Michael's Blog

What Is A Home?

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:06:20 -0600

A roof to keep out the rain. Four walls to keep out the wind. Floors to keep out the cold. Yes, but home is more
than that. It is the laugh of a baby, the song of a mother, the strength of a father. Warmth of living hearts, light
from happy eyes, kindness, loyalty, comradeship. Home is first school and first church for young ones, where
they learn what is right, what is good and what is kind. Where they go for comfort when they are hurt or sick.
Where joy is shared and sorrow eased. Where fathers and mothers are respected and loved. Where children are
wanted. Where the simplest food is good enough for kings because it is earned. Where money is not so
important as loving-kindness. Where even the teakettle sings from happiness. That is home. God bless it.
A quote from Ernestine Schumann-Heink

Michael Carter Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Real Estate Humor

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:04:49 -0600

Here's some good stuff to make you laugh when things are on the slow side in our industry:

My buyer told me that he lived in the same house for 10 years. When I checked, I found out he'd still be there
today if the Governor hadn't pardoned him.

Why do you have your front door leading right into the dining room? So my relatives won't have to waste any
time.

The sellers told me their house was near the water. It was in the basement.

How much are they asking for your rent now? Oh, about twice a day.

I have a temporary mortgage. What do you mean temporary? Until they foreclose.

Realtor sign--We have "lots" to be thankful for.

Realtor: first you folks tell me what you can afford, then we'll have a good laugh and go on from there.

The dream of the older generation was to pay off a mortgage. The dream of today's young families is to get one.

There is no longer a need for the neutron bomb. We already have something that destroys people and leaves buildings intact. It's called a mortgage.

If you think no one cares you're alive, miss a couple of house payments.

My buyers went through debt consolidation. Now they have only one bill they won't pay.

I listed a maintenance free house. In the last 25 years there hasn't been any maintenance.

Did you hear about Robin Hood's house? It has a little John.

My agent was always smiling. I didn't think anybody could have that many teeth without being a barracuda.

If you want to know exactly where the property line is, just watch the neighbor cut the grass.

Houses today don't have enough closet space. Sure they do. They're just called guest bedrooms.

Trivia: The floors of buildings are called stories because early European builders used to paint picture stories on
the sides of their houses. Each floor had a different story.

A lot of homes have been spoiled by inferior desecrators.--Frank Lloyd Wright

I bought a two story house. One story before I bought, and another after.

The house is only 5 minutes from shopping . . .if you've got an airplane.

This country is great. It's the only place where you can borrow money for a downpayment, get a 1st and 2nd
mortgage and call yourself a homeowner.

Home is where the mortgage is.

A housewarming is the final call for those who haven't sent a wedding present

The best part of a real estate bargain is the neighbor.

The house was more covered with mortgages than with paint.

Home: A place when you go there they have to take you in.

Charity: A thing that begins at home and usually stays there.

A man's home is his castle. That's how it seems when he pays taxes on it.

Housebroke--What you are after buying a house.

Sign next to FSBO-We shoot every third agent and the 2nd one just left.

This house has every new convenience except low payments.

The trouble with owning a home is that no matter where you sit, you're looking at something you should be doing.

They have an all electric home. Everything in it is charged.

My buyers want a new home on the outskirts---of their income, that is.

A Happy Home is a place where each spouse entertains the possibility that the other may be right though neither
believes it.

By the time you pay for a home in the suburbs, it isn't.

A Modern home is a place where a switch controls everything but the kids, and it has gadgets to do everything
except make the payments.

The house has a wall to wall carpet and back to wall payment.

A typical home has a TV set that is adjusted better than the kids.

House problem: The oven is self-cleaning, but the kids aren't.

Our new house has one down payment and 240 darn payments.

Homesickness What you feel every month when the mortgage is due.

Handling Another One's Listing In An Ethical way

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:01:08 -0600

Whenever you go into another office's listing, follow the code of ethics. Respect the other broker's agency as you'd want them to respect your agency at your listings.

Whether you are viewing the home for a buyer you are already representing, or just trying to keep up with the inventory in your chosen territory, the most important thing to remember is your professional image.

You need to gear your visit with the homeowner to leave behind two things:
(1) your business card, and
(2) a powerful, positive image of your business ethics.

Sometimes you'll be sorely tempted to let the sellers know how much better off they'd be with you and your firm than with the one they listed with. But if you yield to that temptation even with nothing more than a raised eyebrow at some strategic moment -- you're not only being unethical and unprofessional, you're also being stupid. When you're in another agent's listing, keep your eyebrows straight and your thoughts pure. Let no criticism of the other firm, or praise of your own, escape your lips. Never forget that when you're there, you personify the entire profession. Anything you do that harms the other agent harms the entire profession, yourself included.

Don't take this lightly. Unethical conduct, if allowed to feed on itself, will quickly take over in an area. Only you can stop that cancerous growth. If any of this unprofessional conduct is directed at you, don't respond by lowering yourself to that level. Both in the short run and over the long haul, the way to beat the unprofessionals is to be more professional yourself.

The rules and code of ethics vary from one real estate board to another. Find out what these are in your area and follow them exactly. In many cities, you are forbidden by the rules and ethics of your local professional organization to drive over and inspect a property listed in the MLS unless you call the listing agent first and obtain his or her permission.

Michael Carter Realtor Greenville, SC

Technology: the New American idol

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:28:40 -0600

TECHNOLOGY - THE NEW AMERICAN IDOL

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)

It's amazing! With my new cell phone, I can send and receive e-mails from anywhere, surf the web or even listen to music or watch a movie. Never before has it been possible for me to be so productive or so entertained regardless of where I am - and all thanks to a beautiful little device that fits neatly in my pocket.

Whether it's a cell phone, PC or an iPod, high tech gadgets are playing a greater role in our lives than ever before. There's no question that innovations in technology offer us many new conveniences and provide us with many benefits. However, I've recently found that sometimes my prayer life suffers as a result of all this technology.

