YOU MAKE ME CRAZY - 1. Six Keys To Peace In Relationships

The Way of Wisdom is a narrow, winding path through a beautiful, yet treacherous forest requiring surefootedness to navigate. Those that choose to wander from the path into the Forest of Regret often lose their way. Keeping on the path guarantees that we will not only find God’s purpose for our lives, but peace in all of our relationships.

Having the KNOWLEDGE of what is written in the first paragraph will do us no good. WISDOM is doing what is written.

Knowledge is merely having clarity of facts and truths while wisdom is the practical ability to make consistently good decisions in life.

The Bible tells us that “…all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden” in “…the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.” (Colossians 2:3).

Our greatest motivator to action (applying wisdom) is often the fear of the consequences that might result if we don’t act. The Bible states that knowledge and wisdom originate with the “…fear of the Lord.”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7; “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10

We obey (apply) the knowledge acquired from God’s Word because we fear the warnings given to the fool. We don’t want to be like those who wander into the Forest of Regret or act as fools in relationships. We FEAR the consequences promised to those who turn from wisdom.

“…if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom!” (Proverbs 2:1-22)

There are six keys to having peace in relationships found in James 3:17. These six keys are the outpouring of wisdom and provide us with a shield ("...he is their shield..." Proverbs 2:7) to protect us from the crazy makers in life.

1. First of all, wisdom is PURE;

2. Wisdom is PEACE LOVING;

3. Wisdom is GENTLE at all times;

4. Wisdom is willing to YIELD TO OTHERS;

5. Wisdom is FULL OF MERCY & GOOD DEEDS;

6. Wisdom is IMPARTIAL & always SINCERE

The slides from today’s lesson are below. Next week, our lesson will be “Who’s Pushing Your Buttons?”

YOU MAKE ME CRAZY - Introduction

YOU MAKE ME CRAZY! Who are these people that seem to make us crazy? How can we survive these relationships God's way?

We all have relationships that drive us crazy. Whether it's a boyfriend or girlfriend, spouse, sibling, parent, co-worker, or crazy relative you see once a year at Thanksgiving, a crazy-maker can really make life difficult. The YMMC Series will help bring sanity to your relationships so you can do more than just coexist. It will help you learn how to connect with the crazy-makers in your life.

In this series we’re looking at how to deal with the crazy making people in our own lives, but we’re also looking at the crazy making thoughts, attitudes, feelings and actions that we ourselves are foisting on people. I must always be willing to look at my craziness first before I look at someone else’s.

This is the only way to break the stranglehold that anger can have on every one of us. Our own anger is a major tool that Satan uses to take advantage of us. Anger can have devastating effects on us Spiritually, Emotionally, Relationally, Financially, Vocationally, Intellectually and Physically.

Everyone is somebody's difficult person.

Today we identified six of the most common types of crazy makers (there are hundreds). As you read these descriptions, you will more than likely see yourself in one or more of them.

Demanding

These are The Little Dictators of life. They are the little Napoleons. They are Bossy, Pushy, Controlling, and Intimidating. They tend to dominate every conversation. They often turn every conversation into a power struggle. They make unrealistic demands on your life, your time and your schedule. They push, manipulate and coerce to try to get you to do what they want. They’re demanding, and it drives you crazy. They’re the little dictators of life.

Disapproving

I call them The Unpleasables. They are highly critical. Your best is never good enough. They always want more. They are Negative, Pessimistic and Judgmental. They’re perfectionists. They love to point out your mistakes. You’re never good enough for them.

Deafening

They’re loud. They’re loud mouths. They are The Megaphones of life. They like to talk and they often talk at 120 decibels. If you have a Megaphone on the phone you will not get off for at least fifteen minutes because they will just keep on talking. They will talk you into surrender. They will talk you into the ground. They love to argue. They could argue all day long.

Destructive

These are people who have uncontrolled anger. I call them The Volcanoes. You can spot a volcano from afar. You never know when they’re going to erupt. But when they erupt you know it. They've got a temper like Mount Vesuvius or like Mount Saint Helens. When they explode and blow up they leave scorching hot lava burning everything in the path. If you have a volcano in your life you tend to walk on eggshells part of the time. The family will live in fear of when the next blow up is going to happen. There’s a lot of tension and the burn causalities are quite high. These are the destructive crazy makers, the volcanoes.

Discontented

Discontented crazy makers get their feelings hurt very, very easily. They’re very sensitive. They’re very touchy. They’re very thin skinned and they whine a lot. They can be called The Cry Babies. They hold daily pity parties. They host the party and they like to moan and mourn “Poor Me!” They’re chronic complainers and they've got a martyr complex and they get their attention by whining. When they whine they get that nasally sound, whining all the time. It just grates on you like fingernails on a blackboard. These are the Cry Babies. They’re never happy.

