Following In Jesus Christ Footsteps

Monday, July 03, 2006

Christian Financial Freedom N.I.V.

Christian Financial Freedom

When it comes to finances are we a "fool for Jesus" or are we a "fool for finances?"
I know, I've been there and I am on the way back.
First Principles in Biblical Stewardship

I. God Owns It All.

  • 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. -- Haggai 2:8

  • I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. -- Psalms 50:9-10

A. He created it.

  • By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. -- Hebrews 11:3

B. He redeemed it.

  • Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. -- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

II. God Makes It Happen Not You.

  • But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. -- Deuteronomy 8:18

  • For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? -- 1 Corinthians 4:7

  • 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? -- Matthew 6:26

  • Why go into business? Standard answer: so I can make money!

  • Stop worrying. Have you ever seen a worried bird?

  • Yes, work hard but trust God for the results.

    III. God Trusts It To The Faithful.

    • "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' -- Matthew 25:21

    • Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. -- 1 Corinthians 4:2

    • We are stewards not owners of God's resources.

    • Now that we know what business we are in, how is business?

    IV.God Will Hold Us Accountable In The End.

    • "Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. "'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' -- Matthew 25:24-30

    Notice it was the servant that got one talent that screwed up, not the one he gave five to.

    V. God Wants Us To Earn It His Way.

    A. No dishonesty


    B. Honestly

    Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. -- Proverbs 13:11
    An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning will not be blessed at the end. -- Proverbs 20:21

    By Working:

    Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. -- Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

    He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. -- Proverbs 28:19

    By Business:

    By Saving:

    By Planning:

    VI. God Wants Us To Spend It Wisely

    A. Know where you stand.

    • Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds -- Proverbs 27:23

    B. Decide how much is enough.

    • I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. -- Philippians 4:12

    C. Plan & Control your spending.

    • A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. -- Proverbs 22:3

    • But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. -- Galatians 5:22-23

    D. Decide on right Priorities. Some suggested right priorities:

    • Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house -- Proverbs 24:27.

    i. Family:

    • But anyone who won't care for his own relatives when they need help, especially those living in his own family, has no right to say he is a Christian. Such a person is worse than the heathen. -- 1 Timothy 5:8

    ii. Pay your debts:

    When she told the prophet what had happened, he said to her, "Go and sell the oil and pay your debt, and there will be enough money left for you and your sons to live on!" -- 2 Kings 4:7

    iii. Provide for those in need.

    But if someone who is supposed to be a Christian has money enough to live well, and sees a brother in need, and won't help him--how can God's love be within him ? -- 1 John 3:17

    VII. God Wants Us To Give It Generously.

    A. OT Pattern:

    1. Pay your Tithes: (Obligations).

    First ten percent to Levites. (Leviticus 27:30)
    Second ten percent to provide for the festivals. (Deut. 12)
    Third ten percent every three years for the poor. (Deut 14:28)

    B. Offerings: (Freewill)

    For building the Tabernacle/Temple (Exo 35:39) (Ezra 1:4)
    For general giving (2 Chron 31:14)
    For helping those in need. (Est. 9:22)

    OT Principle:

    Obligations were a requirement of the law
    Giving done willingly from the heart

    NT Pattern:

    A. Pay your Obligations

    Taxes (Matt. 17:24-27)
    Debts (Rom 13:8)
    Giving Commitments (2 Cor 9:5)

    B. Give Freely & Generously from the Heart

    • Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. -- Matthew 5:42

    • Giving is not an option in Christ's Kingdom. (It is material as well as time)

    • Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. -- 2 Cor 9:6 NIV

    C. Giving is to be generous.

    • Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -- 2 Corinthians 9:7

    • Giving is to be done cheerfully whatever you decide .

    • Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. - 2 Corinthians 16:1-2

    • Planned & According to your income.

    • Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 2 Corinthians 8:2-3

    • Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." -- Mark 12:41-44

    • How much? Give until it hurts.


    NT Principle:

    • Requirements of the Law all met in Christ. Giving is not under the law but is still a matter of obedience.

    • Still have some obligations you must meet (pertaining to Government, to the church or to those you have freely entered into.)

    • Otherwise, you are free to give wholeheartedly at any amount as God has prospered you.

    The Biblical Principle

    • Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. -- Proverbs 3:9-10

    • If you value God in your life you will be giving as a natural expression of your love and devotion to Him.

    • Do not offer to the LORD the blind, the injured or the maimed, or anything with warts or festering or running sores. Do not place any of these on the altar as an offering made to the LORD by fire. -- Leviticus 22:22

    • Are you giving God what is first or what is left over?

