Red Letter Christians

Tony Campolo has put together a blog that includes entries from a wide array of authors.  I find the entries to be very thought-provoking and beneficial.  I would encourage you to subscribe.  (You don't have to worry; they do not send out too many emails.)

Here are three entries that I read recently:

• The Face of Privilege in Hard Times
• Coming Out of the Theological Closet
• Hell on Earth and the Kingdom of God

(I want to add in this article by Shane Claiborne because I especially like his list of things to try.)

Financial Matters

Flipping Burgers to Flipping Millions

Initially, this book did not sit well with me because of the way the author talked about money.  As I continued to read, I began to appreciate the lessons and principles more.  Although many of his figures do not seem practical (e.g., 10 percent returns), they provide useful illustrations that support his financial principles.

"Seven Unchanging Laws of Money" (p. 26)

1. Save ... and begin saving early.
2. Control your expenses.
3. Make your money multiply. ... Invest
4. Guard your money against loss.
5. Make your home an investment.
6. Ensure a future income for yourself and your family ... by developing a career, improving yourself, and investing.
7. Work and study to increase your ability to earn.

In order to compliment these ideas, I would suggest reading a book that we read at Grace, The Treasure Principle.  While saving is important, giving is often overlooked.  We need to recognize that we have a responsibility to help others.  If you do not think that you can have an impact, read this article.  Each person that answers the call to tithe will bring us closer to significantly reducing many of the problems in our world.

Yes

"What if Jesus Meant All That Stuff?" by Shane Claiborne (courtesy of Red Letter Christians)

Read 

this

ARTICLE!

Word Made Flesh

Word Made Flesh

"Word Made Flesh is called and committed to serve Jesus among the most vulnerable of the world’s poor. This calling is realized as a prophetic ministry for, and an incarnational, holistic mission among the poor. We focus our energy to make Jesus known among the poor while reconciling the church with the poor."

Community Action Free School

Community Action Free School

I was fortunate enough to have met one of the founders while participating on Alternative Spring Break this past March.  You can also check out this article on Pantagraph.com.  

TED Talks

TED Talks

Pastor Hempstead at Park United Methodist mentioned this site during her sermon today.  You can view various podcasts that deal with improving the world around us.  They post a new video every day so you can learn from experts about issues that affect the globe.

Short Daily Devotions

Short Daily Devotions

Each week at the Habitat for Humanity staff meeting, a staff member starts us off with a devotion.  As an unspoken rule, we cannot go too many weeks without one from Short Daily Devotions.  They are an excellent way to stay in the Word on a daily basis, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed or incredibly busy.

Kiva

Kiva

In an effort to alleviate poverty, Kiva allows individuals to apply for micro-loans to improve their business and/or personal lives.  By investing only $25 (or more), you can help someone turn their dreams into reality.  You should definitely browse the site and read people's stories.  You won't regret it!

Couch Surfing

Couch Surfing

The next time you go on vacation, you might want to consider staying with a local who knows the area and will welcome you with open arms.  You may also wish to return the favor and open up your couch to travelers who are interested in your area.