Econmic Woes

Economic Woes

Are you overwhelmed with the economic woes & political uncertainties plaguing the world today? Is your focus on how poorly your investments are doing in light of the current financial situation in our country? Or perhaps you are facing difficult circumstances with your business or job.

How do we cope with all that junk in our lives? By turning to the Bible, God's Word. If you find yourself fretting, worrying, and looking for answers elsewhere, I would suggest that you focus your attention on these following portions from the Bible to find answers to the age old problem of wealth accumulation.

In 2 Kings 20:13, we read about King Hezekiah's pride and political motives. "Hezekiah received the messengers and showed them all that was in his store-house - the silver, the gold, the spices and the fine oil - his armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in his entire kingdom that he did not show them." Vs. 16 & 17, "Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, 'Hear the word of the Lord: The time will surely come when everything in your palace and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord."

As we put our trust in our riches only one thing is certain, worry. We worry about will there be enough money, will I lose it all because of my bank failing, or my broker giving me sour advice, and you can add to the list.

In Psalm 119:14, we read, "I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches." Do we? Psalm 49:12 -13 & 20, "But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves..... A man who has riches without understanding is like the beast that perish." Proverbs 11:28, "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." See also, Proverbs 8:17-20.

Lest you think all this Old Testament scripture is not appropriate for today, hear what we read in Matthew 6:19-21, "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." The verses that follow these verses in Matthew 6: 25 -34 will direct us toward a worry free life if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.... "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Well, where does all this leave us today? God's dividends will never be reduced nor will HE fail to pay them. But what are God's dividends, you ask? Lives changed and transformed by His mercy and grace. When we witness firsthand the transformation that takes place in the life a man from the Colony of Mercy or a women from the Women of Character programs, they are truly dividends from the God of heaven. These two ministries have and will continue to provide a Sanctuary of Hope for men and women if you will invest in God's investment program through prayer and perhaps also financial means. (All Bible quotes are from the New International Version.) - Stan Marsh is Director of Planned Giving at America's KESWICK

God's WORD for you: Proverbs 24; Jeremiah 3-5; 1 Timothy 4

Think About This: The truth that many people never understand, until it is too late, is
that the more you try to avoid suffering the more you suffer, because smaller things begin to torture you in proportion to your fear of suffering. -- Thomas Merton

I asked Stan for some insight into ways that folks can safely manage their finances during these challenging times. Have you considered a Charitable Gift Annuity? A Charitable Gift Annuity in today's economic slowdown will provide those qualified to enter into such an agreement, with a great interest income that will never be subject to the economic slides of Wall Street. The guidelines for issuing a CGA by America's KESWICK is as follows: Minimum age of 65; minimum amount of gift $2,500.00. The interest rate for a couple both age 65 will be 5.4% and for a couple both age 90 the interest rate will be 8.7%. For single annuitants the interest rate will be 5.7% for age 65 to 10.5% for ages 90 and over. Interest rates are determined by the age of the age of the donor or donors entering into the Charitable Gift Annuity agreement. If you'd like more information, you can contact Stan at 732-350-1187 ext 32 or email him at smarsh@americaskeswick.org.