Be Refreshed!

It was just a week and a half ago I preached on giving and one of my illustrations was from Malachi 3 where he states in 3:11, “‘I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,’ says the LORD Almighty.”  I said now many of us don’t have vines, but maybe the fuel pump in our car goes longer than it should.  Or maybe the refrigerator last longer than normal.  These too are God’s blessings for obedience in tithing.

Then a couple days later the water softener goes out at the house.  Uh Oh…  Then today Ethan says, “Dad, the van would hardly stop today.  I think it needs new brakes.”  Well the brake pads are fine, but the fluid dripping out of the rusted rear brake lines is not so good.  And that little regulator valve piece thingy?   You can only get it through a dealership and it cost more than the rest of the job put together.

Is this a weird test or something?  Is it the attack of the enemy?  Is it just bad timing on two things that had run their course?  Or is this a really expensive set of sermon illustrations?  (If it is an expensive set of sermon illustrations can I take that off on my taxes?)  Well to be honest, I really don’t know.  My personal belief is that we give the Devil too much credit (It was the devil’s fault!) and blame God way to often (God why didn’t you..?).  The enemy does come to steal, kill, and destroy, but often our own poor choices does his work for him.  God does test us (not tempt), but often we want Him to bail us out of those same poor choices.

But at least I had followed week three of God’s Economy.  “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”  We figured stopping was more important than soft water this week, so the brakes will come first and maybe the other after a week or two.  So if my hair isn’t as soft and supple this Sunday please don’t stare.  And if my skin is a little dry please try not to point.  At least I won’t rear end your car.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:  Proverbs 26:14 As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.

Scripture of the Day:    John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Quote of the Day:    “40% of Americans are currently ‘upside down’ in their car loans.  Which means they owe more on their car than it’s worth.”  BankRate

Elizabeth’s first basketball game of the fall season for the 3-4 graders at the YMCA was today.  It looks like it should be a good year for her team.  They won 55-16.  Or Elizabeth thought it was 62-16.  They quit keeping score about halfway through the first quarter when we were up 10-0 after 4 minutes.  But whose counting right?  Other than me, Jeremiah, the coach, and half the parents and kids.  The other team played hard until halfway through the 4th quarter when we started taunting them, shaking our car keys at them, and singing the “”Na Na Na Na, Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye” song.  No we didn’t.  Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention.  Elizabeth scored a couple of baskets and is off to a good start.

Pumpkin Festival is in full swing and the sun came out this afternoon.  Sonya and the kids are working this afternoon and we’ll hit trash detail tonight.  Hope you’re ready for a great Sunday!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:  Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

Scripture of the Day:   Psalm 96:2-3  ² Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. ³ Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Quote of the Day:   Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideals. — James Naismith

A tough day at the office is even tougher when your OFFICE contains spectator seating. — Nik Posa

Sonya and Elizabeth are off and baking all afternoon as they get ready for the Pumpkin Festival this weekend.  It’s chocolate chip banana bread, brownies, caramel apples, apples pies, and cupcakes on the menu today.  Some will go for the MPact Girls Club bake sale and some for the Bethel ladies beef burger sales.  (And hopefully some will go for dad too.)

Hopefully the rain is moving out and it will be a great busy weekend around Bethel.  The girls have a bake sale, the ladies are selling burgers, soups, pies and more, the Royal Rangers are selling buttons and  patches and carrying parade banners, and the men are picking up trash and putting out trash boxes.  Here is a partial list of the recipients of everyone’s hard work this weekend.  Highlands Adoption Agency,  Hillcrest Children’s Home, New Life for Girls (Chicago) , MPact Girls Club, Royal Rangers Boys Club,  Light for the Lost (FREE literature for our A/G missionaries) , and a few other miscellaneous projects along the way.  Plus it’s a great opportunity to open our doors and connect with our community.  The blood drive is using our lobby today and we’ve had some great comments on The Overflow Cafe’.

So stop on by this weekend and flip a burger, buy a cupcake, wipe a table, meet a visitor, or pick up some trash for Jesus.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:  Proverbs 23:4-5  ⁴ Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.  ⁵ Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,  for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Scripture of the Day:   Mark 10:43-45   ⁴³Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Quote of the Day:   “From now on, any definition of a successful life must include serving others.” President George Bush

“In the Kingdom of God, service is not a stepping-stone to nobility: it is nobility, the only kind of nobility that is recognized.” T. W. Manson

Week four of God’s Economic plan was Giving.  Finally we’re getting to the fun stuff!  God loves a cheerful giver and Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  I told them that one thing I’ve discovered over the years is that givers LOVE sermons on giving.  Those who aren’t givers usually aren’t so excited about them.

