CBMC International

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February 8, 2016 – Austin Pryor and Mark Biller

Our clients often come to us seeking advice on what investments to make, when to make those investments, and how to receive the greatest return on the funds they invest. Many proven principles undergird the counsel we give to our clients, but even before we do that, it is imperative for us to recognize what we all are up against – the perils and pitfalls that can prevent us from achieving our financial goals.

 

Perhaps most important is a simple, universal truth: As investors, we can be our own worst enemies. This observation stems not only from our decades of practical experience as investors and money managers, but also is confirmed by what God tells us in the Bible.

 

Given our imperfect, fallen natures, and our disposition to concentrate on our own self-interests, it would be surprising if we were not the primary problem we face when investing. Consider for a moment the kind of people we are, as described in the Scriptures:

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Oct 12, 2015  – Jim Langley

Before being deployed to Vietnam in late 1966, I was stationed at a U.S. Army base as a training officer/headquarters company commander for one of the three training battalions. When not working, I spent my spare time improving my golf swing. Golf had become my passion after graduating from college in 1965, proving to be the most challenging game I have ever played. I carried a 3-handicap and had some success in local amateur tournaments.

Because I loved competition, I briefly entertained the idea of a professional golf career after my military commitment ended in 1970. Today I can still play respectably on the course, but now enjoy the game as an outlet to escape the distractions of life we all face. I have come to see golf as an analogy for any ongoing challenges we all face in business, as well as personal and spiritual matters.

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Sep 21, 2015  – John D. Beckett

BUSINESS DILEMMA EDITION Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of monthly editions of “Monday Manna” that will focus on common business dilemmas and ethical issues we confront in the workplace. After a brief summary of the problem, we provide questions for personal consideration or group discussion. We then offer comments on the situation and also consider biblical principles that might apply.

It had been one of those long, aggravating days – the kind in which the nerves of everyone in the company had remained constantly on edge. “At least this day is almost over,” thought Carlos, the customer service representative for Ace Windows and Doors. Just as he was reaching for his coat to leave work for the day, his phone rang.

“I have tried for half an hour, and I cannot get your Model SD 92 storm door to lock properly!” said the frustrated customer.

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Sep 14, 2015  – Jim Langley

In William Shakespeare’s classic literary work, Hamlet, he includes the famous words, “To be, or not to be – that is the question: Whether is nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles….” Through these, Shakespeare states, we see the essence of simply being.

For years I have been intrigued with the concept of being versus doing. In the business and professional world, doing is foundational to our work. We create “to-do lists,” maintain schedules either manually or on our computers and smartphones, establish specific, measurable goals and objectives, evaluate performance by bottom lines that reflect sales, productivity and profits. We are all about “doing.” But what about “being”?

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Aug 10, 2015  – Jim Langley

In 2000 I read a powerful little book by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, The Prayer of Jabez. It has had a great impact on the way I have prayed ever since. The book is based on two lines dedicated to a man named Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, a man not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. The second verse in the passage states, “If only You would bless me, extend my border, let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm, so that I will not cause any pain.”

Consisting of just over 60 words, the two-verse passage describes Jabez’s birth, his prayer, and God granting his request. Since reading the book, I often end my morning prayer-times with a customized version of the prayer that fits what I desire to convey to God every day. Here are the parts to my prayer:

 

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Why are parts of Germany formerly under the enforced secularism of the Communist party rediscovering charismatic religion? In its story of May 16, 2015, the German news magazine Der Spiegel carried a story tiled (on its cover at least) “Are Evangelicals Winning the World?” [That is my translation. The German wording is “Are Evangelicals conquering…” … Read more

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Jul 13, 2015 – Jim Langley

In selling life insurance for more than 30 years, I have gained a clear realization about the uncertainties of life. During those three decades, I have delivered more than 100 death claim checks to beneficiaries, and many of those claims were generated by the deaths of clients whom I had considered to be still in the prime of their lives.

As a result, I have asked a number of people this question, hoping to provoke some thinking and discussion: “Do you believe you are in your fourth quarter of life?” Interestingly, even those I ask that are what I would consider beyond their prime years often respond with a definite, resounding, “No!”

Then I follow up that question with my thoughts on life’s uncertainty, using a sports analogy. Although my favorite game while growing up was baseball, I have always enjoyed college football and often observed the fourth quarter is by far the most important part of the game. The teams with the most depth many times come back from possible defeat and salvage victory in the final minutes of the game. They are able to rally to win because they have prepared for adversity, planned well, and were able to draw upon the inner strength needed for a triumphant finish.

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Jun 8, 2015 – Jim Langley

Perseverance, in our quick-fix, must-have-it-now society, is not a popular topic. But that does not mean it is not worth a good discussion. Throughout our lives, at work and away from work, we often must make a choice – either to persevere and stick with the process, or take a diversion. Many people see the choice as an easy one – find a diversion if results fail to come as quickly as desired.

However, I have always enjoyed taking what is sometimes called “the road less traveled.” This road is usually more challenging, but is also more rewarding once you have reached your goal. My friend, Chris Hedges, serves as an excellent example of this.

I met Chris a few months ago while he was making his first book tour. The book, Average Joe’s Story: Quest for Confidence, is inspirational, but getting acquainted with the author inspired me even more than his literary work. You see, Chris has been battling cancer since he graduated from the University of Miami. Upon finishing his 20,000-mile national book tour, Chris “celebrated” by spending 10 days in a Florida hospital for treatment. He is already working on his second book, and it will not surprise me if someone tags him with the appropriate nickname, “Mr. Perseverance,” one of these days. Perhaps I did just that!

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Mar 16, 2015 – by Jim Langley:

We often hear people in the workplace talking about “passion” these days, and passion comes in many packages. So let me ask you a question: “Where do you place your passion?” We are all passionate about certain areas of our lives and certain people around us. Much of our life is filled with what we could call common drudgery – merely living out an existence or “just getting by.”

That is the way much of the world portrays life, why advertising counsels us that hope for fulfillment and release should be found in the things we can purchase. Many commercials say, “Your life can be much more meaningful and exciting!” I question the truth and motive of such statements. The media are filled with misleading promises about products and lifestyles that appear to lead to self-gratification and happiness. We would be wise to not become passionate about their promises or buy into the lifestyles they cunningly endorse.

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Imagine being convicted of a crime you deeply regretted – intentional or unintentional – and being offered a pardon to absolve you of any penalty. Would you accept it? Let me tell you about a man who did not.

In 1829 two men, George Wilson and James Porter, robbed a United States mail carrier. Both were subsequently captured and tried in a court of law. In May 1830 both men were found guilty of six charges, including robbery of the mail “and putting the life of the driver in jeopardy.” Both Wilson and Porter received their sentences: Execution by hanging, to be carried out on July 2.

Porter was executed on schedule, but Wilson was not. Influential friends pleaded for mercy to the President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, on his behalf. President Jackson issued a formal pardon, dropping all charges. Wilson would have to serve only a prison term of 20 years for his other crimes. Incredibly, George Wilson refused the pardon!

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Business and Professional Outreach On January 10, 2015 we organized business and professional outreach. There are about 55 people came for the program. Thank God for Gymea Church from Australia who sponsor this event. Mr. Chris Neilson share testimony and Mr. John Cox, the policeman from Australia share the Word and I also share the … Read more

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Picture this. You walk into a corporate office, a maze of cubicles and conference rooms. In the middle of a Tuesday afternoon, the cubicles are full of gravely serious employees, staring at balance sheets and engaged in low-toned telephone conversations. Their shoulders slump under a burden of worry, the weight of a company’s performance resting … Read more