Portland Oregon United Church of God Mini Study Index

Making Life Work

Existing in modern times is becoming increasingly difficult with drug & alcohol abuse, gangs, skyrocketing prices, unemployment, and increasing taxes. How do you deal with financial, mental and physical stress? If you are interested in living a full and abundant life or are having problems in this life, you may be interested in one or more of these Mini Studies. Click on a title below...

A Buying Self-Test: Do you really need to make that purchase? Impulsive? How can we control our finances and spending?
A Generation of Abandonment: Have we abandoned our children to the great media gods? What is the result?
A Model for Human Relationships: A Christian does not control others, nor is he independent of others. As Christians, we are to be interdependent. We are to depend on one another, being mutually concerned about one another.
A Source of Timeless Financial Advice: There is a bewildering number of financial help books available on the market today. They all offer suggestions on gaining riches. But there is a source that has been neglected as a source of financial stability. Read this mini study to find out what that source has to say.
A Stong and Lasting Marriage Part 2: There's quite a difference between the ?love? a couple feels when dating and in their first year or two together and the much deeper love they hopefully will enjoy later in marriage.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 1: When married couples put God first in their marriage, they are much more likely to experience joy, comfort and security.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 10: Men and women are designed differently, and for good reason. God says that a man and woman should leave their parents and become one with each other. A husband needs his wife for many reasons, and a wife needs her husband for many reasons, --one of which is to complement the other.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 3: When the honeymoon wears off, and it will, a newly married couple has a potential gold mine to explore. In the early infatuation or honeymoon stages of a relationship, the husband and wife naturally tend to look for and see the best in each other. But when the new wears off, the partners naturally begin to see one another's faults.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 4: Human beings love to talk. We would rather talk than listen. But listening is vitally important for a number of good reasons, especially in marriage. Men tend to communicate simply to get things done. Women often communicate just to share the thoughts of others.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 5: Don and Karen could enjoy good-natured kidding with one another because they didn't take themselves too seriously. They even made light of some of their shortcomings. Humor adds great joy to marriage; it really is a gift from God. Laughter reduces stress, stimulates the immune system, lifts your spirits and keeps the relationship fresh.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 6: Sometimes those mistakes can and will hurt our spouse. We should acknowledge when we're wrong in a marital situation and not hesitate to apologize for it.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 7: Never hold grudges. The heaviest thing to carry around in this world is a grudge. Grudges hurt you the most since the other person might not even know you?re holding one. Grudges deny us healthy peace of mind.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 8: Ridiculing one's spouse comes all too easily at times. Early in a relationship, although you may see your mate's shortcomings, you're so much in love that you simply minimize them.
A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 9: Many a husband and wife in the heat of an argument have blurted out, ?You never do this!? or ?You always do that!? Have you done this? How does it make your mate feel?
A Time for Reconciliation: What happens when a relationship has been damaged. What do we do about it? Is there hope? Here are some suggestions.
Acceptable Sins: Sin has been forgotten about in our society today. Sin itself has not disappeared. In fact, it is getting worse and will continue to worsen. Many churches do not talk about or teach sin as they feel that the sacrifice of Christ did away with sin. Sin has become old-fashioned. But is that the way God looks at it?
Acceptable Sins - Empty Externalism: Many religious people do not consider what a valuable tool fasting is. It is not part of regular Christian theology. But God says it is an excellent way to get closer to Him and to learn more about His ways.
Acceptable Sins - Impatience: What about when you're driving? Do you fight impatience? Is your lack of planning or just unavoidable traffic conditions give you the right to display road rage or get your blood pressure on the rise? Some things in life are not within our control. We have to accept that and move on.
Acceptable Sins - Judgemental: We can be judgmental over differing convictions regarding Christian Living issues; in having a critical spirit in general. This was a primary problem in Christ's day. It is still a problem today.
Acceptable Sins - Pride: Pride can be manifested in one of several ways. It can be manifested in moral self-righteousness. For example, a person can be self-righteous because he/she is obeying God.
Acceptable Sins - Self Control: We all have areas in life where we don't display much character or self-control. Little do we realize that this behavior is detrimental to our future as well as our present lives. What aspect of your life don't you have under control?
Acceptable Sins - Selfishness: We all are selfish to one degree or another. Is that what Jesus taught and isn't selfishness little more than an overly developed self-love. Love is an outgoing concern for others. Selfishness is the exact opposite.
Acceptable Sins - The Tongue: No man can tame the tongue. Slander, gossip and other things we say are not only hurtful to others but also reduce the respect others might have for us. The 10 Commandments speak of bearing false witness. Just what does that mean?
Acceptable Sins - Weeds of Anger: Weeds of Anger is an analogy. For example, if you have a beautiful lawn and then dandelions begin to grow. Like these dandelions, anger is very hard to get rid of. Weeds of Anger show up in a number of things that we describe as resentment, bitterness, enmity and hostility.
Building Bonds in Marriage: Several societal forces move marriage partners toward isolation and loneliness. But practical means are available to build the bonds that make a marriage grow stronger. Be a peacemaker.
Building Relationships: How did Nehemiah accomplish Herculean task of rebuilding Jerusalem when other governors had failed? As a leader, he know how to encourage and instill confidence in others to get the job done. The biblical account shows how Nehemiah inspired his helpers.
Children Are a Blessing, Not an Inconvenience: A tragic consequence of the pervasive defilement of the institution of marriage is the widely accepted view that children are an inconvenience?even among married couples. Children interfere with their preferred lifestyle. Some parents openly declare that they "just can't wait" until their children are out of the house.
Christ's New Commandment: Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34). Did Jesus replace the clear definitions of the Ten Commandments with a new religious principle, that love alone can guide our lives?
Christmas vs The Bible: How well do the customs and traditions of Christmas match the biblical account of Christ's birth? An objective look shows that many traditions supposedly rooted in the Bible don't match the biblical account.
Coping Successfully wth Growing Older: Western economics, based on consumption and planned obsolescence, has applied questionable values to older people through the policy of mandatory retirement. After that often comes abandonment of the elderly to nursing or retirement homes. However, governments cannot ignore changing demographics. A predominantly old population in the immediate future is bringing to the forefront "gray power."
Dealing with Fear and Depression part 1: Feeling anxious and depressed? With the world and the economy in such bad shape, it?s no wonder such feelings are common. What can you do to combat these negative ways of thinking?
Dealing with Fear and Depression part 2: We live in a fast-paced, overstressed world. Stress is one of the causes of anxiety and depression. Counselor and author Rex Briggs writes: "There is a lot of external pressure in this type of society and little emotional support. Perhaps that is why anxiety disorders are the fastest growing psychiatric condition for which people seek help today."
Dealing with Fear and Depression part 3: Most mental health professionals understand that some foods are beneficial and some are not, especially if eaten in excess. Some foods enhance our natural tranquilizers while some are natural stimulants. Both can be beneficial, but we need to strive for balance."
Dealing with Fear and Depression part 4: As the English poet John Donne wrote several centuries ago, "No man is an island." This brief statement expresses a simple but vital truth: It is not healthy to be alone. In the beginning when God created Adam, He stated, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."
Dealing with Fear and Depression part 5: The most important thing you personally can do to combat and overcome fear and depression is to develop a vibrant relationship with God. Secular research and biblical instruction alike verify its effectiveness. At one time psychologists believed that faith in God detracted from psychological wellness, but research has shown otherwise.
Discerning the Truth From Lies: Today it seems everyone tells a lie or two. But what does lying do for you? Does it hurt anyone? Is lying a habit. Is the Bible truth?
Do You Need Some Hope in Your Life?: If you are like the rest of us, you could probably use more hope in your life. You might be worried about the mortgage, the kids and the job. And with all the hype, you now have to worry that the end of the world is just around the corner.