We started off with simple worship and obedience.  Before there was ever the OT law and Levitical system there was worship and giving.  All the way back to Adam, Eve, Cain & Abel they are making sacrifices to God.  Abram was paying his tithe in Genesis 14 before Moses ever carved a tablet.  Malachi 3:8-12  says ^“8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’  “In tithes and offerings. ⁹ You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. ¹⁰ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. ¹¹ I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty. ¹² “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.”  God even made it easy.  10%.  No fractions or decimal points.  Many people look for excuses, deductions, and  loop holes, but the simple tithe opens the door to God’s blessings.  God even said, “Test me.”

That brought us to the good news of Harvest Time!  The law of the harvest says you will reap what you sow.  2 Corinthians 9:6 says,  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”  That will work in your garden, your actions, and your finances too.  Some prosperity preachers have focused almost exclusively on this to the point of error, but the basic truth is there.  God says if you take care of my house I’ll take care of yours.

Then lastly we ended up with JOY.  God loves a cheerful giver.  Proverbs 11:25 says “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”  Even the secular author of the millionaire book I’ve referred to recently said, “There is a strong correlation between donating to charitable causes and overall satisfaction with life.  Researchers have consistently found that happy people tend to contribute a higher percentage of their incomes to noble causes than do people who are less satisfied with their lives.”

Obedience, Worship, Reward & Joy!  Hey, let’s take up an offering!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:  Proverbs 22:9  A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Scripture of the Day:  Luke 6:38 ³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Quote of the Day:     Offertory Prayer: “Lord, no matter what we say or do, here is what we really think of You. Amen” Author Unknown

How believers handle their money is inextricably related to the depth of their worship. Whether we put money in the offering plate or not, weekly worship should remind us of our continual stewardship of the possessions that Lord has entrusted to us. If we do not give properly we cannot worship properly.    John MacArthur

Worshipful giving involves faith. It is giving from the first fruits of all our increase. If we give what we have left over after paying our bills, entertaining our families, and laying aside for retirement, we have given nothing. That kind of giving requires no faith. That kind of giving is an abomination to God. He will not have our leavings! If we would honor God in our giving, we must prove God with our giving. Prove his faithfulness. Prove His promises. Prove His Word. Prove His goodness by giving to Him what you need, thus trusting Him to supply your need. God challenges us so to prove him (2 Chron. 31:5-10; Mal. 3:10; Luke 6:38). It is written, “Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine” (Pro. 3:9-10).  Don Fortner

It’s that elusive standing that is dangled in front of Americans constantly… “Millionaire.”  We have TV shows like  Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Deal or No Deal?   The lottery numbers are given during the newscast.  Multiple shows highlight the lives of the rich and famous.  Who is driving what luxury car?  How many bedrooms and pools does their house have?  How many millions of dollars is that professional football player making?  Who are the top 400 richest people in America?  Lawyers advertise their services on commercials, “Have you been injured?”  The lottery and the lawsuit are the new American dream.  At one time it was Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.  Now it’s get rich quick with no effort and live like the people on TV. Somebody owes me something!

So what does the typical millionaire look like?  Exotic cars, tailored suits, mansions, multiple homes, yachts, jewels, and $200 dinners?  Here’s is what Thomas Stanley has learned from years of research of the affluent and chronicled in his latest book, “Stop Acting Rich… and Start Living Like a Real Millionaire.”.

-The majority never received any inheritance, gifts, estates, or trusts.

-90% graduated from college

-Spent $295 on their last suit (median).  Over 1/2 have never spent over $399 for a suit.

-The man spent $16 (median) for his last haircut (including tip).

-Only 27% of million dollar homes are owned by millionaires.

-1.1 million millionaires live in homes that cost less than $300,000.

-Their last car purchase was most likely a Toyota.  Over the last 10 year period, a Ford.

-Last watch purchase on average was 1. Seiko 2. Timex.

-Median price for last dinner meal out, $19.59.

-On average they don’t own a boat or summer house.

Now that’s not nearly as exciting as the latest multimillionaire rap star and his posse drinking $1000 bottles of champagne and driving $200,000 cars, but can you say MC Hammer or Mike Tyson?  How sad was it to see Ed McMahon in a neck brace hawking Cash4Gold during the Super Bowl last year because his house was being foreclosed on?  Now many of the wealthy do buy expensive clothes, meals and toys, but the rest of America never gains financial peace because they are always trying to live  false dreams.  If I have the right watch, tailored suit, and imported car I will be happy.  If I want to be cool I have to have the stuff in the magazines and on the TV shows.  Yet the average millionaire lived below his means, worked hard, and slowly saved up and now can actually afford those nicer things.  Most Americans live above their means and are always on the treadmill.   But hey, they have a nice car that they owe more on than it’s worth and their fake Rolex looks nice from a distance.  So as Thomas Stanley would say, “Stop Acting Rich… and Start Living Like a Real Millionaire.”

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:  Proverbs 20:4 A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks but finds nothing.

