Thursday, March 28, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Man up
Stepping up means owning up
Its never too late to step up, even when that means- especially when that means- facing our own failures and setting things right with the ones we've wounded.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Friend or foe
Scorpion
To dream of a scorpion, foretells that false friends will improve opportunities to undermine your prosperity. If you fail to kill it, you will suffer loss from an enemy’s attack.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Church? Or not
Six Reasons People Leave Your Church
Written by John D. Duncan www.Lifeway.com
If you travel the bumpy roads of ministry long enough, some treasured soul will exit your church. Years ago I entered the open road of a new ministry. I pastored a new church. I investigated the potholes, the inclines, and the danger zones of my new path of ministry.
My search drove me into living rooms, into advice on what’s best for the church, into the hearts of the members whom I served. Clearly things were not going well. Every curve greeted me with another surprise.
Six Reasons People Leave
1. Poor leadership
When the family announced their departure, I made it a point to visit in their home. I asked them to share their feelings. I requested honesty. “We just don’t like the way you’re running things.”
As a young pastor, my inexperience led to poor decisions.
Financial problems worried the church.
Morale problems infected the church.
A lack of vision created an internal sickness.
Members began to place blame for the troubles.
Since I was their leader, they pointed a finger at me. I had only served the church for six months, but I tried to cure the church with my own diagnosis and prescription. I did not listen to my people. I attempted to solve the dilemmas on my own. The result? Members left the church.
2. Different Style
When church members leave your church, they might travel to another church because they yearn for another style of ministry. They desire a different style of preaching or worship. They hunger for a certain style of music. Their expectations about a church might come from a church, pastor, or program they had in another town.
3. Specific Program
“How did you discover our church?” I asked a woman who quizzed me about the church. “We heard about the church because of the youth program. Some friends told us about your youth ministry.”
“Why did you leave our church?” I questioned a former member. “We really like the Music Ministry of our new church,” they responded.
4. Disillusionment
William D. Hendricks talks about a “dark side” to the church. He details numerous stories about people leaving their churches in his book, Exit Interviews. He writes, “Despite glowing reports of surging church attendance, more and more Christians in North America are feeling disillusioned with the church and other formal, institutional expressions of Christianity." (Chicago: Moody Press, 1993, p. 17)
These people remove themselves from the church out of frustration with structure or bureaucracy.
5. Inner Hurts
A close church member invited me to lunch one day. He shocked me when he informed me of his imminent departure from our church. “It’s in the best interest of our family,” he softly spoke. I drove to the church that day disappointed. A year later I received news about the family. The sad news explained the couple’s divorce. Rather than seek help in the church, they fled the church. They retreated to ease the surprise of their impending breakup.
Not every person who leaves the church because of inner hurt leaves on bad terms. Some leave to seek answers to their hurt. Still others take flight to find the acceptance they have missed.
6. Church Size
“I sure have missed you at church,” I said in casual conversation. “Don’t take it personally, but the church has gotten too big for us. We’re used to a smaller church.” Sometimes the church may grow too large. In other cases the church may not be large enough.
How to Handle the Departure
1. Learn From It
By listening, I learn about people. I also learn about myself. Better yet, I learn more about service to God.
A seminary student called his mentor. “I’m ready to quit,” he muttered in tones of despair. “One of our best deacons is leaving the church. He says it’s because of me.” “Son,” the wise mentor replied, “I’ve lost members in every church I’ve pastored. Focus on God’s call. Listen to people and learn from them. Work hard. Love Jesus. Love people. Then remember, you can’t ring everybody’s bell all the time. Trust God and do the best you can in serving the Lord.”
When church members leave your church, learn what you can from it. Learn, then refuse to dwell on it. Too much analysis paralyzes you. As you learn, grow. Then get back to work.
2. Pray For Them
Pray that those people can find a church that feeds them spiritually. Ask God to provide healing for their hurts.
Request the Lord’s guidance as they wander down uncertain trails. Praying for them nourishes their spiritual life.
It also encourages your attitude toward them, especially if they spoke painful words upon their exit.
3. Open the Gate
When church members leave your church, let them go, bless them as they leave, but leave the gate open for their return.