Drug Use: A Major Health Problem: The 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, under the auspices of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, tracks drug use among those 12 years and older. Read what this Survey uncovered.
Fast-Food Fanciers: America pioneered the fast-food industry that is a major part of the nation's economic engine. In recent years much of the world has emulated American culture in its craving for fast food. People are drawn to fast food for several reasons. But is it good for us?
Fertility Symbols: Beneath the Dignity of God: Because the ability to reproduce is critical for food and preservation of life, mankind has long been intrigued by fertility. Have you ever wondered why eggs and rabbits (the popular hallmarks of Easter) were selected as symbols of fertility?
God Is Full of Justice and Mercy: God's love embraces both justice and mercy. He is a God of justice as well as abundant mercy. It is because of the divine attribute of justice that the penalty for our sins - our transgressions of God's law had to be paid. But it is through divine mercy that Christ died for our sins.
God Is Love: Lustful desire to possess another person most certainly is not real love. Love is so often confused with lust in the TV and movie world. Many are misled into sin by countless fantasy films promoting illicit eroticism.
God is Supreme Lawgiver: One of the greatest gifts God has given mankind is His spiritual law. The apostle James, the Lord's brother, then refers to it as 'the perfect law of liberty'. Are the laws of God binding today? Christianity says no, but is this correct?
God is the Great Healer: In spite of all the wondrous achievements and advancements in medical science, mankind is still plagued by diabetes, cancer, heart disease, AIDS, a host of harmful addictions and unending chronic ailments. Certain medicines can aid the healing process, though sometimes with serious side effects. Human beings still desperately need divine healing.
Handling Your Child's Difficulties Discreetly: We should not overreact or lash out verbally if our adolescent son or daughter mentions an interest in or connection with something that is of questionable morality. All young people are sorting through complex and confusing issues in life. Instantly berating them may damage or destroy the special relationship you have with them.
Help Your Children Prove It: Most of us have experienced a time in our life when we have had to reexamine our emotional and spiritual foundations. During this soul-searching, the dilemma of a special group of people, our children, comes to the fore. I imagine a lot of children who have grown up attending their parents' church have found themselves in this quandary. What can be done by parents of the next generation to ensure their children don't go through this dilemma.
How Can God Allow Suffering?: I firmly believe in the Creator, but I am very doubtful about whether that Creator cares about His creation. I must say that it is in a very poor condition at the moment, but again that may be part of the master plan, which is way beyond me. I cannot see how a God of love can allow such cruelty and nastiness in the world. What is the answer?
How Can We Help Those Who Are Grieving?: A heavy burden lies on the hearts and minds of those who are grieving. We show our compassion for others by recognizing their suffering and desiring to relieve them of it. After the funeral we should not immediately forget about those grieving.
How Christmas Grew: In view of centuries of criticism of the commercialization of Christmas, it is interesting to note that the holiday's secular, not its religious, aspect, has been more responsible for its popularity.
How Did a Pagan Holiday Become a Christian Celebration?: Originally Halloween was a pagan festival oriented around fire, the dead and the powers of darkness. Most everyone knows that Halloween takes place on Oct 31. Far fewer, however, understand the connection between Halloween and the next day on the calendar, the festival of All Hallows? or All Saints' Day, celebrated by some churches and denominations Nov 1.
How Mass Media Sells Sex: The idea of sexual freedom is kept alive and well by what is considered a major cause of the current epidemic of teen sex - mass media and the sexually charged world our kids see. What messages are they sent through movies and television? Sadly, what the media portrays as fun or fashionable "to sell merchandise" often induces behavior that leads to debilitating diseases, even death.
How Should We Treat Parents Who Are Difficult to Honor?: Sadly, not all parents or grandparents are honorable people. Properly respecting those whose behavior is less than honorable is not easy. For instance, victims of persistent verbal, physical or sexual abuse usually find it difficult to honor the guilty parent. God does not demand, in the Fifth Commandment, that children of such parents continue to subject themselves or their children to mistreatment.
How the Christmas Date Was Set: Christians all over the world celebrate December 25th as Christ's birthday. Historians generally agree that this date is not correct. But how did this date become associated with the birth of Jesus?
Humanity's Bias Against the Supernatural: For centuries the Western world accepted the Bible as the inspired Word of God. It stood unquestioned as the foundation of all knowledge, including the sciences. However, scientific advancements and expanding education led to widespread questioning of religious authority and skepticism of Scripture itself.
Illicit Sex: The Threat to Children: The major consequences of sex before marriage includes the problems of disease, premarital pregnancies, single mothers and fatherless children. Since 1960 in the United States, out of wedlock births have skyrocketed 511 percent, and the percentage of single-parent families has more than tripled.
Jesus' Family Connections: When we read the Gospels carefully, we see a number of family connections that help us better understand certain events. Although few people are aware of it, at least two of Jesus' apostles also apparently were cousins. The Gospels also show us that Jesus had many half brothers and half sisters who were born to Joseph and Mary. What do these realtionships reveal about certain events in the life of Jesus?
Living Below Your Means: In normal economic times, the standard recommendation from financial advisers is to live within your means. However, in today's economy, you would be much better off if you could actually live below your means.
Managing Finances in Tough Times - Part 1: Certainly there are no easy fixes to our world?s financial problems. Any quick perusal of the daily news will attest to that. Still, families can?and should?take steps to maintain control of their own finances in these uncertain times. Doing so will not only decrease your stress levels, it is actually something God expects us to do. (Luke 16:1-13 & Proverbs 27:23-24)
Mans Natural Hostility Toward God: Why does man reject the idea of God and divine laws that define His standards? God's laws call on us to meet a personally demanding standard that few are willing to consider. Man rejects God principally because God's laws embody a morality that is outwardly focused and shows concern for others rather than oneself. We, however, are primarily motivated by selfish concerns?what is best for us, what we can get, how we can be viewed as better than others.
Misguided and Mystical Meditation: Oriental meditation in general is an attempt to empty the mind, while Christian meditation fills the mind. The first looks within (to gain access to the 'higher self') or seeks 'mindfulness' of the around ('mother earth' or the 'cosmos') while God's way is to look up in worship and submission (to know and obey God). Eastern contemplation is trance-like detachment, while Christian contemplation is attachment to God.
My Experience With Smoking: When I was a child, my parents and many adults around me smoked, but their example influenced me not to smoke. Their mental suffering--shame, guilt and regrets--as well as their physical suffering seemed to far outweigh what little pleasure they were getting from their smoking. They lamented that they were helpless slaves to their habit and passionately warned me against trying cigarettes. So I developed a healthy fear of any addiction.
Not Only a Matter of Diet: From cover to cover, from Genesis to Revelation, nowhere in the Bible do we find an example of a servant of God or follower of Jesus Christ eating the flesh of an unclean animal. If at any time the distinctions between clean and unclean meats had ceased to exist, shouldn't that have been made clear in the Bible through the example of God's servants?
Our Dependence on the God Who Created Us: We don't realize how fragile our existence is, how constantly dependent on God's care we are. Should God allow even a few degrees? change in the average temperature of the earth's surface, the perfectly balanced ecological system that is necessary for our existence would be devastated. Only minor changes in the earth's atmosphere would permit destructive radiation to render us sterile, rapidly extinguishing human life. Unless the delicate balance of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ozone and other essential gases and elements is consistently sustained in the atmosphere, life as we know it could not exist on planet earth.
Our Need For Love: Life without love is ultimately life without meaning. Love is a primary element of a human life. A landmark 1945 study by Rene` Spitz established that love is so vital to infants that those deprived of it may perish for want of it.
