Book Review: The Automatic Millionaire

This book came heavily recommended by Zack Blair and Ben Rath. In fact, Zack did a book review of it here. Since I’ve moved out on my own – I’ve looked at money in a totally different light. I’ve been through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace Curriculum, but just like any principle in life, until you put it into practice, it doesn’t hold a lot of value. I’ve really been looking to revamp the way I handle and view money and this book helped me out tremendously. Here are some of my key takeaways:

• Make it Automatic - if you’ll automate you’re bill pay, savings, and investments it will take away from the need to be disciplined and you’ll automatically be on your way to being a millionaire!
• Automatic millionaires don’t do debt – Period
• The more you give, the more comes back to you. The more you give, the wealthier you feel!

• Renters become poor, landlords become rich – Own real estate as soon as you can!
• To get new results, you need new actions
• Figure out your “latte factor” – the little things you spend money on each day and figure out how much money you could be investing if you’d invest that money instead of spend it
• Pay with cash or don’t pay at all – you can’t spend what you don’t have in your pocket!

This was a great book – easy read and very practical. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to get a handle on their money. Also – as an additional resource – check out Dave Ramsey’s stuff – he’s got it down!

Final Grade: A          Buy it here

Looking forward to this after the Super Bowl

Proof

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. -Hebrews 11:1

Two weeks ago I wrote about the Faithfulness of God. I want to expound on what God’s been teaching me in this area. I was listening to a sermon the other day and the pastor said, “What is the outcome/result of faith?”. The Answer – “Proof!” Hebrews 11:1 says it is the evidence!

I remember reading Zack Blair’s Facebook page and one of his favorite quotes was “Prove it”. Don’t you hate when someone says that to you after you’ve just made a statement? Often it can catch us off guard, it can catch us bluffing, exaggerating, etc.. The reason that quote is so good is because it forces us to see reality and look at the facts. It exposes the truth.  You can’t argue with reality, truth, facts, or proof. People can argue all day long about what they believe, but they can never argue with proof, evidence, or actual experience. There isn’t a person on the planet that could convince me that God’s Word isn’t true – I’ve experienced it:

• My life being changed after making Jesus my Lord is PROOF that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.
  

• The fact that I was living a purposeless life and now I live everyday of my life with purpose is PROOF that He has an amazing plan for my life.
  

• The fact that when I’ve faced circumstances in my life that should have crippled me emotionally, spiritually, etc. and had a peace throughout the whole thing is PROOF that He’ll keep in perfect peace those whose eyes are fixed on Him.

• The fact that I’ve been in bondage to a number of things and have been set free from all of them is PROOF that God has set me free from every bondage in my life!

I could go on forever, but I think you get the point . . .

I hear people all the time say, “Prove to me that there is a God” “Prove to me that God exists” “Prove to me God heals”etc.. Well, it’s not my job to prove to you that God exists, has a plan for your life, etc.. God’s Word is true whether you believe it or not.  It’s my job to proclaim it to you and it’s up to you if you believe it or not. If you believe it and act on it – you’ll have PROOF (evidence)that God’s Word is true and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Then you’ll no longer need to wonder if God’s word is true, if it will work for you, etc… You’ll have proof.

This is Just Embarrassing … Anouncement Video

The Chin from Nathan Hurst on Vimeo.

This was our video announcement for this week…. O my!

Consumed… With Myself or Others?

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” -Phil. 2:3

This is something God’s been teaching me over the past year and I’m finally starting to get it!!!

In the past:

• I was consumed with impressing other people and constantly working to gain the acceptance of others

• I said I want to add value to people everyday,  but in reality I wanted to add value to me

• I’d “listen” to people talk about what God is teaching them, but in reality I was loading my head with revelations I’ve gotten to share with them that I thought was more  life changing than what they were talking about

• I was consumed with building the Kingdom of Bubba instead of the Kingdom of God

• I thought I was more important than other people

Now:

• I realize I’m really not that important and that the world isn’t watching nearly as closely as I thought

• I realize that when I’m trying to build my own kingdom, I’m missing out on God’s best for my life when I’m not building His Kingdom

• I realize that if I’m going to add value to people I need to:
  • Think of them as being better than myself
  • Do it intentionally – schedule time for this, have a plan, etc.
  • Care more about making their dreams come true than my own
  • Give them my time
  • Listen – and not try to give them my “superior knowledge and wisdom”, but just listen

Now I know I’m not perfect at this yet, but it’s something I’m intentionally working very hard at – esteeming others more than myself.

Are you more consumed with building your life or the lives of others?

Thoughts?o

Crumbs – Perry Noble

Beautiful_01 Crumbs Outtake from NewSpring Media on Vimeo.

This clip is a few months old and I just watched it again and I wanted to share it with you. Hope it helps!

Sunday Reflections 1.25.08

Alrighty – here are some thoughts from the week:

• I had an absolute blast on the ski trip – I always look forward to that every year

• I had an old friend from high school come to church with me today – I’m pretty excited about his life

• Marathon training is going well - the marathon is nearly 3 months away – time is flying!

• We had our best attendance at Revolution on a Wednesday in a long time – that pumps me up!

• Sean, Cory, and I got to play video games the other night for hours – haven’t had a night like that in forever – it was a blast!

• Zack finished up 19 North’s January series: Hope last night – I’d highly recommend listening to the podcast

• God’s Love – Zack had Ken Geisel share his testimony of overcoming cancer at 19 North via video and in person. He said something that rocked my world: He said, “Through the process I learned IF YOU KNOW HOW MUCH GOD LOVES YOU – IT’S OVER (YOU CAN DO ANYTHING). You might say to me, Ken, you’re telling me you went through all that sickness and fighting the fight and all you learned was that God loves you?? Yep!”
  • If we could only learn how much God loves us it would change our lives

• If you haven’t listened to Qualifying for God’s Best by Keith Moore – you’re missing out!

• Pastor John just wrapped up his series “Enemies of Purpose” – definitely good stuff - get the podcast!

• Here are the articles and blog posts I thought were worth reading this week

Until next time – Love you guys!

Letter from the Bush Twins to Obama’s Daughters

This video gives you a different perspective doesn’t it? I think so often we look into the lives of people who hold positions of leadership and forget that they too are human, have strengths and weaknesses, and live life everyday day just like the rest of us. Just thought it was interesting… hope you enjoy

Book Review: Sparkling Gems

Alright so I got this book because it is required reading for VBI. I’ve seen it in our bookstore for years and I’ve seen it on a lot of pastors desks. To be honest – the title threw me off and the fact that it contains “gems from the Greek” just scared me! On top of that it is a devotional book (I am not a huge fan of devotion books). So let’s just say I wasn’t looking forward to reading this.

Then I opened the book and actually started reading it. The result: I couldn’t put it down. I have not read the entire book (there is over 800 pages!) however, after reading about 200 pages I’m convinced that every believer needs this in their library. Every page is filled with wisdom – I’ll use this as a devotional for the rest of my life.

If you don’t buy this book and read it on a consistent basis – you’re missing out.

Final Grade: A+     Buy it here

Break Free and Lead (Revolution Wednesday Night Service)

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