How much is enough? The amount of money spent by Americans in any given year is astounding. This money, we are told, drives the economy and supposedly ends up putting more and more money in the pockets of every American. If you believe that statement I have a nice pig for sale that flew here from Antarctica.
The average American family, according to 2003 statistics, made around $73,770 per year, assuming both the husband and wife work full-time jobs. The same family in 1973 with only one wage earner made about $42,500. A very sobering statistic shows that the 1973 family with $42,500 available only had to spend $22,890 on fixed cost items (housing, insurance, child care, transportation and taxes). The 1973 family had almost $20,000 left for discretionary spending. The 2003 family with $73,770 available had to spend $55,660 on fixed cost items and had only $18,110 left for discretionary spending.
How can it be possible that a family living today, with two people earning almost double what a family did 30 years ago, have LESS money to spend on food, clothing, entertainment and savings than the family one generation ago? The answer lies in the incredible escalation of fixed cost expenses.
Housing expenses have gone from $5820 in 1973 to $10,500 in 2003. Child care expenses were non-existent 30 years ago because one parent could stay at home and watch the children. Now parents spend $5,600 per child on after school and summer day care, and $7,000 per year on a pre-schooler. Due to the need for two vehicles, transportation costs have increased dramatically from $5,600 per year to $8,000.
It is very interesting that in spite of these statistics, last year Americans shelled out close to 150 billion dollars on music, dolls, clothes and other "in" things for the 20 million girls aged 8-14. It is truly amazing that with less discretionary income Americans can still; drink copious amounts of both alchoholic and carbonated beverages, smoke cigarettes, eat out two, three or even ten times per week, buy designer label clothes, flock to stadiums and arenas to root for their favorite sports team, rent or go to movies weekly, have every new technological toy on the market, drive SUVs that are lucky to get 12 mpg, send their kids to private schools, enroll their kids in every single activity known to man, give their kids every new game or toy on the market, and flush money down the gaming industry's toilets of lottery tickets and slot machines.
The only way people can spend as they do is the ease of credit. Credit cards provide an easy way to get $5,000-20,000 more discretionary income per year. Sooner or later they do have to be repaid, either at $50 per month for 1000 years or through foreclosure of the house.
I am sorry, but I would rather see the Federal Reserve Board charge 15% interest to make people quit borrowing than to lower interest rates to spur people to borrow more. The day of reckoning will come for this greed driven country. Sooner or later the unbridled lust for "bigger, better, MORE and MORE", will drive America the beautiful to its knees.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
What is in a Name
My name is not important, but my message is very important. Far too much emphasis is placed on who is speaking, and far too little on what is being said. If as much emphasis were placed on the subject matter of what is spoken as the appearance or credentials of the speaker; perhaps what was being said would actually be heard.
Does a degree from a particular institution of higher learning automatically qualify a person to be an expert in a particular field? Do various and sundry initials in front of or behind a person’s name make him or her a better person? Are most reverends really any more reverent than the common lay person who loves God with all their heart? Are doctors of this, that or the other to be viewed as infallible simply because of two letters in front of their name?
The greatest teacher, pastor, priest, prophet, apostle, evangelist and counselor who ever lived was Jesus. He did not go by Dr. Jesus or Rev. Jesus or even Mr. Jesus. He was simply Jesus of Nazareth. After he was raised from the dead he became the Christ and after the ascension he was made Lord. God has now given him the name which is above every name. Did God rename His only son? No, his name never changed; God simply elevated it to be the greatest name in the universe because of what Jesus did in laying down his life for our sins.
Names and titles are nice for reference, but should be viewed as having no authority. The important things are truth, integrity and honesty; not designations and titles given and conferred by people on other people. A person’s true identity is discovered when all their accolades, awards and achievements are stripped from them and they are left standing bare naked before the Lord Jesus Christ. When a person has nothing left to hide behind or under, then their true identity is revealed.
Respect and honor are things to be earned through humility and service not education and family heritage. Jesus emptied himself of his reputation and humbled himself by becoming a servant. His humility and service resulted in his horrible suffering and death on the cross for our sins. He willingly and lovingly laid down his life for us. He who knew no sin became sin so that we might become righteous in God’s eyes.
