your Files: How to Back Up Your PC (via Wired How To's) This is a very important concept for someone like me who has everything related to my sermons, Bible class lessons, etc. in digital form. I even have the bulk of my study resources on my computer.
- Two places to go for free samples (check often): Walmart.com & Startsampling.com
Choosing a Bible Study Software Package
This post looks long, and it is, but it is primarily long because of the comparison to follow!There are so many different Bible study software packages on the market today. Each package claims to be the best, listing many reasons why you should select that package. Each package provides many of the same benefits including: fast electronic searches, multiple Bible translations, commentaries, savings over purchasing the materials in book format, etc. The packages generally include some different resources and tools as well. Some of the programs include macros to easily paste Bible verses into Microsoft Word or other word processing programs.
The most popular Bible software programs I know of include: PC Study Bible, Quick Verse, Logo's Bible Software, GRAMCORD, and E-Sword. While there are others, these are the five that I most often hear recommended. The price of the different current versions of these programs ranges from free to $1,379.95. In the spirit of frugality, or should we say in the spirit of stewardship and yet retaining our interest as students of God's word, I want you to consider what is the best Bible study software package for your investment.
In order to make this determination, one really has to compare the contents and prices of different Bible programs. In the chart below I look at many of the reference tools that I frequently use or that are considered standard reference tools, and compare which of the programs they are included in. In the chart the following programs are being compared:
- E-Sword v. 7.8.5
- Quick Verse 2007 Standard Edition
- Quick Verse 2007 Expanded Edition
- PC Study Bible 5 Reference Library Plus (Red Box)
- PC Study Bible 5 Complete Reference Library (Purple Box)
- Logo's Bible Software 3: Christian Home
- Logo's Bible Software 3: Scholar's Library
- GRAMCORD for Windows: Scholar's Bundle
- GRAMCORD for Windows: Ultimate Bundle
Click the image to theleft or here to see the full
comparison chart of
the different programs.
When I compare what is included in the programs listed above, I must conclude that what I get for around $100 or more is a brand name program with extra reference materials which I wouldn't use even if I had access to them. I would like to have the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament on my Bible program, but I do have it in book form for the times I need to consult it. I would like to have the NKJV and the NASB in E-Sword, but those really aren't necessary with the KJV, ASV, and ESV, but I can add them both for $35 if I'd like to.
I use the free E-Sword program. I do so because it is free and I cannot see how I can justify spending hundreds of dollars for the bells and whistles that come with the other programs when I will rarely access those extra tools. I look forward to hearing comments from users of other programs, and your reasons for going with your program. If you disagree with me at this point, that's fine, but I encourage you to seriously consider . . . what am I getting for the hundreds of dollars I spend every few years to have the latest version, compared to what James has for free?
"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Four)
The example of the Macedonians, as recorded in Second Corinthians 8:1-5, is one that we should follow daily. Found in that context are these words, which form the basis for the fourth lesson: "And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."
Lesson four is called "First Give Yourself," and has this purpose: "To impress upon the mind of every contributor that the gift without the giver is bare" (21).
The idea behind this lesson may seem basic, but it is one that deals with a part of man that must be correct in all avenues of worship: his/her attitude. We need to have joy when we give, and we need to be willing to give our very lives to and for God's service.
In this brief lesson, brother Black gives two reasons why those at Macedonia were liberal in their giving:
Lesson four is called "First Give Yourself," and has this purpose: "To impress upon the mind of every contributor that the gift without the giver is bare" (21).
The idea behind this lesson may seem basic, but it is one that deals with a part of man that must be correct in all avenues of worship: his/her attitude. We need to have joy when we give, and we need to be willing to give our very lives to and for God's service.
In this brief lesson, brother Black gives two reasons why those at Macedonia were liberal in their giving:
- They first gave themselves to the Lord. Black comments, "This is the key to the problem. When individuals first give themselves to God, it is not difficult to get them to be liberal givers" (22).
- They had been truly converted. "In all probability there are more people in the church who need converting on the subject of giving, than any other subject. When you hear someone complaining or offering objections to class study on the subject of the subject of stewardship, you may put it down he is not converted and this is why we must continue to study the subject" (23).
Other sections deal with the Macedonian example by teaching us that they "made a complete surrender to Christ" (23-24) and they "had strong faith" (24-25).
Finally in this lesson, brother Black points out that those at Macedonia did not have much; rather, they were poor. There are some Christians today who do not have much in the way of this world's goods, but that does not excuse them from giving liberally to the Lord. The Macedonian example serves as a great marker for us all, rich or poor.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Car Insurance: Is it REALLY Worth It?
Here's another type of insurance to consider and determine its real value.In almost every state liability car insurance is mandatory. See here for minimum requirements of each state. When it is the law, there is no question that it is worth it - both financially, legally, and most of all morally/spiritually worth having. If you live in one of the few states where liability insurance is not mandatory, unless you have enough savings to pay out hundreds of thousands of dollars in the event of a wreck without missing it, it would be foolish to avoid liability car insurance. For older drivers, the policy is not cost prohibitive. For young drivers (especially below 21), the costs are high, but so are the risks of a wreck with inexperienced drivers. The bottom line, you can look into any factors you want, liability car insurance is worth it.
What about full coverage car insurance, though? To determine if this type of insurance is worth it, you’ll have to do some figuring on your own.
First, compare the cost of premiums between liability only and full coverage insurance. Consider how much the difference is, and remember that the main reason to pay for the extra coverage is to replace your vehicle in the event of a wreck that is your own fault.
Second, consider how much this will cost if you pay for the premiums for an extended period of time, have a total wreck, and have to pay the deductible. Compute this for a year and then for two years of paying the premiums.
Third, consider how much it would cost to replace your car if you do not have full coverage insurance.
Fourth, consider your ability to pay for that need without insurance based on your savings.
Fifth, consider your ability to self-insure. If you take the difference in premiums, and invest it at 5% (online banking) for the year or two that you figured before, how much would you have in the account? Is it enough to cover what would actually be paid by the insurance company (after your deductible)?
To compute the value of your used car, check the NADA price guide here and Kelly Blue Book personal value here and realize your insurance company will go with the lower of the two values!
If you are driving a newer vehicle, you may decide that the value of the insurance is worth it due to the high loss that could be sustained in the event of a wreck. As your car ages, however, you continue to pay high premiums, though the coverage constantly declines. When a person is paying full coverage for a 10 year old high-mileage car, they are making an unwise financial decision! The amount you would receive in the event of a total loss is less than the amount of premiums payed in over a year or two, and definitely less if the individual self-insures! $100 per month for two years invested at 5% will build to just over $2,500. On the other hand, if you are an individual who has a lot of wrecks, the need for full coverage may be greater, but then, so will the costs!
Think it through though, and re-evaluate your decision to keep full-coverage car insurance on a yearly basis. As that car ages, it is less and less sensible to keep the full-coverage car insurance!
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