Keep the Top Up: Materialism and Christianity

This is a guest post from Bill Provenzano who is a 20‐year veteran commodity trader of the CME. He is also the founder of Upside Breakout, a biblically based coaching and mentoring program for Christian stock and commodity traders. Find out more at ChristianTradingCoach.com.

I used to love going to the underground parking garage of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, or the Merc, when I began trading there in 1991.  Four floors of underground parking held some of the most expensive and sexy automobiles I had ever seen.  Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari, they were all there in abundance.  Those visits to the CME parking garage were my inspiration for success.  It was one thing to see those cars on car lots dotted throughout the suburbs.  But to know that I traded next to and with the owners of those fine automobiles made it more tangible, more attainable.

I used to dream of the day when I would drive my some‐day‐I’ll‐own‐it‐ two‐seater convertible Mercedes from the suburbs into the city, stealthily dodging the early morning traffic.  And when the market closed at 2pm, I could just see myself taking the elevator down to “P3” where my freshly washed red chariot awaited the comfortable drive home in the summer air, top down of course.

But something funny happened on the road to wealth. My early struggles as a trader were not just about making enough money to survive on. I overcame that hurdle after the first couple of years. My struggle revolved more around how not to compartmentalize my faith and my career.  I wanted to be not just successful, but wildly successful.  That was certain. But my focus on material wealth continued to cause me inner static that I could not ignore.  

Various and specific Biblical principles began to shape my mind and change my heart about material possessions at the time that my trading success began to escalate.  In my study time, I formed what I call Scripture Links between very specific Biblical principles and precepts that, when taken as a whole, create a wonderful tapestry of God’s instructions and promises.

Breaking the grips of materialism

One specific Scripture Link was instrumental in breaking the stronghold that materialism had on me…

In John 15:7, Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”  “AMEN!” I shouted when I first read that.  Who wouldn’t?  Just spend time with God, “remain in Him”, and we get whatever we want?  I know what I wanted – a red convertible two‐seater Mercedes.  Bring it on, God! But hold on a minute.  There is a bit more to the promise that cannot be ignored.  Let’s take a peek at the next verse, verse 8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourself to be my disciples”.  “Okay, I can live with that”, I thought.  What I ask for should enable me to bear much fruit.  Well, a convertible could take me to church, that’s a good thing, right?  And maybe I could use the car to pick up a visiting missionary form the airport.  That’s got to be a good thing.

Further Bible study brought me to a Scripture Link that opened my eyes in a new kind of  way.  The Scripture Link is found in Romans 14:26‐28.  Here, Paul describes that he is on his way from Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem where he will bring the contributions for the poor given by the Macedonians and the Achaeans.  Paul says that the Macedonians and the Achaeans were “pleased to make a contribution to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem” (Romans 14:26).  And again, “They were pleased to do it” (Romans 14:27). They were pleased “to share with them their material blessings” (Romans 14:27).  But here is the part that struck me hard.  This was my “Aha!”’ moment: “So after I (Paul) completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit (emphasis added), I will go to Spain and visit you on the way” (Romans 14:28).  Did you catch that?  Sharing material blessings, (yes, money) joyfully, counting it as a privilege; this is truly bearing fruit!

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourself to be my disciples”. God’s desire is for us to remain in Him, to have our hearts connected with His.  When we get there, God can confidently say that He will give us whatever we ask because our heart’s desire is wrapped up in His.  It is at this place in the relationship that God can trust us with that promise.  It is at this place in the relationship that we will bear much fruit.  After the discovery of this Scripture Link between John 15:7 and Romans 14: 26‐28, my heart began to slowly change.

My visits to the underground parking garage at the CME became less frequent.  Instead, my eyes become ever more opened to the needs of the poor and hungry around the world.  Over time, I came to understand the joy of giving material blessings, (yes, money), and God was faithful.  My prayers, my “asking whatever I wished”, focused less and less on what I could spend on me.  In fact, it was around this time that Trading Account Giving Goals, TAGGs I call them, were born.  TAGGs are goal‐setting mechanisms that specifically revolve around giving away increasingly larger portions of my income while challenging me to maximize my trading results.   

I never did buy that Mercedes, even though I could have. Rather, I continued to drive a rusty 1991 Honda Accord with over 150,000 miles on it.  I used to joke that I was afraid to wash it because the dirt was all that held it together.  The guys at work used to have a field day when they saw me in that car.  

Certainly God is not against any of us driving a luxury car, as long as we can afford it.  God is the giver of all good things.  If a Mercedes is in your driveway, I say, “God’s blessings to you!”  But for me, God knew a severe change of heart was needed.  The focus of my desires needed to change.  As my trading success flourished, so too did the focus of my desires. God showed me a way to harness my desire to set goals and achieve higher profits for a higher purpose.

Source:  http://www.christianpf.com/page/6/

Disgruntled Servant or a Commpassionate Captive?

Disgruntled Servant or a Compassionate Captive?

II Kings 5:1-4

Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.

And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife.

And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! For he would recover him of his leprosy.

And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

Everyone knows the story of Naaman, but have you ever thought about the little maid mentioned in the first four verses? The scripture tells us that this little maid was taken captive and was made to work for Naaman’s wife. This was not uncommon in those days, but what stood out to me was the way she handled herself.

Are you a disgruntled servant or a compassionate captive?

This girl was removed from her family, her land and her home. She was taken to a foreign land and made to be a servant. With all of this she still had compassion! And she said unto her mistress, would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! For he would recover him of leprosy (vs. 3)

I can’t help but think of the many times I have been a disgruntled employee. Unhappy with the circumstances around me, it was released in complaints and anger. If you are honest, most will agree this has happened to them at some point. But, lets look at being servants of Christ!

