“Buying Time”

The United States hit its debt ceiling on Thursday, January 19th. The Treasury Department responded by taking measures intended to buy more time before the country risks defaulting on its debt. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen predicted that the measures would be sufficient for roughly five months, though she also cautioned that there is “considerable uncertainty” regarding that time frame.

But this is hardly the first time Congress has come to such an impasse, and few believe the government will actually fail to raise the debt ceiling when the time comes. So why all the furor over the present debate?

Given that the markets have largely shrugged off the development, it seems like those who follow the financials most closely see the Republican refusal as political grandstanding rather than seeking genuine reform. In fact, the primary reason the debt ceiling is even an issue is that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy promised to attach spending cuts to any conversation about raising the debt ceiling in order to garner the necessary support to win his position.

Productive negotiations seem unlikely, however, with the White House publicly saying that they will not negotiate over raising the debt ceiling. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated a week ago that it is Congress’ “constitutional duty” to come to a resolution that prevents the government from going into default. Democrats in Congress appear to agree.

While that stance also seems more political than practical, it speaks to an impasse that could have dire consequences were it to continue indefinitely.

So what is the debt ceiling? And why is this annual tradition of fighting over it before ultimately agreeing that it needs to be raised such a big deal?

The debt ceiling is, essentially, the legal limit for how much borrowing the American government can do in order to finance the legislation it has already passed.

The last part of that definition is important for understanding the current debate. Any spending cuts negotiated into the eventual settlement will not apply to the current debt. Rather, the debt ceiling is about making sure the government has enough money to cover the legislation currently on the books.

The debt ceiling became a law in 1917 in order to allow Congress to more easily sell bonds to fund its involvement in the first World War. It has been raised seventy-eight times since 1960—forty-nine times under Republican presidents and twenty-nine under Democrats—and twenty times since 2001 alone.

In all that time, only once has America defaulted on its debt, and that was due to an administrative error rather than the failure of Congress. Still, even though the mistake was quickly rectified and pertained only to a small collection of Treasury securities, it raised US borrowing costs by the modern equivalent of $40 billion.

The threat of a similar escalation in how much it costs to borrow money is another key factor in this debate.

Currently, our government is able to raise the debt ceiling whenever they want because “American Treasury securities have been viewed as one of the safest, most stable investments in the modern world.” And while $31 trillion in debt is a staggering number, the US still has a better debt-to-GDP ratio than countries like Britain, Germany, Australia, and Greece.

However, should America fail to make the interest payments on our debt, those privileges would quickly go away.

That reality is why neither party has, historically, been willing to risk not raising the debt ceiling. If Republicans were required to let the country default on our debt in order to garner concessions and reduce spending, the higher interest rates would, in all likelihood, wipe out any gains made by spending less or raising taxes.

And though the present debate may seem like a partisan topic, any hesitancy to raise the limits is a relatively recent development.

Many of the same Republicans working against raising the debt ceiling now, for example, showed little hesitancy in doing so during three of the four years that Donald Trump was in office. In 2006, then-senator Barack Obama voted against raising the debt ceiling because of what he termed President Bush’s “reckless fiscal policies.”

Ultimately, it is more politically expedient for both parties to pass legislation that we can’t afford and then fight over the means of paying for it at a later date than it is to fail to pass the legislation in the first place. As such, this is likely to continue to be an issue regardless of which party is in power.

And while there is relatively little we can do to curb such patterns nationally, we can and should learn from their mistakes in order to avoid repeating them in our own lives. And those lessons apply to far more than just money.

While fiscal responsibility is important, an issue that receives far less attention in Christian circles pertains to being responsible with our time.

This side of heaven, there will always be more work we can do to serve the Lord than we have time to do it. As such, it can be tempting to say yes to more things than we should. However, eventually that debt will come due and we cannot borrow time to account for it. That’s why it is so important to allow God to be the one who determines when we say yes and when we decline.

Others may not always understand. They may see their work as the most important way a person could advance the kingdom and, for them, they may be right. But another person’s need does not define your calling. Only God gets to do that.

So the next time you’re presented with the opportunity to give your time to a particular ministry or opportunity, take a moment to pray and ask for the Lord’s guidance before responding.

After all, it’s far better to say no initially than to default on your obligations when the time comes to pay that cost.

How We Know That God Is Good

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.” Luke 18:19

God is good in so many ways–the way He provides for us, guides us, and watches over us–but it goes even deeper than that. God’s goodness is who He is, and we are created in his image, so, therefore, we share His goodness.

God’s goodness shows up in our lives every single day. Although we often think of his goodness when something big happens, His goodness abounds all the time–in every hour, minute, and second of the day, in the smallest of things around us. Here are five examples of His goodness in our everyday lives.