E-mail, text messaging and voicemail - even digital entertainment - make it all too easy for me to fill the gaps in my work day by cranking out another e-mail response or turning to my device to receive my next instruction. Whether I'm on vacation or just on the go, it's tempting to jump on the Internet or reach for a device. When I go jogging, I grab my portable music player. On a plane, I watch a DVD movie. When I jump in the car, I automatically reach for the stereo.

The reality is that while technology offers us increased convenience, it can also consume our time and thoughts. The Bible tells us that God is a jealous God. He desires a close relationship with us and wants to spend time with us to know our deepest thoughts. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." When was the last time we were able to take time out of our hectic workday to just "be still"?

Technology makes our lives much easier, but we must be careful that the time we spend with technology does not replace our daily time with God. We need to seek direction from God, not from the new e-mail in our inbox. We need to worship Jesus Christ, not the latest technology.

Michael Carter Realtor Greenville, SC

Nothing But Net

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:57:31 -0500

It was after the Resurrection, and Jesus had already appeared to the disciples and others. Now a group of seven disciples were by the Sea of Tiberias. The Bible records what happens next:

Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out, and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?" They answered Him, "No." And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find a catch." They cast therefore, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved (John) said to Peter, "It is the Lord." And so when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. (John 21:3-7)

Peter and the other six disciples were at the Sea of Tiberias, and it's obvious they were waiting for the "What's next" in their lives. Not content, however, to merely wait, Peter goes back to the skills which Christ had called him away from those few short years ago. "I am going fishing", he says.

So many times we Christians wrestle to find great things to do for God. We fail to recognize the truth that God most often comes to us while we're doing the routine things in life. This is particularly true for men and women who meet Christ during adulthood, or see our childhood belief spring to new life. Our newfound zeal presses us eagerly forward in a search to express our joy and gratitude for the work of Christ in our lives. Sometimes this causes us to abandon our commitment to the details of our lives as we seek to do big things for God. Better to imitate the disciples here at Tiberias. Joyful at the news of the Resurrected Christ, bewildered perhaps by what it meant for them individually, they waited for direction rather than rushing forward on their own. And while waiting, they went back to work doing what they were skilled at doing.

Now, wouldn't it be marvelous for our work/faith devotional here if the Bible recorded that the disciples were wildly successful at their job during this period of waiting? Wouldn't it fit neatly into our message to describe how God blessed their work while they waited? Instead, the Bible records their efforts produced nothing but net. No fish, no return on their invested effort.

Sometimes the work of our hands will not bring us success. Sometimes even in faithful service, even in the earnest desire to honor God with our labors, we may still fail. It is in those moments that it's most important to remember it isn't the actions or the results that most bring glory to God, but the condition of our hearts. A desire to serve God glorifies Him even when there's no visible evidence of results.

Even failure brings Him glory when our hearts' desire in the effort has been faithfulness to Him. Even empty nets can be used by God to reveal Himself more fully to us, or to others around us. We serve a Savior who loves us enough to reveal Himself to us in the wake of lost jobs, difficult bosses and hard-fought fruits wherever we labor.

Courage, then, must be our watchword. Courage, perseverance, and confidence in the risen Lord.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Living in a Secret Place

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:29:49 -0500

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)

Have you ever been in the midst of a really stressful day at work and suddenly wished you could escape to a quiet, peaceful, life-giving place?

The Bible shows us that in the chaotic moments - as well as the peaceful moments - we have a shelter available to us that will shield us from fear, stress, despair and whatever else we come up against at any moment.

In the Bible, God is often described as "our strong tower" or "our covering." If we just stop, even for a few seconds, and close our eyes to consider that our God is a shelter from all adversity and a strong, protective father who is always on our side, we can relax and find a few seconds of solitude and peace.

It is important to have moments like this to focus on God, to find a secret place with Him, where the things of this world fall away. We can then move back out into the crazy flow of our lives, still sensing and knowing that we're in God's shelter, working with the peace and confidence of being covered by Him. As the psalmist writes, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4)

The music business often thrives on chaos. I tend to have a cycle of seasons of long days of chaos followed by short periods of normality. During the busy seasons, I sometimes get to a place where I can't see the end of the tunnel and feel badgered on many sides by demands from clients, family and church.

It is easy for me to succumb to frustration or despair when I have more tasks in front of me than I can handle or have tasks I don't enjoy doing. However, I can usually find a moment in the madness to excuse myself and have a moment to ask God to show me to His secret place.

Life in our productive years is often a whirlwind of commitments, responsibilities and deadlines. I believe it has been this way for thousands of years. God knows we need peace, and He offers Himself as a sanctuary. We only need to step in.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Back from the Beach

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:24:11 -0500

We're back from the beach, but still cleaning out sand from our ears. That stuff creeps into everything and we'll be finding sand in places 6 months from now. We had a great time away getting some much needed R and R. My wife and I take this week together every year in order to relax and reconnect. We don't do much of anything except spend time on the beach, sleep, nap, eat and play games. we discovered a game called Tile Rummy this year and spent countless hours playing. A lot of fun! Neither one of us even put a pair of shoes on until we got back home and had to scoot out to WalMart. What FREEDOM!

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Expect Trials at Work

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:06:33 -0500

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (James 1:2-3)

I am an optimist. My favorite childhood story was The Little Engine That Could, the story of the train that climbed the mountain saying, "I think I can, I think I can..."

This mantra characterized my life, and certainly my business career. I wanted to work on the rusty old brands that had lost relevance to their customers. I wanted to inherit a poorly performing team and turn it around. I wanted to be given the impossible goal that had stymied prior leaders. Bring it on.

Then came the trials. While serving as one of the pastors of a large church, God saw fit to test me. First, our 16 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo surgery and radiation treatments.

Simultaneously, I left pastoring and went to work in the secual world. While I have found that I can better minister in the marketplace than from the pulpit, it was tough. It was like being in the ring facing a world-class boxer with no training on how to avoid the opponent. I took the hits hard, first on the left cheek, then on the right, then in the gut. I was stunned. I couldn't steady myself. I thought I would go careening into the ropes.

