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timewerx

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Jesus said the same things about the Pharisees.

According to Jesus, if you cultivate relationships with people who cannot return the favor - the poor, and the disabled, you will be rewarded in the coming age.

If you're cultivating relationships with people of means like rich people to earn favors, you have already received your reward in full but forfeit your reward in the coming age.

The philosophy of American politics is blame the poor for their hardships, for being lazy but never consider the role of the rich and powerful in the problem of poverty.

Yet, it was Jesus who originally said those who where given more, more will be asked of them. That it will be very hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It's not the other way around.
 
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bèlla

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According to Jesus, if you cultivate relationships with people who cannot return the favor - the poor, and the disabled, you will be rewarded in the coming age.

It isn't difficult to access the poor. It's challenging to meet those in positions where decisions are made and policies are formed. That's where light is needed most.

If you're cultivating relationships with people of means like rich people to earn favors, you have already received your reward in full but forfeit your reward in the coming age.

You've read the new testament and I needn't cite the passages that pertain to my statement. Not is it necessary to remind you of Joseph of Arimethea and his service to the kingdom or others in similar positions.

The philosophy of American politics is blame the poor for their hardships, for being lazy but never consider the role of the rich and powerful in the problem of poverty.

I pay no heed to politics. It's corrupt and devised to benefit a few at the expense of the majority. I'm not blind to its failing or praying for miracles.

No one can encourage you to view another disparagingly if the seed did not exist. They're not wholly to blame. Most people desire riches and there's a long history of the same well before our founding. America is no different from other empires in that respect.

Yet, it was Jesus who originally said those who where given more, more will be asked of them. That it will be very hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It's not the other way around.

They give a lot away for different reasons. But their judgment is between them and their maker. I don't dwell on it or delight in their suffering. Gloating hastens His hand.

~bella
 
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timewerx

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You've read the new testament and I needn't cite the passages that pertain to my statement. Not is it necessary to remind you of Joseph of Arimethea and his service to the kingdom or others in similar positions.

Some of the Lord's servants with be rich and some will be poor and that's okay. I've told you this before.

It's not impossible to be rich and to be well-connected even if you avoided doing things the way of this world. If you're rich, people of means will be flocking to you. I do believe not all rich Christians compromised their faith and beliefs to become rich.

I'm also not saying it will be impossible for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It will be very hard, but not impossible.

In itself, being rich is not wrong.

What's wrong is when every Christian thinks it's the Lord's plan for them in this present age.

We will all get rich one day but not in this present age but in the coming age.
 
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bèlla

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I know many people of means who love the Lord and didn't compromise. But their character and commitment were well established before their wealth increased and the majority were high wage households before it happened. Things didn't change overnight for them and they weren't subjected to the same temptations most experience when their fortunes improve. They were already comfortable.

I can't say if that makes a difference in respect to faith but I suspect it helps. They're married with families and have traditional values. Money didn't go to their head.

What's wrong is when every Christian thinks it's the Lord's plan for them in this present age.

I don't believe that or support the prosperity gospel. I consider it a get rich quick scam with similar techniques you encounter in high pressure sales events, motivational conferences and nlp rhetoric. I don't believe you can name and claim your way to millions.

There would be less deception if there was a forum for honest discussion devoid of lectures and knee jerk reactions. People say what they're expected to or what's acceptable rather than what's really on their heart. Which makes them prey for charlatans. They're the ones willing to listen.

~bella
 
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timewerx

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I used to have similar mindset. I used to have middle class income that maybe short and didn't last. But I kept my spending just the same when I was earning a lot less. No one could tell, I had high income at that time. I still didn't own my own car and still living with my parents. Using an old model phone and wearing cheap clothes.

I didn't feel the need to acquire things.

But looking at myself in the past now, I'd consider myself a hypocrite. Although I've never been greedy, never desired to have more, I loved money and I never saw it until now. I think many people love money without realizing it because they think they're not greedy, and living a very simple life.
 
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bèlla

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I'm accustomed to plenty and practical. I have no qualms about certain expenses when the quality and workmanship are worthwhile. But I'm ambivalent about emotional shopping and quests for the latest thing with little forethought.

I've never owned a car. Everything is in walking distance and I like the exercise. If I need to go further I get a cab or an uber. Once we're out of the city I'll get an suv.


Minimalist and simple living are very trendy. I think the majority have too much which clutters the home and requires more attention. We do a sweep every quarter and give it to charity.

Why do you think you loved money and how do you define it?

I've never thought about it too much in all honesty. But I get excited about a box of onions and yellow zucchinis too. I find pleasure in many things large and small.

~bella
 
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timewerx

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I've never owned a car. Everything is in walking distance and I like the exercise. If I need to go further I get a cab or an uber. Once we're out of the city I'll get an suv.
I drive my dad's car when getting around the city with my mom. It's an old "stick" model with a hard clutch. In our very crowded streets, you'll actually burn calories driving it because you're forced to shift a lot.

Else, when I have to go somewhere alone, I ride my bicycle.