Our Need for Love: Life without love is ultimately life without meaning. Love is a primary element of a human life. A landmark 1945 study by Rene` Spitz established that love is so vital to infants that those deprived of it may perish for want of it.
Parenting and Social Responsibility: Research has shown the links between broken homes and the increased likelihood of eventual criminal behavior. Yet the Columbine High catastrophe is a dramatic wake-up call to all families. These two students came from apparently stable, middle-class and wealthy families. But, in a society in which the norm is that both parents hold down one or more jobs outside the home, as was the case here, there isn't enough time to go around.
Pay Off Existing Debts: If you're already in debt, do whatever you can to pay off existing credit cards and other high-interest loans. Perhaps you've been able to reduce household expenses or even have a few garage sales. Use that extra cash toward debt reduction.
Peace in Nature -- and Among All Peoples: When Jesus returns to earth as the promised Messiah, He will at last usher in the dream of ages, world peace. This will involve even the whole of nature, as the world will be transformed into an Edenic paradise.
Pre-Christian Belief Concerning Heaven: The idea that "souls" go to heaven upon death long predates Christianity. A brief look at ancient history reveals that the people of Babylon and Egypt, as well as subjects of other ancient kingdoms, held similar beliefs.
Resolve to be Optimistic: Even for strong Christians who are grounded in their faith, discouragement can easily sneak its way into our hearts and minds as life deals out turmoil. As we struggle with the challenges and difficulties of everyday life or things that happen to us that are unfair or unwarranted, it is easy to get pulled into a habitual mindset of negativity.
Resources for Single Parents: With the epidemic rise in the number of single parents there are a number of resources that can help you to survive in this difficult-to-live-in society.
Save at least 10% of your Income: Financial planners generally suggest families put at least 10 percent of their paychecks into savings. With the world economy as shaky as it is, many financial advisers recommend families save closer to 15 percent of their income if at all possible. Allocate that amount into your monthly budget, just as you would your fixed living expenses.
Secrets of Strong Fathers: Dr. Meg Meeker's book "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" is filled with practical information on how you can build your father-daughter relationship. One of the best books available on the subject, it reveals 10 secrets every father should know.
Sex Is Intended for Pleasure: A loving sexual relationship is one of the benefits of sexual relations between married partners and relationship as beautiful. God created sex and marriage. He created both for the purpose of love. Though the English word sex is not found in the Bible, the Bible is prolific with references to sexuality. Some references show that harmful consequences result from sex's misuse, but many others illustrate that God created sex to provide exquisite pleasure for married couples.
Shocking Levels of Violence in Personal Relationships: In the realm of personal relationships, documented evidence provides one example of a serious problem which clearly demonstrates the widespread lack of respect for the rights of others. Statistics gathered on domestic violence against women, represented by just U.S. figures, should shock us.
Survey: Many teens have sex by age 14: Many American teens are losing their virginity before they are old enough to legally drive, according to a survey produced by The New York Academy of Medicine. The survey of more than 2,300 Baltimore youths found that four in 10 teens had experienced sexual intercourse by age 14. One in eight said they had sex before age 13. Many had also participated in other forms of sexual activity.
Teach Your Children How To Pray: Children learn in many ways. One of the most effective teaching tools is by example. It is important that our children understand that we, as Christian parents, talk to God in prayer on a regular basis.
Teach Your Children Money Management - Learn to say NO: Children are usually adept at pleading with their parents for toys, electronic gadgets, designer clothes or other nonessential items. When they do, it's not always easy to tell them no.
Teach Your Children Money Management - Show Them How To Budget: Once your children have a regular income, you can begin to teach them to live on a budget. Ideally, set aside some time when you can sit down with your kids and have a focused discussion about budgeting without any interruptions.
Teach Your Children Money Management - Watch Your Own Example: Your children learn a lot about money just by observing you. They watch what you do at the supermarket, department store, bank, mall, etc., and then to mimic your financial attitudes, values and behavior. Depending on what you're doing, they could be learning some very good lessons or some that are not so good.
Teach Your Children Money Management Part 1: How well do your children understand and manage money? Do they understand basic concepts such as saving, budgeting, borrowing and debt? Use these helpful tips to teach them!
Teen girls pass boys in stupid behavior: Reversing decades-long trends, teen girls are smoking marijuana and cigarettes and drinking alcohol at rates higher than teen boys. It seems ever-younger girls are getting the message that they can do whatever they want without suffering the consequences. Sadly, real life doesn?t work that way.
Thankless Self-Absorption: One for Whom the World Was Not Enough: A few hundred years before the time of Christ, a young man lived who practically owned the world. His father had inherited a kingdom in Macedonia at the age of 24, and expanded the kingdom considerably through military campaigns. In 336 B.C., the father was assassinated. At the age of 20, his son ascended to the throne of a then-sizable kingdom in northern Greece. Who was this young man?
The Apostle Timothy Was Blessed: The apostle Paul reminds us that even one parent or grandparent can have great influence on a family. Read about the Apostle Timothy.
The Bible and Work: Some in the church at Thessalonica who were able to work apparently chose not to do so. Instead, they expected others to provide for their physical needs. Being idle or lazy is not in step with God's expectations of our behavior.
The Culture of Narcissism: In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. It is from his name that we get the word narcissism, a love for oneself. Christopher Lasch, author of The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations, contends that consumerism has gotten a lock on the American psyche through the drowning in momentary pleasures and trivial pursuits.
The Dark Side: Its Effect on Humanity: Humanity has had thousands of years to build societies and civilizations and experiment with governments, administrations and lifestyles. So why haven't we been able to solve our problems? Why does suffering still exist? We have not succeeded in finding solutions to our pervasive problems because, in the final analysis, humanity simply does not know how to live.
The Devastating Impact of Divorce on Children: Children of divorce often experience the same hardships suffered by children born out of wedlock. Because divorce typically slashes the mother's financial resources, "mothers and children in families that were not poor before separation suffered an average decline in income after divorce of 50 percent." The consequences of divorce on children are far-reaching.
The Experience of Israel and Judah: A Lesson for Today: What can American learn from the histories of Israel and Judah? It can learn that it's God who gives blessings to nations and it's God who takes them away. God is already removing the blessings He has given to the United States. He is doing it because America has rejected godly values. The nation disobeys and ignores Him, preferring instead the false gods of money, sex and secularism. Most who think they are following the Bible and Jesus Christ unknowingly embrace a corrupting mixture of Christian and pagan traditions as their beliefs.
The Eye of a Needle: What did Jesus Christ mean when He said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?"
The Family of God: The Father and Jesus have, from the beginning, planned to increase Their kind. The God kind is a family! It is headed by the Father and now consists of the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. Their plan and desire are to add to Their kind.
The Founder of the Situation Ethics Movement: Joseph Fletcher, an Anglican theologian, developed situation ethics in the 1960s after critiquing legalism and antinomianism. Legalism is the belief that there are fixed moral laws that must always be obeyed. Antinomianism is the belief that there are no fixed moral principles and that ethics should be spontaneous. Is this how God looks at moral laws?
The Greatest Inheritance: Inheritances include money, land and other possessions passed from parents to children. Even though people make wills that leave detailed instructions regarding the division of their assets upon their death, fighting over inheritances is common.
The Growing Plague of Child Pornography: A survey of 1,501 U.S. kids aged 10 to 17 conducted in 2000 showed that approximately one in four had had an unwanted exposure to some kind of image of naked people or people having sex in the last year. Roughly one in five kids had received a sexual solicitation or approach. One in 33 kids had received an aggressive solicitation.
The Longsuffering of God: God is very patient with us. He gives us the freedom to make mistakes. When we realize what we have done and we change or repent from those mistakes He is happy to forgive us. Do we treat others as God treats us?