    Conclusion: Treasure in Heaven & A Crown that will last.

    • When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." -- Luke 18:22

    • Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. -- 1 Corinthians 9:25

    Q. What shall we do with our treasure in heaven, with our crown?
    A. Worship Christ.

    Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: -- Revelation 4:9-10

    Part 2 - Practical Applications in Biblical Stewardship

    The Trust --- Life Capital: All that we are and have (including finances.)

    Matthew 25:14-30: Well Done, Good & Faithful Steward!
    The Contrast: Faithful Steward verses Unfaithful Steward

    Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. -- 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Practicing the Principles of Biblical Stewardship

    I. Take Stock of your Life Capital

    • Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 NIV)

    • Keep the end in mind.

    • "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' (Luke 12:20 NIV)

    • If God demanded an accounting of your life this night, what would be your fate?

    • Practical Application: Organizing Your Finances must be done in the context of Organizing You Life!

    • Life Vision Statement

    • What is the vision?

    • What are your roles?

    • What are your core values?

    • What are your goals?

    • Inventory of Skills, Abilities, Knowledge, Character Attributes/Weaknesses & Spiritual Gifting

    • What are your God given abilities?

    • What life skills have you acquired?

    • What education do you have?

    • What are your Character strengths & weaknesses

    • What is your Spiritual Gifting?

    • Financial & Legal Inventory

    • What are your material assets?

    • What are your material liabilities?

    • What is your bottom line net worth?

    • Do you have a Will?

    • Do you have Life Insurance?

    • Do you have Disability Insurance?

    II. Put your Life Capital to Work: Sow your Seed.

    • I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:24 NIV)

    • Sow your life to the glory of God and you will reap eternal results.

    Practical Application:

    A Life Plan:

    • How does your Life Vision Statement translate into practical goals?

    • Do you have a calendar of when you will do what?

    • What tasks do you have to undertake to accomplish these goals?

    • How will you know when you have achieved your goals?

    • Goals must be SMART: Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Realistic; Time Limited.

    • A Career Plan: What are your Employment Goals?

    • Do you have a plan to advance in your present employment?

    • What experience do you need for advancement?

    • What education do you need for advancement?

    • A Financial Plan: What are your Financial Goals?

    • Annual Income

    • Debt Reduction

    • Tax Reduction

    • Home Equity

    • Investments for Growth

    • Charitable Giving

    • Retirement Savings

    • Emergency Savings

    • Children's Educational Savings

    • Inheritance

    • A Family Budget: How are you going to implement your Financial Plan?

    • What are your expenses?

    • What is your revenue?

    • How are you doing?

    • Have you decided how much is enough?

    • What are your plans for the excess?

    • Are you saving or getting further behind?

    III. Finish Well: Well Done! Good & Faithful Servant!

    • "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew 25:21 NIV)

    • Faithfulness (even in the small matters) will be rewarded with praise and will result in fruitfulness & joy.

    • "His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. "'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' (Matthew 25:26-30 NIV)

    • Wickedness (Sin) & Slothfulness (Unbelief) are evidence for unfaithfulness.

    • Unfaithfulness will cause loss, spiritually as well as financially.

    • Unfaithfulness will be rewarded with condemnation and will result in sorrow and regret.

    Practical Application:

    Focus: What is the one thing you can do well? · Faith: How intimate is your relationship with Christ? · Friendship: Who can you be accountable to? · Discipline: Do you have the discipline to do what is important and to finish the job? · Learner: Do you have a positive learning attitude?

    Conclusion: Finish Faithfully

    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 NIV)

    It's not a matter of whether you win or loose, it is how you play the game - faithfully.

    If an investor needs Christian financial help should they hire a Christian Financial Planner? Yes! The main reason is because the investor and advisor are both Christians, they share similar values. The advisor understands Biblical principles such as tithing, budgeting, saving, investing and giving. After the initial interview process of numerous financial related questions, the financial advisor can identify areas of improvement for the client.

    Npw if your a person whom had to live on Social Security Benefits with them giving you :Medicare, or Medicade for the rest of your natural born life. There are other factors that happenes to a person when having to live on it and thier guideline and they will limit a persons income to thier estimated rates of what a person had earned when they worked. And if you are disabled this is what they do go by in getting help from them.Learn About Social Security Programs

    Prepare for your financial needs

    Your Social Security benefits are the foundation on which you can build a secure retirement. The three major elements of your retirement portfolio are:

    • Benefits from pensions,
    • Savings and investments, and
    • Social Security benefits.