Demeaning

These people are The Smart Mouths. The smart mouths are rude, they’re insulting and they use caustic and sarcastic language. They might even curse. More than just cursing, complaining and caustic they’re bubble busters. They like to bust your bubble. They like to wear your dream down. They love to deflate you. They joy in telling you how you don’t measure up. They’re disrespectful and they can be petty and they can be mean. These are the smart mouths. People who are rude the majority of the time are people who have enormous insecurities.

The only effective way you can be of any good to a crazy maker is to be fully surrendered to God. He is the true source of love. You can not love difficult people in your life without God.

A big part of this series will be to help us all know how to better relate to those who are closest to us--husbands, wives, children, parents, extended family. I will be using our StrenghtsFinder talents to help guide us each towards more peaceful, rich, and enjoyable relationships. If you have not yet completed the StrengthsFinder test, please go to the link below to purchase a code to take the online test ($9.99 per test):

(https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/Purchase/?utm_source=nobooks&utm_medium=webreferral&utm_campaign=strengthsdashboard)

Send me your test results and we will make cards for the bulletin board.

Next week, we will study the SIX KEYS TO PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS.

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 9

When the Hebrew people said to the prophet Samuel, "Give us a king to lead us." he was displeased. When Samuel took their request to the Lord, God said, "...they have rejected me as their king." God told Samuel to return to the people and "...warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights." (see I Samuel 8:6-22)

The message God gave the Hebrews was very clear: I AM YOUR KING! There can be no substitute. God made certain that Samuel spelled it out to the Hebrews in detail. Samuel told them the terrible things that would happen to them if they empowered a king (a man) to rule over them. He told them that they would give up their freedom. He told them that they would one day cry out for relief from their king but the Lord would not answer their cries. These foolish people, even after God's stern warnings, refused to listen to Samuel and said, "No! We want a king over us."

So be it! "The Lord answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.'" The rest is history...a very sad history of hundreds of years of oppression resulting from one bad king after another.

This lesson teaches that God never intended for sinful man to rule over others with supreme power. Kings, pharaohs, sheiks, shahs, wangs,  maharajahs, emperors, and presidents should never be empowered with ultimate authority over man.

We also looked at One World Government; the purpose of government--to protect or provide; taxes; welfare; and the responsibility and instruction we have from God to obey authority. God is sovereign and "...there is no authority except that which God has established." 

Next week we start a new series: YOU MAKE ME CRAZY

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Review

Today's class was a short review of the past eight weeks of the Solving the Money Puzzle series. The Bible study hour was cut short due to the church-wide Christmas program.

We will complete the SMP series next Sunday with the final lesson: Government: Friend or Foe? In this lesson we will discuss the Biblical mandate for government and our responsibilities.

Below are the slides from today's lesson.

Christmas Party - 2014

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 8

Teaching and training children how to become wise money managers requires tireless commitment from dedicated parents. In this lesson, we looked at what the Bible teaches about the great responsibility of parents to train their children--not only in the area of money, but about all of the issues of life. When is the right time to teach our children?

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Children are constantly observing and learning. The most efficient way to train our children is by example, while there is still hope. This requires that we, as mentors and teachers, be examples worthy of being followed.

The most effective way to train our children is in love. Correcting your children in anger is never effective and almost always creates resentment.

"Fathers, don't make your children angry, but raise them with the kind of teaching and training you learn from the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

The consequences of not being prepared to teach your children and not being willing to invest the necessary time to train your children can be devastating to you and your future. It can destroy generations to come in your family tree.

We must always remember that our children are given to us as a gift from God. They are His children and we are entrusted with them for only a short time. It is our job as parents to "Train up a child..." Proverbs 22:6

"Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3

The lesson slides are below. Next week we will complete this series with the lesson: Government: Friend or Foe? Our next series will be You Make Me Crazy.

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 7

How do you define "Long-Term"? One year? Five years? Ten years? Perhaps forty or fifty years?

From the age of 25 or 30, long-term planning typically suggests a plan to accumulate resources during your most productive years that will ensure your financial independence at least until the age of 90, perhaps 100. Components of the plan must consider the desired lifestyle you expect to maintain as you grow older, how much money must be accumulated to provide you with that lifestyle, the required savings per year that you must set aside to reach that financial goal, the devaluation (buying power) of your savings because of inflation, and the projected return on your savings (if any) to help off-set inflation and grow your principle. Long-term planning must also include managing the risk of unexpected life events that could easily wipe out your carefully devised plan. In addition, the plan should include how, and to whom, you wish to distribute your assets after your death. These are the topics you might expect to hear from a financial adviser as you seek guidance on how to ensure financial independence throughout your lifetime.

Planning for the "long-term" should be a part of our thinking, but you must be careful that your plan is not one that is motivated from fear, or a desire to plan your way out of trusting God. Jesus was clear in several of His parables to point out that the more independent you become, the less you will trust God for your needs. Trust is the key component in any relationship; without it, the relationship is lifeless.