Scripture of the Day:    1 Timothy 6:8-10 ⁸But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Quote of the Day:   “It is my belief that the number of households in America that are interested in looking wealthy is far greater than the number of households that are interested in being wealthy.”  Thomas Stanley

Elizabeth’s first piano recital was yesterday.  She rocked the house with “When the Saints Go Marching In”.  She did a great job and if she’s lucky she’ll turn out just like her mom.  I hate to brag, but I did win a snack size 3 Musketeers bar.  I was the only one in the audience who had the correct answer for counting notes in 6/8 time.  It’s nice to know that those 8 years of playing baritone are finally paying off.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:   Proverbs 19:24  The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth!

Scripture of the Day:    Malachi 3:10-12  ¹⁰ Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. ¹¹ I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty. ¹² “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.

Quote of the Day:   Jesus Christ said more about money than about any other single thing because, when it comes to a man’s real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index to a man’s true character. All through Scripture there is an intimate correlation between the development of a man’s character and how he handles his money. Richard C. Halverson

Our love for God is tested by the question of whether we seek Him or His gifts. Ralph W. Sockman

The story is told of a farmer who was known for his generous giving and whose friends could not understand how he could give so much and yet remain so prosperous. One day a spokesman for his friends said. “We can’t understand you. You give far more than any of the rest of us and yet you always seem to have more to give.” “Oh that is easy to explain,” the farmer said. “I keep shovelling into God’s bin and God keeps shovelling back into mine and God has the bigger shovel.” Herbert Lockyer

It was an odd slow Friday night at home.  Two kids were gone and there was nothing on the calendar, so I grabbed a book and read it in the peace of the living room under the lamp.  It was a book I ordered for some secular research for my sermon series, God’s Economy.   I thought I’d better read it all in one night because I’ve gotten bad at not quite finishing books recently.  It wasn’t always an easy read, but a good one none the less.

The author Dr. Thomas Stanley has spent decades to become the authority on the affluent.  And guess what, the media lied to you.  The average millionaire drives a Toyota, wears a Seiko watch, and  doesn’t have a boat or summer home.  They are more likely to live in a house of under $300,000 and it’s more likely that the million dollar house owner is not a millionaire.  Hmm….

I was intrigued by one of his main findings over the years though.  Two of his biggest factors to happiness were found in the neighborhood they lived in and the house they owned.  Now that seems pretty obvious to most Americans.  The better the neighborhood,  the happier we will be.  The bigger and better the house the more satisfied we will be.  Right?  But here is a quote from the book, “As my surveys and studies have found, those who live above their means tend to be dissatisfied with their lives.  Conversely, those who live below their means are significantly more likely to report that they are happy.”  And “Happy people tend to live in homes they can easily afford.”

About 10 years ago we were getting house fever.  Parsonages have their place, but when you retire they kick you out for the next guy.  We were looking at lots, blue prints and talking to a contractor and the mortgage broker.  A 2200 sq foot 2 story typical house with the 2 car garage.  What we really wanted was a place in the country, but between the county zoning and the suburbia dream to have a farmette, that wasn’t in the financial future.  Now if I could somehow transport my parent’s 17 acres up from western IL we would in a heart beat cause timber isn’t quite as exciting down there as it is up here.  But after looking around for a while we didn’t feel at peace and let it go.  Several years later we bought the parsonage from the church.  A 1200 sq foot ranch in a world of suburban sprawl.

Every now and then I still get the itch.  I saw on Facebook this week an old college friend “moved up” in churches and bought a house with a pool.  My younger neighbor growing up has a big house on a lake.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a bathroom to ourselves without the kid’s stuff in it?  The Jones’ have one you know.  Wouldn’t it be great to post pictures of my house on my Blog so the Smith’s would be jealous of me?

But you know, I kinda like my house.  The new floor and interior doors put off a nice cherry glow as I sit here late at night.  The cemetery in the back yard is a little strange to some, but to be honest we really like it.  The neighbors back there are quiet and all of our kids learned to ride their bikes there.   Two of our kids were born in the basement.  OK, I’ll leave that one alone, but who else can say that!

So I may not be as cool or “successful” as some people, but I’ll give you a run with happiness and contentment.  My 17 year old came and hugged me before he went to bed.  I got to sing “I love you a bushel and a peck” to my daughter before she went to bed and she still loves it.  My wife told me I was her best friend again tonight.  The average family lives paycheck to paycheck.  The average baby boomer has little or no retirement savings.  I worked on the mid-month finances today without an ulcer or yelling at my wife.  Now that’s happiness.  And if you don’t believe me, there are some millionaires who beg to differ.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:  Proverbs 17:28   Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

Scripture of the Day:    1 Timothy 6:6-10 ⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Quote of the Day:   No one is so miserable as the poor person who maintains the appearance of wealth.  Charles Spurgeon

Wednesday night was The Thrill of Victory for the Uth as they brought in their pledges for the First Annual Nathan Johnson “Memorial” Bike for the Light Speed the Light Bike-a-thon.  Our goal was $1000, but to be honest a rough count of the pledges as we lay writhing in pain right after the ride seemed like it might leave us a bit short.  But as the kids brought their envelopes in Wednesday night and we started adding them up the final total was………………….$1400+ !!!!  Great job Bike for the Lighters!

