I listened to the CD with the same name that the book is based on and I am telling you, this might just shake me out of my selfishness! wouldn't that be a miracle??? If the book is even half as paradigm-shifting and core-shaking, I think we are in for a ride.
Jules
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Holiness of God
At first I wasn't sure if I liked this book - seeing I had such high hopes for it and it wasn't what I thought it would be. Initially I felt that Sproul mixed too much humor and tongue in cheek juxtaposed with the holiness of God. Just didn't seem to match. I was expecting to go away with reverential awe and fear every time I put the book down for a break. But, after a while, the book did get much better - and there were some profound thoughts expressed through the second half of the book. I will try and get some thoughts down on it. Although I understand what I'm reading I feel that I have major problems expressing my thoughts and opinions these days! Brain drain!
Jules
Jules
Saturday, April 14, 2007
The Discipline of Grace
Same thing as the other study:
1. Something God revealed to me (what I learned that was new)...
2. Something I need to mull over a bit (and pray through)...
3. Something I was strongly convicted about...
4. Something I can AMEN (or agree with)...
5. Other comments
1. Something God revealed to me (what I learned that was new)...
2. Something I need to mull over a bit (and pray through)...
3. Something I was strongly convicted about...
4. Something I can AMEN (or agree with)...
5. Other comments
The Pursuit of Holiness
Let's use the questions that Wendy suggested as starter points for discussion:
1. Something God revealed to me (what I learned that was new)...
2. Something I need to mull over a bit (and pray through)...
3. Something I was strongly convicted about...
4. Something I can AMEN (or agree with)...
5. Other comments
1. Something God revealed to me (what I learned that was new)...
2. Something I need to mull over a bit (and pray through)...
3. Something I was strongly convicted about...
4. Something I can AMEN (or agree with)...
5. Other comments
Calvinism, Hyper-Calvinism and Armenianism
This will be an interesting study. It looks very simple and I'm sure the study will go quickly but we can talk about the basics of what the Scripture says about these three differing theological viewpoints. Let's just post under this post if we have a comment on this study.
Love Jules
Love Jules
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Chapters 13-15
I thought to start a separate discussion on these chapters as they deal specifically with giving both to the poor and needy, to parachurch organization, to secular groups and to churches. I am amazed how thoroughly he is covering these areas.
Wendy, I think we are encountering the same challenges. One thing that I underlined and question-marked and agonized over is on page 198: "Why not choose to live at a particular income level and simply give everything above that to God?" And my notes all over it are: "How can I do this? How do I downsize? How can I be content with little when I've become accustomed to living with so much?" Wow, that just proves how right Alcorn is: "The more holdings we have on earth, the more likely we are to forget that we are citizens of another world, not this one, and that our inheritance lies there, not here." Ooh, how hard to let go!!! But doesn't this appeal to you in some way? I pray the Lord will work in our hearts with this one. I'm not sure how it will play out, perhaps in a different way, but to be content with a certain level of income, certain standard of living and nothing more - would be so freeing.
The most challenging and impacting section was the 40 questions to ask the Lord about. I read some of these to Anthony and you can practically see the daggers driving its point in to our hearts. I truly wish there was some way to let everyone know the importance of reading this book or at least going through these questions honestly and openly before the Lord. Wow wow wow. I'm rethinking everything! From how much I give, to the reason why we save and invest money, to my future inheritance from mom, to which organization I should be supporting using the Lord's money! I am just blown away by these questions.
I have to admit that chapter 14 is a bit difficult for me. Honestly, I don't have a deep burden for the poor and the lost. I have more concern for the lost than the poor. I don't want to go and talk to those who walk around mumbling to themselves, asking with rum-laced breath for a dollar while pushing their life possessions in a wobbly shopping cart. I DO want to minister to those in my church or among friends who are struggling financially or who are in need. I have no problems with that. I have grown up to withdraw from those who are truly poor and homeless. Secondly, I am getting more and more sympathetic toward those in other countries who are suffering but I guess I'm skeptical about the organizations who help them. But really, who am I to withhold support because I question whether everything will be spent for them and not toward furnishing the CEO with a cadillac. We are to give wisely, purposefully, and knowledgeably. That's what I get from these last few chapters. and then Trust God with the dispersion, the multiplying, the results. Where are the poor in my budget???? More challenges...