Eugene Petersen challenges pastors not to become inflated in their self- perception. God works through people. The church moves forward rhythmically like a clock ticking. He writes, “Years ago I noticed, as all pastors must, that when a pastor left a neighboring congregation, the congregational life carried on very well, thank you.” (The Contemplative Pastor, Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1989, p. 25)
As harsh as this sounds, exchange pastor for member and you have a strong truth. Churches carry on. Oh, they miss members who depart. But God has a way of supplying new ones.
The key is to remember, it’s the Lord’s church. When the back door opens, God often brings twice the number in the front door. When the church is a revolving door, maybe the key to church growth is to have more coming than you do going.
Written by John D. Duncan www.Lifeway.com
If you travel the bumpy roads of ministry long enough, some treasured soul will exit your church. Years ago I entered the open road of a new ministry. I pastored a new church. I investigated the potholes, the inclines, and the danger zones of my new path of ministry.
My search drove me into living rooms, into advice on what’s best for the church, into the hearts of the members whom I served. Clearly things were not going well. Every curve greeted me with another surprise.
Six Reasons People Leave
1. Poor leadership
When the family announced their departure, I made it a point to visit in their home. I asked them to share their feelings. I requested honesty. “We just don’t like the way you’re running things.”
As a young pastor, my inexperience led to poor decisions.
Financial problems worried the church.
Morale problems infected the church.
A lack of vision created an internal sickness.
Members began to place blame for the troubles.
Since I was their leader, they pointed a finger at me. I had only served the church for six months, but I tried to cure the church with my own diagnosis and prescription. I did not listen to my people. I attempted to solve the dilemmas on my own. The result? Members left the church.
2. Different Style
When church members leave your church, they might travel to another church because they yearn for another style of ministry. They desire a different style of preaching or worship. They hunger for a certain style of music. Their expectations about a church might come from a church, pastor, or program they had in another town.
3. Specific Program
“How did you discover our church?” I asked a woman who quizzed me about the church. “We heard about the church because of the youth program. Some friends told us about your youth ministry.”
“Why did you leave our church?” I questioned a former member. “We really like the Music Ministry of our new church,” they responded.
4. Disillusionment
William D. Hendricks talks about a “dark side” to the church. He details numerous stories about people leaving their churches in his book, Exit Interviews. He writes, “Despite glowing reports of surging church attendance, more and more Christians in North America are feeling disillusioned with the church and other formal, institutional expressions of Christianity." (Chicago: Moody Press, 1993, p. 17)
These people remove themselves from the church out of frustration with structure or bureaucracy.
5. Inner Hurts
A close church member invited me to lunch one day. He shocked me when he informed me of his imminent departure from our church. “It’s in the best interest of our family,” he softly spoke. I drove to the church that day disappointed. A year later I received news about the family. The sad news explained the couple’s divorce. Rather than seek help in the church, they fled the church. They retreated to ease the surprise of their impending breakup.
Not every person who leaves the church because of inner hurt leaves on bad terms. Some leave to seek answers to their hurt. Still others take flight to find the acceptance they have missed.
6. Church Size
“I sure have missed you at church,” I said in casual conversation. “Don’t take it personally, but the church has gotten too big for us. We’re used to a smaller church.” Sometimes the church may grow too large. In other cases the church may not be large enough.
How to Handle the Departure
1. Learn From It
By listening, I learn about people. I also learn about myself. Better yet, I learn more about service to God.
A seminary student called his mentor. “I’m ready to quit,” he muttered in tones of despair. “One of our best deacons is leaving the church. He says it’s because of me.” “Son,” the wise mentor replied, “I’ve lost members in every church I’ve pastored. Focus on God’s call. Listen to people and learn from them. Work hard. Love Jesus. Love people. Then remember, you can’t ring everybody’s bell all the time. Trust God and do the best you can in serving the Lord.”
When church members leave your church, learn what you can from it. Learn, then refuse to dwell on it. Too much analysis paralyzes you. As you learn, grow. Then get back to work.
2. Pray For Them
Pray that those people can find a church that feeds them spiritually. Ask God to provide healing for their hurts.
Request the Lord’s guidance as they wander down uncertain trails. Praying for them nourishes their spiritual life.
It also encourages your attitude toward them, especially if they spoke painful words upon their exit.
3. Open the Gate
When church members leave your church, let them go, bless them as they leave, but leave the gate open for their return.
