What Is The Attitude Of Your Heart Toward Money?
The attitude of your heart is more important to God than what you do. I suggest you read the following Scriptures, in full, to see what the Lord has to say about the importance of attitude: 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 51:6; 16-17; Matthew 15: 18-20 and 23:26
It has been said about attitude: Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what other people think or say or do. Attitude is more important than appearance, fitness or skill. Attitude will make or break a company, a church or a home.
The remarkable thing, and I believe you’ll agree, is this: we each have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will assume for that day. I think you will agree we cannot change our past. We cannot control nor change the fact that people will act in certain ways of their own choosing. In addition, we cannot change the inevitable. The only thing you and I can do on a daily or minute-by-minute basis is to change or control our attitude.
If our attitude toward God is one of service, stewardship and complete dependence, then we will never have any financial problems because our attitude is one of complete obedience to the Lord. As we are obedient we will, as good stewards, discover that it is easy to manage our financial affairs as God instructs us over and over again in the Bible. Remember, there are over 800 verses about money management in the Bible.
God wants us to be debt-free, to owe no man anything but love. He wants us to be successful and prosperous. But how, we ask? Here’s how:
You can owe no man anything at all by changing our attitude toward money and then - simply spending less than you make!
If you will do this one thing, that is spending less than you make, month-after-month, an amazing thing will happen to you and your attitude! For one thing, you will then have money in the bank!
Wouldn’t that be great? Just think, you could soon have your money working for you instead of the other way around.
To say it another way: If you spend all of the money you get, you are a financial failure and your attitude about many things could be one of discouragement, to say the least.
More importantly, when you spend more than you make you are not being obedient to the Lord. But, if - as a Christian you habitually are obedient to the Lord by always spending less than you make, your life will change. Why?
Because, when you have money in the bank it has a direct relationship on the way you live and - obviously - you’ll have a whole new, very optimistic - attitude.
Terry L. Weber
weberanchorsoffaith.com
originalsbyweber.com
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Terry Weber is a retired advertising/direct mail sales letter copywriter and P.S. Due to the high cost of gasoline we can no longer afford to drive the RV to |
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Creation Scientist?
What is a young-earth “creation scientist?” Is there such a
thing. Organizations such as Answers in Genesis and the
Institute for Creation Research claim that their scientists are
true scientists. They list a long list of scientists from the
past who were creationists. Do these lists of scientists prove
that creation science is true “science?” Let’s look at the
definition of the scientific method.
Dictionary Definition
What is a scientist? A scientist uses “scientific methods” to
examine things. According to Webster’s Dictionary, the
scientific method is “…the collection of data through
observation and if possible experiment, the formulation of
hypothesis, and the testing and confirmation of the hypothesis
formulated.” Note the scientist FIRST collects data, and then
formulates the hypothesis.
However, young-earth scientists do not operate by the above
dictionary definition. They have reached the conclusion
(hypothesis) that the earth is young FIRST, before they collect
scientific data from the rocks. Only then do they try to match
the scientific data to their pre-conceived age of the earth.
Since young earth creation scientists do not comply with the
scientific method, they cannot rightly be called scientists, and
at best should be referred to as “theorists.” Therefore, to call
someone a “Creation Scientist” is to put a title on them that
they do not deserve, because they do not use the scientific
method.
What About their Scientific Credentials?
In many cases, these so-called creation scientists have made
valuable contributions in their scientific field of study, and
due credit should be given to them. Many of the important
discoveries of the last century have been made by scientists who
were Christians. Does this mean we should blindly trust them
when it comes to their statements on creation?
When these scientists use science properly, conducting
experiments and then reaching conclusions, then we can trust
their results. However, when it comes to creation science, these
same scientists abandon the “scientific method.” They reach the
conclusion that the earth is young before examining the
evidence. It is like they are in a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde
scenario…on the one side, they properly handle science, but on
the other, they totally butcher the scientific method. Because
of this two-faced approach to science, we cannot trust them when
it comes to their conclusions about creation. Their
pre-conceived bias towards a young earth leads these educated
men to completely abandon the scientific method. On the one
hand, they are rational, reliable scientists, but on the other
hand, they are biased, irrational men trying to prove their own
agenda.
