President Trump's alligator mouth ends another week in the gutter

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Feb 7, 2015
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Someone you don't know?

My apologies then, sir, for assuming it was only for personal gain.
No, this was someone known to us. But there is something that has to be understood about money. A lot of people seem to think that if you have any money, you give it away, period. This is foolish, and would mean that you, yourself, could soon be in the welfare line also.

We just had our house painted. Two years ago, we had our roof replaced. My truck just gave up the ghost. All told, with only those expenditures, we would have WELL exceeded that paltry 30k number by easily double, triple, or more. Had we done the foolish thing, and given away anything extra we had left over each week, down through the years, not only would we NOT have had any $ to cover those necessary outlays, but we would also have had to go into debt. (paying very stupid, unnecessary interest costs)

My wife's 1999 car (almost 20 years old) will soon have to be replaced. We must have the $20k or $30k (in cash) necessary for that.

And all this is above and beyond the many $50 gas cards my wife gives out like candy each month, and the $100 to $200 checks that need to be written all the time for folks in a jamb.

So, all that to say that if you are just giving away maybe a hundred a week because it is still there after paying bills, you are, in the long-run, going to be able to do far less with your money at the end of a decade. Part of the increase our stocks earn for us stays right where it is to keep on working to build more $ we can help people with.

Being smart with money takes some thinking and discipline.
 
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RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
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To the world, that makes sense. But isn't there a Biblical principle that you have to give to receive? Every time we start coming up short, I start giving (not recklessly, but to bonafide needs). And we find by doing that we are soon back in the plus column. That seems counter-intuitive to the world, yet it works like a charm in the kingdom of God.

Seems like if you keep no more than you need, God meets your needs. Start hording, and we start coming up short.


 
Feb 7, 2015
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To the world, that makes sense. But isn't there a Biblical principle that you have to give to receive? Every time we start coming up short, I start giving (not recklessly, but to bonafide needs). And we find by doing that we are soon back in the plus column. That seems counter-intuitive to the world, yet it works like a charm in the kingdom of God.

Seems like if you keep no more than you need, God meets your needs. Start hording, and we start coming up short.


Hoarding is "not giving." Multiplying your money is smart... and what God expects us to do. Check out the parable of the Talents. AND allows you to give about six times as much in the same time period.
 
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pckts

Guest
To the world, that makes sense. But isn't there a Biblical principle that you have to give to receive? Every time we start coming up short, I start giving (not recklessly, but to bonafide needs). And we find by doing that we are soon back in the plus column. That seems counter-intuitive to the world, yet it works like a charm in the kingdom of God.

Seems like if you keep no more than you need, God meets your needs. Start hording, and we start coming up short.


I hoarded my money in the military and invested it into my college education. Once I graduate, I'll be in a position to be much more charitable and helpful to my family for the rest of my life. I think if you have a "plan" for your money that doesn't involve indulging or wasting, you can save for what you want to do in a capitalist society.

And you need a "nest egg" in a society where you are constantly being drained and any kind of legal or medical issue can wipe you out. You can arrange for charitable things to be done with the money if you die.
 
Feb 7, 2015
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Since This has kind of swung toward money, I thought some of you (especially the younger people) might enjoy this chart.

 

Tommy379

Notorious Member
Jan 12, 2016
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Since This has kind of swung toward money, I thought some of you (especially the younger people) might enjoy this chart.

It's why I kick myself for not starting until I was 30.
 

joaniemarie

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2017
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To the world, that makes sense. But isn't there a Biblical principle that you have to give to receive? Every time we start coming up short, I start giving (not recklessly, but to bonafide needs). And we find by doing that we are soon back in the plus column. That seems counter-intuitive to the world, yet it works like a charm in the kingdom of God.

Seems like if you keep no more than you need, God meets your needs. Start hording, and we start coming up short.




​Very much agree with you Ricky., Learning to be a blessing to others because Jesus has blessed us is a Bible principle. I'm terrible with money but am learning how to give and not think about how human logistics work. I pay the monthly bills with the job and provisions God has given. The mindset that all we have is His keeps me a float from worry and from want. Worry about provisions is a normal one in this world but we are called to be a "peculiar" people.

I was just reading today Joshua 24:13 "I have given you a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant."