1. Waking Us Up

Every day that God wakes us up is an example of his goodness. This means we are still working towards the purpose and gifts He has given us. It shows us that He isn’t finished with us yet and that we still have a mission to fulfill. We shall not grumble and complain about getting out of bed and going to work. We should be happy that we are still breathing and living for Him. Many are worse off than us who need to see our light shining in the world every day.

2. Pouring His Favor on Us

On the days when we are surrounded by the smallest and most significant of blessings, we know that God is pouring his favor on us. This can be anything from your coworker bringing you your favorite coffee to your boss calling you in their office to discuss a raise or promotion. We need to pay attention to all the little things in our day, both big and small, that are a blessing to us. A lot of times, it’s the little things that mean so much.

3. Protecting Us

We have all heard about the woman who had car trouble and missed being in a massive pile-up on the interstate. We have heard about the disease/cancer detection that almost did not happen due to a practically-missed appointment. These are the significant ways He protects us, but He works in the smaller things too: for example, the gossip that is going around that never reaches your ears or the coworker that is trying to sabotage you but your boss, instead, sees the honest and hard work that you do. These are all ways He protects us on a daily basis.

4. Speaking to Us through Prayer

Prayer is our most powerful connection to God. It is how we express our thanks and gratitude, make our petitions known, and intercede for others. Sometimes we get an answer of “yes,” sometimes, “no” and sometimes, “wait.” Sometimes, He gives us specific instructions and, sometimes, He is silent. Other times, He speaks to us and provides us with an answer in the most surprising of ways. No matter what, He always answers, and we need to look for those answers every day. In issues big and small, He will often nudge our hearts and draw our attention in the right direction.

5. Guiding Us

We make a thousand little decisions a day, everything from deciding whether we will do our job well or whether or not to take on a client. Sometimes, we have to determine whether an opportunity is right for us and if we should follow a particular path. In these moments, God is guiding us. We need to stop, take a breath and pay attention. How do we feel in our hearts? How do we feel in our gut?  We need to be still and listen to that small voice we know so well. Listen to him whispering to our hearts about what choices are right for us. Pay attention to the signs He sends us. This is His way of guiding us and nudging us to our best selves, so that we may live in the gifts we have been given and the purpose He has for us.

Is Technology Hurting My Child?

This past week, I had a parent to ask the question that I titled today’s blog, “Is technology hurting my child.”

Articles abound listing the harmful effects of technology for our children. Still others, often written by educators, expound on its benefits. Both sides agree that technology, with its computer games, mobile devices, videos, and texting is here to stay.

Perhaps the question is less about how damaging this rapidly growing tool is or isn’t and more about how we, as parents, guardians, and educators can harness this ever-expanding tool for the good.

We can use it to help our children stay connected, find educational resources and access information, and stay safe when they’re not directly in our care.

We can begin by recognizing three problem areas and proactively finding ways to address them.

1. Increased screen time has contributed to an increased sedentary lifestyle and decreased attention span among children.

Kids once spent their afternoons and evenings playing outside, but now, many gather in their friends’ basements with sugary snacks within reach and wireless game controllers in hand. According to statistics, today’s children are spending on average, five to eight hours each day staring at a digital screen. At least two hours of this time is spent playing video games.

Comparatively, children only spend around four hours a week playing outside.  

This is a problem for a few reasons. First, researchers have found that the physical and emotional arousal produced by intense gaming sessions can reduce the amount of REM sleep. Some suggest prolonged gaming increases a child’s impulsivity and reduces their attention spans.

I noticed this trend in myself about 5 years ago while trying to pray. I kept getting distracted, and my mind wandered much more than it had in the past.

As I began to analyze myself and the situation, I realized that my increased distractibility came after I began using a smart phone. My conclusion—all the dings and notifications continually interrupted my thoughts, thus, over time, training my brain to focus for shorter and shorter intervals.

To counter this, I turned off my notifications and intentionally set my phone aside to focus on whatever task was at hand or person I was engaging with.

Unmonitored, our children will likely waste a good deal of their lives staring at a device.

The solution: limit your children’s screen time to, perhaps, a few hours a week, and insist that they find other ways to occupy themselves. 

Not only will they tend to become more active, the reduction of passive entertainment will encourage their creativity and naturally lengthen their attention spans.

This will also teach time management, self-care, and the establishment of healthy boundaries while developing their self-control to do so.

2. Technological devises can rob our children of the benefits of boredom.

Our youth are constantly being entertained and have less and less time to simply be. This perpetual “brain busyness” hinders their creativity and can get in the way of their relationship with Christ.