Eugene Petersen challenges pastors not to become inflated in their self- perception. God works through people. The church moves forward rhythmically like a clock ticking. He writes, “Years ago I noticed, as all pastors must, that when a pastor left a neighboring congregation, the congregational life carried on very well, thank you.” (The Contemplative Pastor, Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1989, p. 25)
As harsh as this sounds, exchange pastor for member and you have a strong truth. Churches carry on. Oh, they miss members who depart. But God has a way of supplying new ones.
The key is to remember, it’s the Lord’s church. When the back door opens, God often brings twice the number in the front door. When the church is a revolving door, maybe the key to church growth is to have more coming than you do going.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
You are not your own
Do you not know that . . . you are not your own? —1 Corinthians 6:19
There is no such thing as a private life, or a place to hide in this world, for a man or woman who is intimately aware of and shares in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. God divides the private life of His saints and makes it a highway for the world on one hand and for Himself on the other. No human being can stand that unless he is identified with Jesus Christ. We are not sanctified for ourselves. We are called into intimacy with the gospel, and things happen that appear to have nothing to do with us. But God is getting us into fellowship with Himself. Let Him have His way. If you refuse, you will be of no value to God in His redemptive work in the world, but will be a hindrance and a stumbling block.
The first thing God does is get us grounded on strong reality and truth. He does this until our cares for ourselves individually have been brought into submission to His way for the purpose of His redemption. Why shouldn’t we experience heartbreak? Through those doorways God is opening up ways of fellowship with His Son. Most of us collapse at the first grip of pain. We sit down at the door of God’s purpose and enter a slow death through self-pity. And all the so-called Christian sympathy of others helps us to our deathbed. But God will not. He comes with the grip of the pierced hand of His Son, as if to say, “Enter into fellowship with Me; arise and shine.” If God can accomplish His purposes in this world through a broken heart, then why not thank Him for breaking yours?
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Sexual purity
Live in such a way as to hear your Lord say to you one day, “Well done.” Get on the right side of the universe’s moral system. Honor God by living in sexual purity. If you do, you’ll experience his blessing and rewards not only today, tomorrow, and ten years from now, but throughout eternity. “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. For what is man’s lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Does he not see my ways and count my every step? If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit—let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless—if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, then may others eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted. If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door, then may my wife grind another man’s grain, and may other men sleep with her. For that would have been shameful, a sin to be judged. It is a fire that burns to Destruction; it would have uprooted my harvest.” (Job 31:1-12)
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
You can make it
Press through it
As I have reflected over the events of the past few days and months I was drawn to the first chapter of James. In the first 13 verses we are given some understanding of the purpose of trials that come our way.
The good that has come from trials.
The comfort we can have in trials.
So this passage speaks to us to help us in our time of trial when we need understanding and comfort. And yet in a real way I have also thought that the life of our friend and loved one actually was a living example of this passage:
As she and her family demonstrated before us the reality of this portion of God's Word.
I shall never be able to read these verses without thinking of (Name) and how her life reflected this passage.
So for a few minutes, think with me as we look into God's Word. (Read verses 2-4) The Lord would first of all have us know that there is. . .
Purpose in Trials
(verses 2-4)
1. When difficult times come into our lives and we find ourselves unable to comprehend/to understand; the enemy is quick to throw doubts/questions into our minds.
2. We find ourselves questioning God's goodness/God's wisdom in allowing these things to happen.
3. We may even be bitter and angry with God for allowing this to happen to us and wonder if He really understands.
4. But God's word confidently reminds us that God does understand . . .
Things do not just happen haphazardly to the Christian.
With no meaning/no purpose.
5. God is in control and as Paul reminds us no one or nothing can separate us from God's love. Rom. 8--even the most difficult of circumstances.
6. James reminds us that God wants us to trust Him in the trials of life.
For as we trust Him in the trials God can use the difficult trial to mold us:
To mature us.
So that we will be more like Jesus Christ our Savior.
7. Isaiah the prophet said in trying to comprehend God's ways: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa. 55:8-9)
8. God would have us trust Him in the difficult trials:
For even though we cannot understand He loves us and He is in control.
He will use this trial to help us grow spiritually and to help us mature and become more like Jesus Christ.
9. Trust Him! Keep your eyes on Him! And God will use even this trial for His glory.
10. But James goes on to tell us that not only does Gold have purpose in trials--but also that God gives wisdom in trials.