Just this morning I shared with a friend about how the snow is high here in NY and the car I didn't create is in the garage and house I didn't build. The job and provisions I didn't get all on my own gives the money to pay the bills that always come but the Lord always provides. Copying Jesus is always right in every area of life. We love Him because He first loved us. It makes no sense to the logical human mind how we can give away and be provided for. The world doesn't have Jesus the Good Shepherd


From what I've heard from other believers who give is that the Lord always provides because He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. I think we learn how to be better givers and the Lord gives and gives and blesses and blesses and we keep giving in proportion too. It's like fresh water running not able to grow stagnant. Showers of blessings.

Christian business people have become great business men and woman because they follow that formula. Blessed to be a blessing.
That is how we multiply the talents He gives us daily I've learned.
 

joaniemarie

Senior Member
Jan 4, 2017
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Just went back to the 1st post of the OP and have to add that while I totally support President Trump and believe that God has allowed him to be President., I don't put my trust in our government. Have NO trust in any of the other money handlers in politics and government who are simply money hungry monsters in most cases. I'm encouraged to know that there are many believers hidden and surrounding our President and also that many are praying for him.

I was shocked when Hillary didn't win. IMO it was God's hand that moved to stop that horrendous outcome. A total miracle IMO God is not short on miracles and does them all the time if we only look. I believe in voting in the right people for public office., doing our "due diligence" but not worrying about the outcome even though humanly speaking the outcome is impossible. Just like with money and resources., if we depend on our own human reasoning nothing works. Depend on Jesus and all is at hand.

Watching fake news splatter lies all over the air waves convincing the un educated un knowing public that morality and common sense is not PC is a very scary thing! Seeing our way of life being systematically destroyed by the ungodly world is scary. But we have Jesus and although by human standards all is lost., we are not of this world we are salt and light in it.

So we of all people don't have anything to fear. Phil.4:6-9 We have the God of peace so our perspective on all these issues in life is totally different so we follow a whole different set of rules for life to work.


[SUP]4 [/SUP]Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!
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5 [/SUP]Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is [SUP][a][/SUP]coming soon].
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6 [/SUP]Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([SUP][b][/SUP]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
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7 [/SUP]And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [SUP][c][/SUP]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [SUP][d][/SUP]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
[SUP]
8 [/SUP]For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
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9 [/SUP]Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of [SUP][e][/SUP]untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.
 

RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
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The truth does not need to be made tantalizing by fancy memes. In fact, that people have abandoned fact checking for soundbites and memes is exactly how we came to have choices like Trump vs. Clinton. Whether what you have posted here is true or not I don't know, but the fact that you felt it had to be prettied up tends to make me think it's not.

But that's just me I'm skeptic ;)
 
Nov 11, 2017
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The truth does not need to be made tantalizing by fancy memes. In fact, that people have abandoned fact checking for soundbites and memes is exactly how we came to have choices like Trump vs. Clinton. Whether what you have posted here is true or not I don't know, but the fact that you felt it had to be prettied up tends to make me think it's not.

But that's just me I'm skeptic ;)
I don't think it will be very long till we find out.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
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His tax thingy won't put a single penny into my hands. And yes, hundreds maybe thousands to families on a temporary basis, and millions to fat cats permanently. Sure that's fair. And when asked if they will repatriate and share the wealth, no corporate fat cats raised their hands. Will corporations repatriate and share the wealth? Remains to be seen. Some have stepped up with, again, temporary bonuses. But their tax break is permanent. And yeah he got rid of Bannon. Now how about Mnuchin and his ilk?
It must actually be killing you to see companies giving their employees raise and bonuses precisely because of President Trump's tax reform.
They are also bringing capital and jobs back to America now that corporate tax rates aren't so ridiculous.
On top of that, my family is getting $2400 tax relief. Not an incredible amount, but enough that will make a difference for us.

I DONT CARE that the guy across town is getting $20,000+ tax relief!!

God Bless him. I'm not the least bit jealous, and am genuinely happy for him.

All the left cares about is equality. If people are suffering that's cool with them. As long as EVERYBODY suffers equally.
A truly sick mindset.

I might also point out for people to check out black unemployment today from "Racist" Trump. Lowest ever!
Then check out what it was under apparently not racist Obama.
 
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Feb 7, 2015
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One thing for all of us to keep in mind:

What job would we make any $ with if those "Fat Cats" had not risked losing HUGE sums of money to create the place where we work? We would be sitting on a street corner, begging for dimes.
 

RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
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It must actually be killing you to see companies giving their employees raise and bonuses precisely because of President Trump's tax reform.
They are also bringing capital and jobs back to America now that corporate tax rates aren't so ridiculous.
On top of that, my family is getting $2400 tax relief. Not an incredible amount, but enough that will make a difference for us.

I DONT CARE that the guy across town is getting $20,000+ tax relief!!

God Bless him. I'm not the least bit jealous, and am genuinely happy for him.

All the left cares about is equality. If people are suffering that's cool with them. As long as EVERYBODY suffers equally.
A truly sick mindset.

I might also point out for people to check out black unemployment today from "Racist" Trump. Lowest ever!
Then check out what it was under apparently not racist Obama.
No, actually I'm encouraged by what I'm seeing. I'm not offended by finding out I was wrong, in fact on many subjects I truly hope I am! Truth is only available to those who are willing to question what they think they know, right? When I stop being a smart-alec for a minute I do hear the small still voice saying 'ya might want to reconsider this'... right Willie? Time will tell if it continues. I hope it does. But I still don't have much faith in the greed of man. There's another shoe yet to drop.

And just for the record I'm not on the left. They're just as responsible for this country's downward spiral as the right is. But it is lonely being the only person left in the center. Heck hardly anyone even recognizes a center anymore, we've become so polarized. Why is it always assumed that if you're not part of this extreme you're part of that extreme?
 
Feb 7, 2015
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No, actually I'm encouraged by what I'm seeing. I'm not offended by finding out I was wrong, in fact on many subjects I truly hope I am! Truth is only available to those who are willing to question what they think they know, right? When I stop being a smart-alec for a minute I do hear the small still voice saying 'ya might want to reconsider this'... right Willie? Time will tell if it continues. I hope it does. But I still don't have much faith in the greed of man. There's another shoe yet to drop.

And just for the record I'm not on the left. They're just as responsible for this country's downward spiral as the right is. But it is lonely being the only person left in the center. Heck hardly anyone even recognizes a center anymore, we've become so polarized. Why is it always assumed that if you're not part of this extreme you're part of that extreme?
Yes, you do seem to be coming around.
 

RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
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One thing for all of us to keep in mind:

What job would we make any $ with if those "Fat Cats" had not risked losing HUGE sums of money to create the place where we work? We would be sitting on a street corner, begging for dimes.
That's backwards Willie. No fat cat EVER hired someone to produce a product there is no demand for. You don't create supply and hope a demand for it develops, even you have to admit that's bad business. NO, every. single. job. created is the result of a demand for a product or service.

And who creates demand?

CONSUMERS.

Trickle down DOES NOT WORK. 30 years of experience proves that. It has failed everywhere it has been tried. Draw down, where money is put into the pockets of consumers who then create a demand by spending it, is the only way you're going to increase the need for supply. Which is the only time any smart fat cat is going to then create the jobs to fill the demand.

Now the caveat is that you don't just hand cash to people. It starts with a living wage. Once people can actually afford a roof, food, and medical care, then they will spend on other items and create the demand that then prompts the fat cats to create jobs. Face it, if rich people paid their employees a large enough share that they could actually afford healthcare, then rich people wouldn't have to be taxed to help pay for other people's health care. If companies paid their employees enough to afford food then we wouldn't have to tax the fat cats to pay for people's food. If employers paid employees enough that they could all rush out to by three-sided framistrofts, then some fat cat would step in and open a factory manufacturing framistrofts. But make no mistake, no fat cat is going to open a framistroft factory unless he see's that he's going to be able to actually sell framistrofts.

Rich people DO NOT create jobs.

CONSUMERS DO.

 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
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No, actually I'm encouraged by what I'm seeing. I'm not offended by finding out I was wrong, in fact on many subjects I truly hope I am! Truth is only available to those who are willing to question what they think they know, right? When I stop being a smart-alec for a minute I do hear the small still voice saying 'ya might want to reconsider this'... right Willie? Time will tell if it continues. I hope it does. But I still don't have much faith in the greed of man. There's another shoe yet to drop.

