Text Size: Zoom In

Personal Economics and Uncertainties

Mart De Haan Posted by Mart De Haan
October 29th, 2008
43 Comments » 

Although I want to keep our conversation going about “emerging churches” and “emerging problems,” have a question this morning about how the present economic downturn is affecting us as individuals and as a group? Wondering if as many of us as possible would give a quick comment about any of the material, emotional, or spiritual ways that global and regional uncertainties are hitting us personally– or people close to us.

Are the mortgage subprime, credit, and market issues concerns you’re reading and hearing about– or living with?

I find myself at times overwhelmed trying to imagine how many have lost homes, jobs, and who are struggling to pay for basic food, gas, and medical needs. Also raises questions about how our own personal faith is being tested or fed in times like this? Does our God seem closer… or farther away…

Fears? Hopes?


« Previous: Emerging Problems Next: Another Way to Look at Emerging Churches »
Vote on whether you think this post is something you'll be thinking about:
Vote This Post DownVote This Post Up (+55 rating, 57 votes)
Loading...
43 Comments »

Filed in relationships, social issues

43 Responses to “Personal Economics and Uncertainties”

  1. AmericanMade says:
    October 29, 2008 at 5:44 am

    This is one that has hit closest to home. I lost my job in Feb of this year. My husbands income has been not only cut back but because he is on a salary with commission business being slow he took a double decrease in pay. So we are now 4 going on 5 months behind in our house payment, and we are also behind in the car payment. we can barely pay the utilities, put gas in the car and food is just enough to keep from starving.
    God has led me to this job at a Christian Book Store, which is a Blessing, but it is only through Christmas and then back to looking again. But at least it is something.
    God is Good. my Faith and trust i find just grows stronger and my Prayers seem to come more and more often. it seems my Prayers are more a conversation during the day and then more devotional morning and night before bedtime. I know right now I need a Miracle from God to help us get through this and I know he will always be there for me.
    Thank You for letting me share this with you.
    Thank you for your Been Thinking About. I read it everyday but this is the first time I have commented.
    Thank You for The Daily Bread.
    AmericanMade

  2. siesand says:
    October 29, 2008 at 6:53 am

    Good Morning,
    We are doing fine right this minute with finances but only because of the wisdom that God gave my husband. In our 30+ years of marriage, he only borrowed money once and that was to start our business. That debt, which was small for a business loan, was paid off quickly. Our home was built and paid for while the business prospered. We never borrowed for a vehicle. We either bought used ones or had the old one repaired. Our business failed a few years ago because of the manufacturing shift. We performed a service for local manufacturing companies. Very few of them exist in this country any more. They have all moved overseas. We managed to survive on savings until he could sign up for social security. People think we are rich when they see where we live, but the truth is that we now live on social security plus a few part time jobs that he and I hold. I know God will also take care of us in the future.

  3. dep7547 says:
    October 29, 2008 at 7:12 am

    Gary, while I can agree with you that many people (including myself) have made poor decisions; I cannot find it righteous to point fingers at them alone! Last year, I had to file bankruptcy–one situation I had vowed never to let myself get into. As a result of the legal changes instituted by George Jr. I had to reaffirm my mortgage and car loan (both owned by GMAC). While the car loan was not a problem, the “righteous” mortgage division sent me paperwork in order to change my rate from a fixed one to a variable one (sounds like a predatory lending practice to me).
    I am already paying 2% more than people with good credit scores signed on for at the same time I took out my mortgage in 2003–not because I had bad credit, but because I had only a limited credit history. Does this mean that I had made poor financial decisions by choosing to wait and pay for things in cash in the past? That actually seemed to hit me harder than the few times I chose to make late payment fees in order to feed my children–another God-given responsibility! Or was it the over the limit fees that I incurred when I signed up for automatic bill paying at the time. I do not find it righteous that these lenders would make a fool of a person standing in line to buy diapers that would put her/him over the limit by a single dollar, yet not prevent a preauthorized utility company to put that same person over the limit by 200 dollars–just to collect a larger fee.
    The only reason I chose to go bankrupt was because these predators were allowed to randomly change their interest rates to nearly double what they were. It seems that these self-righteous institutions could care less about the children that they put on the streets–kind of like the commercial interests in South America who hire assassins to eliminate the orphans who steal fruit in the market places there–the righteous, God of Israel condemns, not condones such practices. I apologize if I have misread your intent, but harboring anger against people (Christian or not)for merely trying to live does not sound like anything I have ever read in the bible including “have I not said ye are gods!”