Unfortunately Thursday brought the Agony of Defeat for the Cornerstone Christian Academy Royals High School Soccer team.  It was the year end ACSI Mid-America Region Tournament on our home field.  16 teams from northern IL,  Iowa and WI made the trek to Sycamore for the tournament.  It was a chilly 41 degrees with a slow drizzle and light winds all day long.  The Royals lost a disappointing first round match, but fought back in the afternoon match.  We scored first and went ahead early. Then they tied us and then eventually took the lead.  Later in the 2nd half we scored to tie it back up, 3-3.  Then as the referee is counting down the time in regulation, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4…  the opposing team scores the go ahead goal with 4 seconds left in the game.  It was  punch to the gut for the guys.  Cold.  Muddy.  And with 4 seconds to go, it’s all over.

Isaac played a great game and one of the goals was his (!!!) but what a tough way to end the season.  But we’re young and have another year of experience under our belt now.  And as the Cubs would say, “Wait till next year!”

Great season Isaac!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:  Proverbs 16:17  The highway of the upright avoids evil;  he who guards his way guards his life.

Scripture of the Day:   1 Timothy 5:1-2  ¹Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, ²older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

Quote of the Day:    “Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety of sports… the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat… the human drama of athletic competition… This is “ABC’s Wide World of Sports!” Jim McKay, ABC Sports

Thanks to everyone who prayed for my kids at PK Retreat.  They got home safe Monday and our dream came to a close.  (See last Blog 🙂 )

We hit week three of our fall sermon series on Sunday… SAVING!  Who thought saving could be spiritual , but Proverbs 21:20 says,    “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”  2005-2006 saw the first back to back years since the Great Depression of Americans with a negative saving rate.  But hey, what could go wrong?  We’re buying big houses, living on credit, the Dow is going up, life is great!  Uh Oh!  Bailouts, stimulus, cash for clunkers, extended benefits, etc., etc.  What would God say?  Well, what did God already say?  “The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.”

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the big finale’ of the First Annual Nathan Johnson “Memorial” Bike for the Light Speed the Light Bike-a-Thon.  The Uth are bringing in their pledges tonight for the final count.  Our goal is $1000 and I think we’re in the neighborhood.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:   Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

Scripture of the Day:  Proverbs 6:6-11

⁶ Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!

⁷ It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,

⁸ yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.

⁹ How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?

¹⁰ A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-

¹¹ and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.

Quote of the Day:   A penny here, and a dollar there, placed at interest, goes on accumulating, and in this way the desired result is attained. It requires some training, perhaps, to accomplish this economy, but when once used to it, you will find there is more satisfaction in rational saving than in irrational spending. ~ The Art of Money Getting, by P. T. Barnum

We’ve been waiting for this weekend for 11 years.  The IL Assemblies of God has an annual PK Retreat (Preacher’s Kid) every Columbus Day weekend.  Fun, friends, worship, ministry, pizza, swimming and more for the PK’s of IL.  They start in 2nd grade and go through their senior year of HS.  Typically we try to share rides with other area pastors and one year we even put little Ethan on a bus in Joliet, but this was the year we’d been waiting for…  All 4 kids are going and Ethan can drive!  It’s not that it wasn’t worth the drive for us, but the kids are there really just 2 days and 2 nights and the 2 round trips, unloading, settling in, etc. adds up to about 18 hours for mom and dad so it’s nice to wave good bye and have a relaxed weekend to ourselves.

So here’s mom and dad’s request.  Would you pray for our kids this weekend?  Ethan (17), Isaac (14), Jeremiah (13) & Elizabeth (9).  We are truly blessed and are praying that they would have a wonderful weekend with Jesus.  (And pray for our 17 year old driver too:)  Thanks!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day:  Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Scripture of the Day:  Proverbs 22:6  Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Quote of the Day:   You might be a PK if…

—You are sick on Sunday, and your parents tell you to “throw up and prove it”. When you do, they say, “Now don’t you feel better? Let’s go to church!”

—You love playing hide and go seek in the dark in the sanctuary.

—You’ve ever made a meal out of animal-crackers in the nursery.

— You think a fancy dinner out on Sunday is taking the missionary family to the home town buffet.

— You know how many ceiling tiles there are in the sanctuary.

—Your parents have ever publicly embarrassed you…in a sermon.