The Parable of the Sower: In Jesus' parable of the sower, recorded in Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8, "the seed of the word of God". The story describes three reasons why some who hear God's truth fail to bear spiritual fruit. It also reveals the state of mind of those who produce abundant fruit.
The Power of Compounding: Many people don't realize the power of compounding and the effect of time. Preparing for retirements is best done early in life rather than later. What have you done to prepare for retirement?
The Ultimate Goal of the Marriage Union: The five points in this article for building a happy marriage deal with the relationship in a mental and emotional sense. But there is more to this physical union than what is commonly experienced. Whether one marries or remains single, God wants us to understand there are spiritual implications to the marriage relationship.
The Unrealized Benefits of Maturity: Aging brings a generosity of spirit and often yields a greater self-mastery of emotions and attitudes along with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of life. It encourages the forgiveness of former enemies. It abets the sharing of thoughts by letters, sayings and jokes-all things that help lift up other people.
There Remains a Sabbath Rest for the People of God: The faithfulness of Moses and Christ is spoken of in the first six verses of the third chapter of Hebrews. Beginning in verse 7, Psalm 95 is quoted to document the failure of the first generation of Israel as a lesson to God's people today. Unbelief was the main cause of their failure to enter the rest promised to them (verse 19).
Tips for Managing Credit Cards: If you carry a balance and have credit cars with high interest rates, you would be wise to look for a card with a lower rate and transfer your balances. Some cards will give extremely low rates for up to six months to attract new customers. You may wish to transfer you balances several times if necessary until you have your balance paid off.
Today's Music: What is the Message to Our Kids?: In Vulgarians at the Gate (2001), author Steve Allen shared with his readers the sadistic brutality of some rap lyrics. For example, the Geto Boys wrote the song "Mind of a Lunatic." The rapper's lyrics speak of a woman who was abducted by the rapper, dragged back into her house and raped at knifepoint Though she begged for her life, the rapper killed her and molested her corpse. Obscene, violent, misogynist lyrics are all too common in what passes for music today.
Two Dedications To Mothers: This mini study is simply two poems dedicated to all moms everywhere. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices our mothers had to make in order to raise us up.
Vain Repetition: A Dangerous Race in the Desert: And when you pray, do not use vain [useless] repetitions as the heathen do [do not keep on babbling like the gentiles]. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. - Matthew 6:7
What About Reported Life After Death Experiences?: Occasionally the news media report the story of someone who supposedly came back to life after he or she had died and returned to consciousness to relate the incident. Sometimes these happenings seem truly remarkable and appear to contradict the many biblical passages describing death. How can that be?
What Happened to Dad?: Today it's common to see the father's role disparaged in media, many times making him out to be a bumbling, inept fool while the children are saved by an almost superhuman mother. This is a subtle but withering attack on the proper role of the father. Modern literature thrives on this caricature of the father figure. Books such as Raising Boys Without Men exemplify this radical vision of children not needing fathers. Yet when we see the statistics on how hedonistic and dysfunctional society is becoming by following such ideas, we ask, Where have all the fathers gone? Where is their leadership?
What Happens When Fathers Are Not Around?: In Western societies more children than ever are growing up without a father. In fact, recent U.S. census figures indicate approximately one out of every four children grow up without a father and half will be raised in a one-parent family at some point. But does this mean mothers who rear their children without a father are doomed to failure?
What Is On Your Tongue?: What is on your tongue? When you open your mouth, do words of grace, kindness and wisdom pour forth? Have you built up people by your tongue or have you shattered those connections because of the wrong use?
What Kind of Love Does Valentine's Day Promote?: We often talk about true love. Yet what many people call love is actually only infatuation, defined as a foolish, unreasoning or extravagant passion or attraction. Infatuation is a "falling-in-love" experience brought on by drastic changes in brain chemistry. Scientists now believe that the euphoria of infatuation is induced by the action of phenylethylamine (PEA). Naturally occurring in the chemistry of the brain, it is an amphetamine-like neurotransmitter.
What Should We Meditate About?: What are some of the things we might meditate on to get our minds more attuned to God's way of thinking? Why would we want to follow God's way? What benefit is it to us in a practical day-to-day use?
What Some Christians Know-and Why They Don't Observe Easter: Remarkably, there are thousands of Christians who don't celebrate Easter, yet they firmly believe in Jesus Christ, His sacrifice, and His resurrection. Why have they made this choice?
What if We Sin After Conversion?: Christians, or those considering baptism, may well ask: What if we slip up and sin after true conversion?
What if You Have Made a Mistake?: When it comes to sex, people make mistakes (both premarital and extramarital. Sometimes after making a sexual mistake, people will reason that since they've already committed the sin, they may as well continue doing so. This is faulty thinking because continuing to practice premarital sex or adultery perpetuates one's sin and can lead to a seared, unresponsive conscience. The biblical way to cleanse one's conscience is to repent-that is, stop breaking God's law.
What is Channeling?: Most have heard of the term channeling. It has become increasingly popular on TV and radio, especially with the arrival of the "New Age" movement. This is a modern version of mysticism with roots in Hinduism., Buddhism and occultism. Some famous actors and actresses have promoted this new take on some very old religious practices. This is why the Bible constantly warns us not to participate in any type of "channeling" that requires one to open his or her mind to these spirits.
What is Corban?: Just what is Corban mentioned in Mark 7:6-13? What application does it have for reality living today?
What is True Love?: The word "Love" has a multitude of meanings and linguistic uses, at least in English. We may speak of loving a particular food. We might love our job. Or we could love a particular song or movie. We frequently use love to describe relationships between two people. But here again the meaning can vary widely. The word can refer to a relationship of tender affection or apply simply to the physical sex act. Using the latter definition, the word can be used to describe an orgy, and it has been so used. But an orgy is not love but lust It is indulged in as a result of an inordinate desire for sensual pleasure, to gratify the self.
What is Wrong With Our Human Nature?: The Bible represents Satan as the master manipulator of human nature. Our weakness combined with the devil's influence has led the whole world into breaking God's law.
When It Seems God Doesn't Hear or Answer: Few attitudes are more disheartening and destructive to faith than the notion that God doesn't hear our prayers, doesn't answer or doesn't care. It is easy to come to such conclusions when God doesn't respond when or how we want.
Why America Should Be Thankful: Nearly four centuries have elapsed since Pilgrims and Puritans first called their "New England" the Promised Land. On a continent of limitless space and abundant potential they planted, built, and worshipped. Why has history shined so much more bountifully on America than on any other single nation in history? Americans traditionally credit God for those blessings. They give Him thanks and sing of His goodness and grace. Even their presidents pray and proclaim: "May God bless America." And indeed, America has been blessed!
Why Study the Bible?: Only one book gives us the answers to life's crucial questions: Why are we here? Where is the world headed? What does the future hold? It's about life itself. Why were you born? What is the purpose of life? What is your destiny? What lies ahead for our world, for your family and loved ones? The Bible is that book.
Why We Must Change Our Way of Thinking: Jesus makes it plain that repentance includes changing our thoughts. He explains what defiles us comes from within. He gives examples of the most basic evil attitudes and passions that dominate our thinking and behavior.
Will Your Marriage Survive: Some marriage counselors claim that couples should learn to fight fairly and not worry about their tendency to argue. This conventional wisdom is now proving to be not so wise after all. A recent study of 691 couples indicated that the more partners argue, regardless of their style of quarreling, the more likely they will eventually divorce. Conflicts beget distress, and eventually an argument can prove to be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Can your troubled marriage survive?
Words of Encouragement: When a family member or friend dies, there is no denying the sense of loneliness and emptiness and the feeling of unfinished business that we should have said or done more. Gaining a more-complete understanding of death and life can help us face our own mortality. We find courage, comfort and hope by viewing life in a larger context.