  4. poohpity says:
    October 29, 2008 at 7:41 am

    I feel like as Americans we have always wanted to HAVE whatever. I have lived off of very little money and have found that my children have done just fine on the basics. For the last two Christmas’s the only gifts that I could give were a pair of pants a piece from Wal-mart one time and nothing last year. When I saw children in Africa struggle over a square of toilet paper I felt so blessed about what we have. Living on meal a day their faith seemed so big.

    I do not really think we understand how really blessed we are. With just the can goods I found out to make wonderful meals and was able to have people over to share. I also found share programs for food like United food bank that for $16 dollars got about $60 worth of food because of gleaning and the food the stores throw away because of expiration dates. You would not believe the waste that happen in America. I choose not to go on food stamps because I wanted to depend on the Lord and He has provided. He is the great provider and when you put your faith in Him you will have all you NEED maybe not want but need. Look what He did for the people during the Exodus. Our faith can grow so much in these times because we have so much to be Thankful for.

  5. Mart De Haan says:
    October 29, 2008 at 8:01 am

    Gary,
    when the friend of Job responded to his suffering by quoting the principle of sowing and reaping, he had a point (4:8). But, as it turns out, he and the other friends who assumed that Job was suffering in proportion to his own bad choices were wrong.

    I’ve often thought about the fact that some people do all of the right things for their health, business etc. and yet fall on hard times– seeming to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Others violate conventional wisdom and seem to do just fine.

  6. SFDBWV says:
    October 29, 2008 at 8:49 am

    The little town I live in is a casulity of the “Great Depression”. The bank closed and kept whatever savings people had. The small business community dried up and people left. Thoes who had nowhere to go of course stayed.

    Our little town became a family of survivors. Helping each other, whatever people could do in order to survive. Young men were given the opportunity to work for the government in the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) They earned 25 dollars a month. 20 was sent home.

    WWII changed the world, and spread our people all over the country.

    30 years of working in the coal mines taught me that no job is safe. Nothing economicaly is guaranteed. The only person you can count on is you. You must be employable. This was a credo I lived by. So because being a coal miner meant that there were always lay offs and strikes. I had to be able to work when the mines weren’t. That meant having a trade. I was a welder and electrician and mechanic. I could do carpentry work and of course manual labor. When the mines were down I would hit the road. Going where ever I could to find work and keep my family going.

    As I have stated in previous posts, 9 years ago personal tragities in my family forced me to have to quit working stay home and take care of my family. There for a while there were no incomes. The community I live in took up donations to help us, the small churches had dinners and took up donations as well. That saved us. It provided time for Scocial Security to kick in. When I reached the age of being able to take an early retirement from the mines. I did.

    Being on a retirement income means no more extras. What upsets me are insurance companies. We have to pay extortion money in order to keep an automobile provide a quality of medical coverage and have protection against fire or being sued. You may have read that Social Security recipients are getting a raise. Whenever we get a raise, medicare gets a raise. Even our raises go to insurance companies.

    Who does our government work for? If you said us, think again. Our congress continues to enact laws that force all of us to pay into insurance companies. These companies are not non profit organizations. It is intended for them to profit.

    When national tragities happen, ie hurracanes, floods ect. Insurance companies all raise their rates. We have no options but to continue paying whatever they demand. If you are on a fixed income, any forced raises from insurance companies and utilities have to come from our small and unalterable incomes. That means less and less for necessities and more and more to the insurance companies and energy companies.

    What are we to do? I cannot change the world, I cannot fix the economy. I cannot heal my son nor give him the life he wants. I am left to rely day by day on God the Father through his son Jesus the Christ. If I take up worrying about things I cannot change I will go mad. And what would that profit anyone. I trust in God and await his rescue. Each day, everyday.