Why do you think you loved money and how do you define it?

I've never thought about it too much in all honesty. But I get excited about a box of onions and yellow zucchinis too. I find pleasure in many things large and small.
At that time, I lived so simply and cheaply and didn't mind giving money to our poor relatives.

Yet, I looked money like it's a good thing like "manna from heaven" and I also wrongfully judged the poor. Yes, I was charitable to the poor but I still judged them wrongly.

Jesus didn't teach us to look at money in such manner and the poor has been wrongly judged for a very long time. This is why Jesus often preached to the poor. The gospel is Good News to the poor because society has kept on looking down on them and for the first time, someone is telling them they're doing alright, even doing better than those who have plenty. However, the Gospel is an affront to those who loved money - the Pharisees. This is why Jesus often preached in parable when Pharisees are around to avoid getting interrupted.
 
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I drive my dad's car when getting around the city with my mom. It's an old "stick" model with a hard clutch. In our very crowded streets, you'll actually burn calories driving it because you're forced to shift a lot.

I've seen what you've described in videos and the exertion is shocking. The streets are usually crowded and I've wondered more than once how accidents are avoided.

Yet, I looked money like it's a good thing like "manna from heaven" and I also wrongfully judged the poor. Yes, I was charitable to the poor but I still judged them wrongly.

Were you taught that in church or was it a personal or familial belief? By judgment, did you blame them for their poverty?


Hardships were viewed differently in that period. When bad things happened they assumed it was from God or He didn't prevent it. Remember Peter's question about the blind man. He attributed his condition to sin. That's how they thought. Poverty had a similar stigma.

My position on the poor hasn't changed. I was always philanthropic and grew up volunteering. But I've developed a growing concern for the middle class and the economic assault on them. In America, they're the hardest hit and the ones who pay for everything. There's a lot of catch-22's in place. They're not poor enough to qualify for assistance. But they don't have the means to take advantage of experiences that would enhance their circumstances.

Access is the linchpin and that's where my commitment lies. I'm exploring training opportunities for exploited positions within the fashion industry to see how it's handled. I have several ideas that include a livable wage, additional training, healthy work environment, extensive benefits, homeownership payment, catered lunch and scholarships for their children. I consider it as a partnership. I'm not a slave master.

I view money from five perspectives. It meets a need, solves a problem, creates opportunities, offers protection and funds the future. I wield it as a tool in those areas. Ego comes into play when you're compensating for lacks. You fill the void or use to buy something that will and that's usually destructive.

Can you have wealth without attitude? Of course. But it typically comes with time. You mature and don't buy into the hype or allow advantages to go to your head too much and find your sweet spot. Christianity has its nuances and expectations which adds to your growing pains. You have to make peace with the should's so you aren't pulled in too many directions.

There's a lot I've backed away from in light of my convictions and where I want to make the biggest difference. I've narrowed my focus and I'm developing a strategy for our family. Most of the projects we'll fund are ones we'll initiate and oversee. I have a passion for the arts and would like to see greater access in that area. Especially opera. It isn't violent or brimming with sex. Attending events like the theater, symphony, ballet and opera expands the conscience. Things in the mainstream are overladen with filth and children need a break from that.

I'm not interested in building churches or funding missions. I prefer to make an impact on a person's life directly. There's many ways to be His hands and feet.

~bella
 
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timewerx

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I've seen what you've described in videos and the exertion is shocking. The streets are usually crowded and I've wondered more than once how accidents are avoided.

I've been driving for 25 years now, mostly "sticks" (manual transmission with clutch). Never had an accident thank God. Never scratched the paint of another car but I have scratched the paint of the car I'm driving from parking miscalculations. Though the last one was over 12 years ago. Never a "fender-bender". Never driven anything with proximity alert system so it's all by the "seat of the pants" driving.

Not only the crowded streets but the streets and lanes themselves are really narrow and the very poorly maintained roads can have huge bumps or potholes you'll have to swerve around in those narrow lanes and with cars and motorcycles around you.

It really forces you to adopt precision driving skills and maximum level of situational awareness.

Were you taught that in church or was it a personal or familial belief? By judgment, did you blame them for their poverty?
All of them I think. Having been through different churches as I grew up, family believed the same and having never done any serious Bible study at the time. Yes, I used to think poverty is the fault of the sufferer.

My mom grew up in extreme poverty but managed to have college degree and a decent job back in the 70's into the 80s. Back then, an incredible achievement especially as a woman. This led me to believe that poverty is 100% the fault of the sufferer for not working hard enough, for not having enough determination and tenacity to get themselves out of poverty.

It wasn't until the last several years I'd realize that my belief is actually "victim-blaming" when I studied the Bible seriously for the first time.

Although still believe the poor is to blame for their poverty (some of it), I no longer believe it's 100% their fault simply because we live in an evil world. You can even use history and the science of economics to prove it wasn't entirely the poor's fault why they are poor but the consequences of humanity's collective greed and indulgent behavior.

