Sunday, March 24, 2013
The Greatest Love of All, Part II
Mark 12:31
God set His agenda forth in this series, verses 24-31. For example, He declared marriage as one man and one woman in Genesis 1-3, 5. We are to be fruitful and multiply, proving He is the author and finisher of our faith. Be holy because He is holy.
Our society pushes their wants to justify sins. If we are using gay marriage as a platform when people say we love each other and want to raise kids, does it mean that it is ok when people want to be polygamous (one man, several wives) or bestiality (man loves animal).
The second commandment is to love your neighbor as thyself. If a man hits you, the first instinct is to knock the taste out of his mouths. God is trying to get us to a place where self-denial is where we ought to be. We still have a worldly tendency to recognize the people that share reciprocity towards us. Love 'em no matter what! Love the person, not their sins. If you really want to love God, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Bring Your Kids To God
Mark 10:13, 14
God expects us to be examples for our kids to emulate. As adults, we need to act our age in part for kingdom building but also so the child knows right from wrong. The objective here is to teach them in a pleasing way in His sight.
The most effective way of this is giving them back to Jesus. When we refer to giving back, this isn't a literal meaning. Planting the seed is what is meant, as those of us who impede children's development will have to face consequences of their inactions. Children have always had a role throughout the Bible: see Joseph, Moses, even Jesus Himself. Don't hold them back!
Verse 14 details what happened to the parents. They were inadvertently protecting their children; as a result, the youth were at-risk for a life of unnecessary difficulties. They don't need that. The worst thing is we stifle their pursuit of a closer relationship with the One who matters, and that is an epic fail.
The most effective way of this is giving them back to Jesus. When we refer to giving back, this isn't a literal meaning. Planting the seed is what is meant, as those of us who impede children's development will have to face consequences of their inactions. Children have always had a role throughout the Bible: see Joseph, Moses, even Jesus Himself. Don't hold them back!
Saving On the Run
I know, I haven't posted in several weeks, but there is an explanation for that. It's called time and raising kids. But I now have a quick moment to pass insight on saving for the future while not having much money or time, so here goes.
Look at your last pay stub from work. What do you see in the gross income line? If you don't know what that is, that is the money you make before taxes at the end of the pay period. Fortunately for some of us, it stays the same as we may be salaried employees; hourly associates can also do the same. You can bank six figures and still be broke (remember ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary Broke?); yet, there are some of us who can live on 25K and fulfill all of our lives' desires. I worked at Walmart for nearly five years, and while I was able to treat as a second job and a personal workout facility, I was also able to save 8% of my income every check before taxes as a retirement vehicle in addition to the undisclosed amount of dollars toward savings.
Best Ways To Save On the Run
Every situation is different. Whatever works for you, keep it up. Just start saving! There is a example I plan on using, but tweak it to what works for your household. Let's say I make $2,000 per month pretax. Before I even think about rent/mortgage payments, I'll sit at the table to craft out where the money goes. I know not everyone believes in tithing - and personally, it's a bit overrated in the Christian church albeit necessary - but if you set aside ten percent for charitable giving, you eventually won't miss it. Those of us who aren't big on financial gifts toward the church can also donate to the United Way, the YMCA, Easter Seals, or any charity dear to the heart for the same effect. In this case, the ten percent is $200 monthly. Not a significant chunk of change, but if you treat it like a bill, then it becomes automatic.
The next venture means another ten percent. For me, I've always had $200 directly deposited into a savings account for those times you never know about. Car breaks down? You have liquid money that you can walk over and get without penalty. Ditto for broken refrigerator, new computer software for work, or anything that is mandatory for living. I've been doing this for nearly ten years, even from my days at IC Corporation. That amount doesn't have to be another ten percent; try six percent ($30/week, $120/month) and see how that works out.
Lastly, look for the long term. I try to contribute 8% monthly to my IRA account, but life does happen. It's only $40/week, but for the price of a tank of gas, I am putting back for our golden years. I honestly cannot see myself working as a people greeter at the local Walmart nor having to create salad shells at the local Taco Bell at age 75.
This means that we are living on 72 percent of our pretax income. Factor the fact that taxes take a bite out of life (nearly 19%), home should be no more than 28%, you still have 27% to do the rest of life. Note that I am only basing this on my own income; the two-income households still have a significant heaping of coin to do well with providing that we are using our money wisely. The Great Recession should have taught us to save and prioritize; otherwise, my words means nothing.
Good luck saving and please tailor your situation to your lifestyle!
Look at your last pay stub from work. What do you see in the gross income line? If you don't know what that is, that is the money you make before taxes at the end of the pay period. Fortunately for some of us, it stays the same as we may be salaried employees; hourly associates can also do the same. You can bank six figures and still be broke (remember ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary Broke?); yet, there are some of us who can live on 25K and fulfill all of our lives' desires. I worked at Walmart for nearly five years, and while I was able to treat as a second job and a personal workout facility, I was also able to save 8% of my income every check before taxes as a retirement vehicle in addition to the undisclosed amount of dollars toward savings.
Best Ways To Save On the Run
Every situation is different. Whatever works for you, keep it up. Just start saving! There is a example I plan on using, but tweak it to what works for your household. Let's say I make $2,000 per month pretax. Before I even think about rent/mortgage payments, I'll sit at the table to craft out where the money goes. I know not everyone believes in tithing - and personally, it's a bit overrated in the Christian church albeit necessary - but if you set aside ten percent for charitable giving, you eventually won't miss it. Those of us who aren't big on financial gifts toward the church can also donate to the United Way, the YMCA, Easter Seals, or any charity dear to the heart for the same effect. In this case, the ten percent is $200 monthly. Not a significant chunk of change, but if you treat it like a bill, then it becomes automatic.
The next venture means another ten percent. For me, I've always had $200 directly deposited into a savings account for those times you never know about. Car breaks down? You have liquid money that you can walk over and get without penalty. Ditto for broken refrigerator, new computer software for work, or anything that is mandatory for living. I've been doing this for nearly ten years, even from my days at IC Corporation. That amount doesn't have to be another ten percent; try six percent ($30/week, $120/month) and see how that works out.
Lastly, look for the long term. I try to contribute 8% monthly to my IRA account, but life does happen. It's only $40/week, but for the price of a tank of gas, I am putting back for our golden years. I honestly cannot see myself working as a people greeter at the local Walmart nor having to create salad shells at the local Taco Bell at age 75.
This means that we are living on 72 percent of our pretax income. Factor the fact that taxes take a bite out of life (nearly 19%), home should be no more than 28%, you still have 27% to do the rest of life. Note that I am only basing this on my own income; the two-income households still have a significant heaping of coin to do well with providing that we are using our money wisely. The Great Recession should have taught us to save and prioritize; otherwise, my words means nothing.
Good luck saving and please tailor your situation to your lifestyle!
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