  7. cctouch says:
    October 29, 2008 at 9:05 am

    I’m finding it very hard to make it through from paycheck to paycheck. My husband is out of work and has been for several years now. So, I’ve been doing this on my own for some time now. It’s never been easy and it’s even harder now with the economy the way it is. Everything seems to be going up but there’s not enough income to keep up. But I don’t try to place blame on anyone or anything I just depend on our Lord who promises that He will provide. And, He does; He is sooo Good!

  8. click says:
    October 29, 2008 at 9:51 am

    I am employed by a large company, work hard and receive a good salary. Financially, things remain good. Yet, I have friends who could check off all of the same boxes (big company, hard work and good pay) and now have lost their jobs. We get no guarantees in this life.

    We do get choices though. We can choose to hang on tight to what we have and build bigger barns to hold it all in as the parable goes. Or we can choose to follow Jesus’ call to the rich young ruler and give away all that we have and follow Him. Like most, I fall some where in the middle. I tithe to my church and help my family and friends as I feel able and led.

    I watch the news and hear about millionaires that continue to command huge salaries as they preside over people in foreclosure. I see people in huge houses being foreclosed on because they assumed the market would keep going up. But I know people that have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are struggling to make ends meet. Where is the justice in that? God is good, all-knowing and all-powerful, so there must be a good reason for the wars and financial crises we are experiencing now. I wish He would spell it out for all of us, but in the meantime we can all look ahead and look up.

  9. BruceC says:
    October 29, 2008 at 9:56 am

    First off; I will pray for my brothers and sisters here that are struggling through these hard times. Secondly we need to seek the Lord in prayer for our nation. The events of this past year have gotten everyone’s attention so maybe we should take an inward look as a nation and as individuals. And I’m not finger pointing. Some folks got sucked in bad by greedy people, some out-spent their wallets, and some got burned trying to speculate and cash in on the frenzy. Me? I just got sick. Had to quit my job back in March, Wife has been on SS Dis. for years now for something years ago(you would laugh at what she gets; but we thank God). I have a small pension for 27 yrs. as a Dep. Sheriff; but it isn’t big as upstate NY counties pay a disgraceful wage; but very thankful to God for it and for the med. plan that went along with the pension. After seven months I finally got approved for SS Dis. myself as I have real bad arthritis and COPD. With all combined it is not alot by today’s standards; but you know what? I am very thankful to my Lord for all we have. He has gotten us through and answered prayers! All that we have is by the grace and mercy of our Lord. I am richer than George Soros, Bill Gates, and all the mid-east oil barons combined! My true riches are in Christ Jesus! I see pictures of folks in third-world nations smiling because of Christ in their lives while many in the West have so much. So we as Christians need to pray hard for one-another and for our nation; and then pray some more. And in all those prayers, be sure to give lots of thanks!

  10. macsisson22 says:
    October 29, 2008 at 9:56 am

    Nahum 1:7) “God is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble and He knows those who trust Him.”
    Things are tough all over. I have worked as a bi-vocational pastor for over 16 years and in August I was laid off from a company that I had worked at for nearly the same period. My wife and I are now surviving on my nominal salary and her social security. I sympathize with all of you that are struggling, but I certainly do not want to put my hope in any government or insurance company. This up and coming election would certainly scare me if I did; not because of my political affiliation, but because I hear many in this country, including Christians, crying out, “We want a king so we can be like the other nations”. I wonder, did they read The Book? Moses told them what would happen in the book of Deuteronomy and sure enough by the end of II Kings they were eating their dead, their own dung, and drinking their own urine. I hope that this won’t happen here but Jeremiah repeated a prophetic theme throughout his book; “Shall I not take vengeance on such a nation as this?” Government will never solve our problems! That was never the intent. How many “social programs” did the Roman government establish in Jesus’ day when He told us to render unto Caesar what is Caesars’? Correct me if I am wrong but it seems to me that infrastructure and military protection pretty much sums it up. Correct me again if I am wrong but it seems to me that the Scripture implies that it is the Church’s responsibility to take care of its own?? I once applied to a “Christian” health care organization but they did not cover pre-existing conditions?? My wife has MS. I am glad that Jesus didn’t work that way.

  11. macsisson22 says:
    October 29, 2008 at 9:59 am

    Amen Bruce!