God often speaks to us in “quiet spaces”—when we’ve stepped away from all the noise, and, through inactivity, allowed ourselves to contemplate the deeper questions of life like why we exist and how we’re to relate to God.

It’s great to bring our children to Sunday school and church services, but God also wants to speak to them directly. In fact, He is speaking to them every day. But in our loud, high definition world, His voice can be swallowed up.

The solution: establish technology free zones and periods where children are encouraged to think, spend time in nature, and listen to music and are given opportunities to create.

3. Technology can expose children to danger.

One afternoon our daughter was playing a simple game on my wife’s phone and Kels noticed she was chatting with someone. A male that she did not know was asking personal questions that thankfully we were able to intercept. And it raised a young parent’s awareness to the fact that even innocent children’s games are not 100% safe and more safeguards were needed. Thankfully she was sitting next to one of us and we caught it and set safety nets moving forward but more curious kids might sneak around and continue to participate and who knows where it would lead.

We’ve all read stories of how predators infiltrate chat rooms, posing as teens or, in some other way deceive children and lure them into dangerous interactions. Now, some are using snapchat filters that make them appear younger in order to form relationships with unsuspecting youth. Their goal? To convince them to meet up somewhere.

Then there’s all the harmful content that has become much too accessible. An innocent click can send our children to a site they never intended to visit, exposing them to content their young minds simply can’t and shouldn’t have to handle.

One mom said she’d intentionally hindered her son’s use of cell phones only to discover he’d been accessing them at school. It seems, if a child longs to use a tablet or other mobile device, they have ample opportunities to do so. These children could then be exposed to spiritually and emotionally damaging content.

This leads to frustration, increased conflict within the home, distrust, anxiety, and parental fatigue. For many, it seems like yet one more area in which they’re forced to battle with their children. However, though the particulars today might be unique, the underlying discord is not. Children have always had access to the very things their parents attempt to keep them from.

The solution: to protect them from all these unknown and unexpected dangers, we must be prayerful, communicative, intentional, and cognizant of their emotional and spiritual maturity.

A middle-schooler is not developmentally ready for hours of unsupervised access to the Internet and television. Youth are known for taking risks, feeling invincible, testing boundaries, and being impulsive. The pleasure centers in their brains are heightened while the areas responsible for rational-decision making remain underdeveloped.

Therefore, they are wired to make irrational choices! This knowledge should impact the amount of freedom we grant and the safeguards, like Internet filters, we establish.

Once we’ve done this, our primary goal is to reach, nurture, and equip their hearts; for, as Proverbs 4:23 states, everything they do will stem from that.

When we remember this, we’ll begin to see how the very challenges that cause us anxiety and stress can actually be used to foster healthy communication and character growth within our children. This shift of perspective helps us filter our concerns through a biblical, empowered, and grace-filled perspective. This in turn enables us to reduce those risks and detriments we fear while making use of the benefits.

Here are six ways technology can be helpful.

1. Concerns can initiate and model godly communication while revealing God’s protective heart.

Though many of us feel exhausted trying to stay alert to all the influences bombarding our children each day, God can use these challenges for good. They provide increased opportunities for gospel-centered communication with others as we discuss appropriate, Christ-centered boundaries.

In our efforts to protect our children, when we discuss our concerns with the teachers and other adults supervising them, we demonstrate the protective, loving nature of God our Father.

If handled well, every interaction can build and deepen redemptive relationships while pointing others to emotional and spiritual wholeness, which is precisely what biblical guidelines protect and create.   

2. Concerns can facilitate character-growth training.

Parents of youth can use these situations to train them to make wise choices and live with integrity. When we set a boundary and our child crosses it, that’s a heart issue.

True peer pressure is difficult, and some children are more easily influenced then others. But the propensity that draws them to inappropriate websites, if not addressed, could also draw them to premarital sex, drugs, alcohol, or a host of other things.

My wife and I, whenever we catch our children lying or acting deceptively, we come down hard. Why? Because we want them to know we can deal with almost any behavior; we will talk about it and there will likely be consequences, but then we move on.

However, trust, once lost, is not so easily rebuilt. If our children will lie over something trivial, like whether they cleaned their room, then they are just as likely to lie over more serious matters, like whether or not they attended a party with friends.

Every behavior begins in the heart, so that should be our focus.

3. Social media can be used as a contrast to encourage a Christ-centered identity.

For most of us, when we were children, if we made a mistake or poor decision, public knowledge rarely extended beyond our classroom. Today, viral videos and posts have destroyed many young lives.