How Can They Believe? Despite all the evidence to the contrary,
these men and women actually believe in a young earth. This is
despite the fact that many practicing young earth creation
scientists have PhD’s. While most of these people seem to be
very smart, it proves that they are so presupposed towards their
young earth, that they are blind to the truth of science. It is
like standing in front of a moving train, and saying, “The train
isn’t real.”
Another reason they blindly abandon science is because of
tradition. They were taught that the earth is young by their
parents and by pastors and teachers. “The Bible says it, I
believe it, that settles it!” This is the operating rule that
they follow, and “If it is good enough for Dad, it is good
enough for me.” They believe by faith that the earth is young,
because saints of the past did so. However, basing our belief on
the beliefs of our ancestors is not proper stewardship of the
evidences we have been given (see Church Fathers on the Answers
In Creation website).
Will They Ever Be Convinced?
When young earth creation scientists find something that is
contrary to their belief, they proclaim, “There is an
explanation…we must research this to find it.” There is NO
FINAL ARGUMENT that can overcome their objections…they will
ALWAYS delay and say that there must be an answer.
This can be seen in the words of Jonathan Sarfati of Answers in
Genesis. He states, “We should remember, if confronted with
other ‘unanswerable’ challenges to the biblical world view, that
even if we don’t have all the answers, God does. And He, in His
good time, may raise up godly scientists to discover them.”
(Footnote 1). Using this approach, they refuse to accept
evidences for an old earth. Using this cop-out, they can ignore
the train coming down the tracks, saying it isn’t real.
It need not be this way! Young earth creation scientists ignore
the possibility that they can believe in an old earth, and at
the same time they can believe in salvation, the inerrant word,
and the accuracy of the Genesis account of creation over
millions of years.
Who Should We Trust?
Because creation scientists do not use proper scientific
methods, and willfully ignore solid scientific evidence, you are
on shaky ground when you accept their conclusions without first
examining it from a scientific viewpoint. If you can’t
completely trust young earth creation scientists, then who
should you trust? When it comes to “creation science,” one
should look for Christians who objectively look at the evidences
before coming to “age” conclusions. There are many good
Christian scientists out there in the church who are old earth
creationists. Of course, whether you listen to young or old
earth scientists, you should always investigate their claims.
What About Me?
Numerous people have claimed that I am not a scientist, and that
I seriously misrepresent the young-earth scientist’s viewpoints.
First, I do not claim to be a scientist…and second, I’m merely
quoting the young earth work and comparing it to accepted
science theory.
Something is seriously wrong, if I, with a Bachelor’s of Science
degree in Geology, and a person who has not worked in the
scientific field, can find so many errors in the works of
supposed PhD’s. I am not misrepresenting the young-earth
theorists…I am only stating the obvious errors they have made.
It is obvious that they misrepresent good science in favor of
their presupposed conclusion about the age of the earth.
You may ask, Why even bring this up? Why point out the errors in
young earth creationism? There are two main reasons. First, for
old-earth creationists, you must know where your audience is
coming from in order to reason with them. Second, if young earth
creationism is not true, and is based upon flawed science, then
the truth that the earth is old must be proclaimed. In
proclaiming the truth, I realize some young earth creationists
will be offended, and will be very defensive. My apologies up
front if I offend anyone…that is not the intent. In the end,
however, the truth must be stated, and sometimes the truth
hurts.
What Should Christians Do?
As Christians, we should all pray for the creation debate within
the church. As long as the untrue theory of young earth
creationism is being spread, the church will suffer, and will
continue to be mocked by those outside the church who see the
young earth position for what it is. It can all end with the
acceptance of old earth belief, and we can start reaching the
world for Christ, armed with the truth of creation. Conclusion
The bottom line…it is hard to understand how anyone can cling
to something that is false, despite all the evidence to the
contrary. If you are seeking advice in a scientific field, don’t
listen only to the young earth scientists…also don’t listen
only to the old earth scientists. Examine the facts and decide
for yourself.
Finally, consider this possibility. Suppose that we did not have
Genesis or the Bible. When examining the rocks and stars, is it
possible that any modern scientist without the Bible could claim
scientifically that the earth was only 6,000 years old? Such a
conclusion is not supported by the evidence and is not possible.