  12. nmass_00 says:
    October 29, 2008 at 10:39 am

    The last two years have been very difficult for me. I had it all planned out. I went to college on academic scholarships and did not take out student loans. I even worked about 35 hours a week while in school. I didn’t use credit cards. If I didn’t have the money to pay for something I didn’t need it. See I thought I had made all of the right decisions to set myself up for a prosperous future.

    After I graduated I could not find a job. So I moved and went to graduate school as a full time student. In between that time I worked as a waitress and in retail part time to pay for the basics. I had a car that was paid for. It wasn’t new but I was able to get to point A to point B safely. During my last year of graduate school I had to take out student loans to get by and I worked part time. I got sick and almost died during my last semester. As a full time graduate student I did not have medical insurance and I was tooo old to be on my parents insurance. I could not afford it. So everytime I went to the ER and had to stay over night because of my condition it would cost about $5000.00. So I incurred a lot of medical debt that year. I graduated with a masters degree. I got a job right out of graduate school, but I got sick again and I had to have surgery. I had insurance, but they told me that I had pre-existing conditions and they would not pay for my surgery. The surgery was about $24,000.00. I had to choose, my health or my career! I had to quit my job and I had the surgery. Doctor’s don’t know where the condition comes from specifically and they don’t have a cure so they just have to do what they can for me.

    Somehow God made a way for my bill from surgery to be paid in full. I had to move back home with my mom and I did not enjoy being 24 years old living at home. I have always been an independent person. So that hit me hard. I couldn’t do for myself. Somehow I felt like I was less of a person. After my recovery period I started looking for a job in my field. I have not found anything. It has been over a year and a half that I have been out of a full time job. I have changed my resume over a 100 times. I have applied for so many jobs that I have gotten tired of looking at my own resume. But I have never been on welfare. I do not receive food stamp assistance because I vowed that I would never do so if I have the bodily ability to work.

    The promising thing in all of this can be found in God’s faithfulness. I have an apt. A relatively new car with a car note. I have food to eat, clothes to wear, and hands that are capable to work. I have worked in so many different areas just to pay the bills, from substitute teaching to clinical receptionist. I have even made and sold jewelry to pay for rent and my car note. I still do not have a full time or permanent part time job, but I have learned through this whole experience that my trust and hope has to be in God. He has provided for me when there was no way. He has sustained me, not a job, this economy, friends, or good decisions. When things get hard and nothing seems to be working out I simply remember how and when He has provided for me before. I may not have a lot of material wealth, or the comforts of life, but I have a relationship with God and that is the most valuable thing to have. I have finally learned to lean on Him and not my own understanding or earthly wisdom. And He will take care of me. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:

    ” Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
    “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.”

  13. meady says:
    October 29, 2008 at 11:15 am

    I just started working for a large company that has just merged with a even larger company. While my initial thoughts were this is great we might get a pay raise, I now see that what happens is positions get consolidated and people become jobless with little to no warning. I’m witness to sudden life changes that leave a family cripple and unable to provide, because jobs are few and far between and good ones are almost nonexistent. I agree that some people were greedy and made decisions that gave little to no forsight for their future interest, but others are just victims of bad situations. With the problems in the econony, layoffs and manning cut backs are effecting people everyday. I would like to say to American Made stay encouraged and let God lead you. Times may seem hard, but the relationship that your establishing with God is worth more than financial stability. My family and I are going through trying times as well, but because of God’s grace we always have everything we need.

  14. poohpity says:
    October 29, 2008 at 11:15 am

    Wow look at the faith of those who have little but have the Lord. I bet He is smiling down on us like a proud parent because our hope is in the Lord. Thank you so much for sharing, what a blessing. Isn’t our God amazing.

  15. rokdude5 says:
    October 29, 2008 at 11:38 am

    In a way we are fine and in a way we are not. We are running behind in some of our bills though our home is not in danger.

