Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Book Review: The Total Money Makeover
I just finished reading The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness, by Dave Ramsey. Ramsey is a well-known financial planner, who broadcasts his financial advice to millions each week on his radio program, The Dave Ramsey Show.
His hook sounds something like this: “If you're making payments on your car, your furniture, your house and your credit cards, you're a typical American...and you're in trouble. If you're behind on your payments and see no earthly way to dig your way out of your miserable pit. You need help.”
If you've never heard Dave on the radio or read his works, be prepared for his direct talk. He doesn't sugar coat his advice. He'll tell you what's smart and what's stupid. He won't tell you that the road out of debt is always easy. Read his book and you'll know very clearly where he stands. Ramsey gives a step-by-step approach to getting out of debt, saving and investing for the future.
I have always gained something from Dave Ramsey’s books, and this one is no exception. Dave very clearly outlines a financial plan that is worth consideration. It can be summarized into five steps:
Step 1: Save $1,000 as a Starter Emergency Fund. Add to it when possible to have 3-six months living expenses as your emergency fund.
Step 2: Get rid of debt. Start the Debt Snowball until only mortgage remains.
Step 3: Invest 15% of your Gross Income for Retirement (401K, Roth, and Traditional IRA).
Step 4: Payoff Home Mortgage.
Step 5: Save, save, save
Do it and your financial life will be healthier!
Friday, July 26, 2013
New Post
For those of you who have not heard, I have relocated to the Midwest. My wife and I are now living in Illinois, in the Chicagoland area. I am now serving as the Vice-President for Administration for the Illinois Conference. Although we officially began July first, we are still in the midst of transition.
...and even though we are in transition still, I have spent this week at Camp Akita, the Illinois Conference camp. The first part of the week at pastors meetings, meeting and getting acquainted with many of the fabulous pastors here in Illinois. The second part of the week, family Camp Meeting.
That's the update. Every week, I hope to share something that might be of help to you.
Blessings!
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The Best Question Ever, by Andy Stanley
Book Review: “The Best Question Ever,” by Andy Stanley
What drew me to this book? One, I am a book lover, and two, I was intrigued by what could possibly be the best question ever. Was I disappointed? In a word, “Yes”.
The primary argument Stanley makes is that asking yourself this question will help you in making decisions, avoiding financial ruin, saving your marriage, sparing yourself from painful emotional scars, help you to never get caught up in addictive sin, and guide you toward the fulfillment of your dreams.
The problem is that all the answer were short clichés and redundant platitudes. It couldn’t have taken him very long to write it, because he didn’t have much to say. In his defense, Stanley is usually a very good communicator. Not in this case. Another frustration is that it took Stanley until the third chapter to actually get to the question and it took three more chapters to develop the question to its final form.
My advice? Save your money…I’ll tell you the question… “What is the wise thing for me to do?” That’s it? Yep. So, it’s up to you to decide whether this is the BEST question ever. My feeling is that most of us know enough about the Bible and life to know what we ought to do. But so often we do otherwise. Maybe a better question is “What does it take for us to apply the things we know to do into our lives?”
What drew me to this book? One, I am a book lover, and two, I was intrigued by what could possibly be the best question ever. Was I disappointed? In a word, “Yes”.
The primary argument Stanley makes is that asking yourself this question will help you in making decisions, avoiding financial ruin, saving your marriage, sparing yourself from painful emotional scars, help you to never get caught up in addictive sin, and guide you toward the fulfillment of your dreams.
The problem is that all the answer were short clichés and redundant platitudes. It couldn’t have taken him very long to write it, because he didn’t have much to say. In his defense, Stanley is usually a very good communicator. Not in this case. Another frustration is that it took Stanley until the third chapter to actually get to the question and it took three more chapters to develop the question to its final form.
My advice? Save your money…I’ll tell you the question… “What is the wise thing for me to do?” That’s it? Yep. So, it’s up to you to decide whether this is the BEST question ever. My feeling is that most of us know enough about the Bible and life to know what we ought to do. But so often we do otherwise. Maybe a better question is “What does it take for us to apply the things we know to do into our lives?”
Grace, by Max Lucado
Book review: Grace, by Max Lucado
I just finished reading the book, “Grace,” by Max Lucado. This is the 16th book I have read by Max Lucado and I have to rank it in the top three.
One of the things I appreciate most about Lucado’s books is his ability to teach, inspire, and uplift. His writing style is easy to read and follow, and is full of practical, everyday life stories that make sense to the average reader. If you are looking for a deep theological study of grace, this is not the book for you, but if you are looking for a devotional book, I would highly recommend this book.
Grace is the kind of book many people are interested in learning about and this book makes it easy to do so. I thought each chapter was packed full of things I could apply to my life.
This book would also serve well as a book for a small group study. At the end of each chapter, you will find a readers guide with weekly in depth study of the scriptures.. This is also a great book for giving as a gift to a friend who is searching for answers or open to the good News of Jesus and what he has done for us.
I hope this is helpful.
I just finished reading the book, “Grace,” by Max Lucado. This is the 16th book I have read by Max Lucado and I have to rank it in the top three.
One of the things I appreciate most about Lucado’s books is his ability to teach, inspire, and uplift. His writing style is easy to read and follow, and is full of practical, everyday life stories that make sense to the average reader. If you are looking for a deep theological study of grace, this is not the book for you, but if you are looking for a devotional book, I would highly recommend this book.
Grace is the kind of book many people are interested in learning about and this book makes it easy to do so. I thought each chapter was packed full of things I could apply to my life.
This book would also serve well as a book for a small group study. At the end of each chapter, you will find a readers guide with weekly in depth study of the scriptures.. This is also a great book for giving as a gift to a friend who is searching for answers or open to the good News of Jesus and what he has done for us.
