If you're watching the news and scratching your head wondering what bomb hit the economy, you're certainly not alone. It's rough out there. People are losing their jobs, retirement dreams are going up in smoke and personal wealth is plummeting. Here's why it's happening and what it all means.
How did we get here?
(Scooting over my soapbox) DEBT.. debt most of us couldn't afford to have! Here is a more specific education on the condition of our situation. Read it all:
By now you likely know that the crisis in the financial markets is the culmination of years of reckless mortgage lending and Wall Street dealmaking. It's the final gasp of the burst housing bubble. But how exactly did this happen?
To find the root cause of Wall Street's woes, you have to go back to the collapse of a different bubble - tech. In 2001, after the dotcom craze ended and the bear market began, the Federal Reserve started aggressively slashing short-term interest rates to stave off recession. By eventually reducing rates to a historically low 1%, the Fed reinflated the economy. But this cheap money sparked a new wave of risk taking.
Homeowners, armed with easy credit, snapped up properties as if they were playing Monopoly. As prices soared, buyers were able to afford ever-larger properties only by taking out risky mortgages that lenders were happily approving with little documentation or money down.
At the same time, Wall Street investment banks got a brilliant idea: bundle the riskiest of these mortgages, then slice and dice these portfolios into tradable bonds to be sold to other banks and investors. Amazingly, bond-rating agencies slapped their highest ratings on the "best" of this debt.
This house of cards came down when subprime borrowers began defaulting on their mortgages. That sent housing prices tumbling, unleashing a domino effect on mortgage-backed securities. (At this point the banks should have worked with the homeowners on going to interest-only payments instead of letting these people, in droves, go into default and therefore REDUCING the value of real estate in those neighborhoods- the banks could have lessened the blow to their problems!!) Banks and brokerages that had borrowed money to boost the impact of those investments had to race to raise capital.
Some, like Merrill Lynch, were forced to sell. Others, like Lehman Brothers, weren't so lucky. "What we always tell investors is beware of too much leverage in a company," says Brian Rogers, chairman and portfolio manager for T. Rowe Price. "Leverage is the enemy of the investor."
Sure, everyone from former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan to your friends and neighbors played a role in stoking this casino culture. But troubled banks and brokerages can't pass the blame. "These firms closed their eyes and made very bad bets on risky securities that they didn't truly understand," says Jeremy Siegel, finance professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton business school. "Investments that they did not have to make led to their demise."
How bad could the economy get?
Before the meltdown, economists fell into two camps: those who thought the economy had already slipped into recession and those who thought a recession could still be avoided.
While forecasters still differ on the timing and severity of a downturn, "the consensus view is that we're headed for recession and will be in one until next year," says Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com.
Corporate profits are already on the verge of falling for a fifth straight quarter, according to Thomson Financial. The next shoe to drop will be consumer spending. "Two years ago, people were using their homes as ATMs, pumping out cash," says Robert Arnott, chairman of the investment consulting firm Research Affiliates in Pasadena. "As banks continue to tighten their lending, that spending is disappearing."
But softer profits and slower spending haven't translated into widespread layoffs yet. "This is the strongest recessionary job market in 40 years," says James Paulsen, chief investment strategist of Wells Capital Management. A jump in unemployment could still be coming, especially given bank and brokerage failures and mergers. But outside of finance and housing, much of the rest of the economy is strong, he says.
The weak dollar is boosting demand for our goods abroad, and lower gas prices are making Americans feel more flush. Add in the cash that the Fed has been hosing into the banking system and we are bound to see growth in 2009. "If all this stimulus has no effect on the economy, that would be a rarity indeed," says Paulsen.
Standard & Poor's chief economist David Wyss expects a mild recession that ends next spring. "Gradually we will regain confidence in the market. Lower oil prices and a falling trade deficit will help," he says. "This is a financial panic, not an economic one."
Of course, that could change if the financial panic doesn't abate soon. If banks remain too scared or broke to lend, would-be home buyers will be frozen out of the market. If that happens, home values could fall even more, crimping confidence and putting the brakes on the economy's greatest engine: the consumer. We at Maven Holdings are working with a Bank to create a HUGE answer to this problem. The Lord downloaded a plan to me years ago and I shelved it until about nine months ago when He started to remind me of it and I felt like the time was now we roll it out! Months before the credit crash!! G-d always has a plan for His kids! I was prophecied to be a "Joseph" and I can see it coming to pass! Hallelulia!
Does all this mean I'll pay higher taxes?
Yes. "Taxes will rise regardless of who wins the Presidency," predicts Greg Valliere, chief political strategist for Stanford Group Co.
It's impossible to say what the final bill for rescuing Wall Street will be. Even before the bill to buy $700 billion of unwanted mortgage-backed debt, the government had already signed on for nearly $365 billion in loan guarantees and other costs.
The eventual price tag will depend in part on the housing market- so banks... STOP DEFAULTING ON LOANS FOR HOUSING AND WORK WITH PEOPLE TO STAY IN THOSE HOMES AND NOT FLOOD THE MARKET WITH "DISCOUNTED_PRICED" HOMES. If it recovers by 2010, the value of mortgage-backed securities could rise, minimizing the tab for taxpayers.
"On the other hand," Bethune adds, "if the economy continues to tank into a deeper recession, dragging the housing market along with it, then the costs to the taxpayers easily could escalate to several hundred billions of dollars."
Under Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's original debt-buyback proposal, some economists predicted the federal deficit could soar to $900 billion in 2009. Even without a bailout, the federal budget was expected to hit $482 billion next year. If government aid pads that figure by $200 billion, the deficit will be back to where it stood in the 1980s - around 5% of GDP. At the very least, that will make it hard for a future President to keep tax-cut promises.
But we who live "in the Kingdom of Heaven" and not under the economies of this earth will always rise above those who choose to live in "America" and not seek Him for wisdom and solutions. Pray for us as we build the infrastructure and raise the capital for our new venture! We have been hit from all sides, as you can imagine, but we are victorious. G-d is good all the time.
