On a recent Sunday morning, one of our lay-elders-in-training (we call them pastoral interns) gave his personal testimony and shared from Joshua 1:1-9, a text that had greatly influenced him. He said that God spoke to him through these verses at an early age, calling him from a promising engineering career to one more focused … Read more
We’re in the middle of what is, without a doubt, going to be one of strangest years in my almost-68-year lifetime. Six months ago, I didn’t think anyone would’ve believed everything that has transpired if you told them. A coronavirus pandemic, quarantines, shutdowns, record unemployment, stock market crashes, and extreme social unrest—all happening during a … Read more
Financial crises have a way of revealing the weaknesses, and sometimes failures, of our stewardship practices. As renowned investor Warren Buffet humorously once said, “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked.” The 2008-2009 recession showed American’s overdependence on debt, especially real estate mortgages. Many were house rich and … Read more
For many of us who remember the 2008 market crash and ensuing recession all too well, this time feels remarkably similar. In addition to the really-scary-virus running around, we also have business shutdowns, massive cash liquidity infusions into the economy by the federal government, and rising unemployment. As I write this, there is a two trillion … Read more
It’s honestly hard to know what to write about in times like this. If you are a Christian believer, I trust you are seeking encouragement and guidance from God and His Word, and strength and consolation through his Holy Spirit. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Like … Read more
Note: Because of extreme volatility, the stock market data I use in this article is changing daily (sometimes hourly). To keep it as current as possible, I used stats for the S&P 500 as of the market close on Tues., March 3rd. You have no doubt taken note that the reported value of your retirement … Read more
Last year, I attended a week-long event that dealt with integrating faith and work in the life of the Christian. (If you’re interested, check out the Redeemer City to City Faith and Work Initiative.) I have always been interested in this topic. But I attended the conference because we want to do more ministry in this … Read more
I don’t want to be morbid, but the reality is that one spouse in a marriage will almost certainly outlive the other. It’s also likely that the surviving spouse could live a very long time. According to actuarial data, there’s approximately a 50% probability that at least one spouse in a healthy 65-year-old couple will … Read more
Some months ago, one of my favorite bloggers, Tim Challies, featured a link on his a la carte page to a Christianity Today (CT) article titled, “Saving Retirement.” I didn’t have immediate access to the article (it was behind a “paywall”), but I later acquired a copy. That magazine featured it on its cover with … Read more
