Habakkuk 1:5 Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told. -LORD God
Proverbs 1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels…
Retire with Income!! Not Fixed Income, but income that is dynamic and grows and grows, increasing your Net Worth, but sometimes more importantly, your monthly spendable Income grows without depleting the Nest Egg!!
Michael takes some time to discuss retirement strategy. It’s what he does!
What makes the simple act of shaming or blaming people complicated is the knowledge that they each had a specific history, and the more we know about it, the easier it becomes to understand why they did what they did. —Richard Holloway, Godless Morality
One of God’s greatest gifts to us during times of crisis, struggle, or tragedy is the “family” He places in our life to walk with us. Family isn’t always our blood relatives. Proverbs 17:17 says it best: “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” (NLT)
There are some who use emotional withdrawal as a means of correction or to demonstrate displeasure with a loved one’s actions or choices. Some might think of it as a shunning. If you don’t conform or comply, then you are refused the affection, concern, help, or attention you desire and we all crave.
This mentality raises the question: Is it real love if it so easily and willingly manipulates? Isn’t love unconditional in its gift? This isn’t to say that all actions are approved or all choices are overlooked. But doesn’t real love look like something altogether different than a conditional carrot we dangle and make available only for those who comply?
When Christ laid down His life for this world, it was a free gift. It was given for any who would accept it. He never asks us to get our act together before we accept His love. In fact, His love is what changes us. It shapes and molds us, conforming us more and more to His image. The only condition placed on His love is that we accept it. In fact, if we ignore it, He pursues us still.
If we view love as something that can be taken advantage of, then perhaps we’re going about it all wrong. Love should be so free that it can’t be stolen. Love is the most renewable resource we have. It is priceless, powerful, conquering—it is all the things an evil world would love to harness and put a price on. But it is also incorruptible. The best the world can do, then, is mimic real love. It is this pseudo love that controls, extorts, destroys, dominates, and demands submission from others.
Let’s take a minute to think about those tougher relationships in our lives. Proverbs 18:24 says, “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” (NLT) What kind of friend are we to the world around us, particularly to those who are hurting? Are we willing to get a little mud on our shoes by hanging in there with someone on their worst days? Are we willing to be their voice? To speak their last words and tell their story?
“Love your neighbor, all of ’em.” -Christine Clarity McDonald
It’s okay to want more out of life, but don’t want out of envy. There’s happiness in being content. Faith in God & doing what he puts in your heart will bring you what you need & more. Those that live life striving for more out of envy will find nothing but gloom in the end. Find happiness where you are to get more from life.
Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Using manipulation & guilt to control someone doesn’t make that person strong, it makes them an insecure weak jerk. God didn’t make you to be controlled. Do not allow anyone to have that power over you. Control does not equal love.
Not everyone will be for you & that’s okay. Do not give them or their words power over you. Their assumptions do not define you at all.
Those that love you & matter see you for who you truly are. Be happy in that. You can’t defeat hate with more hate, spread love.
Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Proverbs 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Find the good in others & build them up instead of tearing them down with what you may not like. I know I’ve always worked better receiving praise. Making someone believe they aren’t good enough will never bring positive results. Praise them & they will want to make you proud.
In general, people are insecure, but if we focus on the good in them & praise all that is good in them, their insecurities become less. It’s never okay to belittle those we love. Lift them up with what we love about them.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those that hear.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
Proverbs 15:23 An apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
Have a week full of praise and blessing my friends!!!
Surround yourself with those that are good for you. Those that you interact with the most, are who you most become like. A good rule of thumb is, if they aren’t good examples for my children they probably aren’t good for me. Heard a sermon from Pastor Craig from Life Church where he said “Show me your 5 closest friends & I’ll show you your future.” Know your worth & what’s good for you.
Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is a man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived “Bad company ruins good morals”
Your thoughts set the tone for your day. Positive thoughts lead to a happier day. Each positive day makes it easier to have happy days. Your thoughts turn into words which turn into actions. This all affects those around you. Make sure you’re affecting them in a positive way.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
The notion God is not gracious in the Old Testament is ridiculous. He is not a mean, sadistic God who is looking to squish people with His foot. He has always been gracious. Look at the people who received God’s grace in the Old Testament.
Laban recognized God’s grace and favor through Jacob.
Genesis 30:27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you.”
Joseph was extended grace by God via a prison guard.
Genesis 39:21 But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
The nation of Israel was granted favor on the way out of Egypt.
Exodus 11:3 And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
Exodus 12:36 And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
Moses received God’s grace throughout Exodus 33. See one of many examples to Moses below.
Exodus 33:12 Moses said to the LORD, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’
Gideon received grace and favor from God personally via a sign in Judges 6:11-27.
Hannah was granted grace and favor in the birth of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1.
King David was anointed with grace.
Psalm 45:2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.
Grace is given by God to those who walk in truth.
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
God blesses the afflicted with favor and grace.
Proverbs 3:34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
God’s grace for His nation Israel is eternal.
Jeremiah 31:1-3 “At that time, declares the LORD, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people.” Thus says the LORD: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest, the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you…”
God’s Grace is better than material wealth despite what the culture says.
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
And yes, God’s grace in Jesus Christ is promised from the Old Testament prophet Zechariah.
Zechariah 12:10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn…”
Proverbs 20:10 Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
Micah 6:10-11 Can I forget any longer the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is accursed? Shall I acquit the man with wicked scales and with a bag of deceitful weights?
All currencies are not created equal. Values of currencies change. God is not a fan of currency manipulation. Imagine that, humanity outside of God’s economic laws…
The end result of currency changes can be dramatic. Michael explains the consequences of a rising dollar and what it means to global economics.
Understand the times we are in. Currently, soft commodities (grains such as barley and wheat) are relatively cheap. These times will not last forever. Make plans now while goods are inexpensive. Understand where we are going. Have a plan.
The dollar is rising causing Systemically Important Financial (SIFI) to Plummet.
Psalm 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Family is your first friends you will have. Family will be the lasting friendships you will have. I grew up with cousins my age that I did everything with & love getting to see my kids hanging out with their cousins. They are the ones that will have your back every day. I’m lucky enough to have a huge family on all sides I get to hang out with & call my best friends. Family is love!
Psalm 133:1 A song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 27:11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.
Have a great Father’s Day and upcoming week my friends!!!
Using manipulation & guilt to control someone doesn’t make that person strong, it makes them an insecure weak jerk. God didn’t make you to be controlled. Do not allow anyone to have that power over you. Control does not equal love.
Your thoughts set the tone for your day. Positive thoughts lead to a happier day. Each positive day makes it easier to have happy days. Your thoughts turn into words which turn into actions. This all affects those around you. Make sure you’re affecting them in a positive way.