    Most financial advisors say you'll need about 70 percent of your pre-retirement earnings to comfortably maintain your pre-retirement standard of living. If you have average earnings, your Social Security retirement benefits will replace only about 40 percent. The percentage is lower for people in the upper income brackets and higher for people with low incomes. You'll need to supplement your benefits with a pension, savings or investments.

    To help you plan for retirement, each year we send you your personal Social Security Statement, which gives you an estimate of the monthly benefit amounts you and your family may qualify for now and in the future. If you've received your Social Security Statement and have questions about it, visit the My Statement website.

    We also provide a Benefits Planner to help in the event of disability or loss of your family’s wage earner.

    Factors that may affect your retirement benefits

    Your benefit amount is based on your earnings averaged over most of your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If you have some years of no earnings or low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily.

    Your benefit amount also is affected by your age at the time you start receiving benefits. If you start your retirement benefits at age 62 (the earliest possible retirement age) your benefit will be lower than if you wait until your full retirement age.

    If you are self-employed

    Self-employed people must report their earnings and pay the taxes directly to the IRS. You are self-employed if you operate a trade, business or profession, either by yourself or as a partner.

    You report your earnings for Social Security when you file your federal income tax return. If your net earnings are $400 or more in a year, you must report your earnings on IRS Schedule SE for Social Security purposes, in addition to the other tax forms you must file.

    If you work for a federal, state or local government

    If you work for a federal, state or local government where you do not pay Social Security taxes, the pension you receive from that agency may reduce any Social Security benefits for which you are qualified. There are two factors that may reduce your benefits.

    • The first factor affects the way your Social Security retirement or disability benefits are figured. Our Windfall Elimination Provision fact sheet provides answers to questions you may have about this provision.

    • The second factor affects Social Security benefits you receive as a spouse or widow/widower. Our Government Pension Offset fact sheet provides answers to questions you may have about this provision.

    You can get more information on our website for Federal, State & Local Government Employees.

    If you work outside the United States

    If you work outside the United States (U.S.) for an American company or, in some cases, an affiliate company of an American company, you and your employer may have to pay Social Security taxes on the same earnings to both the U.S. and the foreign country. But, if you work in one of the agreement countries shown in our fact sheet, How International Agreements Can Help You:

    • Your Social Security coverage will be assigned to either the U.S. or the foreign country, and

    • You and your employer don't have to pay taxes to both countries.

    You can get more information about work outside the U.S. on our International Programs website.

    Prepare for your medical needs

    Medicare is a health insurance plan for people who are 65 or older and people who are disabled or have permanent kidney failure. Medicare has three parts—hospital insurance, medical insurance and prescription drug coverage. Most people have all three parts.

    • Hospital insurance, sometimes called Part A, covers inpatient hospital care and certain follow-up care. You already paid for it as part of your Social Security taxes while you were working.

    • Medical insurance, sometimes called Part B, pays for physicians' services and some other services not covered by hospital insurance. Medical insurance is optional, and you must pay monthly premiums.

    • Prescription drug coverage, sometimes called Part D, pays for prescription drugs. Prescription drug coverage is optional, and you must pay monthly premiums. However, you also may be able to get extra help paying the monthly premiums, annual deductible and prescription co-payments.

    If you are already getting Social Security benefits when you turn 65, your Medicare (Part A) starts automatically. If you are not getting Social Security, you should sign up for Medicare close to your 65th birthday, even if you aren't ready to retire. For more information, see our Medicare booklet.

    If you are already receiving disability or survivors benefits when you apply for retirement

    If you are receiving disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, nothing will change, except that your benefits will be called retirement benefits instead of disability benefits.

    If you are receiving survivors benefits and you also are eligible for your own higher retirement benefits, you can switch from survivors to retirement benefits as early as age 62. (In many cases, widows/widowers can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate at full retirement age.) However, if you switch, you will be paid only the higher of the two benefits, not both.

    What you need to know ...

    Have limited income? Social Security can help with prescription costs.

    Get Accessible Acrobat Reader
    		Get Accessible
    Acrobat Reader

    New
    You can still sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug plan and pay no penalty for 2006 if you qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs. Medicare beneficiaries eligible for the extra help have a special enrollment period that allows them to enroll in a plan between May 15 and December 31. Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for the extra help if they have limited income and resources. The extra help can increase your cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The extra help could be worth an average of $3,700 per year.

    The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173), enacted December 8, 2003, requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to undertake a number of additional Medicare-related responsibilities. SSA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are working together to provide persons with limited income and resources extra help paying for their prescription drugs. Social Security's role in this partnership is to help the public understand how they may qualify and apply.