    Im trying to find work but I think my impaired hearing and age is working against me. My wife is in school but she wont be able to start working in her field until 2010. She should be able to work once she is done with her schooling. We take it one day at a time. Phil 4:6

  16. drkennyg says:
    October 29, 2008 at 2:48 pm

    One thing that I learned (the hard way) was to avoid debt except for housing as long as you are prudent about that. Several years ago I took a course in personal finance from Crown Ministries which shows you how to budget and pay off debt more easily without all the worry, I managed with the Lord’s help to pay off my Credit cards which were killin’ me! So now I live modestly below my means. This allows me to do more than tithe since I really do believe it’s all God’s anyway – none of it is mine. So I pray for God’s provision and it is amazing what happens. Rarely is it my way of doing things. His way is better. Now I am able to sacrificially give more to help others not just money-wise but with my time and prayers also. God has taught me well and I am grateful. It is better to offer helpful suggestions than to condemn others for errors of judgement in financial matters. So I urge everyone to pray hard and try to find ways of cutting expenses back to the bare bones if necessary but not to skimp on tithing. God will NEVER leave us and following Christ is the way of the future for me and not a newer car or better house or more of whatever. It’s all for Christ and all the glory goes to Him.

  17. Elaa says:
    October 29, 2008 at 3:55 pm

    We are two months (and most likely three in a matter of days) behind in our mortage. We are behind in many bills. Some of it, we could have avoided but my husband says “I worship money” when I advocate careful spending. My husband believes in tithing on the net and not gross, and does not see how it is possible to even tithe on the net at times like this. I can’t imagine what will happen if he ever finds out I’ve been tithing on my gross all this while. And now that my work is part-time and the bills have piled up, I don’t know how I can continue to tithe. I know if I can afford to eat, I can obviously afford to tithe (otherwise a forced fast would not be a bad idea) but things have really just gone haywire. I’ve stopped using credit card and must now live with my actual income and tithing just seems really rather ambitious- fundamental as it is.

  18. daisymarygoldr says:
    October 29, 2008 at 4:15 pm

    Praying for each one of you here who has shared about how these hard times have hit you and your loved ones…just keep trusting the Lord and eventually this also will pass away!

    “Simple living” was my family’s motto and by God’s grace we are all continuing with that same focus… as those who have and yet live as though we “have not”. Was blessed by a good job last year and had to move to avoid a long and dangerous commute. We wanted to sell our house and buy another one close to work but it is still in the market. Personally, I do not handle the money-bag or shop for food and gas…so I really do not know anything about it…in fact I don’t even know how much I earn…so, it is a zero for “Personal Economics”. Thankful for the thrifty husband who is sometimes a pain (grocery shopping at 3 different stores to use every cumbersome coupon that has been religiously clipped and preserved), but no complaints…as the objective I’m told is to save and not spend unnecessarily. Really have no fear or worries about the future either…God has been taking good care of me so far and will certainly provide for all my needs till the very end.

    This is just one of the many things that will distract and divert our attention away from our eternal purpose. The time is short… so that from now on those who buy should be as though they did not possess for we are not here to possess…we are here to lay up treasures in Heaven!

  19. aboden says:
    October 29, 2008 at 6:48 pm

    I believe that each person should live below their means and have an investment strategy. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to that have big, flat screen TV’s and nice furniture. They put money into a nice car, yet spend very little on a vehicle of investment like a 401k, Roth IRA, money market account, etc.

    I know what it’s like, because I grew up not knowing about these things. I had to teach myself and ask people around me, read books and do my own research because I didn’t learn it from family or teachers.

    Times are difficult for almost everyone. And, as a real estate agent, I find my success tied inextricably to my state’s local economy. I haven’t had income for two months now, which means I’m living on savings. I still tithe out of my savings, but it gets harder as each week goes by. I don’t care if it’s only $1.00 or $10,000.00, I feel I should always be giving back to God.

    I remember Jesus’ words, “a bruised reed he will not break.” (Isaiah 42:3)

    Again the Bible says, “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” (1 Peter 2:19-20)

    We may be forgiven for our mistakes, but we can’t avoid the consequences. But also we must take refuge in knowing God will not allow us to be “broken”. I don’t know where He draws the line between “bruised” and “broken” for each person. But sometimes I wish He would draw the line a little sooner! :-)

  20. SLAIR132 says:
    October 29, 2008 at 7:37 pm

    I believe that this so called economic down turn is do to the sin of this nation…Look how fast the 9//11 event was forgotten …

  21. sammi9306 says:
    October 29, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    I am writing from Singapore & has been following your blog & reading the DB as a source & guidance on understanding the scriptures better. Thank you for this wonderful site & its content.