And finally, a comment on supporting secular organizations. He's right, what are we supporting with the Lord's money? first and foremost, we need to support the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The only thing that will bring eternal changes. I agree that for every secular org. doing one thing, there is a godly alternative doing the same thing. I will be more aware of this and pray that I will be more sensitive to this. I used to think it was good enough supporting anything that was non-profit but i'm starting to change my thinking. Nothing wrong with non-profit, just reconsidering how my limited giving would impact heaven more if I'm contributing to the cause of Christ.
Whew! I can't emphasize how much this book is challenging and changing me for the better! Thank You Lord!!!
Wendy, I think we are encountering the same challenges. One thing that I underlined and question-marked and agonized over is on page 198: "Why not choose to live at a particular income level and simply give everything above that to God?" And my notes all over it are: "How can I do this? How do I downsize? How can I be content with little when I've become accustomed to living with so much?" Wow, that just proves how right Alcorn is: "The more holdings we have on earth, the more likely we are to forget that we are citizens of another world, not this one, and that our inheritance lies there, not here." Ooh, how hard to let go!!! But doesn't this appeal to you in some way? I pray the Lord will work in our hearts with this one. I'm not sure how it will play out, perhaps in a different way, but to be content with a certain level of income, certain standard of living and nothing more - would be so freeing.
The most challenging and impacting section was the 40 questions to ask the Lord about. I read some of these to Anthony and you can practically see the daggers driving its point in to our hearts. I truly wish there was some way to let everyone know the importance of reading this book or at least going through these questions honestly and openly before the Lord. Wow wow wow. I'm rethinking everything! From how much I give, to the reason why we save and invest money, to my future inheritance from mom, to which organization I should be supporting using the Lord's money! I am just blown away by these questions.
I have to admit that chapter 14 is a bit difficult for me. Honestly, I don't have a deep burden for the poor and the lost. I have more concern for the lost than the poor. I don't want to go and talk to those who walk around mumbling to themselves, asking with rum-laced breath for a dollar while pushing their life possessions in a wobbly shopping cart. I DO want to minister to those in my church or among friends who are struggling financially or who are in need. I have no problems with that. I have grown up to withdraw from those who are truly poor and homeless. Secondly, I am getting more and more sympathetic toward those in other countries who are suffering but I guess I'm skeptical about the organizations who help them. But really, who am I to withhold support because I question whether everything will be spent for them and not toward furnishing the CEO with a cadillac. We are to give wisely, purposefully, and knowledgeably. That's what I get from these last few chapters. and then Trust God with the dispersion, the multiplying, the results. Where are the poor in my budget???? More challenges...
And finally, a comment on supporting secular organizations. He's right, what are we supporting with the Lord's money? first and foremost, we need to support the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The only thing that will bring eternal changes. I agree that for every secular org. doing one thing, there is a godly alternative doing the same thing. I will be more aware of this and pray that I will be more sensitive to this. I used to think it was good enough supporting anything that was non-profit but i'm starting to change my thinking. Nothing wrong with non-profit, just reconsidering how my limited giving would impact heaven more if I'm contributing to the cause of Christ.
Whew! I can't emphasize how much this book is challenging and changing me for the better! Thank You Lord!!!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Oh boy, TITHING!
Just blogging right along! I am wanting to finish this book so I keep plugging away at it! Anyway, the very sensitive and hot-button topic of tithing was VERY well addressed by Alcorn. He really set it up well in chapter 11 by reminding us that we are only pilgrims in this world - SO LIVE LIKE IT IS TRUE! The more we have here on earth, the more likely we are to forget that we are citizens of heaven and the more we will be distracted and burdened by them. I thought the illustration of going on a bike trip was very good as I'm visual. I can see that lugging around too many things would be ridiculous and would hinder me from finishing the trip out. Or I have that visual of a race before me where everything is really stripped down to a minimum in order to run the race well and not be burdened or slowed down by unnecessary baggage.