What was wrong with my perspective? Simply this: I did not expect the trials. I thought I was immune to them. My optimism - a strength in many settings - was now my greatest weakness.

The Bible says unequivocally that we will face trials of many kinds. These trials are the intentional plan of God for the refinement of our faith. Trials are God's way of enrolling us in His character-building program.

Today, I am deeply grateful for these trials in my life. I have been refined by fire - fire that humbled me and caused me to once again surrender everything to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was God's perfect plan to make me a better witness for Him in the world.

As it is eloquently stated in John 9:3, "...this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in [my] life." To God be the glory.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Holding Your Own at Work

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:00:37 -0500

HOLDING YOUR OWN AT WORK

Holding our own means that we stand out in some way. When a ship lowers its anchor, the idea is for the anchor to stay put. But the nature of the seabed also determines if the anchor stays put, or drags. Therefore it is important to find good holding ground for the anchor. Bad holding grounds have caused ships to drift and get wrecked. But a ship with good holding ground has a better chance of holding its own. It will stand out from those on bad holding ground.

There are various ways a person can stand out:

Like a sore thumb
Like a beacon or lighthouse
Like a good example
Like a bad example
Like a leader
Like a misfit
Like a reliable, trustworthy follower or helper

Some of these examples are holding their own. Others are drifting, or risking shipwreck. Their spiritual holding grounds differ.

Jesus reminds and encourages us:
"I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 20, Message)

There is a need for Christians to hold their own in modern work environments. Jesus asks us to keep doing what He commanded His first followers - draw on Him as resource; show and share His value system; be agents of His Word; pray for others; be honest, upright, trustworthy; be alert to avoid behavior or actions that dishonor God.

As you go about this, depending on your work environment you may stand out a little or a lot. Reactions may vary quite a bit. Remember that Jesus is with those who take Him seriously, and that He is serious about helping.

Michael Cartrer, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Why, why and why??????????????

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:58:22 -0500

SOME VERY GOOD QUESTIONS!!

Why, Why, Why,

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are almost dead?

Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they already know there is not enough money?

Why does someone
believe you when you say there are four billion stars; but have to check when you say the paint is still wet?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an 'S' in the word 'lisp'?

If people evolved from apes,
why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses
are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those en closed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, 'It's all right?' Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, 'That really hurt, why don't you watch where you're going?'

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And my FAVORITE......
The statistics on sanity is that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Doing It Now

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:20:18 -0500

So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

"I believe God made me for a purpose - for China. But He also made me fast! And when I run, I feel His pleasure. To give that up would be to hold Him in contempt." - Eric Liddell, film dialogue, "Chariots of Fire"

Eric Liddell never saw winning the Olympic medal as the purpose of His life. His purpose, his life service, would be working as a missionary, and ultimately becoming a martyr, for the cause of Christ in China. But he understood what many of us in the workplace struggle to understand or recall...honoring God is about doing our best in today's work, not waiting for tomorrow's promise. Being competent in the place God has us right now is how we honor Him. Whatever we're doing this day - driving a truck, managing a company, plowing a field, punching a keyboard, tending children - now is the moment God calls us to honor Him.

If a first key step in shaping our workplace is forming a bond with other believers, then the second must surely be competence in the task before us this day. Developing ourselves into effective and valued workers is a vital building block for influencing our work culture. God may indeed choose to use someone who is not competent to bring glory to Himself, but more often the most effective impact for Christ comes from workers who seek to do their work responsibly and competently, and to honor the time and resources of their employer. We often fail in our efforts to honor God precisely because we fail in honoring our employers.

When an employer, coworker or customer trusts our daily efforts, they are more likely to trust our spiritual efforts also.

Just as we must be competent in the job, though, we must be equally competent in our handling of the Scriptures on the job. It is essential we find ways to steep ourselves in the truths of the Bible. Life at work seldom offers us time to stop and find a passage of Scripture that applies to the task before us. Rather we must work to commit the truths of the Bible to our mind so they are accessible in the heat of workplace moments. Even in the most boring of our quiet times, God is at work making His Word come alive in us, as our Scripture passage at the head of this page notes.

We see in this passage that as we read His word - the Bible, He begins to work revealing truth to us. He is also faithful to bring those truths forward as we go about the routine tasks of life. His word will not return empty! Now our decisions at work can be guided by those truths, and our culture begins to be influenced by them through us.

Eric Liddell won a gold medal in the Olympics then slipped into the tiny villages of China to serve Christ daily there. "He made me fast!" was but a scene in his life, and he played his role well in many other unseen scenes. He didn't wait to reach China to serve God, but served Him in the circumstance, and with the skills, God gave Him each moment.

"He also made me ______!"

How we complete that sentence defines where we serve Him next. Tomorrow is not the time to be competent. We must do it now.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

A Nuclear Powered Work Life

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:26:55 -0500

The work culture of every office - good or ill - is set by a few people at the top. If the core leaders are tight, if they work in close coordination, and if they like what they are doing together, then their synergy radiates out with positive catalytic influence throughout the entire organizational chart.

The same is also true of work spiritually. A Christian approach to work-life means following the example set at the top - in this case a leadership core of three: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. From all eternity, this divine triumvirate has been working together. Understanding their working relationship is the first step toward a Christian work-life.

The Trinity worked even before creation. In one sense, each member of the Trinity was totally self-sufficient, so why would they work? A secret of the Three in One Godhead is its communion - commitment to the other. They work to serve each other not out of need but out of love, as an extension of their very being.

We are taught to approach work as an expression of individuality, but more fundamentally, the Trinity teaches us that work is a manifestation of commitment to community. Contrary to the me-ethos of the free market economy, work is founded on a commitment to others. Work means offering what is uniquely me - my work - as a service to others. When I do that I experience a little more of what God is like and I become a little more like who He is.

So, as a believer, my work is meant to be a by-product of my participation in the community of the Godhead. As I drink in the security, love, and infinite provision available to me in my relationship with God, I can then afford to take the risk of serving others in a fallen world. Working in community with God means daily choosing to allow the example of His character to set the standard of why I work and how I work. It means allowing God to incarnate a little of that divine working culture through me in my place of work today.

