Tag: Faith

Go to God in a Crisis

by timhowington, posted in Crisis, Faith

Step 7 Financial ideas for a CrisisThe earth is the Lord’s and all it contains, the world and those who dwell in it. Psalms 24:1

One of my favorite movies of all time is It’s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart. Stewart is cast as the super-thrifty, ever-ambitious George Bailey, who has languished in his hometown and made a somewhat unassuming difference in the lives of everyone he knows.

The whole plot of the movie builds to the central crisis where George is in an excruciating financial difficulty in his business. The potential for ruin and scandal are everywhere. George (actually Uncle Billy) has lost $8,000, which was a fortune in the 1940s.

He seeks help from Potter, his arch nemesis in the movie, and is rebuffed. Additionally, he is told that because of his life insurance, he is worth more dead than alive. So he begins to plot a swan dive off a bridge.

In desperation, George even goes as far as praying. Hear his prayer: “God, oh God, dear Father in Heaven. I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and can hear me, show me the way. I am at the end of my rope. Show me the way, God.” Continue reading “Go to God in a Crisis” →

think about such things

by timhowington, posted in Bible Study, Fear/Anxiety, Stress

think about such things coverby Tim Howington

I am a thinker.  Or at least I think I am.  Descartes says, “I think therefore I am”, so I guess I am.  I am an engineer at heart, my degree is in computer science engineering (linear thinker, problem solver, logical and sequential).  But I am also a bit of a philosopher (love to engage with the abstract and essential life questions like- who am I, where did I come from, where am I going).  That combination of engineering and philosophy puts me in a spot to ponder a variety of issues and then come up with some practical solutions.

I love the Bible and theology because it holds real insight to the real issues of the world.  I always find it amusing when people discount the Bible as relevant because in my experience it is the only thing that makes sense in real life.  I am a self-proclaimed practical theologian which basically means that the part of theology I enjoy is the application of our theological studies in the real world.

But when a problem gets beyond my ability to solve (and that happens more than I care to admit) I begin to freeze.  My thoughts become cloudy and even though I keep pondering the situation, if I am unable to come up with a solution my mind begins to panic. My strength of thinking transitions to be my worst nightmare.  I now begin to think through the consequences (real and imagined).  Unless I begin to focus on truth, I can allow my mind to take me to places that I have no business going.  And I begin to lose the battle.

The key to winning the battle for the mind has to do with what we allow our minds to focus on. If we focus on our problems, then we will plant seeds of anxiety that will grow into a real sense of hopelessness. If we focus on what God can do, then our minds will begin to experience contentment. Now I know that our thoughts may not pay the light bill or get us that promotion or fix that fractured relationship.  But thinking about the right things keeps our hearts with the right perspective, which affects our attitudes, which allows us to struggle well in times of adversity.

What should we be thinking about?  Continue reading “think about such things” →

Survival Budget

by timhowington, posted in Crisis, How to Manage Yourself Book, Money

survival budget-fb

If you are in a financially difficult time and  would like to have us put together a simple spending plan for you click here to fill out our Survival Budget survey.  Our coaches will send your plan back to you in 2-3 business days.

This is found on the Freedom 5:one Hotline.  Let us know if we can help!

Defeating Fear through Faith

by timhowington, posted in Faith, Fear/Anxiety

Cover- Defeating Fear Through Faithby Chris Haas

As believers we know that God is on throne (Psalms 47:4) and that He loves and cares for us.  That is a comforting truth we should remind ourselves of in uncertain and unprecedented times.

We are commanded, “Do not fear” over and over in the scripture.  It’s one of the most repeated commands by the Lord because of our human tendency towards fear and anxiety.  I know I’ve had to fight through my own emotions of fear and anxiety in my own quiet times with God in the last few days.

This Coronavirus health and financial crisis has created a stressful environment for us all.  I feel the responsibility as a husband and father, along with my wife, of making decisions to keep ourselves and our 5 children safe and healthy, and setting the tone in our house of faith not fear. Continue reading “Defeating Fear through Faith” →

Freedom 5:one Ministries Financial Hotline- Coronavirus

by timhowington, posted in Crisis, Stress

Trouble shows up in a variety of way.  Every kind of trial has it’s own unique set of challenges.  Coronavirus is not only scary because of the obvious threats to our health.  But, it also has the potential to effect our financial situation.  As our leaders scramble to figure out what the next step is, it is important to remember that God still sits on His throne and that He loves and cares for us.

Sometimes it helps to talk through your situation with someone.  If we can be of help during this time please give us a call or drop us an email. Continue reading “Freedom 5:one Ministries Financial Hotline- Coronavirus” →