So, then we hit chapter 12 on tithing. When I first heard that people still tithed, I was very taken aback. I had exactly the same arguments against tithing as he had laid out - OT legalism, now under grace, doesn't apply to us now, bondage - but the jury's out - Christians under grace as a whole (and I included!) have given less than the poor Jews who were under the law. His suggestion of making the 1/10th a STARTING point is excellent - and we intend to start now. At first, I tried to argue with God - ok, we'll start this but maybe we can use half of that toward our debts so that it's like helping out a Christian in need? Then I read this on pg. 188: Is God responsible for my unwise or greedy decisions that may have put me there?" and then: you are "not God, and you are not the church." Yikes!!! There goes that argument!
Then, I was very encouraged by 2 situations: First, realizing that if we had to take a 10% paycut, we will more than survive, RIGHT? wouldn't like it very much, but we could make adjustments to make it work! Second, so what if we're short just a few hundred dollars? Is my God so small that He couldn't compensate that little of a shortfall? Where's my faith? Where am I trusting Him? Wow. That was SO convicting and SO exciting because I can see how foolish I've been! I can anticipate God meeting my needs in wonderful ways!
Finally, I can't wait to discuss chapter 13! Come on everyone! Temporarily put away a couple of the other books you are reading and have this book at hand and available for every free moment and potty break! We don't want to lose momentum on what He's doing in our lives! I will save my comments for chapter 13 for later because I need to pray about this and digest it a little. This is very hard to do - especially since it goes so much against my grain! He is my Helper and my Provider. How about demonstrating that I trust Him?
Lord ,I believe, help me in my unbelief!
Jules
So, then we hit chapter 12 on tithing. When I first heard that people still tithed, I was very taken aback. I had exactly the same arguments against tithing as he had laid out - OT legalism, now under grace, doesn't apply to us now, bondage - but the jury's out - Christians under grace as a whole (and I included!) have given less than the poor Jews who were under the law. His suggestion of making the 1/10th a STARTING point is excellent - and we intend to start now. At first, I tried to argue with God - ok, we'll start this but maybe we can use half of that toward our debts so that it's like helping out a Christian in need? Then I read this on pg. 188: Is God responsible for my unwise or greedy decisions that may have put me there?" and then: you are "not God, and you are not the church." Yikes!!! There goes that argument!
Then, I was very encouraged by 2 situations: First, realizing that if we had to take a 10% paycut, we will more than survive, RIGHT? wouldn't like it very much, but we could make adjustments to make it work! Second, so what if we're short just a few hundred dollars? Is my God so small that He couldn't compensate that little of a shortfall? Where's my faith? Where am I trusting Him? Wow. That was SO convicting and SO exciting because I can see how foolish I've been! I can anticipate God meeting my needs in wonderful ways!
Finally, I can't wait to discuss chapter 13! Come on everyone! Temporarily put away a couple of the other books you are reading and have this book at hand and available for every free moment and potty break! We don't want to lose momentum on what He's doing in our lives! I will save my comments for chapter 13 for later because I need to pray about this and digest it a little. This is very hard to do - especially since it goes so much against my grain! He is my Helper and my Provider. How about demonstrating that I trust Him?
Lord ,I believe, help me in my unbelief!
Jules
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
PROGRESS
I'm not quite ready to post on the next chapters but I am up to chapter 13 and have made a little progress. I thought I'd share this on the blog so that I can look back after a while and see if I stuck it through.
First of all, I am once again very convicted about tithing. Again, not legalistically - but it makes perfect sense what he talks about - using the 10% as a starting point to cheerful giving. We have been tracking our expenses for a month and it's obvious the areas that I overspend on. Eating out, clothes, and books. We have decided that we will give to the Lord first - yes, off the gross - and devise a plan of self-control and cutting back in order to make payments on debts and bills. So, first adjustment - not robbing God.