14 October 2008
23 May 2008
A Guy Named Joseph
Imagine having your own family beat you, throw you into a pit and leave you to die. They do have a change of heart and come back but only to sell you into slavery. You spend years in prison. Wouldn't you lose heart? I would. I don't know how you wouldn't sit there and nurse resentment. But Joseph didn't- and if he did, he didn't do it for too long! His courage and faith in G-d kept him and enabled him to do great things.
Joseph was the 11th child of Jacob and the first child of Rachel, Jacob’s second wife. Joseph’s half-brothers and sister were the children of Leah, Rachel’s elder sister. Joseph was the favorite child of Jacob; something Joseph’s elder brothers resented. “And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” (Genesis 37:4 KJV) Parent's, heed this warning as an example of the fate of your children when you show favoritism.
Joseph didn’t handle his favored position very diplomatically, either. Proving that knowledge of young men, without the wisdom of the old is potentially dangerous. But look closely and see how G-d used this narcissistic “character flaw” to thrust Joseph into the greatest story of deliverance and survival for the people of Israel. Thought- did Joseph need that character "flaw" of strength and self confidence to run the largest nation in the known world? Did G-d will for this to happen to Joseph as a way to save the people of Israel? Think about it.
When he had a series of dreams that showed in symbols his brothers and parents bowing down to him, he hastened to let them know about it. This arrogance inflamed his brothers further. (Genesis 37:11)
Joseph was sent by his father to see how his brothers who were tending flocks were doing. His brothers seized the opportunity to do away with this younger and arrogant sibling. They threw him into a pit and intended to leave him and tell their father that he was attacked by some beast and killed. However, Judah talked them out of this plan and they sold Joseph into slavery instead. (Genesis 37:18-28) Judah was being "led of G-d" and didn't even realize it!
Joseph is taken to Egypt where he is sold to a wealthy man named Potiphar. Joseph is put in charge of all of Potiphar’s holdings and increases his master’s wealth. But, Potiphar’s wife takes a liking to Joseph and tries to seduce him. Joseph tells her that to do as she suggests would be a sin against G-d. She pursues him nonetheless and finally Joseph has to run from her to get away. She accuses him of trying to rape her and he is put in jail. (Genesis 39:1-20)
By this time, I think I would be stewing with resentment. I would be angry for the turn my life had taken. Most of us would react this way, I think. Yet, Joseph takes it all in stride and even in jail finds favor with the jailer and elevates his station. Throughout this series of adventures, the Bible records that Yahweh was with Joseph. So He is with us. In our trials, Yahweh is with us. Joseph shows courage and accepts his situations gracefully and finds favor in G-d’s eyes. This is how G-d would like for us to respond to the trials of life, gracefully and with unwavering trust because of who He is and what he has done in the past! Rather than rant against the situation (guilty, your honor!), He wants us to make the best of our situations and rely on Him to care for us.
While Joseph languished in prison, two chief servants from Pharaoh’s house were imprisoned with him. These servants both had dreams that they could not understand. Joseph heard of it and told them that the interpretations of dreams belonged to G-d. They told their dreams to Joseph and G-d gave him their interpretations. One of the servants was restored to the house of Pharaoh. Joseph had asked this servant to tell Pharaoh about him but the servant did not. Joseph spends another two years in prison.
Here was another opportunity for resentment and bitterness to form, but Joseph did not let them. He continued in trusting and waited on G-d. It’s difficult to keep focused on G-d when you feel passed over, overlooked or unappreciated. Yet, it is these times in particular that we must stay focused on G-d and trust that He will provide for us. “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and G-d feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” (Luke 12:24 KJV)
One night, Pharaoh has a dream he doesn’t understand and it alarms him. His servant tells him about Joseph and Joseph is brought to the palace and interprets the dream. G-d reveals to Joseph that Pharaoh’s dream is a prophecy of the next seven years. The kingdom will experience seven plentiful harvests followed by seven years of famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to store grain from the plentiful harvests to be used during the famine. Pharaoh agrees and puts Joseph in a position of power. (Genesis 42:1-36)
The storehouses are filled through the seven prosperous years and then when the famine comes, people from all around begin coming into Egypt to try and buy corn. Among those who came in search of grain were Joseph’s elder brothers. Joseph is now in a position of power and could gain revenge for the way his brothers had treated him. He does cause them some fear, but in the end is able to spare his brothers and his father from suffering the famine as a result of his position. (Genesis 43-47)
Though his brothers had meant him harm, G-d meant good things for Joseph. It probably didn’t look that way to Joseph sometimes, but he persevered through his hardships and learned humility. Joseph faced his challenges courageously.
So, what then are the elements of courage that Joseph displayed? Grace under pressure, making the best of his situation and remaining faithful to G-d despite any evidence he may have had that G-d had forgotten him. The evidence of his courage is in his behavior, doing right even when he was wronged or in danger. He learned to wait patiently on G-d and to look to G-d for everything. It takes tremendous courage to look away from circumstance and look instead to G-d. A good part of trusting G-d is having the courage to believe despite all that we see.
Joseph did retaliate, sue, get revenge, felt like he was “owed” something or hate. Oh, let’s be honest here- I am sure he was hurt, angry and resentful at times, but he knew the heart and mind of his father’s G-d well enough to move ahead. He obviously was driven and was a leader. He also was a recipient of the covenant promised to his great-grandfather Abraham! It makes a big difference when you know who you are and where you are going!
When Joseph came into power, his courage continued. The easy thing to do would be to punish his brothers for the way that they treated him. He doesn’t though. Instead, he realizes the work that G-d has done in him and the opportunity G-d has given him to spare his family from the famine. He understands through wisdom from Heaven that he has received a blessing out of the situation that his brothers put him in and he is grateful to G-d instead of resentful of his brothers. Wow, his temporary pain saved his people!