I Corinthians 9:19, 23 for though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Matthew 20:27-28 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give his life a ransom for many.

Interesting that the Greek definition for minister is to be a servant. Yet, we often find ourselves disgruntled because we have the notion that we were ‘called’ to do greater feats. Somewhere we developed the belief that servants of God placed us in a different class, and we would be able to ride on chariots and wear fine robes.

Then there are those who cannot get past what has happened or is happening in their lives. Perhaps they have loosened their grip on the Truth of God’s Word.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I’ve thrown some of the biggest pity parties one has ever seen but when I got down to brass tacks I was looking at ‘me, myself and I.’ I was incapable of having compassion for those around me because I was too busy feeling sorry for myself. I was captive in the enemies’ land of selfishness, self-pity and self-centeredness. I couldn’t see the big picture or God’s purpose for my life, for being so unhappy about being someplace I didn’t like.

I believe this little maid is a perfect example of how we are to react to those around us; those that make us uncomfortable; those that treat us indifferently; those that we should have served with humility and compassion. Do you know any of ‘those’ kind of people? Have you found yourself in situations or circumstances that seemed unfair? Have you ever griped and complained about those around you?

This little maid could have been disgruntled! She could have easily kept the knowledge of the prophet in her land, to herself! She could have wished him bad tidings and prayed for God to get him, but she was a compassionate captive! She knew that Elisha could heal her master and she told them about it!

So with this example, I wonder if there is a message of good news we need to bring to someone in our circle of influence? Is there a chance that you have been so focused on yourself that you’ve lost your white-knuckled grip on the truth of God’s Word?

Take a look around you and look at the Word of God! Settle deep within that God knows where you are! He hasn’t left you, nor forsaken you! Regardless of the situation, or the people surrounding you, God is in control!

The people that may appear to be holding you captive may need to know that there is a God that heals and delivers! They may not know and you may be in the position to tell them!! There may be a greater purpose to your situation!

So, I challenge you to take a look at your attitude!

Are you a disgruntled servant or a compassionate captive?

Do you look at your captors with compassion? Or do you grumble, complain and throw pity parties? Is there a chance that you are in the position you’re in, in order to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Let’s turn our focus to the cross and off situations and ourselves. We just may come to understand the compassion Jesus had for us, and be able to spread it to those around us!

© Jounda Wadley March 27, 2006

Top 10 Job Search Websites

Rising business operating costs have changed the methods many companies use to recruit and hire prospective employees.  Many companies now use virtual or offsite human resources departments.  A vast majority of employers use online sites like Careerbuilder and Monster to find top talent.

Job search engines are a great way to “pound the pavement” in the information age.  Check out these new and little known job search websites.  Some of them are either industry specific or free classifieds.  Many of them allow you to upload your resume and cover letter and create a free profile for prospective employers to review.

AfterCollege.com:  Search full-time and part-time jobs and internships.  They also have wizards salary and cost-of-living analysis.

AllHealthCareJobs.com: The healthcare job bank encompassing medical jobs in nursing, allied health, pharmacy, physician employment, executive, rehab and laboratory.

SnagAJob.com: Find listing for thousands of hourly and part-time jobs all over the country.  Sign-up and receive jobs by email.

SimplyHired.com:  Search several job boards by zip code from one website.  Register and save your job search criteria to receive updates by email or text message.

RetirementJobs.com: Great jobs for anyone, mainly part time positions.

Backpage.com: Great alternative to Craigslist.  Search local leads posted daily.

Resumes2Work.com: Search and apply for jobs without an account.  This site also includes some international listings.

DiversityIncCareers: Diversity job board.

Indeed.com:  Job search engine.

AllJobSearch.com:  Search 1000+ Job sites from one website!

Happy hunting!  Let us know if you get any good leads on these sites or any that we should add to our list.

Tips for Job Hunting Success

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the national unemployment rate has reached at five year high at its current 6.1%.  With the slowing economy it is likely to rise even more.  However, there is still hope for those who are underemployed and unemployed.  There are still many companies seeking qualified individuals to fill their open positions.

I worked in a management capacity for quite some time.  Over the years I saw many candidates overlooked for preventable mistakes.  Here are a few tips to get you started.

• Dress professionally. Professional attire should be worn when you are picking up an application or dropping off a resume.  Make a good first impression.
• Always fill out the entire application. Make sure you take the application with you and bring it back, even if you just go right outside of the business.
• Take the time to prepare or update your resume and cover letter for your job search. Ensure that all contact information is correct.  Outgoing messages on your answering machine or voicemail should be professional, no music.  Also, create an email account using your first and last name, if possible for your job search.  It’s much more professional.
• It is helpful to have several versions of your resume. Cater your resume to the job you are applying for.  For example, your vast experience in horticulture is not going to peak the attention of someone hiring an IT specialist.  Use industry specific terms where applicable.
• Cover letters are no longer optional. Take some time to research each company before you apply and personalize your cover letter.  Let them know that you have done your homework.
• Have your references prepared. Keep complete contact information for your references, including job titles and the length of time you have been acquainted.  Be sure to let them know that you have used them as a reference.  Also, give ample time to prepare letters of recommendation when necessary.
• Prepare your salary history and salary requirements.
• Prepare interview thank you letters and follow up letters. Be sure to personalize the letters and thank the person that interviewed you.  Reiterate your interest in the position.
• Prepare a resignation letter. Do not burn your bridges.  Even if you never plan to work for that employer again, you may need a reference.  You may even run into one of your former co-workers later in your career.
• Be sure to proofread. Use spellcheck on all correspondence with prospective employers.  Like it or not, first impressions are lasting impressions.

Do you have any job hunting tips to share?

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