Because of what Jesus DID, he earned my respect. Because he loved me enough to give his life in my place; I owe him all the honor, reverence and praise in my heart. Jesus is my savior for through him salvation was bought for me and brought to me. Jesus is my lord for he and he alone is master in my life.
I do not have the educational credentials or family heritage to be even glanced at by the “important” people of this world. I, like many before me, am an ignorant and unlearned man who happens to love Yahweh, His son Jesus and the Bible. I cannot become something I am not. I cannot place initials in front of or behind my name to woo you with my titles. All I can do is speak the truth in love and continue to love without hypocrisy at all times.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Kirk
Does a degree from a particular institution of higher learning automatically qualify a person to be an expert in a particular field? Do various and sundry initials in front of or behind a person’s name make him or her a better person? Are most reverends really any more reverent than the common lay person who loves God with all their heart? Are doctors of this, that or the other to be viewed as infallible simply because of two letters in front of their name?
The greatest teacher, pastor, priest, prophet, apostle, evangelist and counselor who ever lived was Jesus. He did not go by Dr. Jesus or Rev. Jesus or even Mr. Jesus. He was simply Jesus of Nazareth. After he was raised from the dead he became the Christ and after the ascension he was made Lord. God has now given him the name which is above every name. Did God rename His only son? No, his name never changed; God simply elevated it to be the greatest name in the universe because of what Jesus did in laying down his life for our sins.
Names and titles are nice for reference, but should be viewed as having no authority. The important things are truth, integrity and honesty; not designations and titles given and conferred by people on other people. A person’s true identity is discovered when all their accolades, awards and achievements are stripped from them and they are left standing bare naked before the Lord Jesus Christ. When a person has nothing left to hide behind or under, then their true identity is revealed.
Respect and honor are things to be earned through humility and service not education and family heritage. Jesus emptied himself of his reputation and humbled himself by becoming a servant. His humility and service resulted in his horrible suffering and death on the cross for our sins. He willingly and lovingly laid down his life for us. He who knew no sin became sin so that we might become righteous in God’s eyes.
Because of what Jesus DID, he earned my respect. Because he loved me enough to give his life in my place; I owe him all the honor, reverence and praise in my heart. Jesus is my savior for through him salvation was bought for me and brought to me. Jesus is my lord for he and he alone is master in my life.
I do not have the educational credentials or family heritage to be even glanced at by the “important” people of this world. I, like many before me, am an ignorant and unlearned man who happens to love Yahweh, His son Jesus and the Bible. I cannot become something I am not. I cannot place initials in front of or behind my name to woo you with my titles. All I can do is speak the truth in love and continue to love without hypocrisy at all times.
God bless you and keep you safe.
Kirk
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
The True Anchor of our Souls
Well, I am glad it appears these crucial two weeks may actually pass without a major incident. I am not complaining nor do I sit around praying for disasters to occur as some might think. I never said something would happen, only that it was a time frame when various world events could blow up.
I do find it very interesting that something like the Federal Reserve Board lowing a key interest rate by 1/2 % causes investors to suddenly forget all the horrible things that had driven the stock markets down for weeks. It is no cause for joy to see the price of oil hitting record highs EVERY DAY! Sooner or later that high priced oil will show up at the gasoline pump and in things like heating oil. But for now, let all in the financial sector party for their prayers have been answered as far as rates go.
I am so very thankful to have the glorious hope of the return of Christ as the anchor of my soul. Without the knowledge and understanding of the true meaning of this life, this life would tend to be pretty miserable at times. We are sojourners, vagabonds and transients as we spend our little speck of time on this planet. The earth is the LORD'S and He graciously allows us to set up our tents on His land for the years we are alive.
I am somewhat amused at the fanatical stance many people make on the issue of illegal immigration. What if they would have enacted such things in the time of Abraham, or Jacob or the children of Israel on their way to the promised land. Abraham spent his entire life as a stranger in a strange land, no matter where he was. That is to be our attitude toward this world. We are strange people (because we belong to God) living in a strange land (that refuses to believe the land really belongs to GOD).
People can be raving maniacs regarding meaningless issues like immigration and it is allowed because it is a current political issue. But, when people get passionate about the things of God and His son Jesus Christ they are labeled "religious fanatics, kooks, or trouble makers". This should not surprise anyone for this is what they labeled Jesus Christ and ultimately caused them to so despise him that they had to crucify him.