I view money from five perspectives. It meets a need, solves a problem, creates opportunities, offers protection and funds the future
Same thing I'm doing now but on a much smaller scale. Not much you can do when you're fighting fires. The family has considered selling our apartment and moving somewhere much cheaper and putting some of the proceeds into investment.

But with the depressed market locally ever since Covid, we'll be selling at a huge loss so everyone decided to stay put.

Otherwise, I try not to put much thought into it. I'm also deeply committed into training my spiritual gifts. There's a very real conflict between money and spiritual engagement and I'm finding it impossible to be passionate on both. The spiritual gifts is always negatively affected.


Sounds good to me. The mainstream music is evil and the present theme about "empowering women" is turning women into jerks instead.
 
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It really forces you to adopt precision driving skills and maximum level of situational awareness.

You've been very fortunate and would probably make a good stunt driver. The chase scene in Harry Potter comes to mind.

All of them I think. Having been through different churches as I grew up, family believed the same and having never done any serious Bible study at the time. Yes, I used to think poverty is the fault of the sufferer.

I think many say the same but it isn't socially acceptable to admit aloud. And believers are part of that demographic. That's why the republican message appeals. But they're having their own come to Jesus moment and it won't let up anytime soon.

This led me to believe that poverty is 100% the fault of the sufferer for not working hard enough, for not having enough determination and tenacity to get themselves out of poverty.

Most people do just enough and that's the prevailing contributor to their circumstances. We don't have a philosophy of excellence in our culture. That's why Asians were removed from minority status years ago. They were outperforming our students and grabbing the top prizes. Changing their status was the first step to balance the scales. Getting them to challenge affirmative action was the final blow. Although it's touted for minorities women are the largest recipients. One year later and their college acceptances were down.

I wouldn't call myself a tiger mom and I haven't read the book to confirm it. But a person with a good work ethic and tenacity will rise above their circumstances if they do it ethically. It may take awhile but there's divine checks and balances in place. The open doors and opportunities are reaping in action.


Some behaviors are self-destructive and others are the result of ignorance and bad habits. To combat them all requires truth and that's the starting point. You have divorce yourself from your beliefs, emotions and familial practices to hear what the Lord says on the matter. Just because things were done a certain way doesn't make them or right or effective. But if you never question it you'll remain in the dark.

You can't judge a book by it's cover completely. You have to look under the hood and study their bones. When a situation is dire you're looking for grit and an indomitable spirit. They're the ones who pull themselves out because of their mindset. They're in a bad way but they're not their circumstances and the difference is key.

People will always bet against you and you have to learn to use their doubt to your advantage. Use it to fuel the next step or the unexpected.


The missing link is application. You need to fund or create the entity the Lord has in mind. That's how I survive the fashion industry and finance to some extent. I'm not blind to their failings and acknowledge what's diabolical. But I can do good in that space nonetheless. If creating luxury products allows me to bless my employees and be an example for my peers I'm willing to do it. They're going to spend the money anyway so I might as well glorify Him.

That's why I have no qualms about prices if the quality demands it. There's people willing to pay for it. And instead of sweatshops we get thriving families and sustainable products. That's a win/win for both. We have to understand money from His perspective. In that realm it's used to expand His territory and the devil does the same. If you're taking territory you must have something to put in it's place.

The number one concern about wealth is sellouts and it isn't the threat most people associate with the term. It's not the possibility that you might flip but the people around you who can be bought. That's where the greatest danger exists and most people have a number. It's better to clean house before it arrives. Most well known people are removed through this tactic.

Sounds good to me. The mainstream music is evil and the present theme about "empowering women" is turning women into jerks instead.

They don't have autonomy and the majority don't write their own songs. They have to follow the program to fulfill their contract. Everyone with children should be following the Diddy case. They're revealing a lot about the industry and what really happens behind the scenes. I've learned a great deal and made important changes in response. Normal people don't think along those lines and naïveté is costly.

Musicians are designed to influence the culture and everyone has a demographic that's assigned. It isn't happenstance that Taylor Swift appeals to young girls. They're her assignment and the music is marketed to them. The same is true for rap, hip-hop, k-pop and the rest. Once you understand that you know what to pray against.

~bella
 
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timewerx

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Actually the Bible and science are in agreement with the fact it isn't entirely the poor's fault why they are poor.

There's even concrete evidence of this in some EU countries that managed to eliminate poverty among its citizens. EU gov't more or less treats its people like family or at least as people. USA gov't treats its people like stocks.


I think you missed entirely the part where I wrote about training spiritual gifts and how esteeming wealth works in opposition to spiritual gifts.

You don't hear this from most Christians because they desire material wealth more than "spiritual wealth". This further kills spiritual life, making them even more dependent on material wealth and worldly security.

The main reason I still make money is so I can take care of mom. She's a Christian but hated the things I believe in. I share to her from time to time, hating it each time. I never force the matter though, exchanging only few sentences at most.

