Vol. 1 No. 25 |  September 21 , 2006  

    

This week

“The Bible teaches that Christians are totally different from anyone else.” -  
Peter Jeffery, Evangelicals Then and Now (Buy Now)

 


 

Finance

How to Beat the Banks at the Credit Card Game

This week’s financial tip is an answer to a letter I received last week from a subscriber to Wisdom’s Edge. Debbie asks: “We’ve been battling credit cards for most of our married life. We’re finally getting on top of the situation. We’ve paid off almost all of our cards with one left to go. It feels good! It makes me extremely angry to get two and three new offers of credit cards almost every day. I take great joy in tearing all of them up and throwing them away. The minimum payments have gone up. Interest rates are astronomical! Is there anyone who goes to bat for the consumer on credit cards or are the big banks just leading us to the slaughter? It appears that the banks can do about anything they want. Thanks!”

First of all, congratulations on your efforts to get out of debt. As I’ve mentioned in the past, this has to be a major priority for all Christians. We are to be slaves to Christ, not to lenders.

Unfortunately, the banks have a lot of power to influence Congress, so they are able to do just about anything they want. Which means anyone who has credit card debt knows what Scripture is talking about when it says, “the borrower is servant to the lender.”

You’re doing the very best thing you can do to control the banks – pay off the cards. And then stay out of debt. If you can’t control your spending with credit cards, cut them up and stay away. Credit cards are a great tool if you know how to control them. Unfortunately, most people don’t. Researchers say that the average person spends about 30% more when they use a credit card compared to using cash only. That’s why radio talk-show host Dave Ramsey tells all his listeners to cut up their cards.

I think that’s the best course of action for most people. Remember, the banks make money with credit cards three ways: interest charges, late payment and other user fees, and through merchant fees (fees charged to the companies that accept credit cards). The latter will often result in higher prices you pay for the things you buy. The first two, you have more control over.

If you decide to use credit cards, you must pay them off every month and use them only for items you would buy with cash. That means you have to stay within your budget. If you can do that, then credit cards are a good tool to use. But if you can’t, then cut them up.

As for the credit card offers you receive in the mail, there’s an easy way to stop those. Check out the article I wrote last week that tells you how to do it in just 5 minutes.

– Steve Kroening
     
 

 

Health

Is Multitasking Destroying Your Memory?

Are you super busy? Are you likely to have a phone at your ear while you answer the door, make a cup of coffee, and read or write emails? Guilty of reading and watching the evening news at the same time? Always working on two or three things at once?

It’s called multitasking. And it turns out that it’s terrible for your memory. A new study found that during hectic days, we store only brief memories. Distractions hinder the brain’s ability to recall information. This means that any new information you process during busy times or while multitasking is not likely to be fully available, or even available at all, later.

In the study, the researchers discovered something very interesting about how the brain handles information. When we are busy or distracted or doing too many things at once, the brain has difficulty filing information in a place where it can easily recall it. This is because the brain retains memories in context.  In other words, memories are tied to the events and conditions in which they occur. When the brain is multitasking, the context in which it attempts to store a bit of information is complex and dynamic.  Unless later, events are the same or very similar, the information is likely to be lost.

All of this points to some new understandings about memory. Extensive data has shown that there’s not a single memory system, but two memory systems. Researchers call these systems declarative and procedural. Declarative memory is the ability to recall your experience, such as what you had for breakfast. Procedural memories are more about learning how to do things, such as playing tennis or solving math problems.

It’s beginning to look like declarative and procedural memory might actually compete with each other. Distraction or multi-tasking might cause you to rely less on declarative memory and more on procedural memory. And memories gathered in procedural memory are tougher to bring up once the setting changes.

So if you’d like to improve your memory, stop multitasking and try to focus more closely on the task at hand. It will take time for your memory to improve, but over time you’ll see a big difference in your ability to recall certain facts.

– James Balch, MD

(Reprinted from Prescriptions for Healthy Living, 800-728-2288)
     
 
   

Marriage and Relationships

15 Ways to Please Your Husband

Romans 15:2-3 tells us, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself…" Who is your closest neighbor? Your husband. How can you edify (build, improve) your mate and thereby enhance his self-worth? By discovering—and doing—what pleases him.

If you are creative, pleasing your mate may be a natural part of your personality. But a less creative person may need some coaching in becoming a partner pleaser. And all of us need an occasional cue card to remind us to reach out. Here are a few ideas:

    1. Write him a letter and send it to his office, or put a love note in his lunchbox or briefcase.
    2. Prepare his favorite meal.
    3. Arrange an evening out for just the two of you.
    4. Wear his favorite dress with your hair done the way he likes it.
    5. Purchase something small and frivolous for him that he won't buy himself.
    6. Give him a nicely framed picture of yourself, or of you and the children, for his office.
    7. Surprise him with an all-expense-paid trip to do something he likes, such as golf, fishing, or hunting trip.
    8. Put the children to bed early and prepare a candlelight dinner.
    9. Do something that especially pleased him when you were dating.
    10. Read Scriptures and pray with him regularly.
    11. Take walks together.
    12. Keep your junk out of the garage.
    13. Greet your husband warmly after work.
    14. Wear his favorite negligee or buy a new nightgown to add sizzle to your evening attire.
    15. Clean out the car for him.

Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference in your marriage. Pick out something you haven't tried before; don't give complacency a foothold in your marriage relationship.

– Barbara Rainey

(Quoted from Real FamilyLife, May/June 1997.)
     
 

 

Parenting & Education

Raising a Godly Son in a Wicked Generation

Being the mother of an only son, I have prayed, fasted and searched the Scriptures on how to bring him up. There are many warnings in the Word to a son, to help him keep his path straight.

Teach your son to flee youthful lust (2 Tim. 2:22) – The first example is that of Joseph having to deal with the daily pleadings of Potipher's wife to have an illicit affair. Even though he was innocent, he ended up in prison. God used that time to prepare him for his future post as second only to Pharaoh.

Teach your son to exercise self-control (1 Cor. 9:27) – Solomon, though the wisest man that ever lived, lost control over his passions and ended up with 700 wives and 300 concubines. These foreign women turned his heart away from the Lord. The word turned means to stretch or spread out. His love and devotion to the Lord were now spread out among his wives' gods.

Teach your son the value of hard work (Prov. 12:27) – God has given him the role of provider for a future family. The sooner he understands that the ability to work is a gift from God, the sooner he will derive joy from his labors. Diligence is a man's precious possession.

Teach him not to reject the discipline of the Lord or despise his reproof (Prov. 3:11) – Since we will all sin, be ready to receive God’s correction. It will increase your wisdom.

Teach him to use the word of God as a mirror to examine his life against God’s precepts (Js. 1:23-25) – The Word exposes sin to allow for repentance and healing. Most importantly, warn him against idolatry. Explain that sports, work, and even church activities can all take the place of God in our life. A mistress is not necessarily a woman!

And, finally, teach him to stay away from foolish women (Prov. 9:13-18) – This is one of the most repeated warnings in Scripture for young men. These women are all too easy to find. Sadly, young men also must be warned about the lure of homosexuality and the seductiveness of its presenters. If you don’t talk to your sons about this issue, someone will. And it’s not likely to be someone who agrees with your standards.

If you’re a single mom, don’t think you can’t follow through with these. Difficult as it seems, you can raise a godly boy without an engaged father. Timothy, through the prayers and teachings of Grandma Lois and his mom, was such a boy (2 Tim.1:5).

My son is a young man now. God continues to work in his heart to make him a man of God. And I constantly remind him about these warnings from Scripture. The older he gets, the more he has to know the details about the danger each presents when disobeyed. I have to make him aware of the depths of these dangers. If I don’t, he might think he’s strong enough to play with fire.

Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

– Gladys Villnow
     
 

 

Success

How to Keep Taxes From Ruining Your Investment Returns

Last week, we discussed the second biggest obstacle to investment success – inflation. This week, we’re going to look at the biggest obstacle to investment success taxes. While inflation hits us for 3-8% a year, taxes hit us for 20-50% or more. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, taxation is like death – except that (for Christians, at least) you only have to die once. But history and Scripture show us the best way to lower taxes. And it might just surprise you.

Historically, taxes have two purposes: To give the king (government) money and to show people who is in charge. Tax levels have been as low as 0%, as high as 100%, and anywhere in between. History has also shown us that when taxes are low, people are prosperous. But when taxes are high, history makes it clear that the end of the taxing authority is drawing near.

There are two interesting accounts in the Bible of what happened when Jesus was confronted with the issue of taxation. The most well-known one was when he was asked whether taxes are legitimate or not. The Jewish people had a long history of being against taxation. And they were hoping Jesus might be the new leader in a tax revolt.

In his often-peculiar fashion, Jesus did not answer their question directly. Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s, he said (Matt. 22:21). This answer was true and effective – it robbed His enemies of a stick to beat him with while acknowledging the legitimacy of the Roman government.  But his answer was not intended to be an in-depth treatise on the morality and nature of taxation.  For one thing, it gives no definition of how much tax Caesar is entitled to. It also prompts another important question: Just who is it that determines what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God?

The second interesting example is the encounter Jesus had with a publican, Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1ff). Now a publican in Roman times was a tax farmer. These were people who paid for the right to collect taxes in a particular area. They had wide-ranging powers to collect, and they typically made extensive use of those powers. Like tax collectors today, they were not popular people. Jesus was often criticized for eating and drinking with “publicans and sinners.”

Even among Christians, the subject of taxes can be controversial. But most Christians agree that, biblically speaking, government is frequently an irresponsible steward of the money entrusted to it. And the Bible views the giving of money to profligate spenders as foolish (Proverbs 17:16). Yes, we are required to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7). But we have a responsibility to be good stewards of our money and minimize those taxes as much as is legally possible.

Minimizing your taxes is a big subject, with as many facets to it as there are pages in the tax code.  Don’t let that deter you.  Learn how to take advantage of tax breaks, starting with the big, easy ones such as those granted for each member of your family and for mortgage payments.  Don’t let tax planning run your life, determining what you do and don’t do, but take advantage of every opportunity to avoid taxes that the IRS allows, as it applies to your situation.  And if doing so is too complex for you to do, hire an accountant or tax preparer (or ask a tax-savvy friend) to advise you on the matter.