    Apply Online:

    Whether you're filing on your own behalf or helping someone file the application, submit the Internet application to us right away to avoid delaying the extra help.

    Additional Resources
    You may qualify for other programs to help you purchase your prescriptions. Below, are additional web sites with calculators and other tools designed to help you make informed decisions when it comes to managing your prescription drug costs.

    SSA-1020

    Sample: Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs, Get Acrobat reader SSA-1020. Instruction sheets are available in 15 different languages to help you understand the English application. The instructions are to be used as guides and cannot be used as applications. Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, French, Greek, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese

    The actual applications are available only in English and Spanish. You must complete either an English or Spanish scannable paper application or you can apply online (English only).

    SSA-1021

    Information About Vendor Follow-Up Calls

    Prescription Help Publications

    Video Resources

    Informational Video about Help Available to Pay Costs of Medicare's New Prescription Drug Program

    The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare

    Medicare Website

    Although Social Security determines entitlement to Medicare benefits, the Medicare program is administered by a different agency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). There also is a Medicare Web site. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak to a Medicare Customer Service Representative. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

    General Information


    Evidentiary Requirements


    Adult Listings (Part A)


    Childhood Listings (Part B)

    Disability Evaluation Under Social Security
    (Blue Book- January 2005)


    Part III - Listing Of Impairments (Overview)


    The Listing of Impairments describes, for each major body system, impairments that are considered severe enough to prevent a person from doing any gainful activity (or in the case of children under age 18 applying for SSI, cause marked and severe functional limitations). Most of the listed impairments are permanent or expected to result in death, or a specific statement of duration is made. For all others, the evidence must show that the impairment has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. The criteria in the Listing of Impairments are applicable to evaluation of claims for disability benefits or payments under both the Social Security disability insurance and SSI programs.

    Part A

    This section of the Listing of Impairments contains medical criteria that apply to adults age 18 and over. The medical criteria in Part A may also be applied in evaluating impairments in persons under age 18 if the disease processes have a similar effect on adults and younger persons.

    Part B

    This section of the Listing of Impairments contains additional medical criteria that apply only to the evaluation of impairments of persons under age 18. Certain criteria in Part A do not give appropriate consideration to the particular effects of the disease processes in childhood, i.e., when the disease process is generally found only in children or when the disease process differs in its effect on children and adults.

    Additional criteria are included in Part B, and the impairment categories are, to the extent possible, numbered to maintain a relationship with their counterparts in Part A. In evaluating disability for a person under age 18, Part B will be used first. If the medical criteria in Part B do not apply, then the medical criteria in Part A will be used.

    The criteria in the Listing of Impairments apply only to one step of the multi-step sequential evaluation process. At that step, the presence of an impairment that meets the criteria in the Listing of Impairments (or that is of equal severity) is usually sufficient to establish that an individual who is not working is disabled.

    However, the absence of a listing-level impairment does not mean the individual is not disabled. Rather, it merely requires the adjudicator to move on to the next step of the process and apply other rules in order to resolve the issue of disability.

    SSA Pub. No. 64-039
    ICN 468600
    January 2005


Medical/Professional Relations


Childhood Listings (Part B)


General Information


Evidentiary Requirements


Listing of Impairments
(overview)





Disability Evaluation Under Social Security
(Blue Book- January 2005)

Listing of Impairments - Adult Listings (Part A)

The following sections are applicable to individuals age 18 and over and to children under age 18 where criteria are appropriate.

This electronic version contains the new Genitourinary Impairments listings, effective September 6, 2005; the new Impairments That Affect Multiple Body Systems listings, effective October 31, 2005; and the new Cardiovascular System listings, effective April 13, 2006.

What you need to know ...

Have limited income? Social Security can help with prescription costs.

Get Accessible Acrobat Reader
Get Accessible
Acrobat Reader

New
You can still sign up for a Medicare Prescription Drug plan and pay no penalty for 2006 if you qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs. Medicare beneficiaries eligible for the extra help have a special enrollment period that allows them to enroll in a plan between May 15 and December 31. Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for the extra help if they have limited income and resources. The extra help can increase your cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The extra help could be worth an average of $3,700 per year.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173), enacted December 8, 2003, requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to undertake a number of additional Medicare-related responsibilities. SSA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are working together to provide persons with limited income and resources extra help paying for their prescription drugs. Social Security's role in this partnership is to help the public understand how they may qualify and apply.

Apply Online:

Whether you're filing on your own behalf or helping someone file the application, submit the Internet application to us right away to avoid delaying the extra help.