If my sister is able to take my mother in and I can't go with her. I don't really need a normal house anymore. A really small cheap house at most. Around the size of a tool shed. I only need tiny quantity of food and water to live. Mom can't live like that. But the cost of living would very very low. Enough to live off the tiny investment I have without working. I can still live even if I lost all income, I'll simply lose internet.
 
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bèlla

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Actually the Bible and science are in agreement with the fact it isn't entirely the poor's fault why they are poor.

Fault is subjective that's why you have to consider the root. Some behaviors are counterproductive to growth and they're esteemed, never contradicted or emulated in the environment. The probability of doing the same is likely.

There's also less emphasis on self-awareness to aid with decisions. I met someone a few years ago at church who loved the Lord. He had a passion for the word and desired to be a pastor. But it didn't come to pass. He's an ideas man and good at getting conversations going but he can't execute or bring his ideas to fruition. He needs a system with a lot of instruction and mentorship. A franchise of sorts for the ministry. He can't build it from scratch and it's taken him years to see it.

I advised him what to do ten years ago with suggestions for ministries he could work with. But his ego got in the way and he was more concerned about the way things looked than getting the training and education he lacked and lost the opportunity.

There's even concrete evidence of this in some EU countries that managed to eliminate poverty among its citizens. EU gov't more or less treats its people like family or at least as people. USA gov't treats its people like stocks.

I don't believe in socialism for our purposes but understand its appeal to others. Taxes are significantly higher in the EU. Nearly 50% in some places. I'd never pay that.


Most people want to be comfortable. Whether plenty would erode their spirit man depends on the foundation and the lines they're willing to cross to attain it. You can make a buck a lot of ways but will you respect yourself in the morning and is it honorable? That's the question.

Spirit life is many layered much like everything else. Experiencing the same when you're struggling to make ends meet differs when that's no longer the case. You enter another rung when discretionary resources increase and a different atmosphere when wealth has been attained.

When you want Him in spite of the cares and temptations and haven't forsaken your commitment in light of them that's powerful. You can draw down a lot from the spirit realm when that's the case.

Mom can't live like that. But the cost of living would very very low. Enough to live off the tiny investment I have without working. I can still live even if I lost all income, I'll simply lose internet.

That's a bit much at her age. My aunt has a fascination with homesteading and mentions it on occasion. My grandfather had a garden and maintained the apple tree but no one was interested. I was the only one who helped. They had an opportunity to pool their resources and do what I'm pursuing but it wasn't a priority.

But we forsook ownership in deference to land with a natural water source. We weren't living in the moment. We were looking ahead. When you add up the mortgages you realize the problem. I can put several homes on a property without acquiring loans and sacrificing proximity. The houses are passed to the next and remain within the family. You don't look for the village you build it. That's how they lived in biblical times.

~bella
 
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timewerx

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People will always bet against you and you have to learn to use their doubt to your advantage. Use it to fuel the next step or the unexpected.
Ironically, one of my favorite actors, Tyler Perry said something very similar. The guy is a billionaire btw and I think a philanthropist too.

However, I don't feel the need to prove myself to people anymore. I don't feel the need to maintain a positive and successful image.

Might sound selfish like I don't care about other people. I do care about other people. I don't aggravate, inconvenience anyone. My neighbors have absolutely no complaints. I behave myself like a gentleman both at home and outside, especially around the elderly and I help people if I could.

I just think the only person whose opinion about us matter is Jesus and he really doesn't care if we're successful or failure in this world or have what it takes to succeed in this world or not. I think that's one reason why his yoke is "light and easy". Because unlike people, you don't have to do much, you don't have to be something to be His friend.

But you still end up catching people's attention, affecting lots of people nonetheless even as poor follower of Christ.

I still have a huge fight in me but now I'd rather fight for the right reasons.

You've been very fortunate and would probably make a good stunt driver. The chase scene in Harry Potter comes to mind.
My dad is the one who taught me to drive and he's a perfectionist teacher. It's a huge factor I think.

The old car I'm driving also needs to be "babied". It's not in a perfect mechanical condition and high likelihood of breaking down if driven in a certain way like you're driving a new car. I have to time my shifting in a narrow range of rpm for example and a slightly different arrangement when it comes to steering while also dealing with the chaotic road conditions at the same time.

Thus, for me driving is never routine. I thought maybe this is how space exploration feels like, like many things can go wrong and it's your job to keep things from falling apart.

Trying my best to look at it in a positive way. In fact, there is one huge positive outcome these circumstances creates. It feels like winning each time we make it back home without a scratch and the car's still functional. Like surviving a fiery trial. It just feels great. Leaves me in a great mood the rest of the day.
 
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Ironically, one of my favorite actors, Tyler Perry said something very similar. The guy is a billionaire btw and I think a philanthropist too.

I'm familiar with him but I don't watch his films. I'm wearied of gender fluid content and men in dresses.


I'm not a people pleaser and was never concerned with opinions or pressures. I didn't care. Once you free yourself from performance and dancing to others tunes you can live. Most of the should's are designed to control or influence behavior.

But you still end up catching people's attention, affecting lots of people nonetheless even as poor follower of Christ.

