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The Practical Disciple » Entries tagged with "money"

Creative Giving to Preserve Dignity and Build Relationship

I love preaching and teaching except for one thing–God always seems to challenge me on whatever I put out there for other people to do. A week ago, I wrote a post about helping people during this tough economy. My post was prompted by an email from a friend who was in need of sixty thousand dollars for their business, but having trouble getting a loan. As I was giving the post a finally proof reading and about to hit the publish button, a man came through my door looking for assistance.  You need to understand something. Because the economy is whacked out, our normal discretionary monies for helping people are already exhausted for the year. Which means that often times I now have to make some personal … Read entire article »

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Guest Post–Erin Potter Kaye, Creatively Ministering in this Tough Economy

Last week I wrote a post on ministering to others during this tough economy.  A friend and colleague, Rev. Erin Potter Kaye, called me a couple of days later to share a great creative response to someone’s financial need.  Here is her story in my first guest post.  Thanks Erin for sharing! ——– Hi John. Last Wednesday I read your post on the Practical Disciple and was inspired to share a story with you. The day before, Tuesday, I was supposed to be at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, near Little Rock, AR, on a private planning retreat. However, a saint of the church had passed away the previous Friday, and I was honored to be asked to preside at the funeral on Tuesday morning. Afterward, I went back to the church office … Read entire article »

Filed under: compassion

Responding to the Economy

I called a dear friend recently whom I hadn’t talked to in a while. She and her husband are small business owners. They are furniture crafters who have spent the last ten years building a solid, reputable business. I was dismayed to hear that like so many others the economy may soon put them out of business. They have the customer base they need but need operating capitol to put product on the floor. Like so many others, they can’t find a bank willing to loan to them. I can understand their frustration. We moved right as the economy shifted a little over 18 months ago. Our house sat on the market for a year and a half as we watched its … Read entire article »

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A Simple Exercise to Grow in Charity and Grace

A Simple Exercise to Grow in Charity and Grace

Carry a one dollar bill in your bill fold with a paper clip on it.  Pray that God will send you the person that needs this one dollar bill.  Then the next time you are approached by someone needing money, trust that this is the person you need to give the bill to and let them have it.  I suspect some of you just raised an eyebrow and within you an objection is arising.  ”If … Read entire article »

Filed under: compassion

A Word to You of Limited Freezer Space

Yesterday, I posted an article on saving time and money through freezer cooking.  That may seem like a strange post for The Practical Disciple.  It’s not like cooking ranks up there with prayer and scripture reading, but good stewardship of time and money does.  I am also posting these freezer posts because I find that there is a distinct need to help people with the raw chaotic order of their lives in order to attend to spiritual necessities like spiritual disciplines.  All that said, here is a word to those of you yesterday who may have felt a bit left out because 1) you don’t have freezer or 2) You are single or have a small household and casserole cooking just isn’t very realistic. TO THOSE WITH SMALL FREEZERS 1)  Bulk shop … Read entire article »

Filed under: focus, simplicity/sustainable living, time

Redeeming Valuable Time and Money to Enjoy more of God and Life

Redeeming Valuable Time and Money to Enjoy more of God and Life

I often tell people that the two most transformative disciplines that I can encourage people to do beyond prayer and scripture are maintaining a sabbath and tithing.  Why?  Simply put, those two disciplines cut to the heart of two core life elements that we are addictively attached to–Time and Money.  As I move into 2010 I have struggled with a clear resolution for the year, but I feel an emerging intention to experience more contentment … Read entire article »

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