Navigation Home Page About Us Beliefs Mini Studies Publications Youth Interests Pastor's Notes Ask Us Search Now with expanded search capabilities! Enter a word or phrase (case sensitive) to search this category... Clear keyword box to view all studies in the category...	Making Life Work Existing in modern times is becoming increasingly difficult with drug & alcohol abuse, gangs, skyrocketing prices, unemployment, and increasing taxes. How do you deal with financial, mental and physical stress? If you are interested in living a full and abundant life or are having problems in this life, you may be interested in one or more of these Mini Studies. Click on a title below... A Buying Self-Test Do you really need to make that purchase? Impulsive? How can we control our finances and spending? A Generation of Abandonment Have we abandoned our children to the great media gods? What is the result? A Model for Human Relationships A Christian does not control others, nor is he independent of others. As Christians, we are to be interdependent. We are to depend on one another, being mutually concerned about one another. A Source of Timeless Financial Advice There is a bewildering number of financial help books available on the market today. They all offer suggestions on gaining riches. But there is a source that has been neglected as a source of financial stability. Read this mini study to find out what that source has to say. A Stong and Lasting Marriage Part 2 There's quite a difference between the ?love? a couple feels when dating and in their first year or two together and the much deeper love they hopefully will enjoy later in marriage. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 1 When married couples put God first in their marriage, they are much more likely to experience joy, comfort and security. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 10 Men and women are designed differently, and for good reason. God says that a man and woman should leave their parents and become one with each other. A husband needs his wife for many reasons, and a wife needs her husband for many reasons, --one of which is to complement the other. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 3 When the honeymoon wears off, and it will, a newly married couple has a potential gold mine to explore. In the early infatuation or honeymoon stages of a relationship, the husband and wife naturally tend to look for and see the best in each other. But when the new wears off, the partners naturally begin to see one another's faults. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 4 Human beings love to talk. We would rather talk than listen. But listening is vitally important for a number of good reasons, especially in marriage. Men tend to communicate simply to get things done. Women often communicate just to share the thoughts of others. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 5 Don and Karen could enjoy good-natured kidding with one another because they didn't take themselves too seriously. They even made light of some of their shortcomings. Humor adds great joy to marriage; it really is a gift from God. Laughter reduces stress, stimulates the immune system, lifts your spirits and keeps the relationship fresh. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 6 Sometimes those mistakes can and will hurt our spouse. We should acknowledge when we're wrong in a marital situation and not hesitate to apologize for it. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 7 Never hold grudges. The heaviest thing to carry around in this world is a grudge. Grudges hurt you the most since the other person might not even know you?re holding one. Grudges deny us healthy peace of mind. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 8 Ridiculing one's spouse comes all too easily at times. Early in a relationship, although you may see your mate's shortcomings, you're so much in love that you simply minimize them. A Strong and Lasting Marriage Part 9 Many a husband and wife in the heat of an argument have blurted out, ?You never do this!? or ?You always do that!? Have you done this? How does it make your mate feel? A Time for Reconciliation What happens when a relationship has been damaged. What do we do about it? Is there hope? Here are some suggestions. Acceptable Sins Sin has been forgotten about in our society today. Sin itself has not disappeared. In fact, it is getting worse and will continue to worsen. Many churches do not talk about or teach sin as they feel that the sacrifice of Christ did away with sin. Sin has become old-fashioned. But is that the way God looks at it? Acceptable Sins - Empty Externalism Many religious people do not consider what a valuable tool fasting is. It is not part of regular Christian theology. But God says it is an excellent way to get closer to Him and to learn more about His ways. Acceptable Sins - Impatience What about when you're driving? Do you fight impatience? Is your lack of planning or just unavoidable traffic conditions give you the right to display road rage or get your blood pressure on the rise? Some things in life are not within our control. We have to accept that and move on. Acceptable Sins - Judgemental We can be judgmental over differing convictions regarding Christian Living issues; in having a critical spirit in general. This was a primary problem in Christ's day. It is still a problem today. Acceptable Sins - Pride Pride can be manifested in one of several ways. It can be manifested in moral self-righteousness. For example, a person can be self-righteous because he/she is obeying God. Acceptable Sins - Self Control We all have areas in life where we don't display much character or self-control. Little do we realize that this behavior is detrimental to our future as well as our present lives. What aspect of your life don't you have under control? Acceptable Sins - Selfishness We all are selfish to one degree or another. Is that what Jesus taught and isn't selfishness little more than an overly developed self-love. Love is an outgoing concern for others. Selfishness is the exact opposite. Acceptable Sins - The Tongue No man can tame the tongue. Slander, gossip and other things we say are not only hurtful to others but also reduce the respect others might have for us. The 10 Commandments speak of bearing false witness. Just what does that mean? Acceptable Sins - Weeds of Anger Weeds of Anger is an analogy. For example, if you have a beautiful lawn and then dandelions begin to grow. Like these dandelions, anger is very hard to get rid of. Weeds of Anger show up in a number of things that we describe as resentment, bitterness, enmity and hostility. Building Bonds in Marriage Several societal forces move marriage partners toward isolation and loneliness. But practical means are available to build the bonds that make a marriage grow stronger. Be a peacemaker. Building Relationships How did Nehemiah accomplish Herculean task of rebuilding Jerusalem when other governors had failed? As a leader, he know how to encourage and instill confidence in others to get the job done. The biblical account shows how Nehemiah inspired his helpers. Children Are a Blessing, Not an Inconvenience A tragic consequence of the pervasive defilement of the institution of marriage is the widely accepted view that children are an inconvenience?even among married couples. Children interfere with their preferred lifestyle. Some parents openly declare that they "just can't wait" until their children are out of the house. Christ's New Commandment Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34). Did Jesus replace the clear definitions of the Ten Commandments with a new religious principle, that love alone can guide our lives? Christmas vs The Bible How well do the customs and traditions of Christmas match the biblical account of Christ's birth? An objective look shows that many traditions supposedly rooted in the Bible don't match the biblical account. Coping Successfully wth Growing Older Western economics, based on consumption and planned obsolescence, has applied questionable values to older people through the policy of mandatory retirement. After that often comes abandonment of the elderly to nursing or retirement homes. However, governments cannot ignore changing demographics. A predominantly old population in the immediate future is bringing to the forefront "gray power." Dealing with Fear and Depression part 1 Feeling anxious and depressed? With the world and the economy in such bad shape, it?s no wonder such feelings are common. What can you do to combat these negative ways of thinking? Dealing with Fear and Depression part 2 We live in a fast-paced, overstressed world. Stress is one of the causes of anxiety and depression. Counselor and author Rex Briggs writes: "There is a lot of external pressure in this type of society and little emotional support. Perhaps that is why anxiety disorders are the fastest growing psychiatric condition for which people seek help today." Dealing with Fear and Depression part 3 Most mental health professionals understand that some foods are beneficial and some are not, especially if eaten in excess. Some foods enhance our natural tranquilizers while some are natural stimulants. Both can be beneficial, but we need to strive for balance." Dealing with Fear and Depression part 4 As the English poet John Donne wrote several centuries ago, "No man is an island." This brief statement expresses a simple but vital truth: It is not healthy to be alone. In the beginning when God created Adam, He stated, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." Dealing with Fear and Depression part 5 The most important thing you personally can do to combat and overcome fear and depression is to develop a vibrant relationship with God. Secular research and biblical instruction alike verify its effectiveness. At one time psychologists believed that faith in God detracted from psychological wellness, but research has shown otherwise. Discerning the