I learned how to size up people well as a child. I'd sit around adults and appear disinterested while following the discussion. They discovered the truth one day during a conversation with my grandfather. He had a small disagreement with his wife and went to his workshop to cool down.

I followed him and entered the room and gave him a hug and said my grandmother was the problem. He looked at me with astonishment and asked what I said and I repeated the statement and told him why. He roared with laughter and went to my grandmother with me in tow and told her. Guess what the baby said and repeated my comment. She laughed heartily too and nodded her head in agreement and said she's right I was wrong. And they laughed together.

They looked at me pride with and my grandfather said, that baby's smart and my grandmother agreed, yes she is. I was really young when it happened and they treated me differently afterward. I wasn't merely their baby and the youngest in the family. I was their prize and they shared the experience with my relatives and my aunt started working with me.

I demonstrated a propensity for wisdom at a young age and they rarely questioned my judgment. I wasn't a foolish child and was often the voice of reason with friends and that still holds true. Much like you've said, others noticed and it allowed me to bless a lot of people.


I like that analogy. Always count the wins big and small. You're not done yet.

~bella
 
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I admit to over 50% of the fault belonging to me for my stellar failures in life. I could not have done better than the guy in your story.

One of them is failing to recognize my limits/capabilities. I've had psychological problems since childhood. Displayed strong sociopathic tendencies, volatile behavior thus, other children avoided me. This is probably the root cause I'm finding it difficult to connect to people. I'm very good at reading people but not with establishing lasting friendships.

Two major concussions later also in my childhood, seemed to have partially fixed my sociopathic behavior but it hugely affected my cognitive skills. I became "slow-minded" and some of my relatives thought I've turned dumb. I'm still capable of complex thoughts, just slow and not fast enough to communicate like a normal person.

Despite all these, I miraculously got a job at an S&P 500 company. Great benefits, great environment, great co-workers and bosses, not the best salary but everything else is great. Just good enough to have a good life. However, my slow thinking, volatile behavior made me a below-average, unlikeable employee. But again, despite all that, miraculously, the company loves having me around.

However, parents think I can do way better and nagged me to leave the company to find a better one. I obeyed them because I though they were right that I can do more and it turned out to be the death blow to my career. Never found a stable job since then. This time, my new employers did not appreciate my volatile behavior and slow thinking and found myself changing employers frequently.

Tried to handle my dad's business but again, my volatile behavior wasn't a good fit. Parents took an expensive mortgage I was strongly opposed to. I told them don't do it and I explained the risks involved but they went ahead anyway. Not long after, dad got sick and eventually died, leaving us in hospital debt. Mom had stroke the next year burying us further in debt. And then world events turned against our mortgage and when we're planning to sell it, the value crashed and everyone decided to just hold.

Lately, out of desperation, I went back to crypto and tried something new. Few years ago also out of desperation, I've tried crypto but was unsuccessful and got scammed.

This time I went with proper channels, carefully developed my own low-risk trading strategies and finally able to make reliable passive income. It seems that I finally found a way to make money where my slow thinking and volatile behavior is non-factor because of zero human interaction. But ironically because of our difficult financial situation, I was only able to invest a small amount and unable to compound any of the earnings. Too little to make a difference. Helps pay utility bills though.

It seems to be the least evil source of income I'm making. My strategy helps reduce market volatility even if it's just a single drop in an ocean. I'm not really betting because it makes money regardless of price action and you can remain in profit even during market crashes.

My only ethical concern is the huge energy demands of blockchain. I make up for it by using my bicycle for most errands, minimizing use of energy, avoiding traveling (probably because I can't afford it!). I'm also designing a new engine able to use perfectly renewable clean energy sources of much higher power output than solar power. It's all concept and theories for now. For when I can finally afford to start serious work on it, I can give back the help I got from blockchain.

I'm just not sure if all these is going to succeed in the long run, not when you're buried in debt. I'm probably just delaying the inevitable.

This verse helps bring some comfort and assurance though:
Luke 16:9
I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

I don't believe in socialism for our purposes but understand its appeal to others. Taxes are significantly higher in the EU. Nearly 50% in some places. I'd never pay that.
I have a relative in one of these countries that's why I know so much. The high tax wasn't a problem because the crime rates are very low, healthcare and education is free and everyone is friendly and not paranoid everyone wants to steal their money.

There is no government corruption in her country so the 50% tax all goes to taking care of the infrastructure, making sure everything is working as efficiently as possible and taking care of people who could be struggling financially. Thus, none of the citizens are poor.

That is why the crime rates are very low per capita in the first place. No poverty among the citizens, income gap is very low. Their government treat its people like family.

I can't tell you which country but her country belongs to the top 5 most peaceful countries in the world. Top 1 is Iceland just to give you an idea what kind of countries get the top rankings. USA is ranked at #132.

Just saying, if looking at the positive, the 50% tax you pay is 100% used to make sure everyone has good quality of life, not stressing on finance so they can still smile, have a great mood, low stress, drive their cars politely, not trying to get your money, not trying to steal your stuff.