Work as God intended it is like nuclear fission. The crucial core is the Trinity whose activity of eternal communion and mutual service is a catalyst for an ever-widening chain reaction. As I expose myself to its radical fellowship, I am freed, motivated and empowered to work for the benefit of others. Is your work-life nuclear powered?

Michael Carter, Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

The Sunday Morning Disconnect

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:38:34 -0500

It's Monday morning. We hurry to get ready and run out the door to work. We are lucky if we squeezed in a few minutes of prayer and reading our Bible before breakfast. Church--if we went--seems like a world away as we hit the ground running. The weekend and time with our family is over. Now, it's on to other things. Gotta get to work. Time to face today's to-do list. Unread e-mails blink waiting to be answered. We dive into a day of appointments, phone calls, meetings, and putting out fires. We are in a different zone now. We are at work.

Much of our Christianity today suffers because it has failed to bridge the divide between these compartmentalized worlds we live in. We develop dual modes of living. We have one set of software for the domestic life of church and home, and another for work. The problem is not that we are two-faced, but that we are double-minded. In the "God zone" of church and home we feed our soul, worship to catch a glimpse of God, connect with family and friends and give our time and money to advance His kingdom machine, the church.

Entering the "work zone", however, we put on a different thinking cap. We are now in the hard-ball world of making a buck. Time to produce. God is about as relevant to what we do Monday-to-Friday as a locker room prayer is to a football game. At best it helps foster good sportsmanship. The game, after all, is just a game and work is just work. What has God got to do with it? What I do 9 to 5 has nothing to do with anything remotely spiritual. It's just what I have to do. At least I try to play the work-game Christianly. But, fundamentally, the hard reality of my "work zone" has a different bottom line than the "God zone" of my life.

The spiritual disease behind this schizophrenic way of living begins in our view of God Himself. A holistic vision of one's life begins with a glimpse of the wholeness of God. A. W. Tozer in his Christian classic, Knowledge of the Holy, explained how God is one with Himself: "The harmony of His being is the result not of a perfect balance of his parts, but of the absence of parts." Tozer went on to write that, "All of God does all that God does. He does not divide himself to perform a work, but works in the total unity of his being." God sees your life as one piece because His life is one piece. He is involved in all we do and, therefore, he cannot divide our lives up the way we do. It would violate the unity of who He is. In His way of thinking there is no disconnect between Sunday and Monday.

We think the key to well-rounded living is a question of balance when really it is about an absence of parts. Does all of you do all that you do? Or do you divide yourself on Monday morning accepting a partition between your soul and your work? Such a distinction may feel Christian. It may even be promoted by what we hear is valued as "spiritual" at church. Ultimately, however, it is not Biblical or consistent with the character of God.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Work Where You Are

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:31:13 -0500

With what shall I come to the Lord and bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, with yearling calves? Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:6-8)

When performance evaluations are handed out in heaven, bonuses will go to those who made themselves useful to God outside the walls of the church.

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying here. The church is ordained by God as His instrument for the training and equipping of His people, and as such, it will always have a role in His kingdom. Those who suggest it's time to do away with the local church swim against the Scriptures, which give it an honored place in God's plan.

Still, for most of us, the work God assigns us is outside the walls of the church. That means, for most of us, what we do on Monday morning matters as much to God as what we do on Sunday morning. In fact, those among us who believe we can live our lives apart from God on Monday through Saturday and then make up for it by keeping Sunday holy, or by using Sunday as a palate cleanser to erase the taint of our weekday actions, will be sorely disappointed by God's response.

Where you are when you read these words is where God expects you to do His work. Passages like Isaiah 58, Micah 6 and James 1 make it clear God is impatient with religious gestures not backed up by real-world actions.

If you're disgusted by the human condition, imagine His view of things. If you're flustered by an inability to get workers motivated, imagine His view of Christians who do their work half-heartedly. If you're disappointed in coworkers who sit and complain about the boss, imagine His disdain when it's His children doing the complaining.

God expects His people to equip themselves to be useful to Him by being useful to His creation. He expects us to reflect His character in our relationships with customers, coworkers and vendors. He expects us to be outraged by injustice, and to do something about it. He expects us to be concerned by poverty, homelessness and disease, and to do something about it. He expects us to see the gloomy destiny of those who don't know His Son, and to do something about it.

That we don't like our jobs, or aren't being challenged by them, or aren't being adequately compensated for them may be issues He chooses to address (or not), but He never tolerates them as excuses for dishonoring Him by giving less than our best effort.

Fasting, quiet times, church attendance, teaching Sunday School, reading the Bible; all of these are important aspects of our relationship with God. But they are not ends unto themselves, but rather ongoing training tools for the real work He calls us to: the places we go to work. When God goes looking for us, those are the places He expects to find us, with right hearts, doing our work as if He were supervising our efforts directly (Col. 3:23).

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Working With A Purpose

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:26:38 -0500

There are many reasons for dissatisfaction in a workplace. Some can be attributed to the employer, and some to the employee. The only one we have control over is ourselves. We can choose to be dissatisfied, working for just a paycheck, or we can determine to make a difference.

Debbie, a friend of mine, was telling me of a conversation she had with an executive at a very large company that she knew from church. As this executive complained about her job, and the bureaucracy with which she was constantly struggling, Debbie began challenging her friend.

"God has obviously given you skill to rise to the level you have, and He wants you to maximize that skill and knowledge. You can't do that if you are known as someone unhappy," Debbie shared. "You are not working for that company, but instead you are working for the Lord."

According to Debbie, after a short conversation and some redirection, this executive left with a renewed passion for her job, and the realization that she had a purpose and a call to fulfill, and it was more important that just drawing a paycheck.

God made you unique, and not only gifted you with special talents and knowledge, but he knew in the beginning what work he prepared for you to do. Ephesians 2:10 teaches, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Isn't it awesome to realize that it doesn't matter if that work is as the CEO of a large business, or cleaning toilets in a restaurant! If God made you for that task, it's important. Do it with all your heart, and remember for whom you really work.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Prayer 101

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:20:06 -0500

Have you struggled with prayer? Does prayer seem like an exercise in eloquent speech that you just don't possess?