It’s seldom easy to do the right thing. It takes courage and trust in G-d to stand up when the world (and some of your brothers and sisters, including family) would beat you down. In all things, G-d is there to hold us up when we rely on Him for support. If hard times, bitterness, resentment or anger are things that you are struggling with, read Joseph’s story and learn from his courage. G-d probably has a blessing waiting for you at the end of your trials, too. As a matter of fact, I know He does. Next read Jeremiah 29:11.
Personal Note: Please write us here and let us know how you have overcome bitterness, anger and resentment when you have been hurt, stolen from, abused or used. It will help so many people who are struggling. I have been through more than most the last couple of years but my calling and purpose is secure! Be encouraged.
Joseph was the 11th child of Jacob and the first child of Rachel, Jacob’s second wife. Joseph’s half-brothers and sister were the children of Leah, Rachel’s elder sister. Joseph was the favorite child of Jacob; something Joseph’s elder brothers resented. “And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” (Genesis 37:4 KJV) Parent's, heed this warning as an example of the fate of your children when you show favoritism.
Joseph didn’t handle his favored position very diplomatically, either. Proving that knowledge of young men, without the wisdom of the old is potentially dangerous. But look closely and see how G-d used this narcissistic “character flaw” to thrust Joseph into the greatest story of deliverance and survival for the people of Israel. Thought- did Joseph need that character "flaw" of strength and self confidence to run the largest nation in the known world? Did G-d will for this to happen to Joseph as a way to save the people of Israel? Think about it.
When he had a series of dreams that showed in symbols his brothers and parents bowing down to him, he hastened to let them know about it. This arrogance inflamed his brothers further. (Genesis 37:11)
Joseph was sent by his father to see how his brothers who were tending flocks were doing. His brothers seized the opportunity to do away with this younger and arrogant sibling. They threw him into a pit and intended to leave him and tell their father that he was attacked by some beast and killed. However, Judah talked them out of this plan and they sold Joseph into slavery instead. (Genesis 37:18-28) Judah was being "led of G-d" and didn't even realize it!
Joseph is taken to Egypt where he is sold to a wealthy man named Potiphar. Joseph is put in charge of all of Potiphar’s holdings and increases his master’s wealth. But, Potiphar’s wife takes a liking to Joseph and tries to seduce him. Joseph tells her that to do as she suggests would be a sin against G-d. She pursues him nonetheless and finally Joseph has to run from her to get away. She accuses him of trying to rape her and he is put in jail. (Genesis 39:1-20)
By this time, I think I would be stewing with resentment. I would be angry for the turn my life had taken. Most of us would react this way, I think. Yet, Joseph takes it all in stride and even in jail finds favor with the jailer and elevates his station. Throughout this series of adventures, the Bible records that Yahweh was with Joseph. So He is with us. In our trials, Yahweh is with us. Joseph shows courage and accepts his situations gracefully and finds favor in G-d’s eyes. This is how G-d would like for us to respond to the trials of life, gracefully and with unwavering trust because of who He is and what he has done in the past! Rather than rant against the situation (guilty, your honor!), He wants us to make the best of our situations and rely on Him to care for us.
While Joseph languished in prison, two chief servants from Pharaoh’s house were imprisoned with him. These servants both had dreams that they could not understand. Joseph heard of it and told them that the interpretations of dreams belonged to G-d. They told their dreams to Joseph and G-d gave him their interpretations. One of the servants was restored to the house of Pharaoh. Joseph had asked this servant to tell Pharaoh about him but the servant did not. Joseph spends another two years in prison.
Here was another opportunity for resentment and bitterness to form, but Joseph did not let them. He continued in trusting and waited on G-d. It’s difficult to keep focused on G-d when you feel passed over, overlooked or unappreciated. Yet, it is these times in particular that we must stay focused on G-d and trust that He will provide for us. “Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and G-d feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?” (Luke 12:24 KJV)
One night, Pharaoh has a dream he doesn’t understand and it alarms him. His servant tells him about Joseph and Joseph is brought to the palace and interprets the dream. G-d reveals to Joseph that Pharaoh’s dream is a prophecy of the next seven years. The kingdom will experience seven plentiful harvests followed by seven years of famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to store grain from the plentiful harvests to be used during the famine. Pharaoh agrees and puts Joseph in a position of power. (Genesis 42:1-36)
The storehouses are filled through the seven prosperous years and then when the famine comes, people from all around begin coming into Egypt to try and buy corn. Among those who came in search of grain were Joseph’s elder brothers. Joseph is now in a position of power and could gain revenge for the way his brothers had treated him. He does cause them some fear, but in the end is able to spare his brothers and his father from suffering the famine as a result of his position. (Genesis 43-47)
Though his brothers had meant him harm, G-d meant good things for Joseph. It probably didn’t look that way to Joseph sometimes, but he persevered through his hardships and learned humility. Joseph faced his challenges courageously.
So, what then are the elements of courage that Joseph displayed? Grace under pressure, making the best of his situation and remaining faithful to G-d despite any evidence he may have had that G-d had forgotten him. The evidence of his courage is in his behavior, doing right even when he was wronged or in danger. He learned to wait patiently on G-d and to look to G-d for everything. It takes tremendous courage to look away from circumstance and look instead to G-d. A good part of trusting G-d is having the courage to believe despite all that we see.
Joseph did retaliate, sue, get revenge, felt like he was “owed” something or hate. Oh, let’s be honest here- I am sure he was hurt, angry and resentful at times, but he knew the heart and mind of his father’s G-d well enough to move ahead. He obviously was driven and was a leader. He also was a recipient of the covenant promised to his great-grandfather Abraham! It makes a big difference when you know who you are and where you are going!
When Joseph came into power, his courage continued. The easy thing to do would be to punish his brothers for the way that they treated him. He doesn’t though. Instead, he realizes the work that G-d has done in him and the opportunity G-d has given him to spare his family from the famine. He understands through wisdom from Heaven that he has received a blessing out of the situation that his brothers put him in and he is grateful to G-d instead of resentful of his brothers. Wow, his temporary pain saved his people!