Decades ago, bullying was contained to recess or after school, and though cliques have always been around, we weren’t bombarded with images showing all the fun everyone else was having at that party we weren’t invited to.

Though we can’t stop all the ugly behavior that occurs on social media, we can limit our children’s interaction with it, or (for those under 13), prohibit it entirely.

We can encourage them to build healthy relationships with loving peers, thus reducing the sting of others treating them poorly. And we can continually ground them in their Christ-centered identity—the only effective way to handle the painful behavior of others. 

4. Technology keeps families and friends connected.

We’ve all watched videos of soldiers stationed overseas talking to their families on Christmas via Skype or Zoom. We can share special moments, like birthdays and first days of school, through Facebook and Instagram, and our kids can easily interact with their grandparents through text messaging.

Some may say these interactions aren’t as deep as face-to-face conversations, but when we use technology as a supplement to in-person interactions rather than a replacement, relationships are enriched. All involved can feel connected with one another on a regular basis, regardless of the distance between them.

5. Technology can keep our kids safe.

We have delayed getting our daughter a cell phone. Yes, at 10 years old, she has friends who have their own phones. Now that she is getting older, my wife and I are having conversations about how we will transition in a couple of years to adding this responsibility. One of the things that we will do is install a friend and family app on her phone when she gets it. This app will allow us to keep track of one another. This way, if something happened, we would be able to find her quickly. This will help me as a parent feel more comfortable giving her increased freedom. 

6. Technology helps facilitate learning.

Many of us have probably witnessed our children mastering, through video or computer games, difficult concepts they’ve previously struggled with.

Today, many schools select a curriculum with correlating computer games to supplement material presented in textbooks. Children can build cities, care for animals, increase their vocabulary, and experience history through engaging and interactive games.

We also see an increase in the use of laptops and tablets within the classroom, and the chalkboards most of us grew up with are being replaced by interactive whiteboards.

Some have expressed concern, stating such devices will present ongoing distractions. But others feel that the benefits they provide, such as easy access to online resources, outweigh the setbacks.

Regardless of which side of this argument we find ourselves on, we all realize that the Internet, computers, and mobile devices will remain part of today’s culture and parenting challenges. Therefore, we need to be diligent to teach, stay alert, ask questions, facilitate ongoing conversations, and pray.

We also need to maintain open communication with other adults, such as teachers and other parents, who have influence or supervisory authority in our children’s lives.

If we work together and remain observant, we can protect our children from technology’s harmful effects while helping them enjoy its benefits.

What Really Matters

If you were to sum up your life right now, your purpose on this earth, what truths would you want to emphasize to your friends and family? What regrets would you have?

In Acts 20 the apostle Paul gave his final words to the elders of the church he had started in Ephesus. He essentially was summing up what really mattered to him in life. Among them was this statement: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (verse 24 NKJV).

There’s an important word in Paul’s statement: “joy.” Paul was saying, “I’m looking back on my life and on what I have done here, and one word seems to sum it up well: joy.” This word could be translated “exceedingly happy.” Joy is an operative word in the life of the Christian.

Maybe you’re thinking that things must have been going reasonably well for Paul. But look at the preceding verses, where Paul said, “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me” (verses 22–23 NKJV).

Paul knew what adversity was. He knew what suffering and hardship were. But in the midst of it all, he was saying there is joy.

Sometimes people think Christians live the most boring lives conceivable. But the fact is that the happy life is the holy life, the life lived for God.

Jesus not only promised us life beyond the grave, but He also promised us a dimension of life on earth that is worth living.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).

Things to Remember about God’s Presence Entering 2023

Will next year be worse than this one?

How high will prices continue to climb?

One thing is certain about every new year—it dawns with a slew of question marks.

Uncertainties are ugly. We loathe what’s unpredictable because it makes us feel out of control—and this sensation, in turn, sparks stress. So, if all indications point to the new year yielding more unexpected (and probably unpleasant) news, what is the best way to prepare?

The apostle John reveals a crucial piece of advice…

During Stressful Times, Remember Jesus’ Love for You

Here’s the scoop. In the Gospel he penned, John christened himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved five separate times (John 13:23, John 19:26, John 20:2, John 21:7, John 21:20). He initiated this practice in chapter 13, skipped it in chapters 14-18, and resurfaced the title in the last three chapters.

The reason the terminology John coined for himself went missing in chapters 14-17 was because these chapters, almost exclusively, contain Jesus’ monologue at the last supper. Because John did not speak at all, there is no need to refer to himself then.

It’s curious that the next chapter—18—John self-referred twice, but without his adopted nickname. Notice the italicized phrases for the apostle’s self-description: “Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.” (John 18:15-16).

