Notice: American Income Reduction Imminent

Why Is This Happening

Greg Ulmer
2010

Due to the national economy and globalization you can expect an income reduction. Whether through layoffs or pay freezes or self imposed, a reduction in income is upon us. Corporate America can not raise wages. In fact America has gone broke on high wages. For example, General Motors (GM) is broke and their revenue is over $180 billion a year (ie they take in over $500 million every 30 days). Similar situations are evident throughout the business world including the transportation, finance, equipment maker and real estate industries. But the problems are not limited to business. The average net worth of American citizens is dropping yearly even though foreclosures are slowing. The average savings is just starting to improve, but only because people are afraid. For Americans to “get straight” they would have to have a tremendous wage increase or a tremendous cost decrease. One of the two must happen if we are to thrive again.

Now, just suppose that God loves everyone all over the world equally. And, just suppose that American is not going to be the only country in the world to dominate business, manufacturing, labor, and industry for the next 100 years. Say God is going to let other countries get some wealth too (ie Globalization). In other words, we are not going back to the late 60s and 70s when America made the best cars, did the most manufacturing, and had plenty of jobs available on each and every corner. You could get a job stay there 30-40 years, your wages would go up every year, quality of life kept improving and your company paid for your “comfortable” retirement. Since it is the case that God loves everyone, Americans will not get significant wage increase any time soon.

Realization.
Think about it. We are not going to get a significant wage increase. God has already done that for us. But, we have become a society that is increasingly greedy, coveting what our neighbors have, requiring more and more things to be “comfortable” and hording our riches. These values have resulted in an economy of borrowing and spending. Thus,  turning our backs on the teachings of the Lord. But this just served to reveal ourselves to ourselves rather than how we are to be. We as Christians are to stand up and be the example in this economy. We must not conform to the world (Rom 12:2). God has arranged everything to allow us to shine. But understand, this is going to fight. We must focus on HIS word and successfully manage our finances. Now, is the time. HE is waiting on us. Waiting for his body to move into action and lead the way.

So, the only way America can win is with a cost reduction. This reduction must happen through reducing expenses, taxes and debt. Expenses is a minimal cut because the cost of living is increasing. We can cut taxes, but unless you have a properly structured business or a home based business there is only one other way to reduce taxes. Besides the bailout means taxes must increase at some point. We can have more success cutting debt, which is just interest on top of an expense or bill. Looking ahead 10-15 years, America will be a society that has drastically reduced cost and expenses if it is to survive. With our influence, America will survive and be more Godly.

What do we need to do ?  We need to

1. MASTER OUR FINANCES so we can leave an inheritance to our children’s children.
   This inheritance allows our grandchildren to quickly serve God rather than fretting about money and being a slave to debt (Pro 22:7). They will know to quickly eliminate any debt they must obtain and use their resources to honor the Lord. What better way to show our Love for our family than to pass on financial wisdom along with a head start in building the kingdom of the Lord.
2. TRUST IN GOD for we are HIS children and we need not be troubled (John 14:1).
   We have a protective father who has saved us, guides us and is with us at all times. He loves us even when we forsake HIM. We are free to worship and adore HIM through our thoughts, actions and deeds. So let us honor our father by faithfully trusting HIM so that we may draw closer and closer to his heart and help build his kingdom on earth.
3. USE OUR SHAPE to serve God.
   If your shape guides you to have wealth and tithe and contribute your time to build God’s kingdom, that is a wonderful thing. If your shape guides you to serve the Lord in one of the million other capacities, that is also a wonderful thing. For whatever your shape, you are to also master your income. Your mastery means you can tithe, pay for your lifestyle, build an inheritance for your grandchildren and serve the Lord according to your shape without worrying about finances. If we trust in God and follow the Bible’s teachings the body will function well and we will be a sweet fragrance unto the lord.
4. BUILD AND MAINTAIN AN EMERGENCY FUND equal to at least six months of our expenses.
   We’ll be in a position of power in our financial transactions. We’ll be able to work a debt elimination plan and build investments without expected and unexpected events derailing our plans. Do you have six months of your expenses available or are you currently executing a realistic plan to build it ?

So How do we do this ?

Please see Notice: American Income Reduction Imminent (pt2) ... How to Get Straight

Notice: American Income Reduction Imminent (pt2)

How to Get Straight

Greg Ulmer
2010

How do we do it ?
If you don’t have a fully funded emergency fund, remove 10% of your income from your finances. Setup an automatic draft from your check or banking account to an emergency account. Your emergency fund should be held in an account that isn’t too easy to access (ie. like an account at bank or fund that you don’t have easy check writing, debt/credit card access) but you can get the money within 24 hours of an emergency.