Second, I am on a book fast. Ok, kind of. I bought a book the other day - but not sneaking around Anthony as I sometimes do! I asked his permission and he okayed it because it was interesting and we wanted to support this local Christian bookstore in Columbus. Ok, so that's it. No more for this month. I'm doing this in order to spend the time in prayer, in order to be able to say no, in order to appreciate the books i DO have and in order to read what I have now! It's freeing in a way but difficult because I so want to buy something. When I see that it's really cheap and it's something on my wishlist and it's on sale.. well... you know!
Third, I am on a clothes fast. I have plenty to wear and I'm only pregnant for another 3 more months. I might have to pick up a shirt or two but I pray that He will help me curb my desires.
Fourth, we are going to go out eating less. We go out several times a week. i just need to write out a meal plan or something or have something cheaper to throw in the oven when we're tempted to eat out. We need to reduce this or we will literally eat our money up!
Fifth, we are trying to conserve more energy. I am so used to the cold that it doesn't bother me as much to set the temp lower but Anthony freezes. We'll reduce it degree by degree in order to get that $400 utility bill down!
Sixth, until the nanny comes, I will cut back on my babysitting and suck it up and do things with all 3 kids in tow. I want to aggressively pay down the debt while I can. It's like a noose around my neck and the hole just gets deeper and deeper as the need seems to surpass our ability to pay. How pathetic is that?
Seventh, for some reason, the Lord brought a new car into our lives. After looking at the finances and where we need to cut back we can see that there's a little bit of room for a small car payment. We just got replaced our 2001 van with a 2005 van for $5000. I can hardly believe it! :-)
So, what progress have you made so far? Any? None? Hardly?
Let's encourage each other. Thanks for the article on impulse spending. Tell me about it! I hardly bought anything this weekend in Columbus, even though we went to Easton and Polaris! It was easier than I thought to just say no.
More later...
In His time,
Jules
First of all, I am once again very convicted about tithing. Again, not legalistically - but it makes perfect sense what he talks about - using the 10% as a starting point to cheerful giving. We have been tracking our expenses for a month and it's obvious the areas that I overspend on. Eating out, clothes, and books. We have decided that we will give to the Lord first - yes, off the gross - and devise a plan of self-control and cutting back in order to make payments on debts and bills. So, first adjustment - not robbing God.
Second, I am on a book fast. Ok, kind of. I bought a book the other day - but not sneaking around Anthony as I sometimes do! I asked his permission and he okayed it because it was interesting and we wanted to support this local Christian bookstore in Columbus. Ok, so that's it. No more for this month. I'm doing this in order to spend the time in prayer, in order to be able to say no, in order to appreciate the books i DO have and in order to read what I have now! It's freeing in a way but difficult because I so want to buy something. When I see that it's really cheap and it's something on my wishlist and it's on sale.. well... you know!
Third, I am on a clothes fast. I have plenty to wear and I'm only pregnant for another 3 more months. I might have to pick up a shirt or two but I pray that He will help me curb my desires.
Fourth, we are going to go out eating less. We go out several times a week. i just need to write out a meal plan or something or have something cheaper to throw in the oven when we're tempted to eat out. We need to reduce this or we will literally eat our money up!
Fifth, we are trying to conserve more energy. I am so used to the cold that it doesn't bother me as much to set the temp lower but Anthony freezes. We'll reduce it degree by degree in order to get that $400 utility bill down!
Sixth, until the nanny comes, I will cut back on my babysitting and suck it up and do things with all 3 kids in tow. I want to aggressively pay down the debt while I can. It's like a noose around my neck and the hole just gets deeper and deeper as the need seems to surpass our ability to pay. How pathetic is that?
Seventh, for some reason, the Lord brought a new car into our lives. After looking at the finances and where we need to cut back we can see that there's a little bit of room for a small car payment. We just got replaced our 2001 van with a 2005 van for $5000. I can hardly believe it! :-)
So, what progress have you made so far? Any? None? Hardly?