In our last lesson, I suggested that you consider three words as you contemplate the topic of  "long-term planning": PERSPECTIVE; PRUDENCE; and PURSUIT.

PERSPECTIVE: For the Christian, life is but a test, a trust, and a temporary assignment. The Christian is only passing through this temporary life as we head for our eternal home in Heaven. We must maintain an eternal perspective as we plan our earthly lives, for even our best plans are established with limited knowledge of our tomorrows.

 "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them." James 4:13

PRUDENCE: We are promised that there will be trouble in this world. Most of those troubles happen unexpectedly--an automobile accident; the loss of a source of income; an unexpected sickness or injury. Risk is a reality of life and must be managed. We are wise when we plan for the unexpected. This form of long-term planning is not motivated from greed, fear, or a lack of trust, but from being responsible and prudent.

"Prudent people see trouble and hide, while the simpleminded go right to it and get punished." Proverbs 22:3

PURSUIT: Just as with the man who sold all he had to buy the field with the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44), when we truly realize the treasure that awaits us in our eternal home, our earthly lives, and the priority of what we pursue, will forever be changed.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

You don't have to fear the outcome of your tomorrows when you walk in God's purpose (will) for your life today. As a prudent and responsible steward you can trust God to meet your needs in every way... and more.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12

Below are the slides from the lesson. Next week, we will move to Chapter 8: "Teaching Children about Money."

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 6 (Part II)

Three letters sum up Sunday's Lesson: WOW!! Those three letters must be followed with three words: GOD IS GOOD!!

The decision to continue last week's lesson, Releasing the Blessing, was made after God starting working in my life last week. Little did I know, at the time, He was preparing me for what would probably be the most amazing class we have witnessed since we began teaching the You & Me class in November 2013. When God takes hold, as He has done with this very special group of young men and women, there is a surprise around every corner.

It would be impossible for me to describe in this post the events in such a way that you could realize the magnitude of what God did on Sunday in the classroom, but here is my summary:

On the Sunday prior, four class members were selected and given money to do with as they felt God might lead them. The basis for the distribution of the money to the three class members was the Parable of the Talents as described in Matthew 25:14-30. A neatly wrapped stack of fifty, one-dollar bills represented one talent. So, one person was given five talents ($250); another two talents ($100); and a third one talent ($50). The fourth person was given a $100 bill that the person was told to do with as they so desired. The total cash given to class members was $500. The only catch was that each person must return in 7 days and report to the class what they had done with the money they had been given (as was required of the servants in the parable).

I have used the illustration of giving $100 for many years. I use it to show the emotional power of money as I teach the principle of ownership/stewardship. I typically start the class by handing the $100 bill to a person on the front row. I then ask how they feel after receiving the money. After they have expressed their enthusiasm for the many things they might do with the money, I have them give the money to someone else in the class. I then ask how they feel now that the money is gone. I also ask the new recipient how they feel having been given $100. As the emotional ups and downs take their course throughout the class, there eventually comes a time when the recipient catches on and shows no emotion when handed the money, assuming that they will soon be asked to pass the bill to another person. At this point, the lesson is understood. The money does not belong to them; they do not OWN it. I then tell the person to keep the money and do with it as they wish, but to report back to the class. Without exception, the "steward" of the $100 has always returned with a powerful story of how God worked in their life, their families life, and all those with whom they shared the experience.

Using the Parable of the Talents and the bundles of cash was something new that God had put on my heart. Not only was it a test for me to donate the extra $400, I realized this week that without my doubling the original talents (for those who did likewise), the lesson would not be complete. God put this thought on my heart on Wednesday of last week. I labored with it and prayed:

"God, if you want me to go through with this, I will need another $1,000--20 talents ($50/talent). Where am I supposed to get the money? I can't keep doing this. Show me how and I will do it."

The $1,000 I needed included my doubling the $100 I gave the fourth person, if that person did likewise. I thought, what are the chances of any of these people doubling the money I gave them? In the past, I have seen people donate the money to worthy causes, but never, in all the years I have done this, have I seen anyone add to it.

On Friday morning, I knew for certain that, in faith, I was supposed to withdraw $1,000 from my bank account and be prepared to double the amounts I had given out. Two conditions: First, when the person reported to the class what they had done with the money, they must report that they had doubled the original amount; second condition: the money must be given to a worthy cause. If they doubled the original amount, I would also double the original amount.

I was preparing to go to the bank Friday after lunch. Just prior to leaving, my wife handed me the mail. In the mail was a letter from my previous employer that basically stated:

".... is providing retiree plan participant enrolled in the retiree medical coverage with a disbursement check. The attached check is provided to you and your covered dependents, and this notice ensures that we have complied with the notice requirements under ERRP."

