Monthly Archives: September, 2012
September 24-29: Chapter Two
Did you have any idea that the word ‘prodigal’ literally means “one who wastes money?” Who knew? Well, I guess Adam Hamilton did because he wrote about it in chapter two, page 31. A few years ago I spent some time thinking about the story of the prodigal son and I came to a deeper understanding …
September 17-22: Chapter One
Brian Williams on the top five stories from last week.
Brian Williams said that over 50 million new iPhone 5’s would be sold between now and Christmas – even thought they will require a new cord that will not be compatible with any of the other cords iPhone users currently use to power their devices. He suggested that we all stand up to Apple by not buying it simply because of the cord issue. http://video.msnbc.msn.com/rock-center/49027969#49027969 (The iPhone bit begins at minute 4:07. I’m guessing the cord will not make a difference to those smart phone users that ‘must have’ the latest device, like Adam Hamilton wrote about on pages 10-11.
It’s true – we are people that like ‘stuff’. Heck, this week will prove the point as Pastor Bill and his many minions set up for the Fall Garage Sale. (Although we might argue that it’s a great way to recycle items that kids have grown out of or people do not use any more). Regardless, we are people that like ‘stuff’.
You’ve read about the American Dream, “affluenza”, and “credit-itis” in this chapter. And, I bet I’m not alone in the shame I felt when I got into debt using a Discover card during college…
Since then I have learned how to ‘get a healthy financial life’. It took a lot of work, it took a ton of discipline, and it took humility to admit that maybe I was using money to feel better about how I ‘thought’ other people saw me. What I needed was a change of heart, a change of desires, and a change about my own self worth. It’s great to know and even better to believe that no matter what mistakes we make with our lives: God specializes in transformations.
So, how are you doing with the questions at the end of this chapter? Are you struggling with credit card debt, shame, or affluenza? Do the biblical passages help you understand the sort of relationship God wants us to have with money? If so, how? If not, why not?
What are ways you might be able to simplify your life, your spending, or the way you spend your time?
Let me know when you get a chance.
Peace, deep and abiding peace.
Sept. 10-15, 2012: Introduction
Read 3 pages for the introduction to “Enough” as your assignment for GROWING IN FAITH this week. I heard part of an interview interview by Tess Vigeland on NPR’s Market Place Money this last Friday with Hill Harper. He is an actor on CSI NY and has written a book about handling wealth and money. To read more about the …
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