And just for the record I'm not on the left. They're just as responsible for this country's downward spiral as the right is. But it is lonely being the only person left in the center. Heck hardly anyone even recognizes a center anymore, we've become so polarized. Why is it always assumed that if you're not part of this extreme you're part of that extreme?
I'm encouraged by your response. But to be fair, your post I referenced was a scant 2 or 3 days ago. The stories of raises and bonuses have been reported almost daily for a month.

Aside from the historically low black unemployment numbers, look at the overall numbers from a report today: Almost all of it is due to the Trump and GOP policies:

U.S. Jobless Claims Plunge to Lowest Weekly Tally Since 1973

By Katia Dmitrieva
January 18, 2018, 8:30 AM EST Updated on January 18, 2018, 9:20 AM EST



U.S. filings for unemployment benefits plummeted to the lowest level in almost 45 years in a sign the job market will tighten further in 2018, Labor Department figures showed Thursday.


[TABLE="width: 740"]
[TR]
[TH="align: left"]HIGHLIGHTS OF JOBLESS CLAIMS (WEEK ENDED JAN. 13)
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]
  • Jobless claims decreased by 41k to 220k (est. 249k); lowest level since Feb. 1973, biggest drop since April 2009
  • Continuing claims rose by 76k to 1.952m in week ended Jan. 6 (data reported with one-week lag)
  • Four-week average of initial claims, a less-volatile measure than the weekly figure, fell to 244,500 from the prior week’s 250,750
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Key Takeaways

The drop in claims shows that companies are increasingly holding on to their employees amid a shortage of skilled labor. Businesses are struggling to find workers to fill positions, particularly in manufacturing and construction, as cited in some anecdotes for the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book released Wednesday.


The figures suggest the unemployment rate of 4.1 percent, already the lowest since 2000, could be poised to decline further. The latest week for claims includes the 12th of the month, which is the reference period for the Labor Department’s monthly employment surveys.

 

RickyZ

Senior Member
Sep 20, 2012
9,635
787
113
I'm encouraged by your response. But to be fair, your post I referenced was a scant 2 or 3 days ago. The stories of raises and bonuses have been reported almost daily for a month.

Aside from the historically low black unemployment numbers, look at the overall numbers from a report today: Almost all of it is due to the Trump and GOP policies:

U.S. Jobless Claims Plunge to Lowest Weekly Tally Since 1973

By Katia Dmitrieva
January 18, 2018, 8:30 AM EST Updated on January 18, 2018, 9:20 AM EST



U.S. filings for unemployment benefits plummeted to the lowest level in almost 45 years in a sign the job market will tighten further in 2018, Labor Department figures showed Thursday.


[TABLE="width: 740"]
[TR]
[TH="align: left"]HIGHLIGHTS OF JOBLESS CLAIMS (WEEK ENDED JAN. 13)[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]
  • Jobless claims decreased by 41k to 220k (est. 249k); lowest level since Feb. 1973, biggest drop since April 2009
  • Continuing claims rose by 76k to 1.952m in week ended Jan. 6 (data reported with one-week lag)
  • Four-week average of initial claims, a less-volatile measure than the weekly figure, fell to 244,500 from the prior week’s 250,750
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Key Takeaways

The drop in claims shows that companies are increasingly holding on to their employees amid a shortage of skilled labor. Businesses are struggling to find workers to fill positions, particularly in manufacturing and construction, as cited in some anecdotes for the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book released Wednesday.


The figures suggest the unemployment rate of 4.1 percent, already the lowest since 2000, could be poised to decline further. The latest week for claims includes the 12th of the month, which is the reference period for the Labor Department’s monthly employment surveys.

The initial reports were mostly of bonuses, which are a one time thing, as opposed to the tax break being permanent. Too, you can't just count jobs as jobs. The recession killed of a lot of middle class that jobs that have now been replaced by low paying ones. So a job offering $25k a year is not a suitable replacement for a job paying $50k that was lost.

The low unemployment figure helps. In a glut of workers employers can get away with paying low wages. But as the worker pool dries up they are being forced to increase wages to compete for workers. The question is, then, should the value of a job be based solely upon the number of people looking for jobs?

Didn't Trump promise an import tariff? I'm behind that. If China can produce a vehicle for $20k using child/slave labor, and that same car costs $40k here to produce because we pay a living wage, then each Chinese car imported should come with a tariff to make the cost on par.

Or is the plan that we'll compete with third world countries by becoming one?