Additional Resources
You may qualify for other programs to help you purchase your prescriptions. Below, are additional web sites with calculators and other tools designed to help you make informed decisions when it comes to managing your prescription drug costs.

SSA-1020

Sample: Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs, Get Acrobat reader SSA-1020. Instruction sheets are available in 15 different languages to help you understand the English application. The instructions are to be used as guides and cannot be used as applications. Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, French, Greek, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese

The actual applications are available only in English and Spanish. You must complete either an English or Spanish scannable paper application or you can apply online (English only).

SSA-1021

Information About Vendor Follow-Up Calls

Prescription Help Publications

Video Resources

Informational Video about Help Available to Pay Costs of Medicare's New Prescription Drug Program

The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare

Medicare Website

Although Social Security determines entitlement to Medicare benefits, the Medicare program is administered by a different agency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). There also is a Medicare Web site. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak to a Medicare Customer Service Representative. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

There is people that are limited to what, where, when,how they are to spend there mone and often times enough it just doesen't go far at all. They would like to have things to buy in one's life like a newer car, nicer clothes, items that could help them in homes to update it to where it's not shabby, or years that have torn down when people wanted to make it look nice for when people come to visit. nicer inside porches with screens in windows to keep the incets away or to shad them from the heat with airconditioners. But it can't get done with being on such an low- income thaat comes to them. It's just not going to happen . And often times when people whom had jobs in the past has many people being so very rude to them about it that don't have it today in these times. Some of them had emplyers that didn't take out social security benefits out on them, and when they had found this out then it was to late for them to sue them because they had went and died on them after thy had to go on disability. So things have happened to the people to which if people would take the time to hear why things happened to them in stead of ridiculing them then just maybe people could get along much better. But they are to busy with thier own plans and designs to find out anything about people in general whom are on the state income levels. Then we have to alway's rob peter to pay paul to try to make it with high bills that the state goverment offical raises yearly and we just stay the same on a peeny rates of incomes. Plus have the goverment high ranking officals taking it and spending it for one's own agendas which don't help us as a whole whom had to live on it. That's what burns us up because of those types of things going on. We arn't like those millionairs that have high rolling dollars and cents that just don't care about people like us whom have to go to places for help every month and beg for everything we try to achieve and then get turned down alot because of the statment that goes like this " I'm sorry we now it closed for you because it's now winter or summer" and you have to try to have family members to help you . Because we can't get grants in here because of the seasonal change now ! Yea, right ! thanks but No ! thanks ! anyway's .there countless of people like self out in this world whom are just like me whom deals with that stinkin RED tape day after day and year after year! And people either gets mad or they just don't care about people and alway's have agenda's of thier own demises. We the people alway's puts up with that kind of thinking daily and yearly. And we are alway's look down upon by people with money and have large bank accounts or the lower middle people whom work for a living that acts just like people with large amounts of money , they act like each other and it just doesn't stop for the low- income people at all. They just don't stop and think that we have had jobs and have worked for our money at one time and this is what we are left with now. The only thing that saves us , churches, counsling, and most of Jesus Christ with being on our knees alot . for that knowledge I'm greatful to know he cares for all people and he wants us just the same.He loves all people No matter what, where, how, when we became his people at any time day or night. He don't talk about us in a decitful way, nor ridicul,or gossip about his people or say negitive things at all ! And as far as paying bills they sure are rude to people like us because some of us just can't get any kind of help to keep it paid in full all of the time because of the limited rescourses that are out there for us and we often time get shut - off because of this stuff that hurts us in the families or single people in general, elderly. Some of us just hates asking people to help us out!because we can't get the money back to them and it hurts us so very much just to ask people. Yes, some people take advantage of people and it hurts other's whom truly do need that help in this world and that really hurts people whom are really trying to do good in one's own life. It like a no - win solution for many of us in this world. It just ticks our backsides when we hear those things and they wonder why people like us lives in the streets. that's why for some of us in having to have this types of things happens tous all the time. I often wonder in my heart is what will people of money going to do when they actually meet Jesus Chrit comes judgement day and hears what He has to say to people whom does stuff like I have explained right noe this very moment. What will thier answer be ? That will between them and Jesus Christ only at that particular moment and time for all individuals. People like us just can't affor new cars, nice yards, new decks, sheds to put things in to get them out of the home, food, heat, better windows, screens, front doors,back doors,alarms systems, new furniture, kitchen stuff, landscaping, swimming pools. But the rich sure can and have it done more than the low-income people can even count in one's life. let alone having a fancy dinner out where most people go with money that leaves tips for those whom waits on them when they arrive in making a reserve a table etc. It's just not there for us at all.let alone might as well getting gas for a nice vacation either just to get away for a spell.some people just can't do it at all ! so this is how it truly is for the majority of us whom has to live like this. I hope you all have a fine life and by the way may God Bless Each of you. catcmo2006

posted by Anonymous @ 6:48 PM   0 comments

Happy Birthday America & God

America the Beautiful - 1913

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.
Who more than self the country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America ! America !
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life !
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!



