Date line February 18, 2009, McClatchy Newspapers, Miami: “Maimi bank exec gives $60M to his employees.” After cashing in on his 83 percent shares in City National Bancshares last November, Leonard Abess, Jr. distributed $60 million to tellers, bookkeepers, clerks and everyone else on the payroll. Some received more than $100,000 and most up to tens of thousands of dollars. Even retired employees got a share of the take. He said, “I sure as heck don’t need the money” and later mused “I wonder if I did enough.”

I’d love to have musings of that scale, wouldn’t you? Yet, maybe I can. I am often reminded in Scripture that our Lord “… though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9). As Christians we have a wealth that is far more valuable than tens of thousands of dollars. Whatever the situation, “God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19).His supply abounds and overflows so much that in our abundance God also blesses those around us. Kind of like on a hot summer day, filling up the glass of cool drink to such an overflow that it splashes on to others. And their super-abundance splashes over on to us.

Oh, that we would believe it to be so, every moment of the day. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saint” (Eph 1:18).

We Christians lack nothing for living a purposeful, satisfying life, filled with joy in the Lord, “… seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3).

It is left simply for us of meager financial means to have an audacious faith that dares to walk as those who are immensely weathy. “But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position” (James 1:9a). And for those of much earthly wealth to rejoice that God continually reminds them how fleeting their material possession really are, “… the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away” (James 1:9b).

From time to time I help out others, give a hand here and there. So do you. But, like the banker in Miami, do I who am rich beyond all measure in the things that really count–do I say, “I wonder if I did enough”?

No one is doubting anymore that the world is in a financial recession. The US congress and president are trying to hammer out an economic stimulus plan that would pour billions upon billions of dollars into the economy with the hopes of blunting the effects of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Maybe we’ll have some interesting stories to tell our grand- and great-grand children about the hardships we went through back in the old days, during the Great Recession of ’08 and ’09.

My grandparents never talked much of the difficult days of the 1930’s. I guess they saw it as a fact of life and you just lived through it without much sweat. But, then again, they were make-do kind of people. Life was an adventure. Grandpa could turn his hand to just about anything. At various times in his working career he was an aviator in World War I, a fireman, raised mink, had a hobby farm, owned a Harley Davidson dealership and did just about anything else that was required to make a living. My grandmother was a school teacher and quite athletic. In high school she starred for her girls basketball team. She once chased a bear banging a pot and ladle and rode some of those Harley’s Grandpa sold! I can’t get the picture out of my mind of a short, grey-haired elderly school marm, wizzing by on a chopper (Harley). (Disclaimer, she was actually much younger during her motorcycle days but I only knew her as a kindly, gentle grandmotherly woman –and she was the consummate grandmother who baked cookies, canned fruit and vegetables and made blue berry pies – we thought the world of her).

Their yearly vacation time included spending a week or two in the wilderness canoeing and camping in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota. Such continued into their 70’s, they were of hardy stock. The day after Gramps was released from hospital after a heart attack, he was jacking up the side of his house so he could fix the foundation. He wasn’t about to spend the rest of his days in a rocking chair, he says. He died at 96 years old. Grams sometime in her 80’s. They lived a full life.

This recession in some ways will test our mettle, it will see which of us are “make-do” kind of people. For most, life consists of going to work, picking up paycheck (or having it direct deposited), come home, play video games or watch TV or work on the budget, then get up in the morning the next day and repeat. Life goes on as normal. Doesn’t take much faith or anything. And there’s no gusto to life.

So money is tight, eh? Job security is precarious? Retirement savings down by 35%? But, our God still reigns! And if you know Christ as Savior and Lord you have been given life and that life is abundant (John 10:10). Don’t let that new life in Christ stagnate. The economy is no excuse. Why not go for broke (no pun intended) and become a make-do kind of person, living on the wild side. How about a short term missions trip! Spend two weeks on a work team or outreach team. How about volunteering at a city mission or soup kitchen? Plan to spend a week or two at a Christian summer camp? Or take a group of kids on a camping trip. If you have never done it before, take a turn or two in the church nursery—now that will be cutting edge for some of you. Or help out with the junior youth group. You just may see God work in an abundant way.