And what my relative distinctly told us, people in their country aren't greedy. They don't love money. They give money away so easily. Because my relative works in Christian missions, she's finding it easy to find sponsors to help the poor in poor countries.

The same European relative have lived in USA for a few years and thought her country makes USA look like a 3rd world country in comparison. American gov't treats people like stocks, investing only on the "winners" and selling out the "losers". This is also same attitude of the governments in poor/3rd world countries.

It is easy to just blame the poor but what if everyone turns out nice if poverty can be eliminated as some countries in Europe have proven? Then it isn't entirely the fault of the poor anymore. Sure everyone has a share of fault if anything goes wrong but our society tends to put 100% of the blame on the poor why they are poor which is faulty reasoning. Both science and the Bible disagree with such logic.

When Jesus saved the adulterer from being stoned to death, He is trying to prove to everyone, it isn't 100% the adulterer's fault why she committed the sin of adultery. Everyone who sins has a share of that fault. Poverty is considered an evil condition. If someone is poor, it isn't just the fault of that person but the fault is shared among everyone who still sins.

We don't live as individuals. Whatever we do, whatever we chose not to do, is going to affect everyone else. If you make mistakes, it's isn't entirely your fault, same way when someone makes a mistake, it isn't entirely their fault also and you have a share of that fault if you're still sinning.
 
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bèlla

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I admit to over 50% of the fault belonging to me for my stellar failures in life. I could not have done better than the guy in your story.

He needs a companion who can take his ideas and implement them. But a better fit would provide the same and see through the holes and make adjustments to insure success. I have those qualities but he drives me crazy. He spends a lot time in his head instead of taking action. But he wants you to believe in him.

For example, we both like homesteading. He created an elaborate plan but he's never done it. He's never had a garden or worked on a farm and was in his forties then. I told him a farm never sleeps and you need to know you're up for it and your body can handle the work. You can't assume.

I used to watch gardening shows and found a training program to test the theory. Now I know what's involved and my daughter is going to agriculture school. We're still going to do it and she'll oversee things. But it's a lot of work and we're going to hire help. Otherwise you'll never have a break. Most homesteaders rarely leave the farm.


I'm sorry to hear that. You can't guess from your writing. You communicate well. You may have better success forging connections with seniors. They're more patient and enjoy the company.


You've been through a lot but you survived. I advised you to look into crypto before I left for several reasons beyond the obvious. You're curious and willing to dig. You don't want to spoon fed and you're not a follower and keep trying. I speak differently to you for those reasons. You don't ask for answers and I respect that.

Many people want you to solve their problems or give them a roadmap. But it's better to find your way with a little input than follow someone else's plan. You've learned that lesson that's why you'll be okay.

Stick with crypto. You have time. Pull profits if needed and continue stacking. When that's no longer necessary keep adding to it. Create an exit plan. When it reaches the number you want later on you need a strategy. Don't wait until it happens or hesitate because you don't have a lot. That can change.

You want to know how much you'll retain and how you'll use the rest. What percentage do you require for living expenses, large purchases if applicable, savings and insurance. You'll need a policy and a will. You have to designate a beneficiary. It isn't automatic.


Crypto in itself isn't bad. Much like money. It's how they use it that makes it evil. I make friends with mammon to secure my family and do great things for the Lord which enables them to do the same. You can do much when don't require other people's resources and won't be subject to the compromises and temptations they face.


Pray over the project and ask the Lord for insight and equipping for its completion and believe you'll succeed or setting the stage for the project that will.

This verse helps bring some comfort and assurance though:
Luke 16:9
I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

How funny! I just saw what you wrote and said the same. That's why I'm bullish on crypto. It will be a long time before an opportunity like this happens again. I had my relatives do the same. They'll be able to treat themselves and bless others too.


I live in America and don't have those concerns. The better the area the least issues you have and the demographic is different. Which means better schools, greater amenities and proximity in our case. I don't worry about crime at all.


Businesses get more tax benefits than individuals because they're contributing to the economy. The U.S. allows dual citizenship and we're assessed by their rules not the other. They don't permit double taxation. Whatever I pay elsewhere will be addressed when I file.

As I mentioned before, I have no interest in socialism but understand its appeal. I'm not working for others or relying on retirement or government benefits when I'm older. But for those who do it makes sense to get everything covered to keep expenses down. But I'd still use private services.

Nor would I willingly move to a place that would tax me heavily. It's unwise. My priority is my descendants and securing their welfare. Strangers aren't more important than them. They matter of course but my first responsibility is to my family not the world. No one knows what's up ahead but I want to make sure they have what's necessary to weather it.

That's why it's best to do it God's way from the start. Surrender your life to Him and pursue your purpose and marry a God fearing spouse. When He's front and center you don't have all those dilemmas. The reason we struggle is because He isn't. We've put other things in His place and bear the consequences.

Money may ease the burden but doesn't solve the problem. We have to get back to basics. Then you won't require as much from the government or seek support in strange places. You'd have a network at home as you should.