America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!
Play Song

Historical Society These verses contributed by Robert Fitzpatrick of The Falmouth Historical Society, who maintain a museum at her former home on Main Street. Visit them! Email them!


For the LORD is king!
He rules all the nations. ( Psalms 22:28)
All Power Comes From God ALONE .
The LORD has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything. ( Psalms 103:19)

For the government of the world.

He who made all, rules all, and both by a word of power. He disposes all persons and things to his own glory. There is a world of holy angels who are ever praising him. Let all his works praise him. Such would have been our constant delight, if we had not been fallen creatures. Such it will in a measure become, if we are born of God. Such it will be for ever in heaven; nor can we be perfectly happy till we can take unwearied pleasure in perfect obedience to the will of our God. And

let the feeling of each redeemed heart be, Bless the Lord, O my soul.


Respect for Authority Goverment Has A God Ordained Role To Play IN Our Goverment ,Society, Family !
1Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. 2So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. 3For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get along well. 4The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. 5So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience.

6Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid so they can keep on doing the work God intended them to do. 7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due.

Love Fulfills Gods Requirements
8Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God's law. 9For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting--and any other commandment--are all summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[a] 10Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements.

11Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. 13We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. 14But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires. ( Romans 13:1-14).

To temperance and sobriety.

Four things are here taught, as a Christian's directory for his day's work. When to awake; Now; and to awake out of the sleep of carnal security, sloth, and negligence; out of the sleep of spiritual death, and out of the sleep of spiritual deadness. Considering the time; a busy time; a perilous time. Also the salvation nigh at hand. Let us mind our way, and mend our pace, we are nearer our journey's end. Also to make ourselves ready. The night is far spent, the day is at hand;

therefore it is time to dress ourselves. Observe what we must put off; clothes worn in the night. Cast off the sinful works of darkness. Observe what we must put on; how we should dress our souls. Put on the armour of light. A Christian must reckon himself undressed, if unarmed. The graces of the Spirit are this armour, to secure the soul from Satan's temptations, and the assaults of this present evil world. Put on Christ; that includes all. Put on righteousness of Christ, for justification.

Put on the Spirit and grace of Christ, for sanctification. The Lord Jesus Christ must be put on as Lord to rule you as Jesus to save you; and in both, as Christ anointed and appointed by the Father to this ruling, saving work. And how to walk. When we are up and ready, we are not to sit still, but to appear abroad; let us walk. Christianity teaches us how to walk so as to please God, who ever sees us. Walk honestly as in the day; avoiding the works of darkness. Where there are riot and

drunkenness, there usually are chambering and wantonness, and strife and envy. Solomon puts these all together, Pr 23:29 to 35. See what provision to make. Our great care must be to provide for our souls: but must we take no care about our bodies? Yes; but two things are forbidden. Perplexing ourselves with anxious, encumbering care; and indulging ourselves in irregular desires. Natural wants are to be answered, but evil appetites must be checked and

denied. To ask meat for our necessities, is our duty, we are taught to pray for daily bread; but to ask meat for our lusts, is provoking God, Ps 78:18.


12Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.13For the Lord's sake, accept all authority--the king as head of state, 14and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right. (Romans 2:13,14).

The sins of the Jews confuted all their vain confidence in their outward privileges.

The apostle directs his discourse to the Jews, and shows of what sins they were guilty, notwithstanding their profession and vain pretensions. A believing, humble, thankful glorying in God, is the root and sum of all religion. But proud, vain-glorious boasting in God, and in the outward profession of his name, is the root and sum of all hypocrisy. Spiritual pride is the most dangerous of all kinds of pride. A great evil of the sins professors is, the dishonour done to God and

religion, by their not living according to their profession. Many despise their more ignorant neighbours who rest in a dead form of godliness; yet themselves trust in a form of knowledge, equally void of life and power, while some glory in the gospel, whose unholy lives dishonour God, and cause his name to be blasphemed. (Ro 2:25-29)


12
What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD,
whose people he has chosen for his own.

(Psalms 33:13)

1

His people encouraged by his power.