Prayer is not a mysterious practice reserved only for clergy and the religiously devout. Prayer is simply communicating with God - listening and talking to him. Believers can pray from the heart, freely, spontaneously, and in their own words. If prayer is a difficult area for you, learn these basics principles of prayer and how to apply them in your life.

What Does the Bible Have to Say About Prayer?

The Bible has a lot to say about prayer. The first mention of prayer is found in Genesis, chapter 4.

Genesis 4:26

And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the LORD.

What is the Correct Posture for Prayer?

There is no correct or certain posture for prayer. In the Bible people prayed on their knees (1 Kings 8:45), bowing (Exodus 4:31), on their faces before God (2 Chronicles 20:18; Matthew 26:39), and standing (1 Kings 8:22). You may pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud -- however you are most comfortable and least distracted.

Should I Use Eloquent Words?

Your prayers need not be wordy or impressive in speech.

Matthew 6:7

"When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again."

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

Why Should I Pray?

· Prayer Develops Our Relationship with God.

If we never speak to our spouse or never listen to anything our spouse might have to say to us, our marriage relationship will quickly deteriorate. It is the same way with God. Prayer - communicating with God - helps us grow closer and more intimately connected with God.

Zechariah 13:9

I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "

John 15:7

But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!

· The Lord Instructed Us to Pray.

One of the simplest reasons to spend time in prayer is because the Lord instructed us to pray. Obedience is a natural by-product of discipleship.

Matthew 26:41

"Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"

Luke 18:1

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

(See also - Matthew 7:7 and 1 Timothy 2:1)

What If I Don't Know How to Pray?

The Holy Spirit will help you in prayer when you don't know how to pray.

Romans 8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

www.beachboyrealestate.com

Six Reasons to Fall In Love With Jesus Christ

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:25:46 -0500

It's been 17 years since I gave my life to Christ, and I can tell you, the Christian life is not an easy, 'feel good' road. It doesn't come with a benefits package guaranteed to fix all of your problems, at least not this side of heaven. But I wouldn't trade it now for any other path. The benefits far outweigh the challenges. But, the only real reason to become a Christian, or as some say, to convert to Christianity, is because you believe with all of your heart that God exists, that his Word-the Bible-is true, and that Jesus Christ is who he says he is: "I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:16)

Becoming a Christian won't make your life easier. If you think so, I suggest you take a look at these common misconceptions about the Christian life. Most likely, you won't experience sea-parting miracles every day. Yet the Bible does present several very convincing reasons to become a Christian. Here are six life-changing experiences worth considering as reasons to convert to Christianity.

Experience the Greatest of Loves:

There is no greater demonstration of devotion, no greater sacrifice of love, than to lay down your life for another. John 10:11 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." The Christian faith is built upon this kind of love. Jesus gave his life for us: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).

In Romans 8:35-39 we see that once we've experienced Christ's radical, unconditional love, nothing can separate us from it. And just as we freely receive Christ's love, as his followers, we learn to spread this love to others.

Experience Freedom:

Similar to knowing God's love, absolutely nothing compares to the freedom a child of God experiences when released from the heaviness, guilt and shame caused by sin. Romans 8:2 says, "And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." At the moment of salvation, our sins are forgiven, or "washed away." As we read God's Word and allow his Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, we are increasingly set free from sin's power.

And not only do we experience freedom through forgiveness of sin, and freedom from sin's power over us, we also begin to learn how to forgive others. As we let go of anger, bitterness and resentment, the chains that held us captive are broken through our own acts of forgiveness. Simply put, John 8:36 expresses it this way, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Experience Lasting Joy & Peace:

The freedom we experience in Christ gives birth to lasting joy and abiding peace. 1 Peter 1:8-9 says, "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

When we experience God's love and forgiveness, Christ becomes the center of our joy. It doesn't seem possible, but even in the midst of great trials, the joy of the Lord bubbles deep within us and his peace settles over us: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

Experience Relationship:

God sent Jesus, his only Son, so that we could have relationship with him. 1 John 4:9 says, "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." God wants to connect with us in intimate friendship. He is ever present in our lives, to comfort us, to strengthen us, to listen and to teach. He speaks to us through his Word, he leads us by his Spirit. Jesus wants to be our closest friend.

Experience Your True Potential & Purpose:

We were created by God and for God. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We were created for worship. Louie Giglio, in his book, The Air I Breathe, writes, "Worship is the activity of the human soul." The deepest cry of our hearts is to know and worship God. As we develop our relationship with God, he transforms us through his Holy Spirit into the person we were created to be. And as we are changed through his Word, we begin to exercise and develop the gifts God has placed within us. We discover our fullest potential and true spiritual fulfillment as we walk in the purposes and plans that God not only designed for us, but designed us for. No earthly accomplishment compares to this experience.

Experience Eternity with God:

One of my favorite verses in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has "set eternity in the hearts of men." I believe this is the reason we experience an inner longing, or emptiness, until our spirits are made alive in Christ. Then, as God's children, we receive eternal life as a gift (Romans 6:23). Eternity with God will far exceed any earthly expectation we can begin to imagine about heaven: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

A Modern Day Paraphrase of the 10 Commandments

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:19:45 -0500

The Ten Commandments or the Tablets of the Law are the laws that God gave to the people of Israel through Moses after leading them out of Egypt. In essence, they are a summary of the hundreds of laws found in the Old Testament Law and are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They offer basic rules of behavior for spiritual and moral living.