Truth From Lies Today it seems everyone tells a lie or two. But what does lying do for you? Does it hurt anyone? Is lying a habit. Is the Bible truth? Do You Need Some Hope in Your Life? If you are like the rest of us, you could probably use more hope in your life. You might be worried about the mortgage, the kids and the job. And with all the hype, you now have to worry that the end of the world is just around the corner. Drug Use: A Major Health Problem The 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, under the auspices of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, tracks drug use among those 12 years and older. Read what this Survey uncovered. Fast-Food Fanciers America pioneered the fast-food industry that is a major part of the nation's economic engine. In recent years much of the world has emulated American culture in its craving for fast food. People are drawn to fast food for several reasons. But is it good for us? Fertility Symbols: Beneath the Dignity of God Because the ability to reproduce is critical for food and preservation of life, mankind has long been intrigued by fertility. Have you ever wondered why eggs and rabbits (the popular hallmarks of Easter) were selected as symbols of fertility? God Is Full of Justice and Mercy God's love embraces both justice and mercy. He is a God of justice as well as abundant mercy. It is because of the divine attribute of justice that the penalty for our sins - our transgressions of God's law had to be paid. But it is through divine mercy that Christ died for our sins. God Is Love Lustful desire to possess another person most certainly is not real love. Love is so often confused with lust in the TV and movie world. Many are misled into sin by countless fantasy films promoting illicit eroticism. God is Supreme Lawgiver One of the greatest gifts God has given mankind is His spiritual law. The apostle James, the Lord's brother, then refers to it as 'the perfect law of liberty'. Are the laws of God binding today? Christianity says no, but is this correct? God is the Great Healer In spite of all the wondrous achievements and advancements in medical science, mankind is still plagued by diabetes, cancer, heart disease, AIDS, a host of harmful addictions and unending chronic ailments. Certain medicines can aid the healing process, though sometimes with serious side effects. Human beings still desperately need divine healing. Handling Your Child's Difficulties Discreetly We should not overreact or lash out verbally if our adolescent son or daughter mentions an interest in or connection with something that is of questionable morality. All young people are sorting through complex and confusing issues in life. Instantly berating them may damage or destroy the special relationship you have with them. Help Your Children Prove It Most of us have experienced a time in our life when we have had to reexamine our emotional and spiritual foundations. During this soul-searching, the dilemma of a special group of people, our children, comes to the fore. I imagine a lot of children who have grown up attending their parents' church have found themselves in this quandary. What can be done by parents of the next generation to ensure their children don't go through this dilemma. How Can God Allow Suffering? I firmly believe in the Creator, but I am very doubtful about whether that Creator cares about His creation. I must say that it is in a very poor condition at the moment, but again that may be part of the master plan, which is way beyond me. I cannot see how a God of love can allow such cruelty and nastiness in the world. What is the answer? How Can We Help Those Who Are Grieving? A heavy burden lies on the hearts and minds of those who are grieving. We show our compassion for others by recognizing their suffering and desiring to relieve them of it. After the funeral we should not immediately forget about those grieving. How Christmas Grew In view of centuries of criticism of the commercialization of Christmas, it is interesting to note that the holiday's secular, not its religious, aspect, has been more responsible for its popularity. How Did a Pagan Holiday Become a Christian Celebration? Originally Halloween was a pagan festival oriented around fire, the dead and the powers of darkness. Most everyone knows that Halloween takes place on Oct 31. Far fewer, however, understand the connection between Halloween and the next day on the calendar, the festival of All Hallows? or All Saints' Day, celebrated by some churches and denominations Nov 1. How Mass Media Sells Sex The idea of sexual freedom is kept alive and well by what is considered a major cause of the current epidemic of teen sex - mass media and the sexually charged world our kids see. What messages are they sent through movies and television? Sadly, what the media portrays as fun or fashionable "to sell merchandise" often induces behavior that leads to debilitating diseases, even death. How Should We Treat Parents Who Are Difficult to Honor? Sadly, not all parents or grandparents are honorable people. Properly respecting those whose behavior is less than honorable is not easy. For instance, victims of persistent verbal, physical or sexual abuse usually find it difficult to honor the guilty parent. God does not demand, in the Fifth Commandment, that children of such parents continue to subject themselves or their children to mistreatment. How the Christmas Date Was Set Christians all over the world celebrate December 25th as Christ's birthday. Historians generally agree that this date is not correct. But how did this date become associated with the birth of Jesus? Humanity's Bias Against the Supernatural For centuries the Western world accepted the Bible as the inspired Word of God. It stood unquestioned as the foundation of all knowledge, including the sciences. However, scientific advancements and expanding education led to widespread questioning of religious authority and skepticism of Scripture itself. Illicit Sex: The Threat to Children The major consequences of sex before marriage includes the problems of disease, premarital pregnancies, single mothers and fatherless children. Since 1960 in the United States, out of wedlock births have skyrocketed 511 percent, and the percentage of single-parent families has more than tripled. Jesus' Family Connections When we read the Gospels carefully, we see a number of family connections that help us better understand certain events. Although few people are aware of it, at least two of Jesus' apostles also apparently were cousins. The Gospels also show us that Jesus had many half brothers and half sisters who were born to Joseph and Mary. What do these realtionships reveal about certain events in the life of Jesus? Living Below Your Means In normal economic times, the standard recommendation from financial advisers is to live within your means. However, in today's economy, you would be much better off if you could actually live below your means. Managing Finances in Tough Times - Part 1 Certainly there are no easy fixes to our world?s financial problems. Any quick perusal of the daily news will attest to that. Still, families can?and should?take steps to maintain control of their own finances in these uncertain times. Doing so will not only decrease your stress levels, it is actually something God expects us to do. (Luke 16:1-13 & Proverbs 27:23-24) Mans Natural Hostility Toward God Why does man reject the idea of God and divine laws that define His standards? God's laws call on us to meet a personally demanding standard that few are willing to consider. Man rejects God principally because God's laws embody a morality that is outwardly focused and shows concern for others rather than oneself. We, however, are primarily motivated by selfish concerns?what is best for us, what we can get, how we can be viewed as better than others. Misguided and Mystical Meditation Oriental meditation in general is an attempt to empty the mind, while Christian meditation fills the mind. The first looks within (to gain access to the 'higher self') or seeks 'mindfulness' of the around ('mother earth' or the 'cosmos') while God's way is to look up in worship and submission (to know and obey God). Eastern contemplation is trance-like detachment, while Christian contemplation is attachment to God. My Experience With Smoking When I was a child, my parents and many adults around me smoked, but their example influenced me not to smoke. Their mental suffering--shame, guilt and regrets--as well as their physical suffering seemed to far outweigh what little pleasure they were getting from their smoking. They lamented that they were helpless slaves to their habit and passionately warned me against trying cigarettes. So I developed a healthy fear of any addiction. Not Only a Matter of Diet From cover to cover, from Genesis to Revelation, nowhere in the Bible do we find an example of a servant of God or follower of Jesus Christ eating the flesh of an unclean animal. If at any time the distinctions between clean and unclean meats had ceased to exist, shouldn't that have been made clear in the Bible through the example of God's servants? Our Dependence on the God Who Created Us We don't realize how fragile our existence is, how constantly dependent on God's care we are. Should God allow even a few degrees? change in the average temperature of the earth's surface, the perfectly balanced ecological system that is necessary for our existence would be devastated. Only minor changes in the earth's atmosphere would permit destructive radiation to render us sterile, rapidly extinguishing human life. Unless the delicate balance of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ozone and other essential gases and elements is consistently sustained in the atmosphere, life as we know it could not exist on planet earth. Our Need For Love Life without love is ultimately life without meaning. Love is a primary element of a human life. A landmark 1945 study by Rene` Spitz established that love is