Maybe this year will be the one you tell your grandchildren about. “Yep, that was an interesting year, the Great Recession of ’09. I saw God work in some huge ways. Let me tell you what happened …”

John 10:10 “… I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”. (Gal 3:26-27 NIV)

It has been said, though not without some dissention, that “clothes make a man.” I know this to be somewhat true for me in terms of how I act. Jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes effect an enjoyment of a more casual, laid back experience of life. A coat and tie encourage a more upright, professional demeanor. When taking my wife on a romantic date, out come the more “fashionable” things that communicate specialness for the occasion. Clothes, indeed, help set (or at least complement) the tenor of my behavior.

Do you know that as a believer in Christ, you are wearing a new set of clothes? It’s true! As today’s scripture says, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”. Through faith, you have been placed “into” Christ (this is what baptism here means), and by analogy you “wear” Christ, like a set of clothes. Unlike earthly clothes which need to be changed, washed and stored away until needed, our “Christ” garment is permanently on us, never needing to be cleaned and certainly not to be stored away.

The Christian does well to remember this picture, for it helps in living a holy lifestyle: “Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:14). Seeing yourself as clothed in this manner will foster change in your behavior. Yes, clothes make a spiritual man.

Have you “put on Christ” (KJV) today? I don’t mean just wearing a WWJD bracelet. I mean walking through this day with the conscious knowledge that you are “in Christ”? All that He is, is yours. You are His child, forgiven, redeemed and a new creature in Christ. When you see who you are in Christ, then you will begin to put on the character of Christ, wear His heart on your sleeve (so to speak), and seek to emulate Him in actions and thoughts toward others. You are a child of the King! Now rise to the standard of the clothes you are wearing.

Now that is a set of clothes worth admiring!

Prayer: Father help me to wear my clothes in such a way you will be proud of me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

“It is God alone who judges; he decides who will rise and who will fall” Psalm 75:6-7

Eight years ago U.S. Republicans were rejoicing as President George W. Bush was sworn in as the 43rd President of the United States. At the time it was clear we should all be praying for President Bush and his new administration.

Today it is the Democrats turn to rejoice and it is clear we should all be praying for President Obama as the 44th President of the United States and his new administration.

Here are the Top Ten Ways to Pray for President Obama:

1. Pray that President Obama will be protected while in office.

2. Pray that President Obama’s family is comforted in his absence.

3. Pray that President Obama will govern with wisdom of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

4. Pray that President Obama will walk in humility before the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

5. Pray that President Obama receives wise counsel disregarding the rest.

6. Pray that President Obama orchestrates a national reconstruction of our economy.

7. Pray that President Obama chooses wise, holy and righteous judges.

8. Pray that president Obama stands tall against the onslaught of terrorism.

9. Pray that President Obama builds a legacy of peace and prosperity.

10. Pray that President Obama stands holy and righteous before God in his decisions.

Bill Mantel

“I’ve been free for 10 years.” “Last week my wife gave birth to a beautiful child, and on the way home from the hospital, I had a strong urge to relapse, to go back to crack. But, thank God I didn’t.” These are just some of the comments I heard at a meeting of “New Connections” in Ottawa, Canada. Every week a group of men, ex-drug addicts, former alcoholics and fellows who had served prison time meet for prayer and indepth bible study. And I mean “Indepth!” Last week, the topic was a comparison of Aaron’s and Moses’ leadership styles. Aaron was a people pleasing “leader” who followed the crowd. Moses was a self-sacrificing leader who offered his life in exchange for the people’s, he was willing to take the hit for others!