    I lost my job last Nov & my wife stopped work so she could have our 2nd child. It was a very testing & stressful time for us. But I have been praying & the almighty really answers our call. Got a job this year in June (even tho its not what I wanted) & my wife also return to work (part-time) with her previous company.

    I always remember Psalm 119:67 that says “Before I was afflicted I went astray but now I obey your word” We are really bless but tend to count our misfortunes rather than blessings. Just wanted to make sure I do not backslide again or drift away form His teachings.

  22. mattelmore4 says:
    October 30, 2008 at 12:55 am

    Currently I am blessed to be a missionary in Kenya. I am seeing major economic woes here. The poor Kenyans eat only 2 or 3 foods daily and that is Ugali, Spinach, and other mixed vegetables. Ugali is the staple food and it has risen 60% in cost. Gas cost $6.25/gallon and people are hurting. Inflation is on the up and peoples salaries are not changing. A lot of them are unable to pay rent of $20/month. My wife and I have tried to help as many people as we can but we are not able to help everyone. Please pray for the Kenyan people.

  23. wpleasant says:
    October 30, 2008 at 2:23 am

    Father I pray that you will rescue those in this blog who are hurting financially. I ask for your mercy and grace, wisdom, and wise counsel in guiding us to restored solvency, obedient stewardship of all that you have given us. I ask you to show us how to give cheerfully from what we have. I ask that you show us how to reject the world’s way of thinking about money and follow you and your teachings. Help those of us Lord who know you to apply your word in helping each other through these very difficult times in love, prayers, and sharing where we can. Mostly, Lord, may you be glorified in all that we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

  24. AmericanMade says:
    October 30, 2008 at 4:38 am

    Gary,
    I am sorry but yes while some of us have made bad decisions not only in money matters but other areas as well. There are some of us that just got caught up in others bad decisions and now have to pay for them.
    I am sorry also but I feel as a Christian you are very narrow minded and I thank God that he can see not only my heart but my life as well and know more than you.

  25. dep7547 says:
    October 30, 2008 at 6:48 am

    Thanks for clarifying your position, Gary! Again, I apologize for my misinterpretation, but your initial post led me to believe that you were some kind of financial genius that was either trying to get me to invest in the American lottery of wall street or convince me that I made poor economic choices in the interest of supporting my family. Sorry if that sounds cynical, but I, too, get tired of watching mainstream civilization chasing after money–something with absolutely no intrinsic value.

  26. SFDBWV says:
    October 30, 2008 at 6:50 am

    My heart breaks for each and every one of you who suffer. If it were given me, I would fix all of your problems. But it is not.

    But do not dispare, any of you. God the Father is working out your life and each season has a purpose. Our hope is in Jesus, he has not left us without comfort. Nor direction.

    I thank all of you who have offered up prayer on my behalf. This we should all do for each other. I am pleased to see our family is growing.

  27. macsisson22 says:
    October 30, 2008 at 7:19 am

    To Gary and all that took issue with his position. Let us be like those in Barea and search the Scriptures.

    Matthew 5:42 says, “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”

    It seems to me that the Lord Himself recognized that at times there will be a need to take out a loan. Like Gary I am not so sure that it was ever intended that we take out loans for simple creature comforts but our laws allow for it.

    The Scripture also states in Exodus 22:14 “And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.”

    This clearly states that regardless of mans efforts to help out his fellow man, or filing for bankruptcy, WE are responsible for making good on our promises!

    Remember it was Jesus who said, “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no for those that might attempt to graciously dismiss the Exodus verse as “Law”

  28. DoulosChristos says:
    October 30, 2008 at 9:29 am

    This is the world…and not our home. Many of our hearts have been broken at personal loss of homes and cars. Just remember that He is building mansions for us. He is preparing places for us that we cannot even imagine because they are so glorious. God’s Word reminds us to focus on the eternal, on Jesus, on our salvation…not the world.

    I empathize with all who have faced financial and physical trials. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord is one of the verses imprinted in my mind. Even so, I must admit to serving myself and my desires on many, many occasions. Thankfully, my Savior stands willing to forgive me.

