John Michael Talbot - Healer Of My Soul - Quiet Reflections Part 9

The Big Purge

Last year Nancy & I had to replace a lot of clothes that no longer fit us. We took the occasion to completely purge our closet, & part with many things we hadn’t used in a long time. The scripture says it is more blessed to give than receive, but most of the time, I think we only think in terms of giving money. It truly was a blessing (several actually) for us to take many bags of perfectly good stuff to the Saint Martin’s clothing bank in Blaine.

It was a blessing to receive the humility that comes from the realization that we have so much when others have so little. Even though neither of us are fashionistas, we have lived in abundance for a long time.

It was a blessing to see that our neighbor’s who need to shop for clothes in a small unheated shipping container, are generally very grateful for what they receive. If they find just the right item, it is a treasure.

It was a blessing to become aware of just how many of our neighbors need this service. Did you know that 2500 families were helped in 2010?

I hope it’s not selfish of me to also consider it a blessing to share this with you? To encourage you to check out your closet for items that could be used by others? Maybe even ask your help in encouraging the community assistance people who keep it open? Thanks

Godly Financial Principles

These are five basic financial principles that Nancy & I put in place 30 years ago. During those uncertain times we considered the scriptures & learned from others. Today there is an abundance of information available for you to consider. We can’t say we have not had financial challenges, But our experience has been that God’s principles work.

Principle 1:  Tithe from the gross, God will do more with 90% than you can do with 100%. The practice of giving first fruits also settles the matter. It’s much easier than trying to decide how much at the end. Avoid the temptation to wonder what the tithe amount could have bought.

Principle 2:  Part of Gods provision for you today can be for tomorrow.

Saving 5% minimum in long-term savings is not hoarding in fear of the future, but harvesting in season.

Take advantage of (401k, IRA, power of tax deferral, compound interest) as long as they remain legal & good conscience investments.

Principle 3:  Avoid debt.  PERIOD.

Debt, not in it self evil, can be a robber. It’s always easier to get than to pay, & it leaves you in bondage. However, sometimes it may be necessary (house, car) resist borrowing more than you need, and pay it off as soon as possible. Increasing house payments proved to be a good long term savings plan.

Don’t even own a credit card if you can avoid it. I had one only for company travel. It is a fact that people over spend with cards, cash still works fine! Most people pay the bank more in credit card interest than they tithe or save.

Principle 4:  Budgeting

Budgeting lets you see what you are doing with Gods provision. We need a line of sight to our spending patterns. Helps build discipline to manage desires & avoid the grief of the unexpected.

Principle 5:  Lifestyle must fit your means

Basically we have found that our lifestyle needs to fit into about 80% of what we bring home. This includes blessing others/gifts.

It’s likely something will be coming on lifestyle.

Uncertain times

In the 1960’s & 70’s there were a lot of things causing anxiety in the world & in the US. Social, political, & economic crisis caused many of us to drop out & head “back to the land” & to self reliance. Some of us even went to an unhealthy survivalist mind set. Fortunately the Lord saved me & redeemed me from that fearful lifestyle. It does seem like we are again living in uncertain times, how do we as believers live & lead as salt & light in these days? We start with the truth that He loves us, cares for us, & has promised to meet our needs and enable us to be generous to others. Also His word gives us instruction for living in any culture & time. What practical wisdom has He shown you for living in these days? I have some stuff to share but would prefer to hear from you first.

Remarkable things

It started with 11 on Monday, then 16 on Tuesday, & finally 23 on Thursday. Absolutely remarkable, something I have never seen around here before, & within 2 miles of my house. Have I captured your interest?  That’s a lot of Eagles in one field & surrounding trees. It was a wonderful start to a new year to see something so amazing.

It’s no coincidence that I had just read in Luke 5:26 the peoples response to one of Jesus healings “We have seen remarkable things today”. As we begin our journey into the new year, lets look forward to the remarkable things that God will show us, do among us & through us.

Crock Pots

I’ve had some fine meals from crock pots. They are an important addition for many of our kitchens. But did you know that for some they are a vital or perhaps the only way to cook hot meals? For some single parents trying to manage jobs & families, and some who can’t afford to repair broken stoves or even buy other pots & pans they are vital. For others who are in temporary housing do to things like family crisis, it may be the only way to have a hot meal.

One of the things I learned in 2010 by those who are involved with community assistance is that crock pots are in high demand for helping some of our neighbors. As we begin the journey of 2011, I am going to try & remain mindful of the high value of crock pots. Would you join me in that? If you happen to come across any in good shape that could benefit one of our neighbors, give Carole a call at 332-8981 & she can see it put to good use. Thanks