Last night, we compared the failures of Judas (the Betrayer) and Peter (the Disowner). Which is worse, to betray someone or to disown him? In the end, we decided both committed equally serious offenses against the Lord. Peter failed the Lord just as badly as Judas. However, Judas’ suicide, though he was remorseful and returned the blood money, demonstrated in the end he was primarily interested in himself and selfishly relieving his own misery. Peter, though weeping bitterly, did not take the easy way out by ending his life. He lived to hear the absolutely most gracious, wonderful words possible. Imagine his feelings when the women came back from the empty tomb with the message from the Lord: “Go and tell the disciples and Peter” (Mark 16:7). Get that? “… and Peter.” He was specifically named! “Yes, Peter, (as one artist creatively imagines) all is well! I want you to know that I have risen again and I’m not mad at you, Peter!” The last recorded words Peter, appropriately enough, were, “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.“  (2 Peter 3:18). He grew in grace that resurrection day and he continued to grow in grace! What a message for the men in that meeting. What a message for me!

There were lots of handshakes and hugs and prayer concerns for others who have not yet found freedom, or are in the process of finding it. Concern for those that haven’t come out to the meeting in a while, fear that maybe they have relapsed. Concern for those who have not yet been broken. I was soooo blessed.

“Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:18).

He is 21 years old and had John 3:16 written right on his face! In black and white, you couldn’t miss it! I mean literally, it was written with a grease pen on his cheeks. It broke all the “rules” about making a relevant witness for the Lord. We are supposed to be subtle, non-tacky, not so blatant. We are to be culturally sensitive, some might even say we should be “cool” in our presentation. Things like simply showing by our lives the true character of Jesus and waiting for people to ask. But, John 3:16 so front and center, and then not the words, but just the verse reference—come on, didn’t any one every tell him how to witness effectively. That kind of stuff gives Christians a bad image!

On second thought…this young man has made a lasting impression. His name is Tim Teabow, and he was last year’s Heisman Trophy winner (most outstanding player in US collegiate football) as a sophomore, this year’s runner up for the same trophy, and last night his team, the Florida Gators, won out over the Oklahoma Sooners with their current Heisman trophy quarterback. Teabow was named the most outstanding player of the game. At 21, a junior in college, his team members call him “superhuman” for his leadership abilities, athletic skills, and his unusually high commitment and character.

Born into a Christian family that sold everything and moved to the Philippines to do missionary work, Teabow was home schooled for much of his youth. He has gone on numerous missions trips himself to multiple countries, serving the needs of the poor. How did I hear all this? By simply listening to the game day commentators on TV. One announcer said, “I’ve heard so much about this young man, but when I met him for the first time this week for an interview, I found out that nothing I had heard about him before does justice to who he is. He is a remarkable young man.” He commands respect where ever he goes.

And as the announce spoke, the camera brought Teabow’s face in for a close-up. Through the helmet you could see clearly as could be, the word “John” written in white on top of the black anti-glare streak under his right eye, and the notation “3:16” on the black streak under his left eye. Every single close up during the game shown on national television, there it was! You couldn’t miss it. The whole TV audience couldn’t miss it. His teammates couldn’t miss it. The trainers, waterboys, cheerleaders, his coaches, the fans viewing the jumbotron. Everyone watching the game! No one could miss it.

Tacky? No. Faithful? Yes. Success doesn’t cloud this young man’s higher commitment and purpose in life. Athletic success means simply a greater platform to reach out with the life changing message. I know the world at times mocks the John 3:16 signs at sporting events. Many Christians also think it is in poor taste. But, I wonder how many people will now take message more seriously, go look it up the verse, or ask a Christian what it means. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” As for me, I say, Go Teabow! You did well. (And you played a pretty good ball game, too.)

Revenge was his life. But, he was happy. A native Frenchman, he was going along with his life and engaged to be married. Working at the time as a member of a French labor union, life meant getting one step up on the next person. Yes, he was happy. That is, until his non-union boss at work challenged him and his fiancée to study the Bible. If he was so smart (he is now engaged in post-doctoral studies ) why wouldn’t he read the most influential book of time? He couldn’t shake the observation that the Christians he encountered had something more than happiness. They had a deep peace, which he didn’t have. Well, study the Bible they did, he and his wife. It came alive. Eight months later, a week before their wedding, he bowed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Seven days later on the very day of their wedding she opened her life to Christ as well. And they both found a deep peace.