Wisdom in Trials
(verses 5-11)
(Read verses 5 and 6)
1. James recognizes that we may not always be able to see the purpose in trials or see the good that can come from trials.
2. When we find ourselves unable to see the good and the purpose in trials we are to:
Keep on asking Him for wisdom.
In faith.
And our God who loves to give will respond so that we can see the good and the purpose in trials.
3. Then James illustrates and says:
That even a poor man has much good in his trial of poverty if he knows God--the owner of the universe.
And a rich man through he lose everything can rejoice in the good of having learned not to place his faith in riches which quickly pass away.
4. God has been very good to us in allowing us to see the good even in this difficult trial.
For so much good has already come from this trial:
As a church family we are growing spiritually and united together.
As individuals we have seen faith in action and we have learned lessons we shall never forget.
As we have seen at least three people come to Jesus Christ through faith. (As NAME shared her vital faith with Jesus Christ with others)
5. Yet in the days to come we will continue to need wisdom to see the purpose and the good in this trial.
James exhorts us to keep on asking God in faith for wisdom.
And our generous loving God will give us the wisdom needed.
(But finally James reminds us that not only does God have a purpose in trials; and gives wisdom in trials but thirdly there is comfort in trials.)
Comfort in Trials
(verse 12)
(Read verse 12)
1. James here reminds us that this life is not all there is to life.
That right will be commended.
That due reward will be give for faithfulness.
2. We often live as if we are the living on the way to the dying.
3. But God's word makes it very clear that we are the dying on the way to the living.
4. What is in store then for one who knows Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and passes from this life?
Phil. l tells us that when a Christian departs he is with Christ.
II Cor. 5 tells that when we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord
And I Corinthians 15 and I Thessalonians 4 tells us that someday that body which for the present sleeps in the grave will be resurrected and united with our soul/spirit and in this glorified state we will be with the Lord forever.
And there rewards will be given for endurance through trials and for faithfulness to God in difficult times.
5. So today we sorrow - but we sorrow not as others who have no hope.
We have the assurance of the word of God that (name) is with Christ.
(Name) had trusted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior from sin.
6. But I cannot help but think that perhaps some of you are not prepared to face death and you are not prepared to meet Jesus Christ face to face. Nor are you ready to face a trial like (Name) has faced with peace in your heart.
The strength that enabled this dear one to face her trial with confidence and assurance was not her own.
It came as she allowed the life of her Savior to live His life through her. It came from a confidence that she was ready to meet her Savior.
She had made her peace with God through faith in Christ and desired above all else to glorify Him with her life.
7. I invite you right where you are sitting to invite Christ into your life as your Savior from sin.
Jesus Christ died as your substitute paying the penalty for your sin.
But He asks you ;by an act of your will to trust Him as your personal Savior from sin.
If you do this, on the authority of God's word you are a new creature/born again and prepared to meet your Savior.
Conclusion
James (The Holy Spirit of God) in the quietness of this hour reminds us that . . .
l. There is purpose in trials:
God is still in control
He has not forsaken us but wants us to trust Him so we can mature.
2. God has and will give us wisdom to see the purpose and the good in this trial--As we ask in faith.
3. And there is comfort in knowing that this life is not all there is--that absent from the body means present with the Lord.
4. These truths were demonstrated before us in the life of (Name). (Name) faith in Christ enabled her to face her trial with the peace that passes understanding. Phil. 4:7
5. And I trust that now as her family as her family and friends we may lay hold of the same Savior and the same truths from God's word to enable us to bear this trial together.
As I have reflected over the events of the past few days and months I was drawn to the first chapter of James. In the first 13 verses we are given some understanding of the purpose of trials that come our way.
The good that has come from trials.
The comfort we can have in trials.
So this passage speaks to us to help us in our time of trial when we need understanding and comfort. And yet in a real way I have also thought that the life of our friend and loved one actually was a living example of this passage:
As she and her family demonstrated before us the reality of this portion of God's Word.
I shall never be able to read these verses without thinking of (Name) and how her life reflected this passage.
So for a few minutes, think with me as we look into God's Word. (Read verses 2-4) The Lord would first of all have us know that there is. . .