It’s seldom easy to do the right thing. It takes courage and trust in G-d to stand up when the world (and some of your brothers and sisters, including family) would beat you down. In all things, G-d is there to hold us up when we rely on Him for support. If hard times, bitterness, resentment or anger are things that you are struggling with, read Joseph’s story and learn from his courage. G-d probably has a blessing waiting for you at the end of your trials, too. As a matter of fact, I know He does. Next read Jeremiah 29:11.
Personal Note: Please write us here and let us know how you have overcome bitterness, anger and resentment when you have been hurt, stolen from, abused or used. It will help so many people who are struggling. I have been through more than most the last couple of years but my calling and purpose is secure! Be encouraged.
19 April 2008
The Messiah in the Passover
Get your Bible and a pad- get ready to take some crazy cool notes! The Messiah of Israel isn't as "hidden" as you go through the High Holiday Celebrations the Jewish people have celebrated for centuries! Enjoy this teaching! It will strengthen your belief in who the Messiah is and will challenge you to be less "Christian" and be more "Messianic". Remember, Jesus didn't come to start "Christianity" my dear friends- He came as He promised for centuries, to save the House of Israel and then the gentiles! Enjoy:
Exodus (Sh'mot) 12:21-27 (All scriptures quoted are from the Complete Jewish Bible by Dr. David Stern)
21 Then Moshe called for all the leaders of Isra'el and said, "Select and take lambs for your families, and slaughter the Pesach lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop leaves and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame. Then, none of you is to go out the door of his house until morning. 23 For ADONAI will pass through to kill the Egyptians; but when he sees the blood on the top and on the two sides, ADONAI will pass over the door and will not allow the Slaughterer to enter your houses and kill you. 24 You are to observe this as a law, you and your descendants forever. 25 "When you come to the land which ADONAI will give you, as he has promised, you are to observe this ceremony. 26 When your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this ceremony?' 27 say, 'It is the sacrifice of ADONAI's Pesach [Passover], because [ADONAI] passed over the houses of the people of Isra'el in Egypt, when he killed the Egyptians but spared our houses.'"The people of Isra'el bowed their heads and worshipped. (CJB- Complete Jewish Bible)
The blood that was smeared on the lintel and the doorposts of the house would become very significant to the Jewish people and to all who would later call on the name of Yeshua (Jesus) to receive their redemption. We see in the Book of Leviticus that life is in the blood.
Leviticus (Vayikra) 17:11
11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for yourselves; for it is the blood that makes atonement because of the life.'
We have learned through the Word of ADONAI that without the shedding of blood there is NO forgiveness of sin.
Hebrews 9:22
22 In fact, according to the Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
As we approach the season of Passover, we can look toward Yeshua as the one who can forgive us our sins. He IS the Passover Lamb who has taken our sins. John 1:29 describes what Yeshua did for us: “The next day, Yochanan (John) saw Yeshua coming toward him and said, ‘Look! God's Lamb! The one who is taking away the sin of the world!’”
What we learned on that first Passover night in the Book of Exodus, Rabbi Sha’ul (Paul) reminded us of in the B’rit Chadashah (Newer Covenant).
Acts 16:29-32
29 Calling for lights, the jailer ran in, began to tremble and fell down in front of Sha'ul and Sila. 30 Then, leading them outside, he said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They said, "Trust in the Lord Yeshua, and you will be saved - you and your household!" 32 Whereupon they told him and everyone in his household the message about the Lord.
One of the ways we can get a fuller understanding of what Yeshua truly did for us and how He is the Passover Lamb is by attending a Messianic Passover Seder. Through the Seder we can see how Yeshua fulfilled Exodus 12 for all of us.
Some of the things that will come alive in a Messianic Seder are: John 12:1-3, how Yeshua was anointed as the Passover Lamb. Matthew 21:1 Yeshua tells us how He will be the sacrifice. John 13 we see how Yeshua himself celebrated the Passover Seder with His talmadim (disciples). This is where we get the New Covenant Passover celebration or “The Lord’s Supper” as some of you refer to it. Still today three pieces of Matzoh are used in the Seder- but only one is broken and hidden for the children to find and celebrate over. It is a clear representation of the Messiah broken and gone for three days then celebrated over His Ressurection. It is of interest to note that as Yeshua was being crucified on the cross, the Passover Lamb (the sacrifice for the sins of the people of Israel) was being sacrificed at the same time and neither sacrifice had any bones broken! At the end of the Seder, Yeshua sang from Psalm 118 just before He went out to give His life for our sins. Isn’t it wonderful how applying the blood to the lintel and doorposts of our heart today we can have the faith to believe that we and our households shall be saved?
The Passover Seder is a time for us to reflect on all of the things that ADONAI has done for us. It is a type of Biblical “Thanksgiving” if you will. A time to see how the mighty right arm of ADONAI has freed us from bondage to sin. To understand the richness that we have in our community of believers today, one must experience a Messianic Passover Seder.
Monday in Tulsa, OK at 7PM at Victory Christian Center on Skelly Drive you can attend a full dinner and Messianic Seder lead by Sally Bianca, a Messianic Believer and an Israeli Shalak (a representative of the Israeli Government to promote unity between Jews and Messianics) will be speaking as well. Cost for the dinner and Seder is $15.00 and can be bought on line at Victory.com
Monday in Bonner Springs, KS at 7PM I will be doing a teaching on “The Messiah in Passover”. All are welcome to attend!