Let's encourage each other. Thanks for the article on impulse spending. Tell me about it! I hardly bought anything this weekend in Columbus, even though we went to Easton and Polaris! It was easier than I thought to just say no.
More later...
In His time,
Jules
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Chapters 9-10
Because we're slowing down and because these chapters are loaded, I thought to only discuss these two chapters here. I think I have to post right after reading a chapter so I don't lose my momentum nor my thoughts that occur while reading.
The first thing that I loved to read was the section on Crowns as Rewards. I've never seen the crowns spelled out like that. It is a beautiful list of what to look forward to and how to obtain those crowns. We say that we desire to hear our Lord saying, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I have to admit that Alcorn is correct in identifying the missing ingredient in a Christian's life as MOTIVATION. I appreciated the examples and the encouragement to be motivated by looking ahead to a greater reward. I used to think that it was prideful to look forward to rewards but this book is showing me that's what God intends for us.
Chapter 10 has an excellent list of lessons concerning both the Master and the Servant on p. 147 and 148. I have been thinking about it since I've read it and considering how I can change my attitude so that the servant doesn't mistaken being the master!
At this point however, I still am feeling a bit hollow about my stewardship. My prayer is that the Lord would not just allow me to read this book and say, Boy, that was a good book. And then going on about my business. I pray that He will deal with this issue in my life so that I can honor and glorify Him. I read this morning once again about the young man who asked Jesus, "What good deed must I do that I may obtain eternal life?" Jesus replies, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." Was the Lord implying that giving away all our possessions would buy our salvation? Absolutely not! Christ nailed the very god in the heart of this young man. He knew that the true hindrance in being a true follower of Christ was the very fact that his heart belonged to Mammon.
I pray that the Lord would continue to work in my heart and settle this money matter within me. I don't want to go on without a major overhaul in this area of my life. I am sickened to even consider that by allowing the love of money and my poor stewardship it's betraying evidence of split loyalty.
I wish I could express myself better. Oh well! :-)
The Lord continues to work in me.
"Live in Light of Eternity" has taken on a new meaning...
Jules
The first thing that I loved to read was the section on Crowns as Rewards. I've never seen the crowns spelled out like that. It is a beautiful list of what to look forward to and how to obtain those crowns. We say that we desire to hear our Lord saying, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." I have to admit that Alcorn is correct in identifying the missing ingredient in a Christian's life as MOTIVATION. I appreciated the examples and the encouragement to be motivated by looking ahead to a greater reward. I used to think that it was prideful to look forward to rewards but this book is showing me that's what God intends for us.
Chapter 10 has an excellent list of lessons concerning both the Master and the Servant on p. 147 and 148. I have been thinking about it since I've read it and considering how I can change my attitude so that the servant doesn't mistaken being the master!
At this point however, I still am feeling a bit hollow about my stewardship. My prayer is that the Lord would not just allow me to read this book and say, Boy, that was a good book. And then going on about my business. I pray that He will deal with this issue in my life so that I can honor and glorify Him. I read this morning once again about the young man who asked Jesus, "What good deed must I do that I may obtain eternal life?" Jesus replies, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." Was the Lord implying that giving away all our possessions would buy our salvation? Absolutely not! Christ nailed the very god in the heart of this young man. He knew that the true hindrance in being a true follower of Christ was the very fact that his heart belonged to Mammon.
I pray that the Lord would continue to work in my heart and settle this money matter within me. I don't want to go on without a major overhaul in this area of my life. I am sickened to even consider that by allowing the love of money and my poor stewardship it's betraying evidence of split loyalty.
I wish I could express myself better. Oh well! :-)
The Lord continues to work in me.
"Live in Light of Eternity" has taken on a new meaning...