so vital to infants that those deprived of it may perish for want of it. Our Need for Love Life without love is ultimately life without meaning. Love is a primary element of a human life. A landmark 1945 study by Rene` Spitz established that love is so vital to infants that those deprived of it may perish for want of it. Parenting and Social Responsibility Research has shown the links between broken homes and the increased likelihood of eventual criminal behavior. Yet the Columbine High catastrophe is a dramatic wake-up call to all families. These two students came from apparently stable, middle-class and wealthy families. But, in a society in which the norm is that both parents hold down one or more jobs outside the home, as was the case here, there isn't enough time to go around. Pay Off Existing Debts If you're already in debt, do whatever you can to pay off existing credit cards and other high-interest loans. Perhaps you've been able to reduce household expenses or even have a few garage sales. Use that extra cash toward debt reduction. Peace in Nature -- and Among All Peoples When Jesus returns to earth as the promised Messiah, He will at last usher in the dream of ages, world peace. This will involve even the whole of nature, as the world will be transformed into an Edenic paradise. Pre-Christian Belief Concerning Heaven The idea that "souls" go to heaven upon death long predates Christianity. A brief look at ancient history reveals that the people of Babylon and Egypt, as well as subjects of other ancient kingdoms, held similar beliefs. Resolve to be Optimistic Even for strong Christians who are grounded in their faith, discouragement can easily sneak its way into our hearts and minds as life deals out turmoil. As we struggle with the challenges and difficulties of everyday life or things that happen to us that are unfair or unwarranted, it is easy to get pulled into a habitual mindset of negativity. Resources for Single Parents With the epidemic rise in the number of single parents there are a number of resources that can help you to survive in this difficult-to-live-in society. Save at least 10% of your Income Financial planners generally suggest families put at least 10 percent of their paychecks into savings. With the world economy as shaky as it is, many financial advisers recommend families save closer to 15 percent of their income if at all possible. Allocate that amount into your monthly budget, just as you would your fixed living expenses. Secrets of Strong Fathers Dr. Meg Meeker's book "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters" is filled with practical information on how you can build your father-daughter relationship. One of the best books available on the subject, it reveals 10 secrets every father should know. Sex Is Intended for Pleasure A loving sexual relationship is one of the benefits of sexual relations between married partners and relationship as beautiful. God created sex and marriage. He created both for the purpose of love. Though the English word sex is not found in the Bible, the Bible is prolific with references to sexuality. Some references show that harmful consequences result from sex's misuse, but many others illustrate that God created sex to provide exquisite pleasure for married couples. Shocking Levels of Violence in Personal Relationships In the realm of personal relationships, documented evidence provides one example of a serious problem which clearly demonstrates the widespread lack of respect for the rights of others. Statistics gathered on domestic violence against women, represented by just U.S. figures, should shock us. Survey: Many teens have sex by age 14 Many American teens are losing their virginity before they are old enough to legally drive, according to a survey produced by The New York Academy of Medicine. The survey of more than 2,300 Baltimore youths found that four in 10 teens had experienced sexual intercourse by age 14. One in eight said they had sex before age 13. Many had also participated in other forms of sexual activity. Teach Your Children How To Pray Children learn in many ways. One of the most effective teaching tools is by example. It is important that our children understand that we, as Christian parents, talk to God in prayer on a regular basis. Teach Your Children Money Management - Learn to say NO Children are usually adept at pleading with their parents for toys, electronic gadgets, designer clothes or other nonessential items. When they do, it's not always easy to tell them no. Teach Your Children Money Management - Show Them How To Budget Once your children have a regular income, you can begin to teach them to live on a budget. Ideally, set aside some time when you can sit down with your kids and have a focused discussion about budgeting without any interruptions. Teach Your Children Money Management - Watch Your Own Example Your children learn a lot about money just by observing you. They watch what you do at the supermarket, department store, bank, mall, etc., and then to mimic your financial attitudes, values and behavior. Depending on what you're doing, they could be learning some very good lessons or some that are not so good. Teach Your Children Money Management Part 1 How well do your children understand and manage money? Do they understand basic concepts such as saving, budgeting, borrowing and debt? Use these helpful tips to teach them! Teen girls pass boys in stupid behavior Reversing decades-long trends, teen girls are smoking marijuana and cigarettes and drinking alcohol at rates higher than teen boys. It seems ever-younger girls are getting the message that they can do whatever they want without suffering the consequences. Sadly, real life doesn?t work that way. Thankless Self-Absorption: One for Whom the World Was Not Enough A few hundred years before the time of Christ, a young man lived who practically owned the world. His father had inherited a kingdom in Macedonia at the age of 24, and expanded the kingdom considerably through military campaigns. In 336 B.C., the father was assassinated. At the age of 20, his son ascended to the throne of a then-sizable kingdom in northern Greece. Who was this young man? The Apostle Timothy Was Blessed The apostle Paul reminds us that even one parent or grandparent can have great influence on a family. Read about the Apostle Timothy. The Bible and Work Some in the church at Thessalonica who were able to work apparently chose not to do so. Instead, they expected others to provide for their physical needs. Being idle or lazy is not in step with God's expectations of our behavior. The Culture of Narcissism In Greek mythology, Narcissus was a young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. It is from his name that we get the word narcissism, a love for oneself. Christopher Lasch, author of The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations, contends that consumerism has gotten a lock on the American psyche through the drowning in momentary pleasures and trivial pursuits. The Dark Side: Its Effect on Humanity Humanity has had thousands of years to build societies and civilizations and experiment with governments, administrations and lifestyles. So why haven't we been able to solve our problems? Why does suffering still exist? We have not succeeded in finding solutions to our pervasive problems because, in the final analysis, humanity simply does not know how to live. The Devastating Impact of Divorce on Children Children of divorce often experience the same hardships suffered by children born out of wedlock. Because divorce typically slashes the mother's financial resources, "mothers and children in families that were not poor before separation suffered an average decline in income after divorce of 50 percent." The consequences of divorce on children are far-reaching. The Experience of Israel and Judah: A Lesson for Today What can American learn from the histories of Israel and Judah? It can learn that it's God who gives blessings to nations and it's God who takes them away. God is already removing the blessings He has given to the United States. He is doing it because America has rejected godly values. The nation disobeys and ignores Him, preferring instead the false gods of money, sex and secularism. Most who think they are following the Bible and Jesus Christ unknowingly embrace a corrupting mixture of Christian and pagan traditions as their beliefs. The Eye of a Needle What did Jesus Christ mean when He said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?" The Family of God The Father and Jesus have, from the beginning, planned to increase Their kind. The God kind is a family! It is headed by the Father and now consists of the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. Their plan and desire are to add to Their kind. The Founder of the Situation Ethics Movement Joseph Fletcher, an Anglican theologian, developed situation ethics in the 1960s after critiquing legalism and antinomianism. Legalism is the belief that there are fixed moral laws that must always be obeyed. Antinomianism is the belief that there are no fixed moral principles and that ethics should be spontaneous. Is this how God looks at moral laws? The Greatest Inheritance Inheritances include money, land and other possessions passed from parents to children. Even though people make wills that leave detailed instructions regarding the division of their assets upon their death, fighting over inheritances is common. The Growing Plague of Child Pornography A survey of 1,501 U.S. kids aged 10 to 17 conducted in 2000 showed that approximately one in four had had an unwanted exposure to some kind of image of naked people or people having sex in the last year. Roughly one in five kids had received a sexual solicitation or approach. One in 33 kids had received an aggressive solicitation. The Longsuffering of God God is very patient with us. He gives us the freedom to make mistakes. When we realize what we have done and we change or repent from those mistakes He