I have never received such a check. The check was in the amount of $1,112.80... go figure. $1,000 to double the original $500 I had given the class the week prior; $112 to make my gift to my church of 10%; leaving me with the $1,000 I needed to double the talents (and double the $100 given to the 4th person). So now the question remained what would the class members report on Sunday? Here is what happened:

The person I'd given the $100 reported that they would be giving the $100 to their church and match the $100 and give it to their favorite charity. Along with this report was a moving testimony of what God had done in this person's life that week.

The person I'd given the 5 talents ($250) reported that they felt led to help the children in five families that they were already working with. They then reported that they were matching the $250 from their own money and doubling their efforts. Another amazing story from a pure heart accompanied this report.

The person given the 2 talents ($100) turned to a Evangelical Christian humanitarian aid organization (World Vision) that they had a burden for prior to receiving the money. With the $100 they were going to give a goat and two chickens to help feed hungry children. In addition, they were going to match the $100 and give an additional two chickens and a goat. The story behind this gift and the provision of God was another story of God working in this couple's life before we ever had this class. Through divine circumstances, God provided the money for this couple to give the extra $100.

The person given the 1 talent ($50), thankfully, did not bury the talent in the ground. Instead, they communicated with their company and asked if they could buy all the old, unused computer hardware that the company had piled in closets. After making it through multiple layers of approval, the company agreed. This person then sold all of the surplus equipment (most of it broken and worthless) on eBay and raised $2,600 (in only 3 days). This couple wanted the money God gave them to go to Operation Christmas Child. So the class is rallying together this week (Friday is the deadline) to convert the cash into supplies for the boxes and will ship 100 shoe boxes which will each be used to teach a child about the love of God. The company this person works for has also agreed to make this an annual event. All because of 1 talent ($50) touched by God's hand, we have seen the windows of Heaven open wide.

I distributed the $1,000 to all for doubling their original amounts. This time, I told the people receiving the money that I did not want a report, as they had proven to be trustworthy. "Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones..." Luke 16:10.

How exciting to see what God can do with a willing servant. He truly can "open the windows of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

"The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9

The You & Me class has seen and amazing example of what it means to give with a pure heart and how to truly experience the blessings of the Lord. The Lord is able if we are willing. He turned $500 into over $3,500 in less than two weeks. All used for the Glory of God as an investment in Eternity.

Below are the slides from Sunday's lesson.

Packing 103 Boxes

Fun turning CA$H into GIFTS to fill 100 Christmas Boxes
(Crystal and Holly were still running through the isles)

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 6

Today's lesson: "Releasing the Blessing", focused on two very important  prerequisites for giving. The first is LOVE; the second is a PURE HEART.

Most people cringe and squirm when a lesson is presented on the topic of Christian giving. The mere thought of giving often brings to mind the ancient system of medicine known as bloodletting where blood was drawn from a patient in hopes of restoring a proper balance and maintaining health.

The excruciating emotional pain that torments reluctant givers is supported by the statistics reported by The Barna Research Group:

Only 5%-7% of Americans give 10% or more to charity; 11%-24% of professing believers give 10% or more to their church or charity.

To avoid the pain of giving, most church-going believers simply "opt-out" and, instead of giving, choose to endure the "hammer of guilt" that comes with the occasional lashing by preachers and teachers (see slides 26-28 for the numerous excuses why people "opt-out" of giving).

When Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" He did not say, "Giving."

Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment."

The Bible teaches that everything you have comes from God. He, and He alone, decides what you will have based on His purpose (not your purpose) for your life. There is nothing you can do to change this fact unless you choose to live outside of God's will. When you stop telling God what you want, He can freely work His will in your life without any hindrance. In order to reach this point of surrender, you must truly LOVE Him with all your "...heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first step to "Releasing the Blessing".

Paul said, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

The question must be asked, is your heart pure? Is your giving from a pure heart? If not, what you "have decide in your heart to give" is going to be nothing, or at best, given out of guilt.

"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart... an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart." 1 Chronicles 29:9

Our darkened hearts can only be made pure by the Holy Spirit which indwells every believer. It is a choice of your will whether you allow the Holy Spirit to overcome your soul's (mind, will, emotions) natural bent towards self. Giving from a dark heart does not release the blessings of God. The recipient of the gift might benefit from the gift, but the giver will not realize God's blessings.

With a pure heart (confessed of all sin and surrendered to God's will) giving can be accomplished cheerfully and without reluctance or under compulsion. Releasing the blessings into your life is not about giving, but about LOVE and a PURE HEART. In God's blessings you will find His peace and His purpose for your life--riches beyond what this world knows.

"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10:22

 In addition to giving "what you have decided in your heart to give", it is important that you also give on a regular basis--preferably weekly. Making a regular, faithful gift, regardless of size, is a reminder that you own nothing and all you have comes from God and belongs to God.