Jules
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Chapters 5-8
I don't have time to comment on all the chapters I've read, but I have to comment on the section about the Prosperity Gospel. If you've read this already, isn't this just so true??? First of all, I'm really appalled at these so-called "Christian pastors" who strut around and tell this "other gospel" to these people. Second of all, I'm really appalled that those who preach this false gospel is filling their churches with 5,000, 10,000.. 30,000 people!!! (Joel Osteen) It's disgusting!! If they would read even a portion of their Bible, they would see how much it goes against what Christ had preached. I especially like the one that promised to give the secret reason why God wanted $27 if you sent it!! Yikes!!
What is so bad is that many churches have fallen into this trap, not just those preaching health and wealth. How many churches go into debt? How many have extravagant programs? How many have luxurious furniture? How many are paid in the 6 figures for their pastoral service?
What is very convicting - something that I've already been convicted about but have recently found myself excusing - is the REASON why God has prospered us: "that you will abound in every good work, that you can be generous on every occasion, that others may be relieved, that you may exercise dependence upon God for all your financial needs. I have a lot to think through and discuss with Anthony - because I'm wondering about saving up for the future. What the line is? I think this would be good for discussion. Any takers?
Read (or re-read page 86) for a real spiritual punch in the gut. But the kind that you know is so true, so necessary to hear... Wow, it's incredibly powerful...
I haven't finished chapter 8 yet.. but so far it's refreshing. Why? Because he has given me a taste of heaven, a desire to be there. I believe that nothing we read or are convicted of regarding money will be of lasting change if we don't long for heaven - because without that reality and that future hope, how can we battle the ever-present, tangible temptations around us? Delayed gratification doesn't seem possible if we aren't convinced the delay is worth it. I'm going to re-read "Heaven" by Alcorn after this. I've gotten about a third of the way through. It's also excellent. Ok, I'm talking to a wall here! Someone, write in!! :-)
btw, Christina's baby is really sick and in the hospital. Chris has limited computer access. She will hopefully post later. She's finished the book!
Eternity,
Jules
What is so bad is that many churches have fallen into this trap, not just those preaching health and wealth. How many churches go into debt? How many have extravagant programs? How many have luxurious furniture? How many are paid in the 6 figures for their pastoral service?
What is very convicting - something that I've already been convicted about but have recently found myself excusing - is the REASON why God has prospered us: "that you will abound in every good work, that you can be generous on every occasion, that others may be relieved, that you may exercise dependence upon God for all your financial needs. I have a lot to think through and discuss with Anthony - because I'm wondering about saving up for the future. What the line is? I think this would be good for discussion. Any takers?
Read (or re-read page 86) for a real spiritual punch in the gut. But the kind that you know is so true, so necessary to hear... Wow, it's incredibly powerful...
I haven't finished chapter 8 yet.. but so far it's refreshing. Why? Because he has given me a taste of heaven, a desire to be there. I believe that nothing we read or are convicted of regarding money will be of lasting change if we don't long for heaven - because without that reality and that future hope, how can we battle the ever-present, tangible temptations around us? Delayed gratification doesn't seem possible if we aren't convinced the delay is worth it. I'm going to re-read "Heaven" by Alcorn after this. I've gotten about a third of the way through. It's also excellent. Ok, I'm talking to a wall here! Someone, write in!! :-)
btw, Christina's baby is really sick and in the hospital. Chris has limited computer access. She will hopefully post later. She's finished the book!
Eternity,
Jules
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Chapters 1-4
Girls, I'm so sorry, but I just re-read these chapters and I'm really wanting to post some thoughts before they escape me!! i don't know how coherent it all will be since it's getting late and I am tired... anyway, talk about some convicting chapters!!! If you don't want this to spoil your reading, don't read this thread until you're done oki? :-)
First of all, it's obvious that materialism is not good. That we are to be careful with our finances. And not to place our heart on the things on earth but on things in heaven. Easier said than done!!! I thought, why is this book SO HUGE??? How much can Alcorn dig into our consciences about money? I didn't realize how often the Lord addresses money and how several times He judged "the REALITY of a man's salvation based on his willingness (or lack of) to part with his money for the glory of God and the good of others." If you are like me, you might consider yourself pretty generous. As Anthony calls me: outrageously generous. (I think that's a bit overstated but that's what he says..) But I have a feeling that after examining my true attitudes, I will find myself far from generous!