All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand; he formed the spirit of each man within him. All the powers of the creature depend upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at all, without him. If we make God's favour sure towards us, then we need not fear whatever is against us. We are to give to him the glory of his special grace. All human devices

for the salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy; for there is no flying from him, but by flying to him. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit, not according to our merits, but according

to the promise which thou hast in thy word given to us, and according to the faith thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us.


Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.

3Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. (2 Tim. 2:1-4)

Proposes his own example to Timothy.

As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe

the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active, spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We must do the will of God, before we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord

would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and stir them up to consider what they hear or read. (2Ti 2:8-13)


6Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid so they can keep on doing the work God intended them to do.

7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due. ( Romans 13:6,7)


The LORD has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything. ( Prov.14:34).

34Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. ( Proverbs 14:34).


The duty of subjection to governors.

The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of

punishment. Thou hast the benefit of the government, therefore do what thou canst to preserve it, and nothing to disturb it. This directs private persons to behave quietly and peaceably where God has set them, 1Ti 2:1, 2. Christians must not use any trick or fraud. All smuggling, dealing in contraband goods, withholding or evading duties, is rebellion against the express command of God. Thus honest neighbours are robbed, who will have to pay the more; and the crimes of smugglers, and others who join with them, are abetted. It is painful that some professors of the gospel should countenance such dishonest practices. The lesson here taught it becomes all Christians to learn and practise, that the godly in the land will always be found the quiet and the peaceable in the land, whatever others are. ( Romans 13:8-10).8Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God's law. 9For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting--and any other commandment--are all summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself."[a] 10Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements.

Exhortations to mutual love.11Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. 13We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy.

Christians must avoid useless expense, and be care 14But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires.ful not to contract any debts they have not the power to discharge. They are also to stand aloof from all venturesome speculations and rash engagements, and whatever may expose them to the danger of not rendering to all their due. Do not keep in any one's debt. Give every one his own. Do not spend that on yourselves, which you owe to others. But many who are very sensible of the trouble, think little of the sin, of being in debt. Love

to others includes all the duties of the second table. The last five of the ten commandments are all summed up in this royal law, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; with the same sincerity that thou lovest thyself, though not in the same measure and degree. He that loves his neighbour as himself, will desire the welfare of his neighbour. On this is built that golden rule, of doing as we would be done by. Love is a living, active principle of obedience to the whole law. Let us not only

avoid injuries to the persons, connexions, property, and characters of men; but do no kind or degree of evil to any man, and study to be useful in every station of life. (Ro 13:11-14)


And the approaching end of the Jewish state, as a reason for sobriety, watchfulness, and prayer.

Evil-speaking is a sign of malice and guile in the heart; and hinders our profiting by the word of God. A new life needs suitable food. Infants desire milk, and make the best endeavours for it which they are able to do; such must be a Christian's desires after the word of God. Our Lord Jesus Christ is very merciful to us miserable sinners; and he has a fulness of grace. But even the best of God's servants, in this life, have only a taste of the consolations of God. Christ is called a Stone, to teach his servants that he is their protection and security, the foundation on which they are built. He is precious in the excellence of his nature, the dignity of his office, and the glory of his services. All true believers are a holy priesthood; sacred to God, serviceable to others, endowed with heavenly gifts and graces. But the most spiritual sacrifices of the best in prayer and praise are not acceptable, except through Jesus Christ. Christ is the chief Corner-stone, that unites the whole number of believers into one everlasting temple, and bears the weight of the whole fabric. Elected, or chosen, for a foundation that is everlasting. Precious beyond compare, by all that can give worth. To be built on Christ means, to believe in him; but in this many deceive themselves, they consider not what it is, nor the necessity of it, to partake of the salvation he has wrought. Though the frame of the world were falling to pieces, that man who is built on this foundation may hear it without fear. He shall not be confounded. The believing soul makes haste to Christ, but it never finds cause to hasten from him. All true Christians are a chosen generation; they make one family, a people distinct from the world: of another spirit, principle, and practice; which they could never be, if they were not chosen in Christ to be such, and sanctified by his Spirit. Their first state is a state of gross darkness, but they are called out of darkness into a state of joy, pleasure, and prosperity; that they should show forth the praises of the Lord by their profession of his truth, and their good conduct. How vast their obligations to Him who has made them his people, and has shown mercy to them! To be without this mercy is a woful state, though a man have all worldly enjoyments. And there is nothing that so kindly works repentance, as right thoughts of the mercy and love of God. Let us not dare to abuse and affront the free grace of God, if we mean to be saved by it; but let all who would be found among those who obtain mercy, walk as his people. ( 1 Peter 2:1-22)


God to be praised.

