Gifts of Grace

2011-09-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

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Reading Assignment - Week 6

2011-02-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

Thursday, February 3 through Thursday, February 10:
Read John 8 through John 21 (finishing the Gospel of John)

Reading Assignment - John 1 - 7

2011-02-07T15:59:00.000-08:00

The Gospel of John was written somewhere between the years 80 - 110. John was first introduced to the New Testament reader in Matthew 4:21 "Continuing on, he saw another set of brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father repairing their nets. Jesus called them..."

As the above passage lists John second in order, we are to assume that he was the "lesser" brother or younger brother. John's Gospel isn't concerned with historical events or His deeds. John was interested in His inner meaning of His teaching, often speaking of the "deity" of Jesus. As the younger one in the group, we assume this style of writing reflects a young boy looking up to his hero. John also refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved".

Of the four Gospels, only Matthew and John would have eyewitness accounts of Jesus' teachings and ministries.

What differences to you notice in the writings of John? Are the stories and parables the same or different from the other three Gospels?

Reading Assignment - Luke 15-Luke 24

2011-02-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

We have been comparing The Gospel of Luke with the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Many of the parables are the same between the three Gospels. In addition, the accounting for the plot to kill Jesus, the passover meal, death, burial and resurrection are also the same. Our bible study noted the follow differences in the story as related by Luke:
Luke 23:6-12 relates how Pilate, upon hearing the Jesus was a man from Galilee, turned Jesus over to Herod's district. Herod questioned Jesus, mocked him, dressed him in elegant clothing and sent him back to Pilate. This story is not relayed in Matthew and Mark.

Luke 23:46 At Jesus' death, Jesus said "Father, into your hands I entrust my life".
This varies from the Matthew and Mark quote of "My God, My God, why have you left me" or "My God, my God, why have you foresaken me". Luke's version appears that Jesus is accepting and ready to give his life into His Father's hands. The other two Gospels' version appears that Jesus feels alone and forgotten.

Reading Assignment Week 5

2011-01-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

The reading assignment for Week 5 is as follows:
January 27 - Luke 15-17
January 28 - Luke 18-19
January 29 - Luke 20-22
January 30 - Luke 23-24
January 31 - John 1-3
February 1 - John 4-5
February 2 - John 6-7

Reading Assignment -Luke 1-14

2011-01-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Gospel According to Luke was written in 85 (give or take ten years) by Luke, a Greek physician and travelling companion of Paul. Luke was not an eyewitness of Jesus' minitry. Luke emphasizes the beauty of Jesus' humanity and His acceptance of all people - gentiles, women, children, poor.

Luke begins his gospel with the annunciations of conceptions of John the baptists and Jesus. This gospel reflects Jesus in the Temple as a 12 year old youth. The parables are similar to Matthew and Mark.

List one story or parable from Luke that is not found in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark.

Week 4 Reading Assignments

2011-01-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

January 21 - Luke 1-3
January 22 - Luke 4-5
January 23 - Luke 6-7
January 24 - Luke 8-9
January 25 - Luke 10-11
January 26 - Luke 12-14

The Gospel According to Mark

2011-01-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

When reading the Gospel of Mark, we must remember that Mark was not an eyewitness of Jesus' ministry. Mark was a follower of Peter, and would translate the happenings of the times through the eyes of others. Some scholars do note that a few geographical errors are made in statements throughout the Gospel of Mark.

In comparing the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, we recall from our study last week that Matthew's accountings leaned towards the life and ministry and a more human side of Jesus. Matthew also related his writings towards the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

Mark's Gospel gives a more complete, overall picture of the life of Christ, but keeps the stories more concise, which makes The Gospel of Mark the shortest Gospel.
Mark would relate stories that emphasized a "larger than life" nature of Jesus.

For the most part, the two Gospels (Matthew and Mark) are comparative, but there a differences. Can you recall any differences in the Gospel stories?