God said in Romans 1:20 that the things of creation are “plainly
understood.” When scientists examine creation, it plainly states
that it is billions of years old.
Footnote 1: answersingenesis.org/docs/4109.asp
This article comes from the Answers In Creation website (
n.org). The source article is located at
swersincreation.org/scientist.htm.
Judge Not! What Goes Around Comes Around
I am sure you have heard that saying many times before, but are you aware that it is a scriptural principal. Yep, Luke 6:378 says, “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged : Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
Give, and it shall be given unto: 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.”
Many people refer to this verse when speaking about giving love gifts. The principal is the same, if we give to God, it will come back to us but not only what we give, but in surplus….good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over.
If this principal is true with our giving, we should take heed because it also refers to how we treat other people. The Bible clearly states that if we judge, we will be judged, if we condemn, we will be condemned.
Many proclaiming Christians have a big problem with this very issue. Many can not help themselves from condemning and judging others in the church. They do not realize that this is just a puffed up sense of pride which empowers them. They feel righteously justified in what they say….The problem is, that just because we can feel justified in what we say that doesn’t mean what we say is truly justifiable in God’s eyes. Many do not realize that they are in sin by judging. They forget that God clearly states in his Word that we are NOT TO JUDGE.
As humans there is so much of the flesh and our own desires that still rule our lives. Oh yes, we may have been in the church for years and finally gotten our act together , so we think….but years later we look back and say, Wow, I remember saying such and such, how wrong I was, but at the time I thought I was right.
This teaches us that we should not go about spurting out judgments against others just because we feel somehow we know better. Yes you may be a stronger Christian than brother X but he probably has some strong points too, but you don’ t know about them because you can’t see what is going on with brother or sister X…Only God can see into the heart of man, Only God can judge with right judgment.
God’s word tells us DO NOT JUDGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why aren’t we smart enough to listen to God.!!!
How can you actually Judge someone else and tell them they are in sin, when you yourself are in sin, by judging them!!!! Sadly, many people don’t see it. They see the mote in their brothers eye but think they are seeing clearly not realizing there is a BEAM in their own eye. Yes Judging others brings judgment back unto you. And it is God who judges. This is not a good position to be in my brother and sister.
The Number 1 Excuse why people want to judge: But how will they learn to live righteously if I don’ t show them their fault!
God clearly states that he will judge the living and the dead. He also states that His SPIRIT will lead us unto a life of perfection.
GOD DOESN’T NEED YOUR HELP!
Paul states in Romans 14: (Bold and underline emphasis is mine and not part of the original text)
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 15:
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
This clearly teaches us that we are to accept each other and to love one another, just as Christ receives us.
Causing strife amongst the members is not what God wants from us.
IT IS SIN!
We are no better than the person to whom we are trying to condemn!
But how are we supposed to tell others they are wrong! Good question. I’m glad you asked 
The answer to the big question is simple. You don’t tell them. Pretty simple and straightforward I know, but it is the right way.
Do you ignore the situation? NO, Never! God Forbid! What you do is you pray for the person instead of judging him or her. Pray that their eyes may be enlightened and that they may know the fullness of God in their lives. Pray that God help them see the error of their ways, that the Holy Spirit enlighten their minds to see that they are in the wrong way. Don’t play GOD! He doesn’t need your help. He can work things out fine without you.
In conclusion, remember not to Judge your fellow Christians, no matter how immature they may seem. God is working on them and believe it or not, He will work things out.
JUDGE NOT, and ye shall not be judged: Condemn not and ye shall not be condemned: forgive and ye shall be forgiven.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Love conquers All. So next time you feel the urge to Judge, remember that it is not from God. Judge Not…Pray instead.
