When it comes to issues of money there are two types of people, those that choose to be God’s restorative force to people around them, and those can’t for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately many of those who cannot contribute in times like these are in that position because of runaway consumption.

Those that are able to contribute in this economy are largely able to do so because they have purposely chosen to live off of less than what they make when times were good and those around them were living it up. They did this so they could continue to help others who are in trouble because of their consumption, and so they can build a surplus for the future.

I’m no expert, but I am trying to live this out in my life. Every month I choose to limit my spending significantly. I do have to consume some things in order to live, but I do so cautiously…putting in place a simple lifestyle designed to honor God and the people around me who need my help.

My lifestyle is certainly lavish compared to some (I know this to be true as I have …

Before I left Serbia I had the chance to talk with thirty-some college students from Samuil’s ministry about money and the state of the economy. Their questions naturally went to the state of the economy and when I thought the world would emerge from this global economic crisis.

I had to apologize.

What we allowed people to do in our nation, in the name of preserving prosperity, was wrong. And unfortunately, the United States citizens are not the only ones suffering for our irresponsibility with money.

You can see it in their eyes.

Hurt. Pain. Asking themselves why one of the richest nations in the world put their emerging economy on the line (along with others) just to keep a few investors happy.

I apologize Serbia. I apologize on my nations behalf to the rest of the world. My hope and prayer is that the financial responsibility of our leaders will increase to match that of the spirit of greatness with which the US was founded.
[caption id="attachment_42" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Downtown Novi Sad, Serbia"][/caption]