Convicting:"We'll eventually give an account of our lives to God... Where did it all go? What did I spend it on? What has been accomplished for eternity thru my use of all this wealth?" If Anthony thinks that I often spend frivolously, how much more would the Lord view it likewise!?
Convicting: "In Deut. the future kings of Israel are specifically warned not to accumulate horses (power), wives (pleasure) and gold (possession). Why? Because these would then become the center of the king's gravity." p.53 ooooohhh.... During residency, Anthony and I went thru really rocky period. We had very little income and we had 2 babies. We enjoyed the finer things in life and neither of us knew how to manage our finances. This was a blessing because it put us into a different mindframe than ever before. You should've seen the coupons, the self-control, the weighing of needs and wants, the prayers for every purchase, the appreciation of what the Lord provided us with, the absolute aversion to debt. When we started making money, we wanted to not be sucked into a materialistic lifestyle and accumulation of stuff. We tittered at those who looked rich and yet were up to their eyeballs in debt - big house, nice cars, fancy furniture, expensive clothes - zero in the bank account. If we don't change our ways, we will be headed that way as well. Oh Lord, bring us to our knees in this matter!!!
Food for thought: "Perhaps the "blessing" is no longer a true blessing but a curse in disguise. THe greatest blessing would be one that would return us to following God whoeheartedly - and our entanglement with wealth is certainly not accomplishing that." That goes with what I just posted on.
Convicting: "The central issue is not the things themselves, but the depletion of the resources of time, energy, enthusiasm, and money that might otherwise have been invested in the kingdom of God... Will owning this keep me from doing other things that God wants me to do?" p.56 This is an excellent section that I can totally relate to. And I know that you will too, Chris. It's uncanny how much it reflects a certain awful situation we're in!
Ok, last thing. I know I'm hogging this board but this one is so true: "It's important to avoid not only the entanglements of sin but also the entanglements in "legitimate things" that result in preoccupation with the peripheral." My stuff, activities, etc. can be one more thing that distracts me from what God wants me to be doing. I'm praying that I can eliminate this in my life - and that I can do it without judging others who continue on.
I'm moving on to the next chapters! :-)
I'm going to be devouring this book, I can tell!
First of all, it's obvious that materialism is not good. That we are to be careful with our finances. And not to place our heart on the things on earth but on things in heaven. Easier said than done!!! I thought, why is this book SO HUGE??? How much can Alcorn dig into our consciences about money? I didn't realize how often the Lord addresses money and how several times He judged "the REALITY of a man's salvation based on his willingness (or lack of) to part with his money for the glory of God and the good of others." If you are like me, you might consider yourself pretty generous. As Anthony calls me: outrageously generous. (I think that's a bit overstated but that's what he says..) But I have a feeling that after examining my true attitudes, I will find myself far from generous!
Convicting:"We'll eventually give an account of our lives to God... Where did it all go? What did I spend it on? What has been accomplished for eternity thru my use of all this wealth?" If Anthony thinks that I often spend frivolously, how much more would the Lord view it likewise!?
Convicting: "In Deut. the future kings of Israel are specifically warned not to accumulate horses (power), wives (pleasure) and gold (possession). Why? Because these would then become the center of the king's gravity." p.53 ooooohhh.... During residency, Anthony and I went thru really rocky period. We had very little income and we had 2 babies. We enjoyed the finer things in life and neither of us knew how to manage our finances. This was a blessing because it put us into a different mindframe than ever before. You should've seen the coupons, the self-control, the weighing of needs and wants, the prayers for every purchase, the appreciation of what the Lord provided us with, the absolute aversion to debt. When we started making money, we wanted to not be sucked into a materialistic lifestyle and accumulation of stuff. We tittered at those who looked rich and yet were up to their eyeballs in debt - big house, nice cars, fancy furniture, expensive clothes - zero in the bank account. If we don't change our ways, we will be headed that way as well. Oh Lord, bring us to our knees in this matter!!!