If you are not giving regularly or seem to find excuses for why you can't afford to give, I recommend you start giving $1.00 weekly and increase it as you feel led. Even with that small, regular gift, your life will be changed forever. This small step will be more powerful than you can imagine.

"Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones..." Luke 16:10

When you truly love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and strive to keep your heart pure, you will live a life of freedom, blessing, peace, and purpose.

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13:17

The slides from today's lesson are below.

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 5 (Part II)

Today we continued with SAVINGS and completed Chapter 5 of Solving the Money Puzzle.

Custom budget book tab sets were available for those who wanted them and the spreadsheet version is available. Send me an email and I will forward you the budget spreadsheet with instructions. I am also available to meet and discuss your personal budget.

The main purpose for the BUDGET is to protect SAVINGS. The 5-Step plan tells you how to distribute the dollars you save and in what order.

I asked the question today, "How much is enough? How much does one need to save before they can say, I have enough?" Is $500,000 enough? How about $1,000,000? Perhaps you would feel better if you had $5,000,000? More?

Jesus addressed this same question when he was once approached by a man who asked him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." Jesus answered the man with a strong warning. "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions." Then, like he loved to do, Jesus told a parable:

“The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, 'You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.' But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:13-21 (NIV)

 Another example that helps us see how much we should be saving and for how long our savings should last is found in the story of Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams. Read Genesis 41 to find the answers.

The class is too young to remember the sitcom from the early '60s, "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis", so I showed a clip. The purpose for this clip was the statue of "The Thinker" created by Auguste Rodin. Rodin crafted the statue and placed it in an elaborate doorway that depicted a scene from "The Inferno" (the first section of Dante's Divine Comedy). In Dante's poem, he depicts Hell as nine circles of suffering located within the Earth. Interestingly, the 4th circle is GREED.

Dante's allegory tells the story of the journey of his soul to find God. In doing so, he must suffer with 9 very real test that describe Hell--the 4th being GREED. I found this to be a sobering reminder of what having a wrong relationship with money is like: Hell.

Remember Jesus' warning to the rich man: "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed."

The slides from today's lesson are below.

Next week, we look at Chapter 6: "Releasing the Blessing".

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 5 (Part I)

Today we looked at DEBT (Chapter 5: Living Without Debt). Two key Biblical principles associated with DEBT are "slavery" and "surety".

"Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant (slave) to the lender." Proverbs 22:7

 "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts." Proverbs 22:26

When you borrow money you voluntarily surrender your freedom; you become a slave to the lender. If you borrow money that requires someone else to act as "assurance" against loss, the principle of surety is violated.

When I asked the question, "Why do we borrow money?"

The class answered, "To buy something you don't have the money to buy."

There is a saying: We borrow money we don't have, to buy things we don't need, to impress people we don't know.

When we choose not to live in accordance with God's principles, we subject ourselves to a life absent of God's peace and purpose. It is a matter of your will over His will. Remember the acronym, W - C - W: Want Christ Will.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

The pattern of the world says, W - C - W: I Want. I Can. I will.

The slides from today's lesson are posted below. We did not have time to fully cover SAVINGS and my Five-Step Plan for using your savings. I have posted the slides for the Five-Step Plan below in the second set of slides. I will cover them in more detail next week.

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 4 (Part II)

Today I took a closer look at why planning is so important. Considering the average cost for HOUSE, FOOD, and AUTO (the big three), we can quickly see the need to  "...know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds." Proverb 27: 23, 24.

Even though you might think you are "making your nut", you are more than likely losing ground on the slippery slope of unexpected expenses. Planning is the key to "understanding your way" (Proverb 14:8).

Next week, Sybil will give us a great lesson on how to take advantage of coupons and trim the FOOD category. On October 26th, I will continue with Chapter 5 "Living Without Debt".

Below are the slides from today's lesson:

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 4 (Part I)

Today we began Part 2: APPLICATION. The first step in application is to develop a financial plan. After learning in Part 1 that "ATTITUDE is everything", we looked at the importance of planning.

"A man's heart devises (plans) his way: but the Lord directs his steps." Proverb 16:9

and...

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" Luke 14:28

Planning is critical to becoming a wise manager. As the saying goes: If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Or... If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end of somewhere else."

The Bible gives numerous warnings that speak strongly to the importance of planning. Jesus tells many parables illustrating the importance of being a good manager. It is impossible to be an effective manager if you don't have a plan.

Next week we are scheduled to look at my 5-step plan for getting out of debt. However, I feel that it might be helpful if we take one more week and let me show you the details of budgeting. I would like to take a hypothetical family and illustrate how to design and manage a budget.

Today's slides are below:

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 3

Today I summerized God's Perspective on Work. God has purposed for man to work since the beginning of time. The only thing that has changed is the conditions in which the work must be accomplished. Among "thorns and thistles" man must now "painfully toil", while women experience "painful labor" in childbearing.