Purpose in Trials
(verses 2-4)
1. When difficult times come into our lives and we find ourselves unable to comprehend/to understand; the enemy is quick to throw doubts/questions into our minds.
2. We find ourselves questioning God's goodness/God's wisdom in allowing these things to happen.
3. We may even be bitter and angry with God for allowing this to happen to us and wonder if He really understands.
4. But God's word confidently reminds us that God does understand . . .
Things do not just happen haphazardly to the Christian.
With no meaning/no purpose.
5. God is in control and as Paul reminds us no one or nothing can separate us from God's love. Rom. 8--even the most difficult of circumstances.
6. James reminds us that God wants us to trust Him in the trials of life.
For as we trust Him in the trials God can use the difficult trial to mold us:
To mature us.
So that we will be more like Jesus Christ our Savior.
7. Isaiah the prophet said in trying to comprehend God's ways: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isa. 55:8-9)
8. God would have us trust Him in the difficult trials:
For even though we cannot understand He loves us and He is in control.
He will use this trial to help us grow spiritually and to help us mature and become more like Jesus Christ.
9. Trust Him! Keep your eyes on Him! And God will use even this trial for His glory.
10. But James goes on to tell us that not only does Gold have purpose in trials--but also that God gives wisdom in trials.
Wisdom in Trials
(verses 5-11)
(Read verses 5 and 6)
1. James recognizes that we may not always be able to see the purpose in trials or see the good that can come from trials.
2. When we find ourselves unable to see the good and the purpose in trials we are to:
Keep on asking Him for wisdom.
In faith.
And our God who loves to give will respond so that we can see the good and the purpose in trials.
3. Then James illustrates and says:
That even a poor man has much good in his trial of poverty if he knows God--the owner of the universe.
And a rich man through he lose everything can rejoice in the good of having learned not to place his faith in riches which quickly pass away.
4. God has been very good to us in allowing us to see the good even in this difficult trial.
For so much good has already come from this trial:
As a church family we are growing spiritually and united together.
As individuals we have seen faith in action and we have learned lessons we shall never forget.
As we have seen at least three people come to Jesus Christ through faith. (As NAME shared her vital faith with Jesus Christ with others)
5. Yet in the days to come we will continue to need wisdom to see the purpose and the good in this trial.
James exhorts us to keep on asking God in faith for wisdom.
And our generous loving God will give us the wisdom needed.
(But finally James reminds us that not only does God have a purpose in trials; and gives wisdom in trials but thirdly there is comfort in trials.)
Comfort in Trials
(verse 12)
(Read verse 12)
1. James here reminds us that this life is not all there is to life.
That right will be commended.
That due reward will be give for faithfulness.
2. We often live as if we are the living on the way to the dying.
3. But God's word makes it very clear that we are the dying on the way to the living.
4. What is in store then for one who knows Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and passes from this life?
Phil. l tells us that when a Christian departs he is with Christ.
II Cor. 5 tells that when we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord
And I Corinthians 15 and I Thessalonians 4 tells us that someday that body which for the present sleeps in the grave will be resurrected and united with our soul/spirit and in this glorified state we will be with the Lord forever.
And there rewards will be given for endurance through trials and for faithfulness to God in difficult times.
5. So today we sorrow - but we sorrow not as others who have no hope.
We have the assurance of the word of God that (name) is with Christ.
(Name) had trusted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior from sin.
6. But I cannot help but think that perhaps some of you are not prepared to face death and you are not prepared to meet Jesus Christ face to face. Nor are you ready to face a trial like (Name) has faced with peace in your heart.
The strength that enabled this dear one to face her trial with confidence and assurance was not her own.
It came as she allowed the life of her Savior to live His life through her. It came from a confidence that she was ready to meet her Savior.
She had made her peace with God through faith in Christ and desired above all else to glorify Him with her life.
7. I invite you right where you are sitting to invite Christ into your life as your Savior from sin.
Jesus Christ died as your substitute paying the penalty for your sin.
But He asks you ;by an act of your will to trust Him as your personal Savior from sin.
If you do this, on the authority of God's word you are a new creature/born again and prepared to meet your Savior.
Conclusion
James (The Holy Spirit of God) in the quietness of this hour reminds us that . . .
l. There is purpose in trials:
God is still in control
He has not forsaken us but wants us to trust Him so we can mature.