Food for thought: "Perhaps the "blessing" is no longer a true blessing but a curse in disguise. THe greatest blessing would be one that would return us to following God whoeheartedly - and our entanglement with wealth is certainly not accomplishing that." That goes with what I just posted on.
Convicting: "The central issue is not the things themselves, but the depletion of the resources of time, energy, enthusiasm, and money that might otherwise have been invested in the kingdom of God... Will owning this keep me from doing other things that God wants me to do?" p.56 This is an excellent section that I can totally relate to. And I know that you will too, Chris. It's uncanny how much it reflects a certain awful situation we're in!
Ok, last thing. I know I'm hogging this board but this one is so true: "It's important to avoid not only the entanglements of sin but also the entanglements in "legitimate things" that result in preoccupation with the peripheral." My stuff, activities, etc. can be one more thing that distracts me from what God wants me to be doing. I'm praying that I can eliminate this in my life - and that I can do it without judging others who continue on.
I'm moving on to the next chapters! :-)
I'm going to be devouring this book, I can tell!
Book Intro
It's been VERY hard for me to not read ahead as I've already finished four chapters before New Year's! I wanted to quote something that's found in the Intro that's worth noting:
"Because of the spiritual warfare that surrounds this great subject of money and possessions, if this book is to be read with eternal benefit, it must be read with prayer. Our use of money and possessions is a DECISIVE STATEMENT OF OUR ETERNAL VALUES. What we do with our money loudly affirms which kingdom we belong to. Whenever we give of our resources to further God's kingdom, we cast a ballot FOR Christ and against Satan, FOR heaven and against hell. Whenever we use our resources selfishly and indifferently we further Satan's goals.
The key to a right use of money and possessions is a right perspective - an ETERNAL perspective."
Growing up I have to admit that money was something that we used to give us pleasure, to buy temporary happiness, to contribute to our own comfort. The selfish attitude toward money was strongly dealt with in France - I think the book was Alcorn's "Treasure Principle" but I can't be sure. But frankly, I have recently forgotten God's purpose and my stewardship and my conscience is burning... I pray that this book study will bring about eternal changes and that I will honor the Lord in this important area of my life once again.
Let's read 4 chapters for this week, Jan 7-13th. Let's see how that works for our pace. Better to get more read now than later when our schedule picks up, right Sara? :-)
In light of eternity,
Jules
"Because of the spiritual warfare that surrounds this great subject of money and possessions, if this book is to be read with eternal benefit, it must be read with prayer. Our use of money and possessions is a DECISIVE STATEMENT OF OUR ETERNAL VALUES. What we do with our money loudly affirms which kingdom we belong to. Whenever we give of our resources to further God's kingdom, we cast a ballot FOR Christ and against Satan, FOR heaven and against hell. Whenever we use our resources selfishly and indifferently we further Satan's goals.
The key to a right use of money and possessions is a right perspective - an ETERNAL perspective."
Growing up I have to admit that money was something that we used to give us pleasure, to buy temporary happiness, to contribute to our own comfort. The selfish attitude toward money was strongly dealt with in France - I think the book was Alcorn's "Treasure Principle" but I can't be sure. But frankly, I have recently forgotten God's purpose and my stewardship and my conscience is burning... I pray that this book study will bring about eternal changes and that I will honor the Lord in this important area of my life once again.
Let's read 4 chapters for this week, Jan 7-13th. Let's see how that works for our pace. Better to get more read now than later when our schedule picks up, right Sara? :-)
In light of eternity,
Jules
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Money, Possessions and Eternity
Sara, Susan and Wendy! So looking forward to reading together! Sara and I really enjoyed our last discussion on Feminine Appeal. Just feel free to take your own pace although we will try and keep on the same chapter so that we could relate to each other's comments and keep accountability. Once again, if we need to slow things down, let me know!
Love you all.
Jules
Love you all.
Jules
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