Week 3 Reading Assignment

2011-01-19T14:41:00.001-08:00

Mark 1 through Mark 16

Matthew 26-28

2011-01-12T15:29:00.000-08:00

Matthew 26-28 walks us through the last days of Jesus' life. The plot against Jesus begins with the high priests, two days before Passover. Judas Iscariot will then approach the chief priests and be paid thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus.
The Passover meal is prepared in the Upper Room, where Jesus will outline the upcoming events and announce he will be betrayed.

Jesus in prayer reminds us of the human side of the Human One as Jesus prayed "My Father, if it's possible, take this cup of suffering away from me. However - not what I want but what you want." (Matthew 26:39) Jesus is then arrested, brought before the council, and given the death sentence - Crucifixtion. Jesus suffered at death so that our sins may be forgiven.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to oby everything that I've commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.~~Matthew 28:19-20
Considering all that Jesus gave up for me, I believe the least I can do is obey this command.

Matthew 24-25

2011-01-12T15:23:00.001-08:00

Matthew 24 - Beginning of troubles
Jesus tells the disciples that nobody is sure when the end will come, all must live their lives as if each day is judgement day. Our lives should be dedicated to good deeds so we are always prepared to meet our Father.
But you understand that if the head of the house knew at what time the thief would come, he would keep alert and wouldn't allow the thief to break into his house. Therefore you also should be prepared because the Human One will come at a time you don't know.~~Matthew 24:43-44

Matthew 21-23

2011-01-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

In Matthew 6, we were introduced to the concept of "showy religion" and "showy prayer". Matthew 6:2 warns us to "don't blow your trumpet" when helping others. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.

In Matthew 23:5, Jesus addresses the crowds about "Everything they do, they do to be noticed by others." Be mindful to do righteous deeds, but do them because they are right and good, not so others will acknowledge your deeds.

Matthew 19-20

2011-01-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Matthew 19 teaches us about giving up (material) things and devoting our lives to the teachings of Jesus. Jesus reminds us that this may be a difficult task for humans,

But all things are possible for God.~~Matthew 19:26

Matthew 20 reminds us to humble ourselves and not look for rewards in all our deeds.

just as the Human One didn't come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.~~Matthew 20:28

Matthew 17-18

2011-01-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

How great is your faith - you can measure it in relation to the mustard seed.

He told another parable to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and planted in his field. It's the smallest of all seeds. But when it's grown, it's the largest of all vegetable platns. It becomes a tree so that the birds in the sky come and nest in its branches.~~Matthew 13:31-3

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and said, "Why couldn't we throw the demon out?" "Because you have little faith," he said. "I assure you that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Go from here to there,' and it will go. There will be nothing that you can't do.~~Matthew 17:19-21

Matthew 14-16

2011-01-08T16:08:00.000-08:00

Jesus feeds thousands.

They replied, "We have nothing here except five loaves of bread and two fish." He said, "Bring them here to me." He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them and broke the loaves apart and gave them to his disciples. Then the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. About 5,000 men plus women and children had eaten.~~Matthew 14:17-21

Jesus again feeds the crowd.
He told the crowd to sit on the ground. He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish. After he gave thnaks, he broke them into pieces and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate until they were full. The disciples collected seven baskets full of leftovers. 4,000 men ate, plust women and children.~~Matthew 15:35-38

Matthew 12-13

2011-01-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

Where will you plant your seed? Are your actions planted in the good soil or in the thorny rocks?