Now, three years later, and with an 18 month old child, they are a vibrant, growing Christian couple, rejoicing in their salvation. Sitting across the table from them last night, my heart was thrilled, as I listened to their testimony. Studying in Canada for a year, their broken English was absolutely no barrier to the sharing of hearts and spiritual fellowship we experienced with them. Out of the spiritually parched, “post-Christian” land called France, the Seed of God had taken root and has continued to flourish.

If God can reach this young couple, he can also raise up fruit in the arid ground of your relatives, neighbors and work associates. Don’t give up praying for them; sow the Seed of the Word of God. The more you sow and the more widely you cast it, the more likely seed will find good ground!

Matt 13:3, 8, 23 “ And Jesus spoke many things to them in parables, saying, ‘Behold, the sower went out to sow . . . and (some seed) fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty . . . And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.’ ”

Ten sons & eight daughters-–and counting. Michelle and Jim Duggars of Rogers, Arkansas just gave birth to No. 18, a girl. And they want more! Can you image the family Christmas gathering? And trying to keep their names straight? Wait until they are all married off and then organize family reunions!? That mother and father will have no lack of family when it comes to holiday gatherings.

Yet, for many people Christmas is a lonely experience. Those with Norman Rockwellian perfect families (NRPF’s) can be woefully insensitive to others who don’t fit the picture. Most of us come somewhat short of that quintessential picture of hearth and home. Even our heavenly Father’s family is filled with wayward, disobedient or absent children. His heart gets lonely for the broken relationships He desires restored. So, you are in good company if there is heartache this Christmas.

But, the best antidote to loneliness is to reach out to others. Here is a crazy suggestion: Is someone in your family feeling neglected? Your father or mother? There is no greater pain than a parent who feels ignored by her or his children. Give them a call or write them a long note expressing your appreciation for them. Are they passed away? Write a letter anyway and keep it in your files—it can be therapeutic. Sister or brother who is estranged or who has made life choices that have alienated others? A friend or someone from church that is socially awkward, or has few close friends or relatives nearby? How about a nursing home nearby—did you know that there a many lonely people there who never get invited home for Christmas or get visited?

Whether you are lonely or whether you are part of a NRPF, reach out this Christmas and help someone else in their loneliness. You may find your Christmas is filled with a new purpose that gives you life. But, even if that “feeling” doesn’t happen, you have at least made Christmas a bit nicer for someone else—and you have done a good thing!

Jesus said, “Whatever you have done to the least of my brothers, you have done to me.” When you realize this, then every gift of time you give in helping making someone’s Christmas less lonely is a gift to Jesus Christ, Himself. Imagine the expression on His face when He opens His gift!

The world’s time keepers will add one extra second to their atomic clock to keep in sync with the Earth’s slightly slowing rotation. It will be tacked on to Dec. 31 after 6:59:59 p.m. and before 7 p.m. Eastern standard time (source: Associated Press). There you have it, scientists have found a way to give us more time in a day!

But, like with many scientific endeavors, is this something good for us or bad? If this happens every year, then in another 20 years we will have lived a whole 210 accumulated seconds longer than we would have otherwise thought (assuming each successive year increases in length by 1 second). On the other hand, it means eventually the earth’s rotation will slow down to the point of stopping—which will solve the global warming problem for roughly half of the planet. For the other half, get out your parkas!

I am sure not too many people are worrying about either of these possibilities. However, there are many other things that bring on worry. What has you gripped in worry today? We so easily worry about what’s coming next, how things will fare for us, what will our lives be like. Job security, retirement wealth lost, health concerns, fears of all sorts. But, what good does worry do us? Absolutely, no good!

Jesus said, “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27). The answer is obvious. Instead, the Lord tells us, “But seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33). This is the grand paradigm shift that wipes away worry. God holds the future, he has a vested interested in our lives. So, as we align ourselves with His purpose and engage kingdom living here and now, we can be assured that He will take care of the future. Our focus is not on worry over the unknown. Rather, we know God and He in turns knows the future. We will have what we need to face whatever tomorrow brings. And we will have enough time – not one second more or less.