The following is a modern-day paraphrase of the Ten Commandments:

Do not worship any other god than the one true God. All other gods are false gods.
Do not make idols or images in the form of God. An idol can be anything (or anyone) you worship by giving it more importance than God. If something (or someone) has your time, attention and affections, it has your worship. It could be an idol in your life.
Do not treat God's name lightly or with disrespect. Because of God's importance, his name is always to be spoken of with honor.
Dedicate or set aside a regular day each week for sabbath rest and worship of the Lord.
Give honor to your father and mother by treating them with respect and obedience.
Do not deliberately kill a fellow human being.
Do not have sexual relations with anyone other than your spouse. God forbids sex outside of the bounds of marriage.
Do not steal or take anything that doesn't belong to you, unless you have been given permission to do so.
Do not tell a lie about someone or bring a false accusation against another person.
Do not desire anything or anyone that does not belong to you. Comparing yourself to others and longing to have what they have leads to jealousy, envy and other sins. Be content by focusing on the blessings God has given you and not what he has not given you.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Twenty Facts About God From His Word

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:17:10 -0500

Do you want to know more about God? These 20 Bible facts about God will give you insight into the nature and character of God.

God is eternal.
(Deuteronomy 33:27; Jeremiah 10:10; Psalm 90:2)
God is infinite.
(1 Kings 8:22-27; Jeremiah 23:24; Psalm 102:25-27; Revelation 22:13)
God is self-sufficient and self-existent.
(Exodus 3:13-14; Psalm 50:10-12; Colossians 1:16)
God is omnipresent (present everywhere).
(Psalm 139:7-12)
God is omnipotent (all powerful).
(Genesis 18:14; Luke 18:27; Revelation 19:6)
God is omniscient (all knowing).
(Psalm 139:2-6; Isaiah 40:13-14)
God is unchanging or immutable.
(Psalm 102:25-27; Hebrews 1:10-12; 13:8)
God is sovereign.
(2 Samuel 7:22; Isaiah 46:9-11)
God is wise.
(Proverbs 3:19; Romans 16:26-27; 1 Timothy 1:17)
God is holy.
(Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15)
God is righteous and just.
(Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 11:7; Psalm 119:137)
God is faithful.
(Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 89:1-8)
God is true and truth.
(Psalm 31:5; John 14:6; John 17:3; Titus 1:1-2)
God is good.
(Psalm 25:8; Psalm 34:8; Mark 10:18)
God is merciful.
(Deuteronomy 4:31; Psalm 103:8-17; Daniel 9:9; Hebrews 2:17)
God is gracious.
(Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8; 1 Peter 5:10)
God is love.
(John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:8)
God is spirit.
(John 4:24)
God is light.
(James 1:17; 1 John 1:5)
God is triune or trinity.
(Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Choosing a Bible

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:13:53 -0500

Are you in the market to purchase a new Bible, but not sure which one is right for you? With hundreds of Bibles to choose from, the decision may seem overwhelming. Here are a few ideas to consider from today's top Bible picks.

1. The Life Application Study Bible

The Life Application Study Bible is one of the best study Bibles to help you understand God's Word as you read, and teach you how to apply its truth to your daily life - your job, family, friendships, problems and questions. The study notes are right at the bottom of each page, so you don't have to search for them. The Life Application Study Bible comes in several popular translations, including NIV, NLT, NASB, KJV.

2. The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible

The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible has a unique reference system that allows you to follow any subject, person, place or idea, from the beginning of your Bible to the end. I believe it is one of the best topical study tools ever put together. It's especially handy for teachers who need to prepare their own Bible study lessons. Durability and hand craftsmanship make it perfect for those who really use their Bible.

3. The Audio Bible Dramatized CD

Do you struggle with reading? Do you spend a great deal of time in your car? The Audio Bible Dramatized CD might be the perfect Bible for you. This fully dramatized, highly professional version allows you to experience God's Word as though you have entered into the text. It features the complete Bible on a 64 CD set with fully orchestrated background and sound effects.

4. The Message Bible

Looking for a Bible to bring the Word of God alive and relevant to your life in today's modern world? The Message is a contemporary rendering of the Bible in everyday language. It is one of the most reader-friendly Bibles available. There's no doubt that Eugene Peterson, when he paraphrased The Message, did it with the goal of speaking to modern minds and reaching the human heart.

5. The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible

The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible is a great Bible for students of Bible school or seminary. Most of us don't have time to learn another language while in Bible school. This Bible will help you unlock the extensive vocabulary and elaborate structure of the original Hebrew and Greek languages. Features include Strong's Concordance numbers, exegetical notes, lexical aids and much more.

6. The Amplified Bible

The Amplified Bible is another great Bible for those wanting to understand the meaning of Scripture in the original Greek and Hebrew language. No need to study or dig for those rich nuances found in the original biblical languages - this Bible does it for you. With a unique system of brackets, parentheses and italics, the Amplified Bible expands key words and defines phrases as you read. Verse by verse, the full meaning of God's Word is plainly revealed.

7. The Starting Point Study Bible

The Starting Point Study Bible is an excellent Bible for new believers or believers who recently rededicated their lives to Christ and need to make a fresh start. This Bible will help you begin (or start over) on your journey with Christ by teaching you how to build the proper foundation of faith. It will also help you apply biblical truth to your daily life.

8. The GoBible

The GoBible is a portable audio-only device containing the full Bible text. It's similar to an MP3 player, except there's no downloading of files or software and no PC interaction. It comes preloaded with either the KJV, the NKJV or the NIV. I am impressed with some of the GoBible's unique capabilities. It is the only audio Bible I've seen that is indexed and searchable by book, chapter and verse! To learn more visit their Web site.

9. The Comparative Study Bible

Do you like to compare text from different versions of the Bible? The Comparative Study Bible brings together four major translations - the New International Version, the New American Standard Bible, The Amplified Bible and the King James Version. The double column, two-page spread allows you to easily read and compare the text in all four versions.

10. The Faith in Action Study Bible

The Faith in Action Study Bible is designed to help you live God's Word in a changing world. This Bible features an innovative note system that's divided into the two commentaries: "There and Then" and "Here and Now." "There and Then" provides background information and gives further explanation of the meaning of the text. "Here and Now" explores how the passage may be applied today. It's a great Bible for group studies as it invites and encourages discussion using open-ended questions.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

How to Get a Free Bible

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:09:05 -0500

At first I thought a better title might be, "How to Get a Free Bible without Stealing it from a Hotel Room." But, I didn't want to offend anyone, especially my Gideon friends. The truth is, the Gideons don't mind if you take those hotel Bibles. They are actually placed there for travelers who might need one. (It's a good idea, however, to ask the hotel for permission before you take the Bible!) So, there's one very easy way to obtain a free copy of the Bible.