He said many things to them in parables: "A farmer went out to scatter seed. As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path and birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on rocky ground where the soil was shallow. They sprouted immediately because the soil wasn't deep. But when the sun came up, it scorched the plants, and they dried up because they had no roots. Other seed fell among thorny plants. The thorny plants grew and choked them. Other seed fell on good soil and bore fruit, in one case a yield of a hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one. Everyone who has ears should pay attention."~~Matthew 13:3-9

Reading Assignment for Week 2

2011-01-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

The reading plan for this week is as follows:
January 6 - Matthew 12-13
January 7 - Matthew 14-16
January 8 - Matthew 17-18
January 9 - Matthew 19-20
January 10 - Matthew 21-23
January 11 - Matthew 24-25
January 12 - Matthew 26-28

Mathew 10-11

2011-01-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

Mission of the Twelve.
Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter; and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee; and John his brother; Philip; and Bartholomew; Thomas; and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean; and Judas, who betrayed Jesus.~~Matthew 10:2-4

The Twelve were commissioned to As you go, make this announcement: The kingdom of heaven has come near.`~Matthew 10:7

Jesus prepared the apostles to go where welcomed and bless those eager to hear the good news. Jesus did make warning on those to watch, but reminded that God the Father will always be protective of the faithful.

Matthew 8-9

2011-01-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

Healing of many people.
Several "healing stories" are relayed in these two chapters. Which story reflects the greatest display of faith (to you)?

Matthew 5-7

2011-01-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Jesus Teaches His Disciples: The Beatitudes and More.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:~~~Matthew 5:1-2

Jesus' preaches Old Testament values with New Testament clarity.

Therefore, whoever ignores one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called the lowest in the kingdom of heaven.~~Matthew 5:19

Matthew 3-4

2011-01-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

As the chapters begin, John is well favored by the local authorities, but is eventually arrested. Jesus begins to warn of the need of changed hearts.

John wore clothes made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.~~Matthew 3:4
The people lined up to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. Even the Pharisees and Sadduccees came to be baptized.

John is arrested.
From that time Jesus began to announce, "Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!"~~Matthew 4:17

The first disciples are called.
Did Jesus choose the Pharisees and Sadduccees to walk with him in his journey to spread the news of his Father? No local, common fishermen were chosen: brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew and then the sons of Zebedee: James and John.

Matthew 1-2

2011-01-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

The Word of the prophet has come true:

Look, A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
And they will call him, Emmanuel. ~~Matthew 1:23 (New Testament)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.~~Isaiah 7:14 (Old Testament)

Escape to Egypt. Can you even imagine the trip this young couple would take with a new born child. Bethlehem to Egypt - 200 miles on foot or camel.

Reading Assignment for January 1 - January 5

2010-12-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

January 1 - Matthew 1-2
January 2 - Matthew 3-4
January 3 - Matthew 5-7
January 4 - Matthew 8-9
January 5 - Matthew 10-11

Around The New Testament in 90 Days

2010-12-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

Make a New Year's resolution to travel "Around the New Testament in 90 Days". January 1 we will begin our 90-day reading plan (typically two or three chapters each day) using the "Common English Bible New Testament". Read the assigned passages each day, and feel free to offer your insight and comments for each passage on our blog.

Gifts of God

2010-07-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

God blesses his children every hour of every day with gifts that we take for granted. When was the last time you got up early to watch the sun rise, or stood silently to watch the sunset? Do you see the splendor of the miracle of the grass or do you frown because you need to mow? Take a moment out of each day to see and appreciate the gifts of God. They are all around us. Be thanful for the little things in life.

Favorite Scriptures

2010-05-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

We are often very vocal about our favorite TV show, our favorite restaurant, radio station, or color. What is your favorite scripture?

A Time for Centering

2010-01-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning worship service starts with those precious minutes we use to group our thoughts as we prepare to accept the good news of Jesus Christ. How many of these moments do we take advantage of during the week?

I do manage to set aside a few minutes at the close of each day for daily prayers and reflections. During the day, however, I am non-stop. I have found the older I get, the more I have on my calendar. I was raised by a father that was always on the go – maintaining several jobs to care for his wife and five kids (but always available when we needed him). I get my “on-the-go” spirit from him. I can’t sit still. My mother has always made jokes about it.

Recently I was listening to a talk radio program and heard a guest speaker named Ann Kroeker. Kroeker was discussing her book “Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families”. I identified with so much of her conversation that I went out and bought her book.