As this world spins in its never ending whirl of propaganda from all different directions, we who know and love our Lord Jesus need to keep our feet firmly planted on the firm rock of God's Word and our hearts and minds focused on our Lord whom we have committed ourselves to serve. Doing these things allows us to not get drug into the cesspool of filth and confusion that is the very world in which we get to live.
God Bless you and keep you safe through His son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Kirk
I do find it very interesting that something like the Federal Reserve Board lowing a key interest rate by 1/2 % causes investors to suddenly forget all the horrible things that had driven the stock markets down for weeks. It is no cause for joy to see the price of oil hitting record highs EVERY DAY! Sooner or later that high priced oil will show up at the gasoline pump and in things like heating oil. But for now, let all in the financial sector party for their prayers have been answered as far as rates go.
I am so very thankful to have the glorious hope of the return of Christ as the anchor of my soul. Without the knowledge and understanding of the true meaning of this life, this life would tend to be pretty miserable at times. We are sojourners, vagabonds and transients as we spend our little speck of time on this planet. The earth is the LORD'S and He graciously allows us to set up our tents on His land for the years we are alive.
I am somewhat amused at the fanatical stance many people make on the issue of illegal immigration. What if they would have enacted such things in the time of Abraham, or Jacob or the children of Israel on their way to the promised land. Abraham spent his entire life as a stranger in a strange land, no matter where he was. That is to be our attitude toward this world. We are strange people (because we belong to God) living in a strange land (that refuses to believe the land really belongs to GOD).
People can be raving maniacs regarding meaningless issues like immigration and it is allowed because it is a current political issue. But, when people get passionate about the things of God and His son Jesus Christ they are labeled "religious fanatics, kooks, or trouble makers". This should not surprise anyone for this is what they labeled Jesus Christ and ultimately caused them to so despise him that they had to crucify him.
As this world spins in its never ending whirl of propaganda from all different directions, we who know and love our Lord Jesus need to keep our feet firmly planted on the firm rock of God's Word and our hearts and minds focused on our Lord whom we have committed ourselves to serve. Doing these things allows us to not get drug into the cesspool of filth and confusion that is the very world in which we get to live.
God Bless you and keep you safe through His son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Kirk
Monday, September 17, 2007
PERSPECTIVE: 110,000 Fans = $7,500,000
God bless you. Yesterday in St. Louis, MO over 65,000 people crowded into the football stadium and another 45,000 squeezed into the baseball stadium to watch their favorite players either hit people or baseballs. Innocent fun and games some would say. Perhaps, but at what cost? The average cost for a ticket to a NFL game in St. Louis is over $60. A baseball game ticket averages $30. When parking, refreshments, souvenirs and gas to get to the game are figured in; a single person ends up spending close to $100 to watch football or $60 to watch baseball.
110,000 people in one city in America obviously had a spare $60-100 per family member just laying around the house (or available on a credit card) to spend on entertainment. I would venture to say that of those 110,000 people, the vast majority would cry poverty if asked to give $75 to any upstanding charity helping the poor and needy. Such is the hypocrisy of Americans when it comes to their money.
If 100,000 people were to each give $75 to help the poor and needy that would amount to $7,500,000. That amount of money would purchase approximately 5,813,955 meals for starving children anywhere in the world. That amount of money would secure almost 950 semi loads of food and other vital supplies for places like Quemado, TX or Theodore, AL. That amount of money could erect 5000 square foot buildings to house outreach programs in 100 communities. That amount of money could pay to construct 500 homes for people who lost theirs in hurricanes or other storms.
$7,500,000 is quite a bit of money. Enough to pay a decent baseball player a year's salary (nowhere near enough to pay for a "star" player though). That's enough money to pay for one's favorite politician to parade around the country for a month. That's enough money to get an average actor or actress to star in a movie or television show for a season.
Americans spend, are you ready for this, over $50,000,000,000 (that's 50 BILLION dollars) per year gambling. That works out to almost $1,500,000 per day. Soooo,
to put $7,500,000 in perspective; it is how much Americans spend gambling in FIVE DAYS. Americans spend, are you ready for this, over $66,000,000,000 (that's 66 BILLION dollars) on CARBONATED BEVERAGES every year. That works out to 1.8 million dollars per day spent mainly on soda pop. That makes $7,500,000 seem, like pennies in your pocket.
