Investments can be made in many different areas. They could be made in the stock market, real estate, a business start up, or even in a country. The greatest investment one can make is in the Kingdom of God. When you give above the tithe, and give to support New Testament missionary endeavors, you are investing in the Lord's work.
He has given some promises concerning this.
Luke 6
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
II Cor 9
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And in II Cor 9 the Bible tells us giving is like an experiment.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
Many of you that read this do not know who I am, or anything about me. So I don't write this to bring attention to me, but rather to what the Lord has done this past year. I keep track of what our family gives above the tithe to support missions through the church we attend. I also keep track of what God gives back to us through other people, as Luke 6 speaks about. Thus far this year, the rate of return on what the Lord has given back to us is 63.5%. I was challenged at the beginning of this year to give much more than the past year, and at a time when our finances are tight. To God's glory, he has given back, and much more.
Are there any banks offering a return of 63.5%? How about the stock market? Real estate is certainly not giving you a return like that on your investment. But the Lord is showing that he is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think".
We don't give to get, but the Lord is always faithful to his word, and the reaping is bountiful on the bountiful sowing of money into his work.
If you are a Christian, how is your giving?
Do you tithe?
Do you give to support missionaries through your church?
Is your giving the largest part of your budget?
Or
Do you spend more on a automobile payment than on the Lord's work?
Do you spend more on groceries and going out to eat than you give to the Lord?
This is why the apostle Paul wrote,
Phil 3
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Hey Martin, nail another 95
Perhaps you heard the news concerning the ELCA, (the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). They voted in Minneapolis to allow sodomites that are in "long term and monogamous relationships" to be pastors.
In the past they have affirmed their support of abortion.
The following quotation is taken from the denomination's website.
"A developing life in the womb does not have an absolute right to be born". And they add, "The church recognizes that there can be sound reasons for ending a pregnancy through induced abortion"
So this church has affirmed that they condone adultery, perversion, and murder.
Having rejected the Lord Jesus as the only way of salvation, they have turned to moral relativism. They are the blind leading the blind as our Lord said, and they truly have fallen into the ditch.
No, I am not serious about nailing 95 thesis on the door of any Lutheran church. It is better that you obey the scripture that says, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate."
And concerning what a scriptural church is, Jesus said I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Sorry, Mr. Luther was about 1500 years to late. And no need to reform Roman Catholicism, they were never the true church having always preached their false message that is connected to the Mass.
Stick with the scriptures!!! Believe what God said, adding nothing and taking nothing away, and keeping it in context.
In the past they have affirmed their support of abortion.
The following quotation is taken from the denomination's website.
"A developing life in the womb does not have an absolute right to be born". And they add, "The church recognizes that there can be sound reasons for ending a pregnancy through induced abortion"
So this church has affirmed that they condone adultery, perversion, and murder.
Having rejected the Lord Jesus as the only way of salvation, they have turned to moral relativism. They are the blind leading the blind as our Lord said, and they truly have fallen into the ditch.
No, I am not serious about nailing 95 thesis on the door of any Lutheran church. It is better that you obey the scripture that says, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate."
And concerning what a scriptural church is, Jesus said I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Sorry, Mr. Luther was about 1500 years to late. And no need to reform Roman Catholicism, they were never the true church having always preached their false message that is connected to the Mass.
Stick with the scriptures!!! Believe what God said, adding nothing and taking nothing away, and keeping it in context.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Concerning "Health Care"
It is not your responsibility to pay for my medical expenses nor my responsibility to pay yours.
There you have it.
There is nothing in the constitution that speaks about anyone's right to have a certain level of health care. Certainly nothing about the government having a responsibility to be involved in health care.
The Bible says nothing about the matter being a responsibility of those who rule over us.
Now we currently have a quite a mess on our hands. Many that are over 65 are receiving some sort of subsidized health insurance in what is called Medicare. I refer you to my opening statement.
What very few want to deal with is this. Many, from age 40 to 60, live a sedentary life. The result is much weight gain, which results in a much more stress on the body. So that those in their 60's and 70's find themselves facing many health issues. If you have the means to afford the health care, that is fine. It does not affect me if you spend a lot of time in doctors' offices. But don't make me pay for any of it through some type of government system.
So are you outraged at this new Obamacare because it won't be as good a system as is currently in place. Or are you against it because you are against the government having anything to do with healthcare?
There you have it.
There is nothing in the constitution that speaks about anyone's right to have a certain level of health care. Certainly nothing about the government having a responsibility to be involved in health care.
The Bible says nothing about the matter being a responsibility of those who rule over us.