Kroeker asks “Is every hour rush hour at your house?” Have we overloaded the kids with so many extra curriculum activities that they don’t have time to be kids? Rushing from one activity to the next limits our family time together, and limits our child’s creativity.

I think back to my childhood– we “camped” in the backyard, making tents out of old sheets and mixing tree bark, grass and rocks in an old pot over a pretend fire. We played dodge ball. We went sledding. Most of my childhood was spent outdoors (and I was raised in the city). We didn’t go inside until it was dinner time. We didn’t have Wii or Nintendo – how did we survive?

When was the last time you just sat and watched the sunrise or sunset? BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD Psalms 46:10. Kroeker asks “Can we recognize Jesus’ voice speaking to us when our heads are full of noise and our bodies are in motion? Can we hear Him when we haven’t taken the time and space to slow down and listen?”

The New Year is here. Instead of making the same old resolutions to “give up” something, let’s make a resolution to DO something. DO sit and stare out the window and watch the snow gently falling on the grass. DO watch the sunset with a loved one. DO make snow angels with the kids. DO let the kids make breakfast for the family (and DO enjoy the mess). These moments are special treasures – gifts from GOD. Find your center and purpose around God’s gifts.

“Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families” by Ann Kroeker is a great tool for “centering” your life around Jesus Christ.

Defined by Generosity - Bible Study

2009-12-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

"What would your loved one have wanted to be remembered for?" At some point your loved ones will be asked this question of you. How will they respond? How do you want others to remember us by? What will be the one defining characteristic you will be know for?

Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." What do you give to your family, your community, your church, your God?

God created us to give, but life tempts us to keep. The little voice we hear "If I give, there may not be enough left over for me. What happens if I need gas or groceries?" 10%. I should give 10% to do God's work? 10% seems like alot...I won't have enough left for my expenses. Let's look at this another way. You have 10 apples in front of you. You get to keep 9 of them. Nine is alot of apples! Suddenly that one apple doesn't seem like alot, does it? Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

Life is a gift, and everything belongs to God. John Ortberg (author) wrote a book "When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box". We are tenants on God's land. We are managers of God's resources. Now be fruitful and multiply and oversee this planet. It's mine, and I'm asking you to take care of it on my behalf" (Genesis 1:28, paraphrased).

It is challenging to tithe. Your individual circumstances may only allow you to give 2%. Can you take a step to increase to 5% or 7%? God understands where you are, and God will help you make the adjustments necessary for you to become more and more generous. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. (Luke 12:48)

Cultivating Contentment - Bible Study

2009-12-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

We say that our lives do not consist in the abundance of our possessions, but we live as if they do. Imagine a wildfire is headed toward your home and you have ten minutes to grab what you can and flee. What will you take with you? Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." (Hebrews 13:5-6)

James Mackintosh, Scottish philosopher and politican of the late eighteenth century, said "It is right to be contented with what we have, but never with what we are." In other words, we should be motivated to improve and increase our moral character, spiritual life and desire for justice and love. These are concepts that make us who we ARE. Are we content with what we have, or do we continue to ask God for the gift receipt to return our lives for new ones?

Four Keys to Cultivating Contentment:
1. Remember, it could be worse.
2. Ask yourself, "How long will this make me happy?"
3. Develop a grateful heart. Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
4. Ask yourself, "Where does my soul find true satisfaction?" I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phillipiams 4:13)

Five Steps for Simplifying Your Life
1. Set a goal of reducing your consumption, and choose to live below your means.
2. Before making a purchase, ask yourself "Do I really need this?" and "Why od I want this?"
3. Use something up before buying something new.
4. Plan low-cost entertainment that enriches.
5. Ask yourself "Are there major changes that would allow me to simplify my life?"

Remember, if you cannot do all the things God is calling you to do and you're unable to find joy in your life, perhaps it's time to simplify in some major ways.

