Not Taking Care of Yourself? It Shows

Tweet

It comes as no surprise that Demi Moore has taken ill. Supposedly it is due to exhaustion even though many think she has not taken care of herself for several years. The problem is that she seems to have refused to take care of what obviously must be taken care of without experiencing visible consequences.

As MTV news reports:

The news of the health scare may not have been too surprising to celebrity watchers who have been closely keeping an eye on the actress in the wake of her split from Ashton Kutcher.

They reiterate with the concern of those who have been keeping up with her:

Moore had many fans worried about her health after she appeared thinner than usual at several red-carpet appearances...

Whether it is your spiritual health or other issues, there are always warning signs that accompany any lack of care. With our bodies, when we don't take care of ourselves, it can manifest though exhaustion, sleeplessness, or headaches.

However, when it comes to our financial health, we can always point to a single thing...debt. Debt is one of the most telling problems of money and its problems in our lives. It creates the chains that makes us slaves:

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender. (Proverbs 22:7 HCSB)

Slaves cannot be happy, nor generous. So, debt must be dealt with if we are ever going to become financially healthy and make a difference in our lives, our homes, and for our children and grandchildren. If we are going to be able to impact our world, we must be not only willing but also able to give to God's kingdom's work through His church and ministries.

So, let's begin the process by taking a ride on the debt snowball together. How?

1. Make an E Z budget
2. Save $1000 for emergencies
3. Stop using credit (begin by cutting up your credit cards)
4. Pay down debt smallest to largest.
5. Sell stuff (most need to begin with your expensive car)
6. Get an additional part time job or work some overtime

This is a list you can use, but there are many more nuts and bolts to what can be done in your personal finances. Join us at Oceanside Church this weekend and in our small groups for "I Was Broke. Now I'm Not." www.MyOceansideChurch.com

Removing the Chains,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Countdown to Doomsday

Tweet

Doomsday in 2012? Well, at least we are told by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists that we are now 1 minute closer to doomsday. According the Washington Post article:

"In moving the clock ahead on Tuesday, the BAS cited the failure of world leaders to achieve significant progress on the reduction of nuclear weapons and in developing a comprehensive response to climate change."

So, there you have it. Scientists have now categorically declared that we are closer now than we have been since 2007. This is in addition to the Mayan calendar as well as other so-called predictors of the end of times. In truth, the Bible tells us:

"understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11 NIV)

In simple terms, the Bible reminds us that of course we're closer to the apocalypse now more than we were before. These scientists are affirming what we should recognize already. Things will get worse before the return of Christ. Although some may call it "Doomsday," to the believer it is "Hope Day." That day is referred to as that "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).

Regardless of what the Lord's timetable is for us concerning His return, we are called to be living for Him right now. He might come for us, but we can also go to HIm. in the mean time, we are to live our lives in such a way that we point others to Christ in all areas of our life.

There is no better way we can shine our light more than how we handle our money. Maybe the Doomsday you are facing is not one of the atomic variety, but in your personal finances. We are able to live out Christ in front of others in such a powerful way by how we handle our money. Actually, when it comes down to it, most of us just want to know How We Can Survive Money.

Would you like to know how you can get the single biggest raise you've ever had? Beginning this week, we start helping you get that raise. Interested? Join us this Saturday or Sunday at Oceanside Church as begin the journey together and learn how to survive money.

Surviving for Him,

Pastor Trey Rhodes