2. God has and will give us wisdom to see the purpose and the good in this trial--As we ask in faith.
3. And there is comfort in knowing that this life is not all there is--that absent from the body means present with the Lord.
4. These truths were demonstrated before us in the life of (Name). (Name) faith in Christ enabled her to face her trial with the peace that passes understanding. Phil. 4:7
5. And I trust that now as her family as her family and friends we may lay hold of the same Savior and the same truths from God's word to enable us to bear this trial together.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Financial wisdom
How Bankruptcy Affects Your Financial Reputation -
Your credit report is an official record of how you’ve used and managed credit (borrowed money) in the past. Every time you apply for a loan, lenders examine your report or credit score to assess your “financial reputation.” That’s really what the information in your credit file is – a listing of your financial history and an inference of how you will repay future debt. Bankruptcy severely damages your financial reputation.
When your financial reputation is good, lenders will want to lend money to you and will offer you the lowest available interest rates.
When your financial reputation is bad, lenders may be less willing to lend you money. If they do lend you money, they’ll do so at high interest rates to protect themselves from the risk that you won’t pay on time and in full throughout the life of the loan.
Chapter 7 bankruptcies usually remain on your credit report for 10 years after your discharge date. Chapter 13 bankruptcies remain on your credit report for seven years. Any bankruptcy on your credit file can automatically give you a bad financial reputation, even if your financial record since your filing date has been perfect.
Why Your Financial Reputation Matters
Just like you probably don’t want your family to hang out with people having a bad reputation, banks and other financial institutions don’t want their money in the hands of anyone having a reputation of NOT repaying loans. Bankruptcy broadcasts to others that, at least recently, you were unable to make regular payments on your debt. In particular, bankruptcy can reduce your:
Access to credit: Some, though not all, lenders will simply refuse to lend money to people with a bankruptcy on their credit report.
Access to large amounts of credit: Many lenders will agree to lend to people with a bankruptcy on their credit report, but only in small amounts. Since most people use credit to finance major purchases, such as a car or home, having access to only a few thousand dollars’ worth of credit often won’t suffice.
Access to credit at low interest rates: People with good credit receive lower interest rates, which can result in enormous savings. For instance, a person with good credit may be able to get a mortgage at an interest rate a full 1% lower than someone with bad credit. Though 1% seems insignificant, over time that difference adds up to tens of thousands of dollars.
How to Get Credit After Bankruptcy
Despite the negative effects bankruptcy has on your credit rating, you can still get credit afterward. The most difficult time to get credit is immediately after you file, but over time lenders will feel less anxious and will offer you loans at rates approaching those available to borrowers with better credit. Generally, you should wait at least 18 months after your filing date before trying to get new credit. At that point, your wisest step is to apply for a secured credit card.
Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards are credit cards that require you to deposit a certain amount of cash into a savings account to which you and the credit card company have access. This cash deposit serves as collateral against your credit limit, the amount of credit that the secured card gives you. If you fail to pay your secured credit card bills, the company that issued your card can withdraw funds from your savings account equal to the amount you’ve failed to pay.
Secured credit cards look just like regular, unsecured credit cards. The amount of money you must deposit varies but usually equals 50–100% of the credit limit (though some lenders require only 10–20% of the credit limit).
After obtaining and responsibly using your secured credit card, you’ll have proof that you can manage credit responsibly, and you’ll begin to get additional credit more easily and at better interest rates.
Your credit report is an official record of how you’ve used and managed credit (borrowed money) in the past. Every time you apply for a loan, lenders examine your report or credit score to assess your “financial reputation.” That’s really what the information in your credit file is – a listing of your financial history and an inference of how you will repay future debt. Bankruptcy severely damages your financial reputation.
When your financial reputation is good, lenders will want to lend money to you and will offer you the lowest available interest rates.
When your financial reputation is bad, lenders may be less willing to lend you money. If they do lend you money, they’ll do so at high interest rates to protect themselves from the risk that you won’t pay on time and in full throughout the life of the loan.
Chapter 7 bankruptcies usually remain on your credit report for 10 years after your discharge date. Chapter 13 bankruptcies remain on your credit report for seven years. Any bankruptcy on your credit file can automatically give you a bad financial reputation, even if your financial record since your filing date has been perfect.