Exodus (Sh'mot) 12:21-27 (All scriptures quoted are from the Complete Jewish Bible by Dr. David Stern)
21 Then Moshe called for all the leaders of Isra'el and said, "Select and take lambs for your families, and slaughter the Pesach lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop leaves and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and smear it on the two sides and top of the door-frame. Then, none of you is to go out the door of his house until morning. 23 For ADONAI will pass through to kill the Egyptians; but when he sees the blood on the top and on the two sides, ADONAI will pass over the door and will not allow the Slaughterer to enter your houses and kill you. 24 You are to observe this as a law, you and your descendants forever. 25 "When you come to the land which ADONAI will give you, as he has promised, you are to observe this ceremony. 26 When your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this ceremony?' 27 say, 'It is the sacrifice of ADONAI's Pesach [Passover], because [ADONAI] passed over the houses of the people of Isra'el in Egypt, when he killed the Egyptians but spared our houses.'"The people of Isra'el bowed their heads and worshipped. (CJB- Complete Jewish Bible)
The blood that was smeared on the lintel and the doorposts of the house would become very significant to the Jewish people and to all who would later call on the name of Yeshua (Jesus) to receive their redemption. We see in the Book of Leviticus that life is in the blood.
Leviticus (Vayikra) 17:11
11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for yourselves; for it is the blood that makes atonement because of the life.'
We have learned through the Word of ADONAI that without the shedding of blood there is NO forgiveness of sin.
Hebrews 9:22
22 In fact, according to the Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.
As we approach the season of Passover, we can look toward Yeshua as the one who can forgive us our sins. He IS the Passover Lamb who has taken our sins. John 1:29 describes what Yeshua did for us: “The next day, Yochanan (John) saw Yeshua coming toward him and said, ‘Look! God's Lamb! The one who is taking away the sin of the world!’”
What we learned on that first Passover night in the Book of Exodus, Rabbi Sha’ul (Paul) reminded us of in the B’rit Chadashah (Newer Covenant).
Acts 16:29-32
29 Calling for lights, the jailer ran in, began to tremble and fell down in front of Sha'ul and Sila. 30 Then, leading them outside, he said, "Men, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They said, "Trust in the Lord Yeshua, and you will be saved - you and your household!" 32 Whereupon they told him and everyone in his household the message about the Lord.
One of the ways we can get a fuller understanding of what Yeshua truly did for us and how He is the Passover Lamb is by attending a Messianic Passover Seder. Through the Seder we can see how Yeshua fulfilled Exodus 12 for all of us.
Some of the things that will come alive in a Messianic Seder are: John 12:1-3, how Yeshua was anointed as the Passover Lamb. Matthew 21:1 Yeshua tells us how He will be the sacrifice. John 13 we see how Yeshua himself celebrated the Passover Seder with His talmadim (disciples). This is where we get the New Covenant Passover celebration or “The Lord’s Supper” as some of you refer to it. Still today three pieces of Matzoh are used in the Seder- but only one is broken and hidden for the children to find and celebrate over. It is a clear representation of the Messiah broken and gone for three days then celebrated over His Ressurection. It is of interest to note that as Yeshua was being crucified on the cross, the Passover Lamb (the sacrifice for the sins of the people of Israel) was being sacrificed at the same time and neither sacrifice had any bones broken! At the end of the Seder, Yeshua sang from Psalm 118 just before He went out to give His life for our sins. Isn’t it wonderful how applying the blood to the lintel and doorposts of our heart today we can have the faith to believe that we and our households shall be saved?
The Passover Seder is a time for us to reflect on all of the things that ADONAI has done for us. It is a type of Biblical “Thanksgiving” if you will. A time to see how the mighty right arm of ADONAI has freed us from bondage to sin. To understand the richness that we have in our community of believers today, one must experience a Messianic Passover Seder.
Monday in Tulsa, OK at 7PM at Victory Christian Center on Skelly Drive you can attend a full dinner and Messianic Seder lead by Sally Bianca, a Messianic Believer and an Israeli Shalak (a representative of the Israeli Government to promote unity between Jews and Messianics) will be speaking as well. Cost for the dinner and Seder is $15.00 and can be bought on line at Victory.com
Monday in Bonner Springs, KS at 7PM I will be doing a teaching on “The Messiah in Passover”. All are welcome to attend!
15 April 2008
Ha Shem- The Name....
Our Almighty Father's Name is YHWH, or Yahweh (but no one really knows the actual pronunciation) which is spelled in the Hebrew letters Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey and literally means "I Am". That means that "God" is not a thing...He is an action.
If we are to live with His Spirit dwelling within us, we are to also be an action. His blessings surge in our lives all around us, but I feel the most amazing blessing is the capability to recognize one when we see, feel, touch, taste, or even conceptualize one. With that, we are to give credit where credit is due.
If you read this, I will ask a small favor of you. In the comment section below, list three blessings you've perceived today. After that, tell how you're planning on giving the credit where the credit is due. He dwells in the PRAISES and THANKS of His people. You see, today I needed a little bit more of His presence in my life and took action- His plan for me and its' manifestation is one of those blessings I am thankful for today!! My way of perpetuating the credit and blessings is to tell you and have you recognize blessings in your life! If you send this link to many people, the blessings to YHWH will not end!!
The name of the game is perpetuating blessings. Try it out.
If we are to live with His Spirit dwelling within us, we are to also be an action. His blessings surge in our lives all around us, but I feel the most amazing blessing is the capability to recognize one when we see, feel, touch, taste, or even conceptualize one. With that, we are to give credit where credit is due.
If you read this, I will ask a small favor of you. In the comment section below, list three blessings you've perceived today. After that, tell how you're planning on giving the credit where the credit is due. He dwells in the PRAISES and THANKS of His people. You see, today I needed a little bit more of His presence in my life and took action- His plan for me and its' manifestation is one of those blessings I am thankful for today!! My way of perpetuating the credit and blessings is to tell you and have you recognize blessings in your life! If you send this link to many people, the blessings to YHWH will not end!!
The name of the game is perpetuating blessings. Try it out.
15 March 2008
The truth... will get me in trouble!!!
Okay, with this post I have officially "raised the bar" on political incorrectness (even for me!)- but I can't help speaking the truth!!!
Last week I purchased some groceries at Wild Oats in Tulsa for $21.58. The girl at the register took my $22 and typed it into the system. Then I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and was about to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?