If you don’t tithe fully then add up to 5% of your income to what you are tithing now and add 5% to savings to build your emergency fund. If you currently tithe, then use the 10% of your income to build your emergency fund. As you get bonuses and income increases, be sure to tithe and add to your emergency fund.  And yes, that’s right. This means that get to live off 90% of your income. I know after taxes and expenses (debt) it may not leave much.

Planning will be required and decisions of what is important will need to be made. But consider, if your job told you that on Monday your salary will decrease by 10% or 20% or 50%, what would you do?

So you see, an income reduction is happening. The current and future layoffs, salary reductions and income freezes call for us to quickly decide what is really important and what is not. These situations are when we ask for guidance and insight. It is often the only time we call on the Lord for help.

Surviving this will involve sacrifices and difficult decisions. Recall Luke 21:1-4 and how the widow gave all she had while the wealthy gave from a part of their profits. She gave from her heart. This tells us that we must confidently walk the path the Lord has laid out for us, align our heart with his and keep our eyes on HIM.

Our focus.
Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’ “.

With this in mind there are certain priorities we must focus on to take control of our financial lives:

• Praising God. The reasons are countless.
• Praying to God to receive wisdom and understanding in managing our finances so we can be good stewards of the resources he has given us.
• Praying that we keep in step with the spirit and realize it’s fruit and remaining humble (Gal 5:22-26).
• Being optimistic, because we are children of God. Luke 12:21 tells us our true treasure is built through works on earth and are not to be realized here. Live this out by being positive throughout all situations, being generous with out time and resources, and being a light that guides others to the Good News.
• Executing a financial plan that begins with tithing and establishing a fully funded emergency fund.
• Continuing our financial plan by following a debt elimination system including paying off your mortgage and building an inheritance.
• Discovering and developing our talents. Being who we are suppose to be, operating within our SHAPE.
• Realizing how the freedom of having our financial house in order and maintaining it will allow us to focus on honoring and serving the Lord using our gifts and talents.

We have a tremendous opportunity to grow God’s kingdom. The resources we have in just this part of HIS body are remarkable. We must Get Into SHAPE so that we may grow our talents in the service of the Lord. How wonderful would it be to hear HIM say to you, “Well done good and faithful servant!”.

Seasons Greetings

Greg Ulmer
November 8th, 2008

This is a time of year where we give thanks and celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we pray and think and act to make the Lord the focus of our celebration we have a responsibility. The season with all of it’s activities and stress, leaves many of us short on time and money and patience. This condition is even more pronounced this year given the current financial upheaval. People are wondering, what’s the next piece of bad news or how bad will things get before they get better, if they get better. Fear and anxiety about the present and the future are continuing to grow. Because of this we are presented with a tremendous opportunity.

As we go about the season’s activities, we must make time to bless those who otherwise would be in crisis, despair, and maybe even suicidal. Since we have invested wisely this year, now is the time for us to be a light in the world (2 Corinthians 4:6). Lets connect with people so they see our connection to God and our light will attract them. They will see our hope, love, peace and joy (Galatians 5:22) and wonder why are we so “together” and why aren’t we in a panic.

We know the burdens of the times are an opportunity for us to connect with and further develop a life of communing with God. Therefore we are to model of a life without worry. Mathew 6:25-27 tells us “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

As stewards of God’s blessings, we are not only responsible for the earth we are to be our brother’s keeper. Now is the time for generosity. We must choose to give because of what God has given us. Our actions are to model what a life of trusting in God looks like. We must allow God to work within us and use the talents He has given us. Our surrendering to God’s can and will become contagious.

So in this season and all seasons to come, Pray…

• Pray for understanding and wisdom on how you are to view and act throughout this financial crisis and the next crisis;


• Pray for God to use you according to His will;


• Pray for guidance as to how you and Grace Bible Fellowship can convert this economic downturn into a kingdom building opportunity;


• Pray that when people see us, they see God’s light in us (Acts 26:18) and not our human imperfections;


• Pray that they will then seek God and enjoy the fruit of the spirit.;

We have trust and faith in our Savior, so lets act on it, now (James 2:17).

Financial Stress and Your Health (pt1)

The Toll of Financial Stress

Greg Ulmer
October 29th, 2008

Research has shown that over half of all workers have money problems and this has produced financial stress.