This article is bought to you by Sharron Myers
Sharron Myers has been a teacher of Spiritual Truth for over 30 years. She also is a Certified Aromatherapist and Personal Development Consultant. Be sure to check out her site: www.sharron-myers.com
To Live the Life You Want, Learn the Skills You Need
www.sharron-myers.com
Freedom of Access to Israel
I am a law-abiding Christian-Zionist and Israel is the Holy Land
to me. Israel professes to be a democracy that respects the
freedom of religion and the freedom of speech and allegedly
guarantees FREE
DOM OF ACCESS to religious sites. Israel is THE
religious site that must be guaranteed for law-abiding pilgrims
to enter without religious discrimination. Christian tourists
spend plenty of DOLLARS in the Holy Land and offer lots
of political support in their respective countries that I doubt
Israel wants to lose.
For Zion’s sake,
David
Ben-Ariel
Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2005 22:58:25 +0200
From: Shmuel HaLevi rfi Radio Free Israel
Subject: Re: Freedom of access to Israel
To: David Ben-Ariel Organization: RADIO FREE
ISRAEL
Dear David,
What makes you believe that if us, Jews, in Israel, are
persecuted, our synagogues destroyed, Jewish homes, farms and
schools as well, Jewish dead violated, families made into
refugees by pogroms… you, also a believer we deeply respect,
will fare any better? I have lived here for over 30 years and I
have not been allowed to visit TEMPLE MOUNT or Itzhak Avinu’s
resting place.
In fact those Holy places have been INTENTIONALLY abandoned, as
it was Joseph’s Mausoleum and wounded soldier defending it.
To no small extent it is the US government that has created the
monster called “israeli democracy”, in reality a junta like
dictatorship, ghastly, thieving, bribery riddled, murderous at
that. Those donating money to the present israeli system only
perpetuate that disgrace.
You will notice that we do not ask for anything other than your
support in spiritual fashion.
True Jews and other BELIEVERS must work as one to change the US
State Department created disaster. To do that is not simple but
doable.
JEWISH LAW must prevail and a true Jewish people must govern.
Unless things are faced up to it will go from bad to worse
including assaults to both Jewish and Christian places.
Already the so called “security wall” intentionally leaves in
Islamic hands many Christian areas. As it was Bethlehem and
would be the Holy Sepulcher Church.
SHmuel
Defenders of the Faith: An Evaluation of Schaffer’s One-On-One Approach
Presuppostional Apologists attempts to demonstrate the dependence of all worldviews on “presuppostions” and point out the inadequacy of all except the Christian set of presuppostions. Proponents include later Augustine, Orr, Van Til, Gordon Clark, Francis Schaeffer and others.
In my opinion, the presuppositional approach to apologetics is efficacious for defending the Christian faith. Unlike the Classical and Evidential approaches, which seem to challenge the non-Christian from external positions, Presuppositionalists challenge the non-Christian from an internal position; presuppositions.
I can appreciate Schaffer’s one-on-one presuppositional strategy. Rather than attempt to force the Christian world view on an unbeliever (which would probably be an exercise in futility), this approach is person-centered and seeks to examine with the non-Christian the presuppositions underlying his system of beliefs. In so doing, it pushes them to their own extreme; the logical conclusion of their pre-suppositions. It is at this point that the non-Christian makes the relatively astounding discovery that he is not living consistently with the world view he himself holds.
It has been said that there are many non-Christian scientists who do not truly believe in the theory of evolution but accept it simply because it is the only alternative to creation. This suggests to me that there may also be many non-Christians who are non-Christian by choice. They are aware of and may even acknowledge their “inconsistent” living. They prefer this “unreality” or reality as they know it over and against accepting Christianity. Therefore, Schaffer’s approach may not always be workable, especially if Christianity is not explained and shown to be the best explanation for reality as it is and for practical living. Of course this is one of the inherent difficulties of all apologetic approaches.
Another concern one may have with this approach is that it may put hearers on the defensive. When pushed to the logical conclusion that he/she is not living consistently with his/her own world view, the non-believer may become resistant feeling his/her back is to the wall. So even though Schaffer urges one-on-one encounters, I am not sure that this approach might not better be applied in churches or groups where the individual ego is less likely to be provoked.
Overall, I think this approach can be useful and is certainly worthy of consideration. However, I am of the mindset that no Christian apologist can show that every non-Christian system of thought is inconsistent or that a totally consistent non-Christian world view does not exist.
Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, veteran social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach which can be reviewed on her site. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, though delayed in publication, is expected to be available early 2006.
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