    Brothers and sisters, don’t take on the responsibility for making everything right. Rather, focus on love and forgiveness. Build your hopes on things eternal. James tells us that we should rejoice at our trials for when our faith is tested, our endurance has an opportunity to grow. As the old hymn states, “This world is not our home, we’re just a passing through!”

    The American dream is not our dream. Our dream will be realized far away on that distant shore. In the meantime, let’s daily apply the armor of God and walk in the fruit of the Spirit.

    HE LIVES!

  29. 4william says:
    October 30, 2008 at 9:31 am

    Everything in your thinking does concern my wife and me also. What were finding is that we more prayerful. I also find myself thinking and praying about all the people that are affected by the broken state of the world. To date we have not suffered any immediate effects of everything that is going on. Praise God! I hope and pray my 401k and IRA recovers before I retire. Pulling closer to our Lord gives my house peace in these tough times.

    Server you’re King,

    Bill

  30. redeemed says:
    October 30, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    Thank you for this interesting thread Mart. I’ve been wondering when or if I would hear anyone in the body address these econimic issues in depth and bring them into the light.

    After reading your letter and the following posts, I thought about my feelings about our economic situation. My husband and I have been forced to manage on one income as have many others.

    But all the years that we had two decent incomes, I found that living “large” was overrated. All of the “things” that we bought just cluttered our living space, AND we both had to work to continue to pay for them. AND on our free time, we had to maintain them. AND, from all the stress of having to work so hard to pay for and maintain all of our things, we needed health care coverage to pay for our doctor visits and medication to help us continue to work to pay for and maintain all of our things. AND we had to figure out how to invest any extra money to make more money.

    God has richly provided for us during this time of downsizing. If I can stay in the moment, I am grateful for having a simpler life.

    I found it very interesting that the devotions today from Our Daily Bread and from My utmost For His Highest, were the same! How wonderfully ironic…they both are from Heb 11:6. “For without Faith, it is impossible to please God”.

    Inspite of the mess that the world is in….I have full confidence in our God, that he is in control and work all things together for our good. My hope is in His Kingdom that is coming soon!!!

    Peace!!
    Judy

  31. Robert says:
    October 30, 2008 at 3:08 pm

    I cannot imagine the pain and suffering that is going on in this world today. I can’t help but think that Christ looks at this and weaps.

    We are fine and paying the bills but I think we’ve always been a family of relatively modest needs and wants.

    Whatever anyone does though, don’t lose sight of God. The question was asked, does he seem closer or further away and I say that the answer is quite simple.

    He’s always close. It’s just us here on earth who sometimes obscure our own ability to see Him and put our trust in Him that he will see us through whatever hardship is going on.

    God bless. Stay focused. He’ll get us all through in the end. You know He will.

  32. drkennyg says:
    October 30, 2008 at 4:58 pm

    It’s never a good idea to hold back on giving to God. In “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret” it is said the faith is the quiet dependence on God and that God will NEVER leave you. Hudson Taylor was a Christian missionary to China in the 19th century and he depended on God for EVERYTHING and he was never disappointed. Even if you think you can’t tithe do it anyway and prayerfully offer it to the Lord. You will be amazed.

  33. Robert says:
    October 30, 2008 at 8:15 pm

    Amen, Gary.

    You are so right.

    Correct me if I’m wrong though….you can trust God to guide your hand but consult a professional before changing your own oil for the first time. It won’t be His fault if you screw up and your engine seizes. Sorry……voice of experience.

    Praise God for He is The Life, The Hope and The Truth.

  34. Mart De Haan says:
    October 31, 2008 at 4:46 am

    The willingness of so many of you to talk about what you are experiencing, and, in so many cases, how the Lord’s provisions for you have deepened your awareness of his presence and faithfulness has been so helpful. Am so thankful also for the indication of prayers that have been expressed to our Father for one another…

  35. innkeeper says:
    October 31, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    With the colorful foliage falling down in rural Maine, the deepset poverty and desperation is visible just driving down most roads. Mile after mile of trailers, latchkey children with a parent who is out working, elderly in terror of foreclosure on their dilapidated farmhouse, and frantic attempts to start home businesses (quickly), are evident. Trucks, and cars are parked right alongside these beautiful scenic routes, displaying hand-written “For Sale” notices. My neighbors aren’t eating; or they are, many are not able to fill their prescriptions. There are precious few jobs, and during the past six years,the State of Maine, became the largest employer. Small business simply didn’t survive. And, there is precious little other corporate or sales work here. Locals suffer each winter.