~bella
 
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timewerx

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My aunt grew enough fruits and vegetables in her backyard to significantly offset their grocery expense. She was able to leave on 1 month trip every year with one of her kids taking care of the garden. Mostly just watering the plants.

I'm sorry to hear that. You can't guess from your writing. You communicate well. You may have better success forging connections with seniors. They're more patient and enjoy the company.
Writing allows me to wait on my thoughts but it's very hard for me to be spontaneous when talking.

I remember you recommending crypto. I was hesitant with my initially negative experience. However, with my not-so-good job prospects, it's leaving me with little choice but to get back with something I have dealt with before.

I have a huge distrust of trading influencers including the "whales", famous old veterans of the trade so I have taken into account "whale activity". They bait viewers with risky trading strategies and some seem participating in price manipulation both in pumping or crashing prices.

My strategy is basically DCA+rebalancing simultaneously with multiple coin pairs with standby funds for DCA placed in lending program to earn interest.

It's all spot market trading. No margin, no leverage, no borrowing, no shorting, no technicals, no forecasting. The recent crash caused the coin I'm holding to lose 50% in value from my entry price but my trades only lost 5% in value and I'm back in profit after only 15 days despite the coin I'm holding not recovering within that period. I've setup the trades so that it continues generating passive income and permitting limited compounded returns even if bitcoin crashes below $10,000 for example.

Sounds great under the right circumstances if you can re-invest all the profits to compound the returns.

But with our debt payments, I'm unable to re-invest profits at all. Sometimes, I'm withdrawing more than the profit made. It is still not going to turn around our situation but simply delay the inevitable.

You can do much when don't require other people's resources and won't be subject to the compromises and temptations they face.
I'm still many light years away from getting there. We're still in an extremely vulnerable situation atm. So many things that can go wrong, turning all plans into rubbish.

Worst case scenario is getting evicted and there's still high chance of that happening.

On my own, I don't need much to live. I possess many adaptations or maybe spiritual gifts to live wild and I do love the forest.

How funny! I just saw what you wrote and said the same. That's why I'm bullish on crypto. It will be a long time before an opportunity like this happens again. I had my relatives do the same. They'll be able to treat themselves and bless others too.
I still don't fully understand Luke 16:9. I made a post of it a while back. Before that verse is a story of a shrewd manager about to get fired from his job giving favors to his boss'es debtors so that when he gets fired and loses his money and his house, one of the debtors might take him in.

And then we get to that verse, we use unrighteous wealth to make friends - this is simply money and then the people we make friends with are the poor, the lame, the blind, those who cannot return the favor (Luke 14:13)

I suppose Luke 14:13 is the answer - "welcomed into eternal dwellings" = "repaid at the resurrection of the righteous"

I live in America and don't have those concerns. The better the area the least issues you have and the demographic is different. Which means better schools, greater amenities and proximity in our case. I don't worry about crime at all.
Still, college is not free and you still needed a job that awards health insurance or you need to buy your own health insurance. It's not free.

It's not very re-assuring if disaster strikes like a self-inflicted accident and you're unable to work anymore, unable to pay insurance, unable to continue college, even unable to make enough income for other things, etc.

Unless ofc you're smart and able to plan for these situations well ahead of time. But not everyone is smart. I'm unfortunately one from genetics and unfortunate circumstances in childhood.

Yet, people like me don't have these worries in some countries in Europe or even in Canada. The money from these taxes are also meant to help the weakest in society. That is the heart of our Lord Jesus.

Strangers aren't more important than them

This maybe true but the teachings of Jesus is strongly leaning towards not neglecting strangers either.

Sure, Jesus also told we should not abandon our mothers (I think he could also mean our children, etc) but He also taught many times we should not neglect strangers, especially the lame, the blind, the most vulnerable and weak in our society. Almost to the point we should love them as much as we do our own children.

Those are the teachings of Jesus. Many teachings of Jesus are not taken seriously because maybe people think it will make them rich but did not. But from personal experience when the "floodgates of heaven" opened, it wasn't money that poured but spiritual gifts, spiritual empowerment, revelation of God's Words.

I think people would rather have money than spiritual gifts. Ironically, legends in other cultures of supernatural abilities stem from practices that are similar to Christ's teachings. The most powerful of these being "broken in the spirit". Yet, society is trying to achieve the opposite, avoiding the brokenness of spirit, they want to find reasons to be proud of themselves, avoid all negativity.
 
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bèlla

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My aunt grew enough fruits and vegetables in her backyard to significantly offset their grocery expense. She was able to leave on 1 month trip every year with one of her kids taking care of the garden. Mostly just watering the plants.

I'm not surprised. The savings are huge. We don't have a garden because of our location. But I've been going to the farmers market so long we've built good relationships. Many were kids when we met and they're running things now. I buy a lot in bulk and they charge me significantly less. Even the smaller purchases balance out in the long run.

Writing allows me to wait on my thoughts but it's very hard for me to be spontaneous when talking.