is happy to forgive us. Do we treat others as God treats us? The Parable of the Sower In Jesus' parable of the sower, recorded in Matthew 13, Mark 4 and Luke 8, "the seed of the word of God". The story describes three reasons why some who hear God's truth fail to bear spiritual fruit. It also reveals the state of mind of those who produce abundant fruit. The Power of Compounding Many people don't realize the power of compounding and the effect of time. Preparing for retirements is best done early in life rather than later. What have you done to prepare for retirement? The Ultimate Goal of the Marriage Union The five points in this article for building a happy marriage deal with the relationship in a mental and emotional sense. But there is more to this physical union than what is commonly experienced. Whether one marries or remains single, God wants us to understand there are spiritual implications to the marriage relationship. The Unrealized Benefits of Maturity Aging brings a generosity of spirit and often yields a greater self-mastery of emotions and attitudes along with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of life. It encourages the forgiveness of former enemies. It abets the sharing of thoughts by letters, sayings and jokes-all things that help lift up other people. There Remains a Sabbath Rest for the People of God The faithfulness of Moses and Christ is spoken of in the first six verses of the third chapter of Hebrews. Beginning in verse 7, Psalm 95 is quoted to document the failure of the first generation of Israel as a lesson to God's people today. Unbelief was the main cause of their failure to enter the rest promised to them (verse 19). Tips for Managing Credit Cards If you carry a balance and have credit cars with high interest rates, you would be wise to look for a card with a lower rate and transfer your balances. Some cards will give extremely low rates for up to six months to attract new customers. You may wish to transfer you balances several times if necessary until you have your balance paid off. Today's Music: What is the Message to Our Kids? In Vulgarians at the Gate (2001), author Steve Allen shared with his readers the sadistic brutality of some rap lyrics. For example, the Geto Boys wrote the song "Mind of a Lunatic." The rapper's lyrics speak of a woman who was abducted by the rapper, dragged back into her house and raped at knifepoint Though she begged for her life, the rapper killed her and molested her corpse. Obscene, violent, misogynist lyrics are all too common in what passes for music today. Two Dedications To Mothers This mini study is simply two poems dedicated to all moms everywhere. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices our mothers had to make in order to raise us up. Vain Repetition: A Dangerous Race in the Desert And when you pray, do not use vain [useless] repetitions as the heathen do [do not keep on babbling like the gentiles]. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. - Matthew 6:7 What About Reported Life After Death Experiences? Occasionally the news media report the story of someone who supposedly came back to life after he or she had died and returned to consciousness to relate the incident. Sometimes these happenings seem truly remarkable and appear to contradict the many biblical passages describing death. How can that be? What Happened to Dad? Today it's common to see the father's role disparaged in media, many times making him out to be a bumbling, inept fool while the children are saved by an almost superhuman mother. This is a subtle but withering attack on the proper role of the father. Modern literature thrives on this caricature of the father figure. Books such as Raising Boys Without Men exemplify this radical vision of children not needing fathers. Yet when we see the statistics on how hedonistic and dysfunctional society is becoming by following such ideas, we ask, Where have all the fathers gone? Where is their leadership? What Happens When Fathers Are Not Around? In Western societies more children than ever are growing up without a father. In fact, recent U.S. census figures indicate approximately one out of every four children grow up without a father and half will be raised in a one-parent family at some point. But does this mean mothers who rear their children without a father are doomed to failure? What Is On Your Tongue? What is on your tongue? When you open your mouth, do words of grace, kindness and wisdom pour forth? Have you built up people by your tongue or have you shattered those connections because of the wrong use? What Kind of Love Does Valentine's Day Promote? We often talk about true love. Yet what many people call love is actually only infatuation, defined as a foolish, unreasoning or extravagant passion or attraction. Infatuation is a "falling-in-love" experience brought on by drastic changes in brain chemistry. Scientists now believe that the euphoria of infatuation is induced by the action of phenylethylamine (PEA). Naturally occurring in the chemistry of the brain, it is an amphetamine-like neurotransmitter. What Should We Meditate About? What are some of the things we might meditate on to get our minds more attuned to God's way of thinking? Why would we want to follow God's way? What benefit is it to us in a practical day-to-day use? What Some Christians Know-and Why They Don't Observe Easter Remarkably, there are thousands of Christians who don't celebrate Easter, yet they firmly believe in Jesus Christ, His sacrifice, and His resurrection. Why have they made this choice? What if We Sin After Conversion? Christians, or those considering baptism, may well ask: What if we slip up and sin after true conversion? What if You Have Made a Mistake? When it comes to sex, people make mistakes (both premarital and extramarital. Sometimes after making a sexual mistake, people will reason that since they've already committed the sin, they may as well continue doing so. This is faulty thinking because continuing to practice premarital sex or adultery perpetuates one's sin and can lead to a seared, unresponsive conscience. The biblical way to cleanse one's conscience is to repent-that is, stop breaking God's law. What is Channeling? Most have heard of the term channeling. It has become increasingly popular on TV and radio, especially with the arrival of the "New Age" movement. This is a modern version of mysticism with roots in Hinduism., Buddhism and occultism. Some famous actors and actresses have promoted this new take on some very old religious practices. This is why the Bible constantly warns us not to participate in any type of "channeling" that requires one to open his or her mind to these spirits. What is Corban? Just what is Corban mentioned in Mark 7:6-13? What application does it have for reality living today? What is True Love? The word "Love" has a multitude of meanings and linguistic uses, at least in English. We may speak of loving a particular food. We might love our job. Or we could love a particular song or movie. We frequently use love to describe relationships between two people. But here again the meaning can vary widely. The word can refer to a relationship of tender affection or apply simply to the physical sex act. Using the latter definition, the word can be used to describe an orgy, and it has been so used. But an orgy is not love but lust It is indulged in as a result of an inordinate desire for sensual pleasure, to gratify the self. What is Wrong With Our Human Nature? The Bible represents Satan as the master manipulator of human nature. Our weakness combined with the devil's influence has led the whole world into breaking God's law. When It Seems God Doesn't Hear or Answer Few attitudes are more disheartening and destructive to faith than the notion that God doesn't hear our prayers, doesn't answer or doesn't care. It is easy to come to such conclusions when God doesn't respond when or how we want. Why America Should Be Thankful Nearly four centuries have elapsed since Pilgrims and Puritans first called their "New England" the Promised Land. On a continent of limitless space and abundant potential they planted, built, and worshipped. Why has history shined so much more bountifully on America than on any other single nation in history? Americans traditionally credit God for those blessings. They give Him thanks and sing of His goodness and grace. Even their presidents pray and proclaim: "May God bless America." And indeed, America has been blessed! Why Study the Bible? Only one book gives us the answers to life's crucial questions: Why are we here? Where is the world headed? What does the future hold? It's about life itself. Why were you born? What is the purpose of life? What is your destiny? What lies ahead for our world, for your family and loved ones? The Bible is that book. Why We Must Change Our Way of Thinking Jesus makes it plain that repentance includes changing our thoughts. He explains what defiles us comes from within. He gives examples of the most basic evil attitudes and passions that dominate our thinking and behavior. Will Your Marriage Survive Some marriage counselors claim that couples should learn to fight fairly and not worry about their tendency to argue. This conventional wisdom is now proving to be not so wise after all. A recent study of 691 couples indicated that the more partners argue, regardless of their style of quarreling, the more likely they will eventually divorce. Conflicts beget distress, and eventually an argument can prove to be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Can your troubled marriage survive? Words of Encouragement When a family member or friend dies, there is no denying the sense of loneliness and emptiness and the feeling of unfinished business that we should have said or done more. Gaining a more-complete understanding of death and life can help us face our own mortality. We find courage, comfort and hope by viewing life in a larger context.
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