    This annual change of weather, changes my daily activities. I spend much of them cooking, delivering clothes (especially shoes and coats), to little ones, desperate ones, and speaking so as to calm the older ones who are without heat. Coming from urban professional work eight years ago, I never expected to see basic needs so lacking, in the homes of working people.

    Now, running an antique Inn, two weeks ago I received four phone calls from former co-workers whom I had known from Hollywood/Burbank/New York/Florida. Each was a pleasant surprise, as I had not heard their voices in as many as 16 years.

    Each caller is about 60 to 62 years-old, and each had owned a small business with a high-end technical specialty at which they had worked 80-hour weeks, for a few decades. Each asked me if I would “take them in” as they could not live any longer in their homes (all had been on the market for a long while/two had taken in boarders who had already lost their homes), and their retirements seemed to have unexpectedly vaporized.

    Each needed a place of refuge, and expressed a resignation that there was nothing more to be done.

    Each really wanted to begin a new business as over the past few years, their “market” had “dried up” or “gone to India.” Each was looking to change professions.

    These friends were not the high rollers in the world, or even the big spenders. No “kitchen redos” with these folks.

    These people poured their hours into serving others through a business they had nurtured. They are the honest, hard-working technically-expert friends, whom I admire so much.

    So, it’s hard to say what will happen here at the Inn in Maine, this coming winter. But, based on these calls, it is possible that we will be creating some kind of new “business entity” as together, we haul wood to the furnaces, shovel out neighbors, and cook for those who cannot fend for themselves.

    The Lord has His Plan working here. My former friends and many neighbors, don’t know Jesus Christ as Savior… yet.
    The dire situation here, is an open door, for the Gospel.

  36. Royce Marcotte says:
    November 11, 2008 at 11:36 am

    A few years ago my wife and I decided to join a church and in doing so started reading the Bible we came to the conclusion we needed to get our finances in order. We also had made some bad financial choises. We now only owe on our home. I was diagnosed with cancer last year and went through surgery and chemo, lost my job and can not find a new one. If my wife’s job is lost we will loose our home. I pray every day and read the Bible but God chooses not to answer. I can relate to alot of these comments. My wife and I have been married for going on 33 years. Our country has become Godless just as in the old testament. Thank you RBC for all you do.

  37. saint.paula@comcast.net says:
    November 11, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    how the present economic downturn is affecting us as an individual is I have grown closer to God, in more need of God’s comforts. I have grown in my bible studies as I seek God more as the downturn affects me. I got real sick physically, mentally and possibly spiritually when the economy went bad. I lost my job, family and home. It would be really sad if my relationship with God didn’t blossom and my faith is better than it ever was. I was able to committ eternity to Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I’ve never felt so complete. It’s the oddest thing. The downturn lifted me up instead of taking me down. That just shows the power of the Lord.

  38. brandonc says:
    November 18, 2008 at 4:40 pm

    I’m not from America, but the image I get from the news of the average American is one who lives in a house (with lawn and all) and is probably overweight. Is that true? People really overspend, and probably find in inconceivable to lower their standards of living. When it comes to not being able to maintain that standard of living, they can blame banks or the govt or anyone.

    In Asia, there are many people living in real poverty (think about 1-2br unit/flats for 4-5 people, or even the streets), and some are even more hopeful and happy in the Lord even tho their income and standard of living is much lower than the average American.

    The whole world is helping the US to pay off their overspending and ridiculous standards of living…

    To paint the picture in a corny way:
    Think about Lord of the Rings, where the US (dark Lord) has given the rings (bad credit financial packages) to each nation who has taken it in greed/faith, and is now bearing the consequences of American’s bad decisions.

  39. Mart De Haan says:
    November 18, 2008 at 6:57 pm

    brandonc, thanks for giving us your Asia on US perspective. While your observations are true of some rather than all, am afraid you are more correct than many of us would like to admit.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.