Because of our complete failure of our "government school system" in this country based on the warm fuzzy liberal plans "not to offend" those who have learning issues (I hold the opinion that the TEACHERS have TEACHING issues) here is my documentation of the "evolution" in teaching math in the USA since the 1950s:
1. Teaching Math In 1957:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?"
2. Teaching Math In 1967:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100 His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?"
3. Teaching Math In 1977:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?"
4. Teaching Math In 1987:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20."
5. Teaching Math In 1997:
"A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok.)"
6. Teaching Math In 2007:
"Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?"
This may be a funny overexageration, but it is effective and gets my point across doesn't it! You know we have seen a HUGE reduction in individual expectation both at schools and at work, and this mindset is leading to the destruction of this country.
I am starting to sound like Neil Bortz- not that i am complaining!! That's a good thing! We have to shout the truth people!! Our future is being passed on to kids we've medicated, made excuses for and dumbed down their education. We will become uncompetitive in the world markets as an outcome. It has got to end here!! Is it a blatent "plan" to ruin America... some say it is. I don't know- all I know is that it is happening. Sin is when good people see what is happening and do nothing! Sorry, not me- I would rather die then let my children self destruct. What about you? Ideas?
Last week I purchased some groceries at Wild Oats in Tulsa for $21.58. The girl at the register took my $22 and typed it into the system. Then I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and was about to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?
Because of our complete failure of our "government school system" in this country based on the warm fuzzy liberal plans "not to offend" those who have learning issues (I hold the opinion that the TEACHERS have TEACHING issues) here is my documentation of the "evolution" in teaching math in the USA since the 1950s:
1. Teaching Math In 1957:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?"
2. Teaching Math In 1967:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100 His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?"
3. Teaching Math In 1977:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?"
4. Teaching Math In 1987:
"A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20."
5. Teaching Math In 1997:
"A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, and if you feel like crying, it's ok.)"
6. Teaching Math In 2007:
"Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100. El costo de la producciones es $80. Cuanto dinero ha hecho?"
This may be a funny overexageration, but it is effective and gets my point across doesn't it! You know we have seen a HUGE reduction in individual expectation both at schools and at work, and this mindset is leading to the destruction of this country.
I am starting to sound like Neil Bortz- not that i am complaining!! That's a good thing! We have to shout the truth people!! Our future is being passed on to kids we've medicated, made excuses for and dumbed down their education. We will become uncompetitive in the world markets as an outcome. It has got to end here!! Is it a blatent "plan" to ruin America... some say it is. I don't know- all I know is that it is happening. Sin is when good people see what is happening and do nothing! Sorry, not me- I would rather die then let my children self destruct. What about you? Ideas?
18 February 2008
Invite Larry to speak (get him out of the office, please!)
Hi blog readers! This is Linda Butler. My husband Deaven and myself have been Larry's business partners for several years! We have, together, built a series of companies dedicated to helping people become debt free and financially independent! This vision for Maven Holding Company was birthed out of a prayer meeting in Larry and Catherine's lake home over six years ago! Larry is a man of true honor and integrity- he loves his family with a passion and his friends and co-laborers as well. People have written some mean and false things about him, but he continues to love and help all God brings in his path! We have watched him carry loads that would crush most- and still smiles and seeks to encourage others. Larry has a passion and a gift to share principles and wisdom to live a successful life. If you have even heard him speak you know exactly what I mean! He is fun, engaging and wise (don't tell him I said all that! There will be NO working with him!).
Please contact us through our web site www.MavenHoldings.com to schedule a time where Larry can come speak to your group, company or Church organization. He requires no pre-set fee for speaking! He asks that any travel and lodging expenses be covered and announce that a free-will offering be taken up after his speaking engagement! No minimum amount is required! We are here to serve and bless! You will be glad you had him come- and we will be glad to get him out of the office for a few days!! :) You'll be blessed!
Please contact us through our web site www.MavenHoldings.com to schedule a time where Larry can come speak to your group, company or Church organization. He requires no pre-set fee for speaking! He asks that any travel and lodging expenses be covered and announce that a free-will offering be taken up after his speaking engagement! No minimum amount is required! We are here to serve and bless! You will be glad you had him come- and we will be glad to get him out of the office for a few days!! :) You'll be blessed!
15 February 2008
WWJD- Are You SURE You Mean That??
Remember the WWJD bracelet craze? It's a nice idea to think you're doing what Jesus would do — until you start to think about what Jesus actually would do — and did. Think about it, would you really “feel blessed” if your child ditched you without so much as asking in order to hang out with the religious leaders of the day? Or how about a son who says to his mother, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4)? If that's not enough, immediately after quoting Jesus saying just that, John describes a rather memorable incident in which Jesus turns up wielding a whip in the temple (I can see the WWJD bracelets being thrown in the garbage as fast as they went on wrists!).
If it's never safe or predictable to ask what Jesus would do, it may be even riskier to ask what he would undo. This maybe a good time to give you a brief history that started my journey down this thought-path; I was discussing Architecture- a specific school of thought in Architecture called “deconstructionism” with a friend in Kansas City, Bo Nelson, who is studying to be an Architect. Being an ol’ Architect myself this conversation was exciting to me- but my “wheels” started spinning as I got a vision of reformation coming to the church and maybe, sacrilegiously, looking at Jesus’ actions while here on earth as a “deconstructionist” and whala.. you are now reading this thesis.
As we REALLY read the Word of God, it continually reminds us that unpredictability is what characterizes Jesus' action throughout the Gospels. You never quite know what — or how — Jesus is going to deconstruct, since he takes on both the religious and political powers of his day- something lost in the fodder of America under the anemic banner the church hovers under called “political correctness”.
Even though, according to most people, it's the Religious Right that has championed the WWJD question, it has been theorized that if Jesus the Deconstructor were brought back to question the church today, he'd end up surprising — rather than confirming — those on the Far Right (I can here the cries of “heresy” screaming from some of you right now).