*The above concepts are taken from "Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity" by Adam Hamilton

Wisdom and Finance - "Enough" Bible Study

2009-12-23T10:41:00.001-08:00

Wisdom and Finance apply to each of us in different degrees. For one, the question may be "Am I heading for a looming financial crisis?", for another the question is "Am I making the most of everything that I have, or am I wasteful here or there because I can afford to?" We know many wise money-management principles, but like dieters, we fail to keep to our diet (or budget).

The Prodigal son in each of us is exposed. The word "prodigal" means "one who wastes money".
The Prodigal son took what was his, and sought a life of pleasure. Eventually the famine will come. Our modern day famine could be money for food, or the car could break down and we have a repair bill; maybe we have medical needs. We use our credit to pay emergency bills, and soon we are further in debt.

There are two primary money wasters that we all struggle with: Impulse buying and eating out. Two keys to avoid impulse buying: never shop when hungry and always have a list (and stick with it)! Eating out is a time-saver and a major money waster. How often do you burn money on eating out? Has eating out become a way of life or is it a special event? For one week we challenged our bible study to keep track of their individual spending. Results varied, but the overall verdict was the same - if we monitored these two areas closely, imagine how much money would be available for emergency bills, mission trips, and tithing.

"Money should never be an end in itself. Rather, it should be a means for accomplishing an end - specifically, for accomplishing our life purpose"(passage taken directly from "Enough").
If we are called by God to do his work, will we be able to live up to the task? Money should be used as a tool to accomplish the greater purposes God has for our lives.

Six Financial Planning Principlies were introduced to the study:
1. Pay your tithe and offering first. Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce (Proverbs 3:9)
2. Create a budget and track your expenses.
3. Simplify your lifestyle (live below your means). Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist. When your eyes light upon it, it is gone; for suddenly it takes wings to itself, flying like an eagle toward heaven. (Proverbs 23:4-5)
4. Establish an emergency fund.
5. Pay off your credit cards, use cash/debit cards for purchases, and use credit wisely.
6. Practice long-term savings and investing habits.

When Dreams Become Nightmares - Bible Study Week 2

2009-10-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

When Dreams Become Nightmares
This week’s bible study shed light on the American Dream – has it become the American Nightmare? Do I live beyond my means? Do I struggle with unwise spending habits, credit card debts, and dwindling saving accounts? Do I look at my W-2 at the end of the year and ask “Where did it all go?” Do I tithe?

If you answered yes to the majority of these questions, you are not alone. If you answered honestly, we show that the majority of us are affected socially and spiritually by two “illnesses” – AFFLUENZA and CREDITITIS.

Affluenza is defined as “the bloated, sluggish, and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses”. We wrestle with the desire for more stuff – newer and better stuff. We’ve increased the square footage of our homes (1660 sq ft in 1973 vs. 2400 sq ft in 2004), yet we still have to rent storage space to hold all of our things.

Credititis is defined as “the idea that we can have something now and pay for it later which exploits our lack of self-discipline and allows us to feed our affluenza”. The days of “layaway” disappeared over the years and was replaced with instant gratification, while Americans go deeper into debt with the mantra “there are some things money can’t buy, but for everything else there’s MasterCard” echoing in our heads. We worked hard over the years to purchase our home, only to withdraw money from our single largest savings account (our home) under a Home Equity Loan to buy more stuff. ~~But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)~~

There is a deeper problem within us: a brokenness called sin. Three of the seven deadly sins directly address our problem: envy, greed and gluttony. The devil plays upon the sin nature in each of us. The devil makes us his slave, tempting us into debt. If you spend all you have, you’ll never offer your tithes to God, help the poor, or accomplish God’s purposes in life. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Our creditors are now the center of our lives and thoughts (how can I pay my bills). Too many gadgets are playing in the background of our lives – how can we hear God’s calling “be still and know that I am God “(Psalm 46:10)