• 15% of workers in the United States are experiencing stress from financial problems to the extent that their productivity on the job is negatively impacted;


• 33% of America’s workforce report that money worries sometimes hamper job performance;


• 34% of workers rate their financial stress as high to extreme;


• 53% of workers report dissatisfaction with their personal financial situation;


• 54% of workers worry about how much they owe;

This financial stress and it’s related worry and anxiety has been shown negatively affect health in one or more of the following ways:

• Unhealthy Coping Behaviors: People experiencing financial stress are more likely to numb their anxiety by drinking, smoking, overeating and practicing other unhealthy coping behaviors (including gambling, compulsive spending and uncontrolled or misdirected anger).

 
• Less Money For Self-Care: With less money in the budget, people who are already under financial stress tend to cut corners in areas like health care to pay for basic necessities like food. Small problems can go unchecked and turn into larger problems.

 
• Lost Sleep: When under financial stress, people often experience trouble sleeping, which can add up to a sleep deficit, impairing immune functioning and cognitive abilities, causing additional moodiness, and more.

 
• Unhealthy Emotions: Credit card debt can cause unhealthy emotions that can take a toll on health. People can experience anxiety, frustration and a sense of hopelessness as the debt piles up and increasing amounts of money are needed just to pay the interest.

 

These poor coping and self-neglect issues compound stress. When combined with the rising cost of gas and food, the mortgage/bank crisis, unemployment, underemployment and layoffs, more and more Americans are feeling a menacing amount of financial stress. It’s no wonder financial stress is one of the leading causes of stress in America.

This financial stress often becomes chronic. This is where people begin to see physical symptoms. The first symptoms are relatively mild, like chronic headaches and increased susceptibility to colds. With more exposure to chronic financial stress, however, more serious health problems may develop. These stress-influenced conditions include, but are not limited to:

  Please see Financial Stress and Your Health (pt2) ... Relieving Financial Stress

Financial Stress and Your Health (pt2)

Relieving Financial Stress

Greg Ulmer
October 30th, 2008

You can relieve yourself of this financial stress by following the 10 Steps to Financial Freedom (aka The Christian’s Path to Escape Financial Bondage).

1. Transfer Ownership: You must transfer ownership of every possession to God. This means money, time, family, material possessions, education, even earning potential for the future. This is essential to experience the Spirit-filled life in the area of finances (Psalms 8:4-6).

   
2. Become Debt Free: Prepare a written plan to get out of debt altogether. You must also determine what is essential for living, think before buying, discontinue using credit and practice saving. “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).

 
3. Establish the Tithe: A tithe is the minimum testimony to God’s ownership. It is through sharing that we bring His power in finances into focus. “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

 
4. Accept God’s Provision: Recognize and accept that God’s provision is used to direct each of our lives. This necessitates planning your lifestyle around the provision that God has supplied for you.

 
5. Keep a Clear Conscience: Have a clear conscience regarding past financial practices and personal dealings. Freedom from these may well require restitution, as well as a changed attitude.

 
6. Put Others First: Seeking financial freedom means always be willing to put other people first. This simply means that we shouldn’t profit at the disadvantage of someone else. Again, the key lies in attitude.

 
7. Limit Time Involvement: Limit time spent pursuing material possessions thus allowing family involvement to suffer. “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens” (Proverbs 23:4-5). The first priority in life is to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The second priority is to family, which includes teaching from God’s Word.

   
8. Avoid Indulgence: Avoid the indulgences of life by assessing your standard of living. Most of us can reduce our expenditures substantially without a real reduction in our living standard. 

   
9. Get Christian Counseling: It is important to receive good Christian counseling and not to rely solely on our own resources. “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). Make use of the Grace Financial Ministry (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or other Christian counseling to assess where your current situation and help you develop and follow a personal spending plan.

   
10. Pray, Study and be Faithful: Pray without ceasing for wisdom and guidance. Study the available materials on God’s principles for managing finances and apply them to your Christ driven lifestyle. Reveal your Faith by trusting God for things you cannot see or manipulate into happening.

   

According to Larry Burkett: “The financial principles given throughout God’s Word are not there to see if we’re strong enough to live by them; they’re given because God knows that they are the best for us. God’s principles of finances are not an arbitrary set of rules by which to govern us; they are a loving Father’s wisdom to those who will listen and trust Him.”

As you work on improving your financial situation, you can reduce stress by practicing faith-based stress-reducing techniques and making other changes to create a low-stress lifestyle. By following the steps provided and making these lifestyle changes, the burden of financial stress can soon be a thing of the past. Then your health and your faith will be Glorious!