Here's How:

Contact a Local Church.
One of the easiest ways, and actually the very best way to obtain a free Bible is to call a local church. Most large churches have a surplus of "left behind" Bibles in their lost and found. My church has so many unclaimed Bibles that we ask a local prison outreach to come and distribute them to prisoners. Some churches will even give away a new Bible if you don't have one. Don't be shy! If you truly need a Bible, most Bible teaching churches will be happy to set you up.
Download Free Bible Software.
Here are a few options for free Bible software programs to download:

· E-SWORD

· BiblePro for Windows - Download or request a free CD.

· Theophilos Bible Software - Download or request a free CD.
• The SWORD Project
Use a Free Online Bible.

· BibleGateway.com

· CrossWalk.com

· BlueLetterBible.org
• SearchGodsWord.org
Request a Bible from FreeBibles.net.
FreeBibles.net promises to send a new or gently-used Bible to anyone in the U.S. who cannot afford to purchase one. Requests are limited to one per person and one per address, but other than these simple rules, there are no catches! Most ministries will only send a New Testament, or the "free" offer comes with strings attached. Not only does FreeBibles.net send a complete Bible, they also cover shipping and promise not to contact you with any solicitation. They cannot guarantee a specific translation and they only mail Bibles to the needy and imprisoned.
• FreeBibles.net
Philippines and Africa Residents.
GetYourFreeBible.com promises to send a New Testament Bible in the English, Tagalog of Hiligaynon language to anyone in the Philippines and Africa who cannot afford to purchase one. Requests are limited to one Bible per person. GetYourFreeBible.com will also take requests from small churches or ministries (Philippines & Africa only) who need Bibles for their ministry. And the best part? Absolutely no strings attached!
• GetYourFreeBible.com
Contact a Bible Society.
If you're looking for a large quantity of Bibles for ministry distribution, consider one of these societies. They offer reasonable pricing for bulk quantities. Obtaining free Bibles may be possible, however, not guaranteed.

· International Bible Society

· American Bible Society

· The Gideons accept requests for Bibles in the following areas of need: hotels & motels; hospitals, nursing homes & domestic violence shelters; schools, colleges & universities; military, law enforcement, firefighters & EMTs; prisons & jails.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

My Favorite Bible Commentaries

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:04:15 -0500

Are you looking for a Bible commentary, but not sure which one is best suited for you? I've put together a brief overview of some of the best Bible commentators and commentaries to help answer your questions and narrow down your search.

R. Kent Hughes

R. Kent Hughes is my top choice among Bible commentators. He provides systematic explanation of the text in an easy to read and practically applicable format. He has written several volumes and series, so you will not come across them all in one neat set, however, they are easy enough to find. Hughes' commentaries are amplified with illustrations and applications to help pastors, teachers, students and lay people easily understand and teach the messages of Scripture. Here are a few to start with:

"Genesis: Beginning & Blessing"

"Acts: Preaching the Word Series"

"James: Preaching the Word Series"

Alan Redpath

Another favorite commentator is Alan Redpath, however, his books may be a little bit harder to get your hands on. His last of six books was published in 1978.

"Victorious Christian Living: Studies in the Book of Joshua"

"The Making of a Man of God: Lessons from the Life of David"

William Barclay

William Barclay's New Testament commentary on CD-ROM is very popular and easy to understand. I recommend Barclay's work strictly for historical background research and not for doctrinal reliability.

"William Barclay's New Testament Commentary on CD-ROM"

Christianbook.com

John MacArthur Jr.

John MacArthur Jr.'s commentaries offer simple, systematic Bible exposition from a great Bible scholar. His theological perspectives lean toward fundamentalism and he teaches that all of the charismatic or spiritual gifts operated in the early church because they served a purpose then, however, because of abuses, they are no longer operative in the church today. MacArthur reflects a conservative, dispensational view of Scripture.

"The MacArthur Bible Commentary"

Warren Wiersbe

Warren Wiersbe possesses a very "accessible style" and brings extensive Bible knowledge to his commentaries. They emphasize personal life application, making them appropriate for pastors, students and anyone wishing to enrich their individual Bible study. Wiersbe's "The Bible Exposition Commentary" has several Old and New Testament volumes. Here are just two to begin with:

"The Bible Exposition Commentary: New Testament"

"The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament History"

More Resource Libraries

If you're looking to invest in a complete resource library of preaching and teaching materials, here are three great options to consider:

"Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament & New Testament"

"The Preacher's Commentary CD-ROM"

www.beachboyrealestate.com

Bible Study Software

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:00:26 -0500

Whether you're looking for the best free Bible software program or you've decided to invest in a comprehensive Bible software package, this collection of top Bible software programs is sure to offer the option that's just right for your budget and your Bible study needs. I have been shopping for the last few months and have been amazed at what's on the market. There's no reason to not be able to study in depth any more! I ended up going with the Quickverse and PC Study Bible and love them!

1. e-Sword (Windows)

Starting with the best free Bible software program, e-Sword gives you more than you might expect from a free program, including several free add on Bible versions, dictionaries and commentaries. It's easy to use with tutorials, manuals and training demos all provided for free on the e-Sword Website. A Pocket PC version of e-Sword called Pocket e-Sword is also available for free. More: e-Sword Website

2. MacSword (Macintosh)

MacSword is a free open source application designed specifically for Mac users running Mac OS X. It is based on the Sword project of open source Bible software, making it compatible with many Bible translations and more than 200 Bible study texts. Devotionals, commentaries, dictionaries and lexicons are just some of its surprisingly versatile features in this basic Bible software program. More: MacSword Website

3. Logos Bible Software 3 (Windows)

Logos Bible Software is designed for anyone from the beginner Bible software user to the most serious Bible scholar. The software packages range is price from $149.95 for the Christian Home Library to $1379.95 for the Scholar's Library Gold. Each of the seven packages comes with the free Libronix software engine. You choose the modules and libraries that best suit your needs. When you add up the retail value of the resources in each package, Logos Bible Software is by far the best deal for the money you'll spend. "Alpha 9," a Macintosh version is currently available for free beta testing for existing Logos Bible Software users.