If Americans gave to local charities anywhere near as much as they spend on carbonated beverages, then groups like mine would gladly cease to exist today. But, because most people's money is flushed down the toilets of gambling, addictions and entertainment; I will be around for awhile trying to get people to wake up and see their hypocrisy when it comes to spending money.
Till next time,
God Bless you and keep you safe,
Kirk
110,000 people in one city in America obviously had a spare $60-100 per family member just laying around the house (or available on a credit card) to spend on entertainment. I would venture to say that of those 110,000 people, the vast majority would cry poverty if asked to give $75 to any upstanding charity helping the poor and needy. Such is the hypocrisy of Americans when it comes to their money.
If 100,000 people were to each give $75 to help the poor and needy that would amount to $7,500,000. That amount of money would purchase approximately 5,813,955 meals for starving children anywhere in the world. That amount of money would secure almost 950 semi loads of food and other vital supplies for places like Quemado, TX or Theodore, AL. That amount of money could erect 5000 square foot buildings to house outreach programs in 100 communities. That amount of money could pay to construct 500 homes for people who lost theirs in hurricanes or other storms.
$7,500,000 is quite a bit of money. Enough to pay a decent baseball player a year's salary (nowhere near enough to pay for a "star" player though). That's enough money to pay for one's favorite politician to parade around the country for a month. That's enough money to get an average actor or actress to star in a movie or television show for a season.
Americans spend, are you ready for this, over $50,000,000,000 (that's 50 BILLION dollars) per year gambling. That works out to almost $1,500,000 per day. Soooo,
to put $7,500,000 in perspective; it is how much Americans spend gambling in FIVE DAYS. Americans spend, are you ready for this, over $66,000,000,000 (that's 66 BILLION dollars) on CARBONATED BEVERAGES every year. That works out to 1.8 million dollars per day spent mainly on soda pop. That makes $7,500,000 seem, like pennies in your pocket.
If Americans gave to local charities anywhere near as much as they spend on carbonated beverages, then groups like mine would gladly cease to exist today. But, because most people's money is flushed down the toilets of gambling, addictions and entertainment; I will be around for awhile trying to get people to wake up and see their hypocrisy when it comes to spending money.
Till next time,
God Bless you and keep you safe,
Kirk
Friday, September 14, 2007
What Next?
Well, we made it through September 14 without a major event happening in this country. Although that is a huge blessing, we must never let our guard down or get complacent. There are still many situations coming up in the next 8 days, any one of which could severely alter life as we know it in these United States.
Besides the obvious things like a Federal Reserve Board meeting on Tuesday, there are many outstanding issues in the world that could boil over at any moment. The ongoing tension between Israel and Syria seems to be escalating daily. Just today China came on board with Syria (after North Korea laid the groundwork) to ramp up their nuclear capabilities. This is a scary proposition when taken together with what is already happening in Iran.
For those of us aware of "end times" signs, the incredible things happening with recent hurricanes is very significant. It has been stated that the explosive development of Humberto two nights ago was unprecedented. It may have been, but we have been trying to warn people of this scenario since May. Don't look at storms way out in the Atlantic this year, be very careful of those that develop close to shore. Already this season, Erin, Felix and Gabrielle have followed this script. Rest assured, there will be plenty more hurricanes and rumors of hurricanes this season.
Just as significant is the incredible series of earthquakes in Indonesia. The major aftershocks have been unbelievable. I have never seen so many tsunami alerts posted as in the last couple of days. Here is a very informative website that shows where earthquakes happen every hour;
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/index.php
It is very interesting how in the whole world, the two countries seeing more people getting born again than any other are India and Indonesia. India has been ravaged by relentless flooding for months. Just this week , it was reported over a million people had lost their homes in northeast India to flooding. Now in Indonesia there are major earthquakes happening daily. It appears someone is a little irritated that they are loosing so many people to the True God. Certainly the people of India and Indonesia need our prayers along with the longsuffering Christians in the Sudan and Mozambique in Africa.
Please remember our suffering brothers and sisters scattered around the world courageously speaking and living the gospel of Jesus Christ in your prayers. No matter how tough we think we have it in this country, at least for now we live in paradise compared to many in Asia and Africa.
