GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life

  

Issue #1,195 October 5,2004 Golden Handcuffs   Years ago when I worked for the bank, they used what I now call "golden handcuffs" to retain employees. The banks would provide favorable interest rates and generous terms on loans and mortgages to their employees. Often times an employee could borrow far more in relation to their income and net worth than a non client could ever borrow. The staff loans were fully due and payable the moment you left the bank. That made it very difficult to leave because you would have a hard time replacing the debt and were unlikely to be in a position to pay it all off. Like so many other we fell into the trap and it took years to extricate ourselves. The glittering "golden" things of this world can be so attractive and so destructive. As I watched the business news on television the other evening I was struck by two terms, stocks and bonds. Now stocks of course refers to shares in a company and bonds are an instrument which enable corporations or governments to borrow money. Both are important to the corporate world. Yet, in thinking of golden handcuffs, the terms stocks and bonds took on new meaning. Stocks are the wooden frame criminals were stuck in to be subject to public ridicule. Bonds are things that tie you up. Now don't misunderstand, I'm not against investing in stocks or bonds, nor am I against any form of prudent financial planning. However, too much emphasis on the material things of this world ensnares us and takes our focus away from God. We chase wealth and "security" neither of which satisfies and both are transitory. Christians are no different than the world in that regard, yet Scripture tells us that we should be very different. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NIV Are you investing in golden handcuffs and keeping yourself in bondage or are you setting yourself free and investing in the things of the kingdom? Until next time, beware of the things that glitter. They are not always as good as they look. Hallelu Yah (Praise God) Be blessed Kevin

Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. You have value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that heaven will not be complete without you.

 

HELP FOR THE HURTING Where is your heart? If it is in chasing material success you'll never be satisfied. True satisfaction only comes through Jesus Christ. It's time for you to focus your efforts, energy and resources on something with eternal dividends. Give your life to Jesus today. If you want to know how to do that simply email us and we'll send you some Bible verses that will explain it to you. You can simply begin the relationship by honestly and completely opening your heart; admitting you need God's help; turning away from your sin and saying a prayer along the lines of the one below. There isn't any "magic" in the prayer; it's simply a way to open up to the gift that Jesus already bought for you with His very life. You can't earn it. You don't deserve it. He freely offers it to all who will accept it. Jesus: I have made many mistakes in my life and done things I am not proud of. I have sinned. I need your love and forgiveness. I believe that you came into this world and gave your life on a cross to pay for my sins and that you defeated death and rose again. Please forgive me, and be the Lord of my life. I give my life to you Lord. Amen If you pray this prayer for the first time let me know so I can rejoice with you. It's not the end of the process. It is the beginning of a wonderful journey to become more like Jesus. It's your starting point.

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