Austerity

Austerity is now in vogue. Governments across the world are cutting benefits, entitlements,and programs. We’re seeing the beginnings of it in Wisconsin. Get ready for the new reality.

FROM Wisconsin to Greece, pensions are being trimmed as governments try to get to grips with unsustainable state spending. In America and Britain a particular target is public-sector pensions, and the exercise is painful. On March 10th teachers, nurses and millions more learned that they would have to work longer before getting their pensions, as well as pay more towards them. Rumours of massive strikes are already rumbling……….click to keep reading

What’s really going on?

What’s REALLY going on? REALLY?

Mind over Money Part 2

I’ve been doing a lot of spare time reading about money. The first book I read was the Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson. It outlines the history trade, currencies, bonds, stocks, derivatives and many other aspects of the world of money. Money is intimately related to the affairs of human beings. It is the root of much of what we do in our day to day lives. Most of us get up when when do, spend 8 hours doing what we do, live where we live and drive what we drive because of money. Most of us don’t understand the world of money and how it works. I can’t can say that I understand it now that I’ve read a bunch of books but my mind is a lot clearer.

The bible does not lie. 1 Timothy 6:10 “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil”, NKJV.

To put it simply, our financial system is broken because of the love of money. That sounds trite but it still true. Folks have been greedy. Avarice has overtaken many who lead our financial institutions. You remember bailed out institutions paying their staff billions in bonuses and not thinking anything that was amiss. The love of money is systemic and it’s causing havoc.

What leads people to create financial instruments that they know will fail and cause people to lose homes? What kind mind designs a system that is geared towards keeping people in debt for the rest of their lives?

What have I learned? I learned that I need to educate myself about money, real money. I need to look at alternative opinions concerning the stock market, mortgages, 401 k, real estate, the banking system. This is not the time to leave your money in the hands of fund managers and financial advisers. They are very often simply selling you products and services and know as little about money as you do. Get your head in the game.

Mind over Money

I’ve just finished a really good book about money.  Mind over money by Bred and Ted Klontz. It’s not the usual book that tells you that you must get your act together and save, invest, blah, blah, blah. That is, of course, very good advice but this book goes a little deeper. Some of our challenges, when it comes to money, can be traced back to areas of our life experience that at first glace seem unlikely. Ok, so you irresponsible, but why? Where does that come from? This book explores and exposes certain “money scripts that plague many of us. If you want a fresh, challenging but thoughtful course in how to look at your money issues, read this book

John Maxwell

This weekend I used some John Maxwell training material with my leaders. The 17 Essential Qualities of Team player is a clear, inspiring, and practical training program on team leadership. The principles he shares can be applied in a church, business or non-profit setting. Maxwell is always always worth the time and money.

His materials are available from http://www.johnmaxwell.com/store/

Not cheap but worth the money.

What Jesus Taught

The Big Picture

I’m preaching from the book of Mark during the part of this year. I’m really exited about the messages that God is leading me to. Mark is the shortest gospel, it’s business like, it gets straight to the heart of things of God. What does God pay the most attention to? What is most important to God? What are God’s priorities? What is God passionate about?

There was an urgency with Jesus. Not that he would ignore you or bypass you but that he was about the business of connecting with people and challenging people to see the world in a different way. To see things as God would have them.

If you want to get an introduction to the message, mission and methods of Jesus Christ sit down and read the book of Mark. The world is changing and it’s important to take the time, step back and look at the trends, the waves, the challenges, the opportunities, that are coming our way thick and fast. Stop, think, listen, and look at the BIg Picture of life.

Stop Shopping part 2

Stop Shopping!

I’m exited about my sermon tomorrow. Its called stop shopping. I guess it’s a provocative title. It’s about materialism versus spitituality set against the backdrop of the economic crisis we are facing. I’ve posted a video in the Vod Pod section that shows how the economists can get it horribly wrong but there a few who get it right. Lay up your treasures in heaven.

It’s 9 am and I’m tired. I don’t like that but its been a tough week in a number of ways. I’m at home with my 4 year old who is sick and it is my wife’s last day at work as she begins maternty leave. There is still alot of things to do before our new son arrives. I’m exited but I’m thinking I won’t be able to get everything done. Alot it going on, frankly life is crazy but “it shall come to pass”.

In everything give thanks for this is the will of the Lord concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It’s not his desire that you face trouble stress or trial. Its His will that you give thanks!

Yes He Did!

Whatever your political convictions you’ll have to agree that history was made tonight. I exited and and amazed at what has taken place tonight. I have to confess that I didn’t think he could do it when her first announced. To me this was too steep as mountain to climb. I have never had some much joy in discovering that I was wrong. I will draw courage and strength to pursue my dreams and the vision of a better tomorrow on earth and the Kingdom of God that is to come.