God Bless you and keep you in His love,
Kirk
Besides the obvious things like a Federal Reserve Board meeting on Tuesday, there are many outstanding issues in the world that could boil over at any moment. The ongoing tension between Israel and Syria seems to be escalating daily. Just today China came on board with Syria (after North Korea laid the groundwork) to ramp up their nuclear capabilities. This is a scary proposition when taken together with what is already happening in Iran.
For those of us aware of "end times" signs, the incredible things happening with recent hurricanes is very significant. It has been stated that the explosive development of Humberto two nights ago was unprecedented. It may have been, but we have been trying to warn people of this scenario since May. Don't look at storms way out in the Atlantic this year, be very careful of those that develop close to shore. Already this season, Erin, Felix and Gabrielle have followed this script. Rest assured, there will be plenty more hurricanes and rumors of hurricanes this season.
Just as significant is the incredible series of earthquakes in Indonesia. The major aftershocks have been unbelievable. I have never seen so many tsunami alerts posted as in the last couple of days. Here is a very informative website that shows where earthquakes happen every hour;
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/index.php
It is very interesting how in the whole world, the two countries seeing more people getting born again than any other are India and Indonesia. India has been ravaged by relentless flooding for months. Just this week , it was reported over a million people had lost their homes in northeast India to flooding. Now in Indonesia there are major earthquakes happening daily. It appears someone is a little irritated that they are loosing so many people to the True God. Certainly the people of India and Indonesia need our prayers along with the longsuffering Christians in the Sudan and Mozambique in Africa.
Please remember our suffering brothers and sisters scattered around the world courageously speaking and living the gospel of Jesus Christ in your prayers. No matter how tough we think we have it in this country, at least for now we live in paradise compared to many in Asia and Africa.
God Bless you and keep you in His love,
Kirk
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Reflections of 9-11 in 2007
God bless each of you on this significant day in United States history. Everybody has their story as to "where they were" when they heard or saw the news six years ago today. No one was or is the same after the fateful events that took place that day. No event in the past 60 years changed so many things in this country than what happened in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania in 2001. In an instant, everything changed for just about everyone. No one was immune from the impact of the day's events. One day did indeed change America forever. These were the things spoken by everyone in 2001.
Having said all this, look around you six years later. Has America really changed? Things are pretty much as they were six years ago for the vast majority of Americans. Very few people think much about 9-11 other than to wish it never happened. I fear most people have buried the images of that day deep in their minds, and have thrown away the keys. Although this is understandable, it is not a good thing.
I remember the words spoken so often six years ago; "We will never forget". Yet we have forgotten so much of the emotion, fear and feelings of vulnerability we felt as we watched our country being attacked for the first time. We have forgotten because there have been no more attacks. We have forgotten because so much time has elapsed without another disaster. The old feelings of invincibility and apathy have returned. This is not a good thing.
Soon, I will shock any of you daring to read these things with the truth about what the same people who carried out 9-11 have in store for the rest of us as soon as they get the signal to proceed. Let me tell you that it is not pleasant for those living near some of our largest cities.
I leave you today with these verses out of I Thessalonians 5.
"Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.
For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in in the night.
While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;
for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;
so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober."
I Thessalonians 5:1-6 NASB
God bless you and keep you in Christ Jesus.
Having said all this, look around you six years later. Has America really changed? Things are pretty much as they were six years ago for the vast majority of Americans. Very few people think much about 9-11 other than to wish it never happened. I fear most people have buried the images of that day deep in their minds, and have thrown away the keys. Although this is understandable, it is not a good thing.
I remember the words spoken so often six years ago; "We will never forget". Yet we have forgotten so much of the emotion, fear and feelings of vulnerability we felt as we watched our country being attacked for the first time. We have forgotten because there have been no more attacks. We have forgotten because so much time has elapsed without another disaster. The old feelings of invincibility and apathy have returned. This is not a good thing.
Soon, I will shock any of you daring to read these things with the truth about what the same people who carried out 9-11 have in store for the rest of us as soon as they get the signal to proceed. Let me tell you that it is not pleasant for those living near some of our largest cities.
I leave you today with these verses out of I Thessalonians 5.
"Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.
For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in in the night.
While they are saying, "Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;
for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;
so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober."
I Thessalonians 5:1-6 NASB
God bless you and keep you in Christ Jesus.
Friday, September 7, 2007
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