Why Your Financial Reputation Matters
Just like you probably don’t want your family to hang out with people having a bad reputation, banks and other financial institutions don’t want their money in the hands of anyone having a reputation of NOT repaying loans. Bankruptcy broadcasts to others that, at least recently, you were unable to make regular payments on your debt. In particular, bankruptcy can reduce your:
Access to credit: Some, though not all, lenders will simply refuse to lend money to people with a bankruptcy on their credit report.
Access to large amounts of credit: Many lenders will agree to lend to people with a bankruptcy on their credit report, but only in small amounts. Since most people use credit to finance major purchases, such as a car or home, having access to only a few thousand dollars’ worth of credit often won’t suffice.
Access to credit at low interest rates: People with good credit receive lower interest rates, which can result in enormous savings. For instance, a person with good credit may be able to get a mortgage at an interest rate a full 1% lower than someone with bad credit. Though 1% seems insignificant, over time that difference adds up to tens of thousands of dollars.
How to Get Credit After Bankruptcy
Despite the negative effects bankruptcy has on your credit rating, you can still get credit afterward. The most difficult time to get credit is immediately after you file, but over time lenders will feel less anxious and will offer you loans at rates approaching those available to borrowers with better credit. Generally, you should wait at least 18 months after your filing date before trying to get new credit. At that point, your wisest step is to apply for a secured credit card.
Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards are credit cards that require you to deposit a certain amount of cash into a savings account to which you and the credit card company have access. This cash deposit serves as collateral against your credit limit, the amount of credit that the secured card gives you. If you fail to pay your secured credit card bills, the company that issued your card can withdraw funds from your savings account equal to the amount you’ve failed to pay.
Secured credit cards look just like regular, unsecured credit cards. The amount of money you must deposit varies but usually equals 50–100% of the credit limit (though some lenders require only 10–20% of the credit limit).
After obtaining and responsibly using your secured credit card, you’ll have proof that you can manage credit responsibly, and you’ll begin to get additional credit more easily and at better interest rates.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Word for now
The process
Page 66
"This program has become a part of me... I understand more clearly the things that are happening in my life today I no longer fight the process."
Basic Text, p. 127
In active addiction, things happened seemingly without rhyme or reason. We just "did things" often without knowing why or what the results would be. Life had little value or meaning.
The Twelve Step process gives meaning to our lives; in working the steps, we come to accept both the dark and the bright sides of ourselves. We strip away the denial that kept us from comprehending addiction's affect on us. We honestly examine ourselves, picking out the patterns in our thoughts, our feelings, and our behavior We gain humility and perspective by fully disclosing ourselves to another human being. In seeking to have our shortcomings removed, we develop a working appreciation of our own powerlessness and the strength provided by a Power greater than we are. With our enhanced understanding of ourselves, we gain greater insight into and acceptance of others.
The Twelve Steps are the key to a process we call "life." In working the steps, they become a part of us and we become a part of the life around us. Our world is no longer meaningless; we understand more about what happens in our lives today. We no longer fight the process. Today, in working the steps, we live it.
Just for Today: Life is a process; the Twelve Steps are the key. Today, I will use the steps to participate in that process, understanding and enjoying myself and my recovery.
Page 66
"This program has become a part of me... I understand more clearly the things that are happening in my life today I no longer fight the process."
Basic Text, p. 127
In active addiction, things happened seemingly without rhyme or reason. We just "did things" often without knowing why or what the results would be. Life had little value or meaning.
The Twelve Step process gives meaning to our lives; in working the steps, we come to accept both the dark and the bright sides of ourselves. We strip away the denial that kept us from comprehending addiction's affect on us. We honestly examine ourselves, picking out the patterns in our thoughts, our feelings, and our behavior We gain humility and perspective by fully disclosing ourselves to another human being. In seeking to have our shortcomings removed, we develop a working appreciation of our own powerlessness and the strength provided by a Power greater than we are. With our enhanced understanding of ourselves, we gain greater insight into and acceptance of others.
The Twelve Steps are the key to a process we call "life." In working the steps, they become a part of us and we become a part of the life around us. Our world is no longer meaningless; we understand more about what happens in our lives today. We no longer fight the process. Today, in working the steps, we live it.
Just for Today: Life is a process; the Twelve Steps are the key. Today, I will use the steps to participate in that process, understanding and enjoying myself and my recovery.
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