I assumed that was the case and writing can be a viable source of income. Don't give up. Keep at it. eBooks are a consideration. You can enroll them in kindle's program and get paid monthly.

I remember you recommending crypto.

My recommendation was based on your circumstances and empathy. Unlike the majority, I was more insistent in your case for those reasons. Others were told the same and ignored it or expect me to teach them the market or tell them what to buy. But that isn't my calling or the Lord's intention.


The market is manipulated and should be seen in it's proper light. Whales have information you'll never have access to and don't disclose it to the mainstream. What trickles out are the details they've approved behind the scenes. You analyze their behavior in light of other things and move accordingly.

And then we get to that verse, we use unrighteous wealth to make friends - this is simply money and then the people we make friends with are the poor, the lame, the blind, those who cannot return the favor (Luke 14:13)

The passage demonstrates his shrewdness in currying favor with the debtors while resolving the problem with his boss. They know he reduced the bill and will owe him later on. The key to the passage is the term. That's why He uses it when describing the differences between the two. He said the sons of this age are more cunning in dealing with their own than the sons of light. What is cunning?

Knowing; skillful; experienced; well-instructed. It is applied to all kinds of knowledge, but generally and appropriately, to the skill and dexterity of artificers, or the knowledge acquired by experience.

You can view the statement from two perspectives and it's beneficial to do so. Sons of light don't behave like that with one another. But it's a common practice with the other and we should be mindful of that. We rarely see the snake until something goes awry. If you're going to deal with them you have to think strategically. Because your natures differ. He can be a friendly snake but he's still one nonetheless.

We're instructed to use worldly wealth to make friends for ourselves. That's not the same as money but includes it. This is the traditional meaning below. But you can be rich in influence and connections too which generate income. Sales is a good example.

Riches; large possessions of money, goods or land; that abundance of worldly estate which exceeds the estate of the greater part of the community.

But where does it come from? Where are you acquiring the means to nurture those connections? The definition provides a clue. You're dealing with someone whose assets exceed the norm within their community. Which wouldn't refer to the country or the world. They have more than most of the people around them.

Which leaves us three options. We can generate wealth ourselves through income and investments, marry someone with means or make wealthy connections. But remember He said friends and there's two considerations.

One who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for another sentiments of esteem, respect and affection, which lead him to desire his company, and to seek to promote his happiness and prosperity; opposed to foe or enemy.

A favorer; one who is propitious; as a friend to commerce; a friend to poetry; a friend to charitable institution.


Wealth is a tool and we're expected to wield it wisely. But notice what follows. He immediately discusses faithfulness and dishonesty in light of portions. This is to remind us that's it's not about the number but our mindset and actions that influence our behavior. A person with little probably isn't wealthy but they respect what they have and that's the point. We're stewards and will need to give an account for what He's entrusted us with.

Thus, the person who views their resources from the perspective of stewardship will prioritize the Lord in their actions. Which may involve charitable acts, opportunities for growth and advancement, business ventures and investments and so on. They put their resources toward things that impact the kingdom or prepare them to do the same.

The sons of light are mentioned for another reason. Mammon is their domain. As your resources increase you'll encounter them more frequently and the caliber of person you're dealing with differs. That isn't your average joe. In that domain you're dealing with sharks and should be prepared.

If you read it with the parable of talents you'll get it. That's why the portions differ. He can't give everyone five talents or riches. He gives us what we can handle and expects us to manage it well. You may not be wealthy but you can meet a brother or another who is and do good works. The Lord judges us by what we're bestowed.

Yesterday you mentioned the benefit of residing in a place with a heavy tax burden as a balm for others. This is a good scripture to reference (as is the other) to explain why I disagreed. I don't need to give half of my income to the government to help the needy. I can create products or an entity for that purpose and would never think along those lines. Because the portion influences your response. I think in the measure I've received.

Still, college is not free and you still needed a job that awards health insurance or you need to buy your own health insurance. It's not free.

None of that matters and that's what you're missing. You assume everyone is doing the same or pursuing similar goals because that's the norm. But that isn't the case. You're speaking as an employee and addressing concerns one has when you're dependent on another for sustenance.

A loss of income is significant if it's the lone one you have. But when multiple strategies are employed you have a safety net and additional streams to draw from. You'll never win trading time for money. It wasn't designed for that. Ideas and expertise are more profitable and limitless.

This maybe true but the teachings of Jesus is strongly leaning towards not neglecting strangers either.

Prioritizing my loved ones doesn't necessitate neglect. There's no comparison between them and one carried in the womb. And anyone who feels otherwise has never been loved by their parents. But when you're the apple of someone's eye and they delight in your care and nurturing. When all they do is for your betterment and well-being at a cost to themselves if required. Then you know what real love is and would never make that comparison.

~bella
 
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Sketcher

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While working from home is obviously better than complaining from home, the kind of men who work from home that women actually like would have been just as attractive if not more attractive had they been working elsewhere. In fact, working from home can be detrimental to hygiene and general sociability.
 
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