I hope this is helpful.
Questions after 1.26.13 Revelation Sermon
Question 1: Why is Christian Theology so heavily based on the writings of a person, Saul (Paul), who never knew Jesus?
Answer: Here are a few reasons…
One: Although he did not spend time with him like the 12 Apostles, Paul did encounter Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) He also spent time with Peter and James, who validated his calling and his message to the Gentiles.
Two: Because he was Christianity's most important early convert and the first major missionary to preach the Christian gospel to non-Jewish people. Christian theology is based so heavily on him because he was the first to explain that the Good News of Jesus was not just for the Jews, but for the Gentiles (us); all people, of all times.
Three: The Apostle Peter, who walked with Jesus, validated Paul’s writings to be scripture (2 Peter 3:15, 16), and building (New Covenant) on what the Jews considered scripture (our Old Testament).
Question 2: Who received John’s writings of Revelation since he died imprisoned? And, why does he write in so much code?
Answer: It is believed the book (letter) of Revelation was sent to the seven churches and spread from there. And…it was written in code because of the subversive nature of its message. The Roman Empire demanded emperor worship and John’s counter culture message that Jesus, not Caesar was Lord, required some code to get through Roman prison censorship.
Answer: Here are a few reasons…
One: Although he did not spend time with him like the 12 Apostles, Paul did encounter Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) He also spent time with Peter and James, who validated his calling and his message to the Gentiles.
Two: Because he was Christianity's most important early convert and the first major missionary to preach the Christian gospel to non-Jewish people. Christian theology is based so heavily on him because he was the first to explain that the Good News of Jesus was not just for the Jews, but for the Gentiles (us); all people, of all times.
Three: The Apostle Peter, who walked with Jesus, validated Paul’s writings to be scripture (2 Peter 3:15, 16), and building (New Covenant) on what the Jews considered scripture (our Old Testament).
Question 2: Who received John’s writings of Revelation since he died imprisoned? And, why does he write in so much code?
Answer: It is believed the book (letter) of Revelation was sent to the seven churches and spread from there. And…it was written in code because of the subversive nature of its message. The Roman Empire demanded emperor worship and John’s counter culture message that Jesus, not Caesar was Lord, required some code to get through Roman prison censorship.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Questions submitted on Revelation 3
Question One: In reading about Laodicea, wondering what the
"salve" is that Jesus offers?
Answer: The eye salve in Revelation 3:18) comes from the Greek word, kollurion–meaning eye salve or medicine for the eyes. Along with gold and white garments, this is the prescription for what the Church in Laodicea needs. It needs to see its condition clearly. By the way, Laodicea was known for having the best medical facility around and was known for its medicinal salve to treat eye disease. It was made from Phrygian powder and oil.
Question Three: What is the "7 spirits" or
"sevenfold Spirit?
Answer: The Seven Spirits refers to the Spirit of God, also called
the Holy Spirit. The number 7 implies completeness or fullness. So, this is a
description of the Holy Spirit in all its fullness.
Answer: The eye salve in Revelation 3:18) comes from the Greek word, kollurion–meaning eye salve or medicine for the eyes. Along with gold and white garments, this is the prescription for what the Church in Laodicea needs. It needs to see its condition clearly. By the way, Laodicea was known for having the best medical facility around and was known for its medicinal salve to treat eye disease. It was made from Phrygian powder and oil.
Question Two: Why do you think he would use the term " key of
David " to Philadelphia ?
Answer: The phrase key of David found in Revelation 3:7 comes from the Greek words, klein en David–meaning an instrument used for unlocking doors or gates. In the New Testament, the word key is always used figuratively. Here referring to the power and authority of God.
Answer: The phrase key of David found in Revelation 3:7 comes from the Greek words, klein en David–meaning an instrument used for unlocking doors or gates. In the New Testament, the word key is always used figuratively. Here referring to the power and authority of God.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Questions about message, Revelation part 3, January 19, 2013
Question
1: When you were talking about the church in Pergamum, you mentioned
something about "where Satan has his throne...and about Antipas, who was
put to death in your city—where Satan lives." What is he talking about?
Where does Satan have his throne? Where does he live.
Answer:
This is one of those questions where there is a lot of differing opinion. My
best understanding is rooted in the fact that Antipas (this is the only place
in scripture he is mentioned) is clearly a faithful witness for God and is
killed for not renouncing his faith in God, and possibly for not bowing to the
Roman Emperor. So, to me, where Satan resides or his throne reside refers to a
place in opposition to God.
Answer -
One: Past or Preterist—This school of thought sees Revelation as history of the 1st century.
Under this view, chapters 2 and 3, the message to the 7 churches ,served to encourage those seven churches, during a difficult time of persecution by Rome.
Two:
Future or Futurist—This school of interpretation believes that everything AFTER
the message to the seven churches will take place in the future. The starting
point is the Secret Rapture, during which Jesus comes secretly and snatches his
faithful followers to heaven…AND those left behind begin a 7 year period of
tribulation until Jesus returns. There are variations to this…and because it’s
all in the future, the latest news or disaster, ignites new possibilities or
versions.
Three:
History or historicist—This school believes that Revelation covers the span of
history from the early Christian church to the Second Coming of Jesus…that it
focuses on the battle between good and evil—Christ and Satan. Martin Luther and
a number of other reformers followed this school of interpretation…that there’s
a cosmic battle going on…the bad guys being those who negatively impacted the
reformers…primarily the Catholic Church. This is the school of interpretation
the Adventist church has followed. Today, very few denominations follow the
history school of interpretation.
Four:
Spiritual or idealist/symbolic—This school follows a more personal application
model. The symbols and metaphors in this book are helpful in making specific
application to one individual or another. In this view, each person is free to
find their own application of the book.
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