Regardless of our work, we are reminded...

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23

 and...

"Do it all for the glory of God..." 1 Corinthians 10:31

ATTITUDE is everything when it comes to managing your finances. Changing your current relationship with money is a painful, yet freeing experience.

We move now to PART TWO: APPLICATION where we see how to become excellent managers of God's resources.

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 2

In lesson two, we identified where The Battle for Freedom is fought. The battleground where spiritual warfare is won or lost is in your mind. Your thoughts, your will, and your emotions reside in your soul. This is called your heart. In Proverbs we read:

"Guard your heart (mind, will, emotions) with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Proverb 4:23

Winning the battle for freedom is possible only with the doubled-edged sword; Truth on one blade and the knowledge and fear of the Lord on the other blade.

Surrendering your will to God in the area of your finances is the most difficult stronghold you will ever have to defeat. Only with a pure heart will you understand God's purpose and experience Him fully in your day-to-day life.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 1

In lesson one, we explored Financial Freedom - God's Way.

The conditioning we experience our entire lives, regarding money, often enslaves us to a reality that is far from God's plan. Just as Jesus gave Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven...", we too have been given the "key" that unlocks the Truth that will set us free.

"It's in Christ that you find out who you are and what you are living for." Luke 18:24 (Msg)

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Introduction

In the Introduction to the "Solving the Money Puzzle" 11-week series, we looked at an overview of the three parts:

1. ATTITUDE (your relationship to money)
2. APPLICATION (practical steps)
3. ASSIMILATION (lifestyle benefits)

"You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory." I Thessalonians 2:12 (GW)

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - God's Plan for Financial Freedom

Contrary to secular teaching, financial freedom is not about making money; it is about your relationship with money. God wants Christians to successfully deal with the practical affairs of everyday life, especially their finances. Solving the Money Puzzle outlines God’s plan for financial freedom—the missing piece to the money puzzle.

The series is divided into three sections:

1. ATTITUDE - Being who you were created to be.
2. APPLICATION - Doing what God purposed for you to do.
3. ASSIMILATION - Having the life of peace and prosperity that God designed for you to have.

The SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE Series is our most important series yet. This series has the potential to change your life and put you on the path to true riches. You don't want to miss a single class!

"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am." (Matthew 16:24 MSG)

Let go, and let God. How do you let go and let God? First, you have to make Jesus the manager of your life.

The problem is, we usually want to be the manager of our own lives, and so we argue and disagree with God. We think we know what’s best. The reason you’re under a lot of stress is that you’re constantly fighting God in your mind — “I know God says to do this but I want to do that instead!”

Every morning when you wake up, you have a decision to make: Who’s going to be in charge of your life? Who’s going to be in control — you or God? Who’s going to call the shots — you or God? Every day, moment by moment, you are making that decision. When you choose to make yourself the manager of your own life, it causes conflict, confusion, and stress.

Jesus says in Matthew 16:24, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am” (MSG). Here’s what Christians tend to do: When we become believers in Christ, we give him the driver’s seat and then promptly hop into the backseat and become backseat drivers. We’re constantly giving him “advice,” like, “No, turn this way. Stop. Wait. Faster! I want to go that way. I want to see that sight.”

Your life doesn't look very pretty when you’re trying to lead with God at the same time. You just need to let God be God and make Jesus the manager of your life. (Rick Warren)

WORLD VIEW - Wide Angle, Framing Your World View

The World View Series will be a minimum of six sessions, depending on class participation. Each of the six sessions has three ten-minute sections. Between each of the three sections, we will take time for questions and discussion.

Below is an outline for the WV Series:

WIDE ANGLE
Framing Your Worldview

ð       Session One:................ My Worldview Matters

o   What differences do worldviews make? Are these differences important?

o   How do you see those around you compartmentalizing their lives? How do you see yourself doing the same thing?

o   When we look at the world, in what ways do we cry out “mine,” when we should cry out “his”?

ð       Session Two: ............... How Do We Know What’s True?

o   Is it possible to be tolerant and articulate truth at the same time? If so, how?

o   Which of these three approaches to knowing truth do you think is the most effective defense of the faith? Why?

o   How can you use the four worldview questions to show people that their worldviews do not work, but that the biblical worldview does?

ð       Session Three:............. Where Did We Come From?

o   Why is the Biblical idea that we are created in the image of God so important?

o   How is Darwinism more than just science?

o   How are “sanctity of life” issues related to the first worldview question: “Where did I come from?”

ð       Session Four:............... It’s a Messed Up World

o   Explain the impact of original sin (the fall). Why is it important?

o   How do you think love, free will, and human responsibility fit together in God’s plan?

o   Compare the Biblical worldview to other explanations of the problem of suffering. Which explanation makes more sense?