The same compounding laws that govern money you invest also govern money you lose.  You cannot earn interest tomorrow on money you give the government today. And losing 50% of your income is an enormous reduction. To see your “talents” grow (Matt. 25:14-30), you must minimize that reduction as much as is legally permissible. Watch for tips on how to cut your tax bill in future issues of Wisdom's Edge

– Ian Hodge

 
     
 

 
 

Wisdom From History

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Two Secrets to Success

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (pronounced TOHL-keen) was nothing if not a perfectionist.

He began writing The Silmarillion, an epic fantasy of a mythological European past, in 1917. When his other novels set in the same world became best sellers in the 1950s and 1960s, his publisher begged him to complete the book.

But Tolkien (1892-1973) wasn't satisfied with it. He kept changing and refining the story, leaving it unfinished when he died. (His son Christopher completed the manuscript based on his father's notes.)

Through hard work and drive, painstaking research into language and people, and a belief in himself and his work, he set the standard by which all fantasy is judged.

His books, such as The Lord of the Rings (voted best fantasy ever by British booksellers) and the children's story The Hobbit, became best sellers. Sales of his books have reached an estimated 50 million copies in 23 languages (the three volumes in the Rings trilogy are counted as one)….

When he wrote, he kept an intense focus on his characters. For example, he admitted that he became so immersed in the story while writing the climax of Rings that he wept.

But it wasn't just a good story Tolkien was after. A devout Christian, he wanted to write about basic issues, such as the struggle between good and evil. (He was instrumental in the conversion of his friend the author and professor C.S. Lewis to Christianity.)

But Tolkien didn't want to be preachy, knowing that would turn some readers away. So he made sure his stories were interesting. He'd insert humor to lighten a moral. He'd play with language to keep readers guessing.

It paid off. The response to his books showed that he had touched something common to readers in many cultures.

In 1965, the paperback version of Rings was published in the U.S. The quiet, retired professor of 73 was overwhelmed with interview requests.

So that he could stay focused on his studies and writing, Tolkien would set an alarm to go off shortly after journalists or others from the book business arrived. He'd shoo them out, saying he had another urgent matter.

– Scott S. Smith

(Excerpted from “Author J.R.R. Tolkien,” Investors Business Daily, July 8, 1999.)

     
     
 

 

Word for the Wise

God’s Answer to the Tax Man

“freely you have received, freely give” – Matthew 10:8

Freely – Money, sex and power: The world’s great motivators. Every one of them is deeply spiritual. But maybe you never thought about it like that. Money is the most pervasive spiritual commodity in the world. It is the single purest measure of submission and humility. The testing ground for real understanding and obedience. Money is that spiritual place where I get to decide if I am in charge of my life. Money is the spiritual fulcrum that balances gift with reward. Free with earn. Grace with merit. To make a mistake about the spiritual dimension of money is to wander into a blind alley of desperate seeking.

The world never gives what it cannot take away. It’s in exact opposition to God’s view of a gift. The world only provides loans. Every loan comes with a repayment contract. In the end, something will be due.

But it's far worse than that. The world never gives something without a tax. And the taxman collects on regular intervals or whenever he feels like it or both. The world's system is based on obligation, debt and reward. God’s is based on gift without payment.

From a logical point of view, no one would choose debt and repayment over free gift. But we’re not very logical, are we? When the world presents its loan package, it all seems so wonderful. “Live life now,” “Grab life by the horns,” “Be all you can be,” “Go for it!” The loan agreements come in very pleasant packaging. And why not? It’s my life. I can do what I want with it.

That's the problem. If I begin with the premise that life itself is mine, then I quickly decide what I have as a result of my life is mine. So, if I earned it, I have the right to determine what I do with it. Money is transformed into a declaration of independent value.

Jesus has an answer to this spiritual disease. It's not a remedy that we easily embrace because most of the time we are fighting the “entitlement” wars. But Jesus’ answer is the clearest indication of my deepest spiritual values. It’s not what I say. It’s what I do. And Jesus says, “Freely give.” Oh, that’s painful. The world has me convinced that I need to count all the effort, the blood, sweat, and tears that went into earning those symbols of economic exchange. And counting makes entitlement seem all the more real. It's mine. Jesus attacks the spiritual dimension of money at its core. Wherever money becomes a statement of my worth, I move away from God's value system. Wherever I am unable to freely give it in the name of the Giver, I have withdrawn from the Kingdom.

Money is a power in your mind. Free yourself and it will no longer hold you. God is quite willing for the taxman to go away. Are you?

– Skip Moen

(Ed. Note: Skip Moen, PhD, is the president of At God’s Table and the author of Words to Lead By.)

     
 

 
 

   

 Resources

 

The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien (BUY NOW)

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien (BUY NOW)

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit box set (BUY NOW)

Evangelicals Then and Now, Peter Jeffery, Evangelical Press (Buy Now)

 

   

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