So, John began considering himself as the one Jesus loved in chapter 13, but failed to follow suit in chapter 18. He associated himself with the religious leader of the land instead.

Why might this be?

Perhaps the context can shed some light. Chapter 18 tracks the aftermath of Judas’ betrayal of Jesus into the hands of the Jewish leaders. According to John 20:9, John didn’t understand that Jesus had to die and be resurrected until after Jesus was resurrected. So, back in chapter 18—when John witnessed the compliant Jesus being arrested and dragged to face religious authorities—it’s likely that he’s dumbfounded by a narrative he didn’t have any framework for.

And in the midst of the unanticipated turmoil, John forgot that Jesus still loved him—even during that shocking moment.

Pilot twists do that to us sometimes. They can stun us into second-guessing God’s fiery love for us. Between the continuous COVID scare, the skyrocketing inflation, and rising societal division, it’s easy to overlook how God’s love for us extends well beyond Christmas and into eternity—because God has vowed never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

There’s one simple antidote. Douse the new year with declarations of how much the Lord loves you:

• “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
• “Whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8).
• “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
• “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

Feel free to borrow John’s original phrase as well.

Start referring to yourself as the one whom Jesus loves—especially when stress threatens to run the show.

But let’s keep it real. Clinging to the truth of God’s intense love is challenging when we’re battling distress and despair. Even though Jesus has promised that trouble will never cease to exist (John 16:33), we keep entertaining the stubborn—but erroneous—belief that if God truly loves us, He’ll somehow shield us from trials.

This is the opposite of what Scripture teaches. His love is real, but so are difficulties. Check out the famous Psalm 23 for example. Have you noticed the jarring jump in the middle of the chapter?

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:1-6)

Let’s say you’ve never discovered Psalm 23 before. You start reading it because the first half paints such an inviting picture. Who doesn’t want a lack-free life guarantee (Psalm 23:1)? Who can resist God’s personalized promise to refresh their soul in a serene setting (Psalm 23:2)? And who would dismiss God’s offer of direct guidance on the right path to take—especially during turbulent times (Psalm 23:3)? I don’t blame you if you expect the rest of the psalm to portray a similar tone, peaceful and picturesque.

Well, get your red Sharpie ready. Might as well draw a sharp stripe to separate verses 1-3 from 4-6, because you’re about to meander from all this relaxation straight into the enemy’s lair (Psalm 23:4-5).

3 Things to Remember about the Lord’s Presence during Conflictual Times

Let’s zoom in on the flow from verse 3 to verse 4. David, the writer of this psalm, went from being privately tutored by the Lord—in a plush place to boot—to navigating “the darkest valley” and fierce enemy combatants. This isn’t a mistake. Sometimes God guides us into gulleys not because He reneges on His love for us, but to reaffirm the availability of His presence regardless of circumstance.

Indeed, the second half of Psalm 23 assures us that the Lord’s presence during conflictual times:

1. Combats any fear.

Dreading what else will go wrong can torture us more than facing grim reality. But whether the scare is COVID-related or anything else, fear can’t paralyze us as long as we focus on the Lord’s presence (Psalm 23:4). If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

2. Triumphs over mental illness.

With enough anxiety in the body, the digestive system will shut down, making eating impossible to do. The fact that David could enjoy his meals even though his enemies were around (Psalm 23:5) meant God’s peace overpowered whatever anxiety his enemies could have stirred up. And in case anyone assumed David was too much of a spiritual giant for anxiety to touch, his own words exposed how he had to battle fear and anxiety (Psalm 34:4, Psalm 38:18, Psalm 139:23).

Similarly, when we seek the Lord to help heal our soul—including those shameful parts we hide so church folks won’t tsk—He will share winning strategies with us. For some, this could mean switching to a church community that knows how to minister to trauma survivors better. The Lord might instruct others to pursue psychotherapy, inner healing, more time with the Word, or all of the above.

3. Identifies what’s good.

Even if wickedness sneaks into the new year, it doesn’t mean goodness will perish. Scripture says “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” (Psalm 33:5, NKJV). Just as twinkling diamonds are best appreciated against a black backdrop, spotting the goodness of the Lord is often easiest when wickedness abounds.

Welcome, 2023!

The new year is an apt time to accept that just because God is guiding us doesn’t mean He’ll detour us away from difficulties.

Is the world worsening in 2023? I hope not, but I really don’t know. However, since the Lord will still love us—because He never changes (Hebrews 13:8)—then so what if more challenges are coming? His love will get us through anything.

Therefore, from the one whom Jesus loves to another, I wish your 2023 to drip with God’s love and goodness, chasing you day by day (Psalm 23:6).