More: Logos Bible Software Website

4. BibleWorks 7 (Windows)

BibleWorks 7 features the Greek, Hebrew and the Septuagint Bibles, and is packed with tools specifically designed for close analysis of the original languages of the Bible text. For the cost of $349, the full version offers 112 Bible translations in 30 languages, as well as lexicons, dictionaries and many other integrated text analysis tools. BibleWorks does not have a specific Macintosh version, but claims the software will run capably on certain Macintosh computers.

More: BibleWorks Website

5. iLumina Gold (Windows & Macintosh)

This interactive software program from Tyndale House Publishers brings a multimedia experience to Bible study, featuring narrated and musically scored digital animations. At $89.99 the software is available for both Windows and Mac users. Just a few of the program's highlights include self-guided Bible lessons and quizzes, the Book of Life encyclopedia, a virtual tours of the Holy Land, the Tabernacle, the Nativity Scene, and an overview of all of history.

More: iLumina Website

6. Accordance Bible Software (Macintosh)

If you're a Mac user and you want a variety of choices, then Accordance Bible Software is for you. Their software packages are geared for all levels of study, from student to scholar with prices as varied as options. The Starter Package is $49 which can be applied toward other packages, such as the Library 8 Standard ($199), Scholar's Collection Unlock All ($2800), Jewish Collection Advanced ($259), Catholic Collection ($159), and many more. Accordance can also be run on a Windows PC using their emulator. More: Accordance Bible Software Website

7. PC Study Bible Version 5 (Windows)

Image Courtesy of Pricegrabber The PC Study Bible is both powerful and affordable, with five library options graduating in price from $37.95 for the Discovery Reference Library to $449.95 for the Advanced Reference Library. This software is designed for conservative believers, packed with Bible-based commentaries and reference works. A unique feature of the PC Study Bible is their Biblesoft Authoring System, allowing you to create your own Bible study materials that can be integrated into the software.

More: Biblesoft Website

8. QuickVerse 2008 Deluxe (Windows)

QuickVerse 2008 Deluxe is a comprehensive Bible software program priced at $349.95. It features 21 Bible translations, 63 commentaries, study notes, dictionaries, handbooks, concordances, Greek resources, theology sources, specialty references, church history, maps, pictures, reading plans and devotionals. One unique feature is the audio tool designed to teach you the correct pronunciation for more than 6000 difficult Bible words.

More: Quick Verse Website

9. SwordSearcher Bible Software (Windows)

The SwordSearcher Bible Software is reasonably priced at $49.95 for the deluxe edition and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with a free downloadable evaluation version. This program features easy and powerful search tools, 18 Bible versions, loads of dictionaries, commentaries, topical guides, as well as maps and illustrations. More: SwordSearcher Website

10. Theophilos Library CD Updated Edition (Windows)

This study library is an affordable Bible software program priced at $19.95 for the basic edition, $49.95 for the student edition and $69.95 for the scholar edition. It contains 43 Bibles, including foreign language Bibles, dictionaries, commentaries, and scholarly writings. The program offers wide appeal for any age group, from children to teenagers and, of course, adults.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Sarah Palin Brings Hope to Evangelical Voters

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:53:24 -0500

Evangelical Christians seem to be responding enthusiastically to John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate. Up until now, one outspoken conservative leader, Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, had been very reluctant to put his support behind McCain. However, in this recent statement made after the announcement by McCain, it's obvious that Dobson's outlook has changed:

"Sen. McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is an outstanding choice that should be extremely reassuring to the conservative base of his party. She is a strong executive who hates corruption and puts principle above politics. After floating the names of Tom Ridge and Sen. Joe Lieberman in recent weeks - selections that would have created consternation among pro-family Republicans - Sen. McCain has chosen a solid conservative who has a reputation for espousing common sense.
"Gov. Palin's commitment to the sanctity of life is not just a political position. She was advised to abort her fifth and youngest child when it was learned he had Down syndrome. She refused. That's bravery and integrity in action.

... This selection by Sen. McCain is a very encouraging sign for his campaign."

And Dr. Dobson is not the only evangelical with renewed hope for this year's presidential campaign. Check out this election blog at Christianity Today to see what other conservative voices are saying about Sarah Palin. Also visit Scott's Catholicism Blog to find out what Catholics are saying about Palin.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com

Debtors Anonymous Can Help

Michael Carter (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:44:54 -0500

Even with all of the advice and information available to help people break their overspending habits, for some, this desire to spend and rack up insurmountable debt becomes a serious problem that overtakes other aspects of their lives. As with any addiction, this can negatively affect your performance at work, quality of life, and relationships with family and friends.

Debtors Anonymous

Modeled after the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program, Debtors Anonymous is a nonprofit organization that provides support through group meetings for people who are trying to break their compulsive spending habits and debt accumulation.

Debtors Anonymous works with everyone, and there is no cost or obligation to attend a meeting. The only requirement is that you have a desire to stop accumulating debt through uncontrollable spending.

The 12 Steps

We admitted we were powerless over debt--that our lives had become unmanageable.
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive debtors, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Find or Start a Meeting

Debtors Anonymous currently has many established groups and regular meetings across the country, so your best bet is to see if there is a group in your area. Debtors Anonymous has a detailed list of active groups complete with locations, phone numbers, and websites.

If you don't have a Debtors Anonymous group in your area, you might consider starting your own. They have starter kits, literature, and suggested meeting formats to help you put together a successful meeting.

Contact Debtors Anonymous

For more information about their program, meeting locations, or other sources of assistance, you can contact Debtors Anonymous at:

Debtors Anonymous
General Service Office
PO Box 920888
Needham, MA 02492-0009
781-453-2743
781-453-2745 (FAX)
www.debtorsanonymous.org

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com