ð       Session Five:............... What’s the Solution?

o   What alternative “solutions” do you most often encounter? How do they affect you? How do you respond to them?

o   To be free you must first surrender you r life. Why is this paradox important?

o   How have you seen God’s reconciling power in our life?

ð       Session Six:.................. What Do I Do Now?

o   In what ways could you see your work as an area of ministry?

o   In what area of your life do you have the most difficulty recognizing God’s sovereignty?

o   What do you find most challenging about living out the Biblical worldview?

THE MARRIAGE BUILDER - "Secrets" Men and Women Need to Know

Today we concluded The Marriage Builder Series. In our divided groups (men & women) we addressed four key areas: Reflections, Spiritual, Roles/Responsibilities, and Romance.

1. Reflections: Name one take-away from the MB Series, and have there been any changes in the way you approach relationships as a result of the class material.
2. Spiritual: Men are given the responsibility to lead: "For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church..." Ephesians 5:22-30. Even when a wife is wiser and more spiritually surrendered, she must let her husband lead. The wife should pray for her husband as she submits to God's design and to her husband's sensitive and loving leadership. When she voluntarily submits (Colossians 3:18-19) to her husband, she is completing him, helping him fulfill his responsibilities, and helping him become the man, the husband, and the leader God intended him to be. The Bible places a special emphasis on a wife's responsibility as a "helper". Genesis tells us that God realized it wasn't good for man to be alone, and that He decided to make a "helper suitable for him" (Gen. 2:18). It is interesting to note that the Hebrew meaning of the word helper in this passage is found hereafter in the Bible to refer only to God as He helps us. The fact that this same word is applied to a wife signifies that women have been given tremendous power for good in their husbands' lives. God has designed wives to help their husbands become all that God intends for them to be.
3. Roles (Responsibilities) in Relationships: The marriage is much like a small corporation. It requires shared sacrifice, a lot of hard work, and Grace, Commitment, and Acceptance in order to reach the success we all desire of Oneness. There are no relationships immune from conflicts. There is no reason to be caught by surprise regarding conflicts. Expect them and be ready to resolve them. GREAT relationships are about knowing how to resolve conflicts. The tools for successful conflict resolution are Truth & Wisdom. Truth is found in God's absolutes. Wisdom is gain through the determined desire to understand and apply Truth. Someone once said that Truth is the first chapter in the Book of Wisdom.
4. Romance: Titus 2:4 calls for wives "to love their husbands." Colossians 3:19 calls for husbands to "love your wives...". In our groups, we addressed the topic of Romance from two different perspectives. A wife must know that she is the ONLY woman that her husband is in love with. A husband must know that he is the most important man in his wife's life and that she loves him unconditionally. A wife is the most powerful person in a husband's life. She has the ability to complete him or break him. I expanded on this in section 2, above. When a man knows that he is the most important person in his wife's live, his number one goal will be to please her. He will not stop at finding ways to surprise her with his love, know every detail about what makes her happy, and serve her. He will never intentionally hurt her or allow anyone to do so. When a wife knows that she is the "crown jewel" of her husband, she will do everything possible to please him, serve him, and support him in his efforts to lead.

Next week we have a change of plans. Due to my work schedule for the next few weeks, instead of having breaks in our series on Solving the Money Puzzle, we will start the Worldview & Crazy Makers series next week. This is a 6-week video series followed by a week, or two, on Crazy Makers. Solving the Money Puzzle will begin on August 17th, or shortly thereafter.

Framing Your Worldview is an amazing series that you don't want to miss! Please take time to watch the 8:13 min. preview of lesson one below:

FRAMING YOUR WORLDVIEW

THE MARRIAGE BUILDER - Acceptance

Today we completed The Marriage Builder Series with the final building block: ACCEPTANCE. The final three lessons in Part 2: Building The Foundation showed us that real commitment requires grace, and if commitment is missing in the relationship, it is impossible to ACCEPT. Dr. Crabb agrees that grace and commitment are not enough alone. There needs to also be ACCEPTANCE. In order to truly ACCEPT our spouse, we must understand the depth of Christ's love for us and how He ACCEPTS us unconditionally. When we ACCEPT our spouse the way they are, we bring praise to God. This is true ministry.

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." Romans 15:7

 We explored the two central points of what it means to add ACCEPTANCE (Building Block 3) to grace and commitment (Building Blocks 1 and 2):

1. There is a difference between ACCEPTING your mate and enjoying your mate; the former is a requirement, the latter is a blessing;
2. The experience of ACCEPTING your spouse depends upon the work of forgiveness, which in turn depends upon a willingness to see the offensive behavior of your spouse in Biblical context.

Forgiveness must proceed ACCEPTANCE in order to reach Total Oneness. Only one who appreciates God's forgiveness can truly forgive others. We looked at W-D-T-W-S (What Does The Word Say). The three reference passages were: Philippians 2:3-4; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 18:21-22.