Now we currently have a quite a mess on our hands. Many that are over 65 are receiving some sort of subsidized health insurance in what is called Medicare. I refer you to my opening statement.
What very few want to deal with is this. Many, from age 40 to 60, live a sedentary life. The result is much weight gain, which results in a much more stress on the body. So that those in their 60's and 70's find themselves facing many health issues. If you have the means to afford the health care, that is fine. It does not affect me if you spend a lot of time in doctors' offices. But don't make me pay for any of it through some type of government system.
So are you outraged at this new Obamacare because it won't be as good a system as is currently in place. Or are you against it because you are against the government having anything to do with healthcare?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Do you have 100 hours left?
This is the sequel to the previous post.
James wrote, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
Recently I received word about a missionary I know that the Lord called home suddenly. He did not realize how little of life he had left. He was working for the Lord, and had great plans to do more.
God gives us an appointed time on this earth. Then he takes the soul from the body off to its eternal destination. All that are saved are taken to be with the Lord, those that die unrepentant in their sins find themselves immediately in the flames of hell. (Read Luke 16)
If you knew you had only 100 hours left, would you trust the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour? Well few are given advance notice that the clock is ticking down under 100 hours left.
If you have never been saved from the eternal punishment of your sins, read here what the Bible says so clearly about the matter.
Acts 16
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
James wrote, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
Recently I received word about a missionary I know that the Lord called home suddenly. He did not realize how little of life he had left. He was working for the Lord, and had great plans to do more.
God gives us an appointed time on this earth. Then he takes the soul from the body off to its eternal destination. All that are saved are taken to be with the Lord, those that die unrepentant in their sins find themselves immediately in the flames of hell. (Read Luke 16)
If you knew you had only 100 hours left, would you trust the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour? Well few are given advance notice that the clock is ticking down under 100 hours left.
If you have never been saved from the eternal punishment of your sins, read here what the Bible says so clearly about the matter.
Acts 16
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Will we make 100 hours?
On a non- schooling, Bible, or bicycle related matter; we are seeing if we will make it over 100 hours straight above 90 degrees. I realize some in our nation this summer are not seeing many days above 90 for the high temperature, but that is not the situation in the lower elevations of Arizona. So going back to approximately 7:00 am on Friday we have stayed above the 90 degree mark. So how warm are we during the day, you ask? 122° Friday. 118° Saturday and Sunday. If Tuesday morning can stay above 90° we will pass 100 hours late morning. Predicted low for tomorrow is 90°.
Check back in August and I will give you the electric bill for this month. I thank the Lord for a big powerful central air conditioner during the summer.
Check back in August and I will give you the electric bill for this month. I thank the Lord for a big powerful central air conditioner during the summer.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Homeschool PE
My dearest wife does a lot with the children concerning the indoor aspect of education. I am the outdoor instructor. Or what many would call the PE instructor.
Here is one of our favorite activities.
Even the youngest is able to go on a 5 mile ride, with the older ones doing rides upwards of 10 miles. I have no doubt with just a little effort we could do a 20 mile ride. (Of course when temps are more accommodating in the desert southwest.)
Dads, even if you don't home school, get off the couch and get outside with your children. They need some exercise, and you just might need some also.
Here is one of our favorite activities.
Even the youngest is able to go on a 5 mile ride, with the older ones doing rides upwards of 10 miles. I have no doubt with just a little effort we could do a 20 mile ride. (Of course when temps are more accommodating in the desert southwest.)
Dads, even if you don't home school, get off the couch and get outside with your children. They need some exercise, and you just might need some also.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
100 Best Blogs for Christian Homeschoolers
What a surprise it was when my wife came across the following website.
http://www.bible-college.net/index.php/100-best-blogs-for-christian-homeschoolers/
If you look down to spot number 49, you will see this site listed. Who would have known we have gained such a place in the public eye.
Well by God's grace I have been encouraged afresh to challenge folks in the things of the Lord and homeschooling.
Who knows, maybe even have a bigger audience to actually get the mountain bike race off the ground.
www.homeschoolblogger.com/monocogman/691212/
Anyone interested in racing in the singlespeed class?
http://www.bible-college.net/index.php/100-best-blogs-for-christian-homeschoolers/
If you look down to spot number 49, you will see this site listed. Who would have known we have gained such a place in the public eye.
Well by God's grace I have been encouraged afresh to challenge folks in the things of the Lord and homeschooling.
Who knows, maybe even have a bigger audience to actually get the mountain bike race off the ground.
www.homeschoolblogger.com/monocogman/691212/
Anyone interested in racing in the singlespeed class?
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