Holy joy is the heart and soul of praise, and that is here pressed upon the righteous. Thankful praise is the breath and language of holy joy. Religious songs are proper expressions of thankful praise. Every endowment we possess, should be employed with all our skill and earnestness in God's service. His promises are all wise and good. His word is right, and therefore we are only in the right when we agree with it. His works are all done in truth. He is the righteous Lord, therefore loveth righteousness. What a pity it is that this earth, which is so full of the proofs and instances of God's goodness, should be so empty of his praises; and that of the multitudes who live upon his bounty, there are so few who live to his glory! What the Lord does, he does to purpose; it stands fast. He overrules all the counsels of men, and makes them serve his counsels; even that is fulfilled, which to us is most surprising, the eternal counsel of God, nor can any thing prevent its coming to pass.

His people encouraged by his power.

All the motions and operations of the souls of men, which no mortals know but themselves, God knows better than they do. Their hearts, as well as their times, are all in his hand; he formed the spirit of each man within him. All the powers of the creature depend upon him, and are of no account, of no avail at all, without him. If we make God's favour sure towards us, then we need not fear whatever is against us. We are to give to him the glory of his special grace. All human devices for the salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord's watchful eye is over those whose conscientious fear of his name proceeds from a believing hope in his mercy. In difficulties they shall be helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those that fear God and his wrath, must hope in God and his mercy; for there is no flying from him, but by flying to him. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit, not according to our merits, but according to the promise which thou hast in thy word given to us, and according to the faith thou hast by thy Spirit and grace wrought in us.

( Psalms 33:12-22).



Dear Precious Heavenly Father; We come unto You with Thanksgiving and our prasies unto You alway's and forever in whom you are in your most precious Holy Words in them we proclaim unto this world today. Father, we are guilty of abusing YOU in those people in this world whom may or may not be your children that have been caught -up with the lies of our world today.Lord, Yopou have said in Your word that they will Not get away with it and we believe what You say unto us as your children of hang on to your every words that are spoken unto us in our sword of the scriptures.For you will be judging all of our enemies in those whom keep Your people oppressed and ignore Your power from the heavens.Since they will face You one daythat we can let go of all of our hatred and any kind of desires of revenge and to only keep one's own focus on You that richly bleses us as your children. Yes in some folk's haven't listened to you and have turned one's back of who you truly are for Father You have raised us and have taken care of us and in those whom love you and are in love with you adore you and have been obedient unto you appreicate you in our lives today. Knowing about people whom have done that sin which is totally against you, Father we pray for those to come and repent all things before you and they shall have peace like a river that flows out of them like never before and rest alway's in whom You are in your character as well. That's the cleansing power of You Oh, God but yet this nation and other nations fails to see you as they are alway's burdened in guilt, shame, disgrace and in all essence have corrupted themselves and children as a nation that needs to come before you and repentfor You have said these words" If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and to seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive thier sins and heal thier land" we keep it utmost in our prayers to have all nations to come back to you and with backsliding christians and unbelievers too. Make them tremble in fear, O,LORD. Let them know they they just as we are merely human beings. Foe we all know that all creations human or animals have grown as if we have had child birth in this present time.AtHANK yOU fATHERnd in that precious Holy Spirit has given such a fortaste of the future glory and trying to be releasedin all of the suffering that's taken place among us. We are patiently witing to have the fullright of our new heavenly bodies and being with you. Thank You Father for that Precious, gracious Holy Spirit that helps in distress and all other things that ailes us of which takes care of us in all that you come to do in us before you. For You are our delieverer from all bondages and corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Send forth Your spirit of Truth to alway's bearing witness of You, and to highly, mightly convict the world of sins, of righteousness, and of judgement. Cause them all to repent and totally turn away from all idos that's in thier lives. Shake all nations, so they all will come to the desires of Jesus Christ. Father cause your people to rise upGather them Your mighty ones to be prepared for war in ambassadors into nations in keeping those doors opened, safe ,protected, as the gospel is coming forth in all of those ears in coming to You Jesus in giving nations what You have promised uto them and they have your love in them like never brefore in being obedient, charater, love, salvations, obedience, forgivness, hope to those nations and in alway's keeping ones eyes upon you until you come.Let all nations confess you as thier lord , for righteousness and praises spring forth before you Father and unto the world.as it's covered in the seas, nations, as worship comes togather before yoy Jesus.then make al enemies your footstool in whom you are and ever will be in the heavens so that nothing can waver from it or to deny it at all. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen. catcmo2006

posted by Anonymous @ 7:23 AM   0 comments