In our video, Dr. Crabb addressed the question: "How do I forgive someone who has hurt me?"

We will divide into groups next week for an exciting finish to our MB Series. You DON'T want to miss it!

The slides from today's lesson are below.

THE MARRIAGE BUILDER - Commitment

The second building block in the foundation of oneness is COMMITMENT. Last week we studied how God's grace is sufficient reason for continued obedience (Building Block 1). This week we studied how honoring your marriage vows consistently is possible because of a conviction that God's plan is always good (Building Block 2).

COMMITMENT must be motivated by DESIRE. There is a difference between making a "decision" to do something and having a "desire" to do something. Our "desire" to honor the marriage vow consistently, even to a difficult spouse, must be motivated from God's Goodness rather than from our obedience. Dr. Crabb teaches that there are three concepts to help you "desire" to fulfill your marriage COMMITMENT:

• POINT 1: The basis for true commitment is the goodness of God (see slide 35 in the lesson).
• POINT 2: Honoring commitments because of a profound trust in God's goodness will feel less like "doing one's duty" and more like pursuing one's deepest desires.
• POINT 3: Lack of joy (Note: Joy is one of the fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23) in honoring the marriage commitment cannot be blamed on our spouses; the fault lies in our failure to depend on the goodness of God.

The basic cure for weak COMMITMENT is renewed faith (Spirit), not rededicated effort (Soul).

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the DESIRES of your heart." Psalm 37:4

In the video illustration, John Wayne plays the copilot of a DC-4 on a return trip from Hawaii. In a time of crisis, the young captain decides that the crippled jet can't make it to the West Coast and "decides" that they must ditch the jet in the ocean. With the flight engineer screaming that they are but minutes from landing, the captain insists that they must ditch. John Wayne heroically takes charge because of his great "desire" to make it to land. After putting the captain in his place, Wayne safely lands the jet in California. I used this scene to dramatically emphasize that when crisis hits the marriage, someone (husband or wife) needs to rise to the occasion, and with great "desire" refuse to make the decision to "ditch" the marriage. Enjoy the short video:

"The High And The Mighty"

The slides from today's lesson are below. Be sure to take time to look up the verses on God's goodness (see slide 35). Next week we will complete the teaching portion of The Marriage Builder with Building Block 3: ACCEPTANCE.

THE MARRIAGE BUILDER - Grace

With God's blueprint for Oneness, we now turn to the last three lessons in The Marriage Builder series aimed at the critical building blocks needed to build the foundation to a Christ-centered marriage: GRACE, COMMITMENT, and ACCEPTANCE.

Real COMMITMENT requires GRACE and it is impossible to ACCEPT without COMMITMENT. So we start with GRACE--the first building block of a solid marriage, or any relationship.

As priest (1 Peter 2:5-9), we have access to The Holy of Holies; the presence of Almighty God. With access to the immediate presence of God, we never have a reason to regard anything as a disaster. Several truths we can and must believe:

1. God sovereignly directs every situation in our lives.
2. Nothing takes God by surprise.
3. No problem is beyond His power to master.
4. There is no event in life for which God's GRACE is not sufficient.

When Paul cried out and pleaded with the Lord concerning "a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." God answered, "My GRACE is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

Regardless of the difficulty you might be going through in your marriage or other relationships, God's grace is sufficient. With His grace, you can extend grace to others. With His grace, you can continue to minister to others who might not be willing to reciprocate. In your most difficult relational trials, you will have the opportunity to grow closer to God and enjoy His presence more fully. He promised to meet your deep need for security and significance. GRACE is the first step that allows you to take the next step of COMMITMENT.

The slides from today's class are below. Next week we will continue with The Marriage Builder - Commitment.

THE MARRIAGE BUILDER - Body Oneness

God is the Master Architect. His blueprint for relationships is ONENESS (see John 17): Spirit Oneness, Soul Oneness, and Body Oneness. Body Oneness is physical pleasure with personal meaning. Personal meaning in God's world depends on participation in God's purposes. Physical pleasure alone will never satisfy our deepest need for personal intimacy when it is absent of personal meaning.

We must choose between the good and the best:

1. The Good - To achieve a level of compatibility that leads to mutual enjoyment.
2. The Best - To achieve ALL that God provides in the marriage relationship.

"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

Whether you are single, engaged, or married, God's best starts with Spirit Oneness: Dependence upon God for your needs of security (to be loved) and significance (to be valued). Soul Oneness cannot grow without Spirit Oneness.

As the Spirit acts upon the Soul, the Soul, in turn, expresses itself through the Body. The potential to realize God's complete purpose of intimacy in our marriage relationships is when both levels of Oneness (Spirit & Soul) are present. Body Oneness is then possible.

The slides from today's lesson are below. Next week will continue with The Marriage Builder-Part 2 (Building the Foundation).