This article discusses and takes particular aim at the ecclesiastical establishment, whether Charismatic, Protestant or Roman Catholic, arguing that their claims of “following Jesus” have been all too easily assumed. Jesus constantly rebuked the religious establishment of his own day. For example, Jesus' stinging rebuke of the Pharisees was that they burdened the people by substituting their own laws for those of God: Jesus says, "For the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God. You hypocrites!" (Matt. 15:6 – 7). These are strong words of deconstruction. And Matthew's Sermon on the Mount is full of Jesus' refrain, "You have heard that it was said … but I say to you." So Jesus was constantly deconstructing prevailing views regarding the Law (NOT OF the Law), as well as expectations about what the Messiah was to accomplish.
But wait: Isn't deconstruction the problem? I remember a sermon given by a Theology Professor who proclaimed, "Deconstruction is the theory that says you can make texts mean anything you want them to mean." I admit that's a fairly standard definition of deconstruction, a French term resurrected and redefined by Jacques Derrida. Notoriously difficult to define, deconstruction is not a method or technique. Instead, insisted Derrida, it is the movement of truth coming to the surface. The movement itself is neither negative nor nihilistic; although there's no doubt that a great deal of mischief has been conducted under the banner of deconstruction, some of it simply silly and some downright evil.
But deconstruction in its simplest meaning is the breaking apart of concepts or texts that reveals their component parts and structure, and allows for reconstruction. Deconstruction questions assumed interpretations and the presumption of institutions to be the rightful arbiters of meaning. As to his own deconstructive readings, Jacques Derrida is a model — if sometimes controversial — reader, and moderate thought Christianity and the youthful rise and renewal in church today follow his example.
Applied to Scripture, deconstruction would most helpfully take the form of, "This is what we always assumed we were supposed to do and that passage was saying, but let's take another look at it to see if our assumption is right."
Appropriately enough, we’ll begin with Charles Sheldon's late nineteenth-century novel In His Steps (with the subtitle "What Would Jesus Do?"). It's the story of a well-to-do congregation visited by a vagrant who arrives at the Sunday service one morning just after some particularly pious singing ("where he leads me I will follow") and a stirring sermon, and who asks the uncomfortable question: "What do Christians mean by following the steps of Jesus?" The visitor dies a few days later, but Pastor Maxwell is so taken by the question that he assembles a group of parishioners who all agree to do nothing for an entire year that isn't preceded by the WWJD question.
Although it's hardly great literature, the novel shows the characters that agree to live by that question as they discover how much it actually demands of them. One might suspect that we are suggesting that we are going to use deconstruction as a way of lessening Jesus' demands on us, but this strategy is designed to be just the opposite. As long as we've tamed Jesus' teachings, his demands seem high but relatively attainable. But, once we submit ourselves to their full force, then all hell breaks loose.
In fact, a possible criticism of “Christian” deconstruction is that it is all too demanding, for I remind us of Jesus' most uncomfortable teachings. Following Derrida let me emphasize the "impossibility" of these demands ("for mortals, it is impossible") rather than the biblical attenuation of those demands ("but for God all things are possible," Matt. 19:26). If one is to show true hospitality, says Jesus, don't invite your friends but "the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind" (Luke 14:13) — in short, the people who can't repay you. When asked about forgiveness, Jesus suggests that there should be an endless supply. So it is Jesus who should be blamed for the hyperbole — assuming it's really meant as hyperbolic.
Of course, asking such a question and getting a firm answer are two different things. When a parishioner asks Pastor Maxwell, "How am I going to tell what He would do?" he replies, "There is no way that I know of, except as we study Jesus through the medium of the Holy Spirit."
It comes as no surprise, then, that our answers may or may not be exactly like yours or mine. For example, let’s concludes that Jesus would have supported Alabama Governor Bob Riley in his conviction that the state income tax should favor the poor over the rich, despite the fact that the Christian Coalition (evidently getting a very different answer to WWJD) vehemently opposed him. Likewise, myself, although no proponent of abortion, must question why abortion foes only seem so concerned about the 1.3 million abortions in the U.S. and considerably less moved by the 10 million children who die of hunger each year.
Asking the WWJD question (in either its "do" or "deconstruct" variants) doesn't produce uniform responses. Still, both Maxwell's question and this variant are well worth asking. For having the boldness to push deconstructive thought like we just did, is to be both carefully undertaken and commended. Whether one agrees or disagrees with this thesis is less important than that this deconstruction will force anyone who takes it seriously to think more carefully about why they've answered the WWJD question in the ways they have. And being pushed in that direction can hardly be a bad thing.
Our younger churchgoers are all too turned off with “blind-following” and “because, we’ve ALWAYS done it that way” answers. Those in “authority” find this movement troubling- and they should. Jesus questioned the religious leaders of the day because He saw a move away from the WWTFD? (What would the Father do?) And had the people doing what the Rabbi would do! If we want to see the fire of Heaven and true reformation begin, then deconstruction, I believe, is a HUGE part of the solution.
But who will be the strong catalyst; the one to risk reputation, position and wealth to begin this season of radical deconstruction of a stale lifeless state the American “church” is in? Many years ago I asked a true Man of G-d, “Why don’t I see more men and women today doing what G-d’s word says consistently and accurately?” He looked at me from under his glasses and said to me “Then BECOME it.” Thus the journey has begun- come along, I could use the help.
If it's never safe or predictable to ask what Jesus would do, it may be even riskier to ask what he would undo. This maybe a good time to give you a brief history that started my journey down this thought-path; I was discussing Architecture- a specific school of thought in Architecture called “deconstructionism” with a friend in Kansas City, Bo Nelson, who is studying to be an Architect. Being an ol’ Architect myself this conversation was exciting to me- but my “wheels” started spinning as I got a vision of reformation coming to the church and maybe, sacrilegiously, looking at Jesus’ actions while here on earth as a “deconstructionist” and whala.. you are now reading this thesis.