Have I passed judgment on others based on their possessions and lifestyles? Bible Study scenario: A pastor invited a missionary to speak at his church about social justice and ministry with the poor. As the pastor and missionary were pulling into the parking lot, a man driving a new Lexus parked beside them. The missionary became quite upset and pointed out to the pastor how the man’s spending priorities were not in line with God’s will of ministering to the poor. The pastor was quick to point out facts about the man driving the Lexus – he makes a million dollar a year and gives $700,000 a year to run the mission for the poor in our city. He is humble and caring, and lives five steps below his means. The pastor then asked the missionary “Would to God that you and I gave away as much of what we have as he does”. Group discussion: We are not in a position to pass judgment on others. Some offer tithe, others struggle to tithe. It is important that we offer our fruits first to God, but for those of us that struggle to tithe, or have not grasped the tithe concept, we need to continue to pray for God’s help and work step-by-step to give our offering – maybe we are giving 2% now, can we increase it to 3%? A great example was offered during discussion: I have ten bags of cookies. I am going to give one bag of cookies to the church and keep the other nine bags for myself. When you think about tithing in reverse – I keep 90% for myself, the tithe amount seems insignificant. ~~Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. (Matthew 7:1-2)

Is an attempt to better ourselves financially a sin? How can wealth be sinful? I go back to school to obtain a better job, which enables me to take better care of my children – is this morally and spiritually wrong? Group Discussion: Bettering yourself through education, or increase wealth is not a sin. How we choose to use our increased talents and resources is the key to salvation. Will we use our new talents and wealth to do God’s will, or will we use them for selfish gains and increased possessions.

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? (Mark 8:36) The answers are within our faith in God and the teachings of the Bible. We need to change our lifestyle to reflect the teachings of God. Our bible study goal over the next few weeks will be to replace the muck of our lives (materialism) with God’s light, allowing us to first seek His kingdom and do His will. By replacing the debts of our financial world, we will be able to make a difference with our time, talents and resources to do God’s will.

Enough - Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

2009-10-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first week of our 5-week bible study of “Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity” (Adam Hamilton). Our group meets Monday nights from 7pm-8pm in the Youth Room at Grace UMC. We offer this bible study blog as an additional resource for Monday night participants and for those unable to attend, but desiring to become wise stewards of the resources God has given them.

Faith In the Midst of Financial Crisis

Stress, Anxiety and Fear. These three simple words have been captured in the hearts and minds of many of us over the past year, month, week, and days. The economic crisis of America, and the world, hits us close to home with rising utility prices, loss of jobs, declining 401Ks, and foreclosures. We’ve pointed fingers at various causes, but we are now forced to take a deeper look at indirect problems of the current crisis.

With Adam Hamilton’s guide, we are redirected that the ultimate causes are not financial but spiritual. At least 5 of the 7 deadly sins come into play on “Wall Street” and “Main Street”: gluttony, greed, sloth, envy and pride. We look to place blame on the CEOs on Wall Street, but we must look unto ourselves – we’ve used tomorrow’s money to finance today’s lifestyle. We’ve stopped saving, took the equity from our homes, and charged away as if there was no tomorrow.
An economic crisis is also a crisis of faith. This is not saying we do not have faith in God, but we have lost faith in those around us. Without faith, we will face our most potent threat – as FDR stated in his 1933 Inaugural Address – we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Throughout the Bible, we find words of hope and promise that remind us we have no reason to fear, for God is our refuge and strength.

The word “credit” comes from the Latin word credo, which means “I Believe”. As Christians, our credo is in God. The Apostle’s Creed begins “I believe in God the Father Almighty”. We must remember this creed and use it as our building block. The church and our spiritual life is to be a beacon of light inviting people to find deliverance, redemption, salvation, hope and a new way of life.

We must now re-evaluate what constitutes the good life. Hamilton reminds us that there is no sin in having wealth. It is the love of money that Scripture says is a root of all kinds of evil. Our problems arise by placing wealth and possessions at the focal point of our life. Jesus taught “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15).

Lord, help me to be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don’t need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity. Enough by Adam Hamilton