As we REALLY read the Word of God, it continually reminds us that unpredictability is what characterizes Jesus' action throughout the Gospels. You never quite know what — or how — Jesus is going to deconstruct, since he takes on both the religious and political powers of his day- something lost in the fodder of America under the anemic banner the church hovers under called “political correctness”.
Even though, according to most people, it's the Religious Right that has championed the WWJD question, it has been theorized that if Jesus the Deconstructor were brought back to question the church today, he'd end up surprising — rather than confirming — those on the Far Right (I can here the cries of “heresy” screaming from some of you right now).
This article discusses and takes particular aim at the ecclesiastical establishment, whether Charismatic, Protestant or Roman Catholic, arguing that their claims of “following Jesus” have been all too easily assumed. Jesus constantly rebuked the religious establishment of his own day. For example, Jesus' stinging rebuke of the Pharisees was that they burdened the people by substituting their own laws for those of God: Jesus says, "For the sake of your tradition, you make void the word of God. You hypocrites!" (Matt. 15:6 – 7). These are strong words of deconstruction. And Matthew's Sermon on the Mount is full of Jesus' refrain, "You have heard that it was said … but I say to you." So Jesus was constantly deconstructing prevailing views regarding the Law (NOT OF the Law), as well as expectations about what the Messiah was to accomplish.
But wait: Isn't deconstruction the problem? I remember a sermon given by a Theology Professor who proclaimed, "Deconstruction is the theory that says you can make texts mean anything you want them to mean." I admit that's a fairly standard definition of deconstruction, a French term resurrected and redefined by Jacques Derrida. Notoriously difficult to define, deconstruction is not a method or technique. Instead, insisted Derrida, it is the movement of truth coming to the surface. The movement itself is neither negative nor nihilistic; although there's no doubt that a great deal of mischief has been conducted under the banner of deconstruction, some of it simply silly and some downright evil.
But deconstruction in its simplest meaning is the breaking apart of concepts or texts that reveals their component parts and structure, and allows for reconstruction. Deconstruction questions assumed interpretations and the presumption of institutions to be the rightful arbiters of meaning. As to his own deconstructive readings, Jacques Derrida is a model — if sometimes controversial — reader, and moderate thought Christianity and the youthful rise and renewal in church today follow his example.
Applied to Scripture, deconstruction would most helpfully take the form of, "This is what we always assumed we were supposed to do and that passage was saying, but let's take another look at it to see if our assumption is right."
Appropriately enough, we’ll begin with Charles Sheldon's late nineteenth-century novel In His Steps (with the subtitle "What Would Jesus Do?"). It's the story of a well-to-do congregation visited by a vagrant who arrives at the Sunday service one morning just after some particularly pious singing ("where he leads me I will follow") and a stirring sermon, and who asks the uncomfortable question: "What do Christians mean by following the steps of Jesus?" The visitor dies a few days later, but Pastor Maxwell is so taken by the question that he assembles a group of parishioners who all agree to do nothing for an entire year that isn't preceded by the WWJD question.
Although it's hardly great literature, the novel shows the characters that agree to live by that question as they discover how much it actually demands of them. One might suspect that we are suggesting that we are going to use deconstruction as a way of lessening Jesus' demands on us, but this strategy is designed to be just the opposite. As long as we've tamed Jesus' teachings, his demands seem high but relatively attainable. But, once we submit ourselves to their full force, then all hell breaks loose.
In fact, a possible criticism of “Christian” deconstruction is that it is all too demanding, for I remind us of Jesus' most uncomfortable teachings. Following Derrida let me emphasize the "impossibility" of these demands ("for mortals, it is impossible") rather than the biblical attenuation of those demands ("but for God all things are possible," Matt. 19:26). If one is to show true hospitality, says Jesus, don't invite your friends but "the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind" (Luke 14:13) — in short, the people who can't repay you. When asked about forgiveness, Jesus suggests that there should be an endless supply. So it is Jesus who should be blamed for the hyperbole — assuming it's really meant as hyperbolic.
Of course, asking such a question and getting a firm answer are two different things. When a parishioner asks Pastor Maxwell, "How am I going to tell what He would do?" he replies, "There is no way that I know of, except as we study Jesus through the medium of the Holy Spirit."
It comes as no surprise, then, that our answers may or may not be exactly like yours or mine. For example, let’s concludes that Jesus would have supported Alabama Governor Bob Riley in his conviction that the state income tax should favor the poor over the rich, despite the fact that the Christian Coalition (evidently getting a very different answer to WWJD) vehemently opposed him. Likewise, myself, although no proponent of abortion, must question why abortion foes only seem so concerned about the 1.3 million abortions in the U.S. and considerably less moved by the 10 million children who die of hunger each year.
Asking the WWJD question (in either its "do" or "deconstruct" variants) doesn't produce uniform responses. Still, both Maxwell's question and this variant are well worth asking. For having the boldness to push deconstructive thought like we just did, is to be both carefully undertaken and commended. Whether one agrees or disagrees with this thesis is less important than that this deconstruction will force anyone who takes it seriously to think more carefully about why they've answered the WWJD question in the ways they have. And being pushed in that direction can hardly be a bad thing.
Our younger churchgoers are all too turned off with “blind-following” and “because, we’ve ALWAYS done it that way” answers. Those in “authority” find this movement troubling- and they should. Jesus questioned the religious leaders of the day because He saw a move away from the WWTFD? (What would the Father do?) And had the people doing what the Rabbi would do! If we want to see the fire of Heaven and true reformation begin, then deconstruction, I believe, is a HUGE part of the solution.
But who will be the strong catalyst; the one to risk reputation, position and wealth to begin this season of radical deconstruction of a stale lifeless state the American “church” is in? Many years ago I asked a true Man of G-d, “Why don’t I see more men and women today doing what G-d’s word says consistently and accurately?” He looked at me from under his glasses and said to me “Then BECOME it.” Thus the journey has begun- come along, I could use the help.
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