Starting the New Year Right

 Happy New Year Everyone, I pray that you all have the most prosperous of times ahead.

With that comes the thoughts of, what will this new year bring? For many its a time to set goals and make those New Years resolutions that everyone talks about all the time.

How about you, are you looking for a new beginning as this 2024 year rolls around? Are you a goal setter or a resolution maker? 

Myself, I am a business owner, so I spend the last weeks of the year, planning and setting business goals so the new year can be a successful one. Unfortunately many times I forget about what's really important to me and the sheer fact that God already has my road map laid out if I'm willing to follow his will.

So this year I've decided too lean more on Gods understanding of success than my own. My goal or resolution is to seek scripture first when it comes time to act or make decisions about things. Whether it be personal or for business I need to remember that God's understanding and wisdom is way superior to mine.

Below in no particular order find 25 scriptures that you can go to or meditate on that the Bible declares as New Beginnings or how to achieve a fresh start in your life:

25 Encouraging Bible Scriptures on Starting Over sourced from: Connect Us 

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Galatians 5:1

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Timothy 2:5

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

 Ephesians 1:7

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

 Ephesians 2:8

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 43:19

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

 John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:12

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 6:37

“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.”

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

 Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 Psalm 30:5

For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.

Revelation 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

 Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

 Romans 6:12

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

So my prayer for all of you is that you first look to God when making any plans, whether it be at the turn of the New Year or the minute your feet hit the ground in the morning. 

I know that's my resolution for 2024.

For prayer or special needs please contact us online at: Galeton Ministerium

 

Are You Looking for a Miracle This Christmas Season?

Chaplains Corner - By: Jim Bull

I don’t know about you, but many times I find myself looking for that “massive miracle” that is going to change my life forever. I think that no matter what your heavenly beliefs are that most people are always looking for the next big thing, especially this time of the year. 

Whether it’s a job or relationship change, some kind of fortune that is going to fall into your life and then there is the most popular, if only I could hit the lottery !!  

Even as believers in Christ and in knowing the miracles that God has granted over the years, aren’t we always hoping and praying for God to intervene and just fix everything in our lives?

Let’s look at just a few of Gods Miracles:

 

Matthew 9  (NIV) - Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

9:1 Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. 2 Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” And the man was healed. 

Matthew 14:13-21 (NIV) - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

 Acts 2: 24 - How About the Big One

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (speaking of Jesus)

Here’s my challenge to you this coming year: 

How about instead of looking for the huge miracle in our lives, we become thankful every day for the “baby miracles” in our lives. Like the fact that we wake each morning, or that we have food to eat in a world that’s starving or that God protects our friends and families each time they walk out that door. 

I know they are easy to take for granted, but I urge you to look for the “baby miracles” that happen to you constantly as you go through life and to be thankful to the Lord above for making them happen.

For prayer or if you have a need, please contact us on Facebook at:  @galetonministerium 

or send an email to:   galetonministerium@gmail.com 

The Best Is Yet To Come...

That's what I believe, how about you. 

I know with the current culture in our country and around the world, that can sometimes be hard to fathom, but just like the image above, it all comes down to what your concentrating on. Notice how the branches that are right in front of you are crystal clear but the moon in the background is not in focus.

 Does life ever seem that way to you too?             

Right now we look around and the prices of everything are through the roof, every time you turn on the news theirs nothing but gloom and doom and if you don't fit in with the latest trend there's something wrong with you.

I'd ask you not to believe any of it. Yes, its true that we can't change what others will do or how our government tries to manipulate everything around us. What we can do however is control what we are focusing on.

Try to see the branches that are out in front of you and not the moon that's hiding in the background. I'd be willing to bet that if you look to the future and what you want out of life that the outside forces will have no control over you and that you'll say hey: 

The best is yet to come....

 

How to turn $30,000 into $100,000 in 10 years by Investing in Real Estate.

 

Is it Wise to Invest in Real Estate in today’s HOT MARKET?

FREE REPORT

How to turn $30,000 into $100,000 in 10 years by

Investing in Real Estate.

Myth:            Cap Rates determine values in investment real estate.

Question:     Do you mean todays cap rate, or the cap rate 10 years from now?

Answer:        The goal is to get started in investment real estate to realize big                                          returns over time.

Yes, even though today’s prices do not seem like it’s the right time to buy, my years of real estate experience have showed me two things…

 

1. Prices do not ever go down; they have stabilized but never drop.

2.  You cannot find a safer or better return for your money than real estate.

 

Data shows that home prices over the last 25 years have increased on average 5%

per year and more in recent years.

 

The average price of a home in the United States 50 years ago was $24,000 and today it is $278,000 nationally and $240,000 in Lancaster county.

 

Average rental income on a two-bedroom unit in Lancaster: $1091 per month.

 

What looks like a low return today can turn into a huge profit in just 10 years.

 

If you are you looking for a safe way to invest your money,

then please see the examples below:

Two-bedroom house on the market for $90,000 with a rental income of $750 month.

 

At first glance this may not seem like a great investment offering only a 6% cap rate, but after a closer look over a 10-year return, things may look different.

Cost to purchase:

Home Price:                                  $89995.00

25 % down payment:                    $22500.00

Closing Cost (approximate):        $  5000.00

 

20-year mortgage at 4% interest for 20 year term:              $409.00 per month

20-year mortgage at 3% interest for 20 year term:              $375.00 per month

(Lets be conservative and use the 4% interest rate):

 

Cost to own:

 

RE taxes                                      $2313.00 per year             $193.00 per month

Property Insurance (est)              $  650.00 per year             $  60.00 per month

Management fee 8%                   $  720.00 per year             $  60.00 per month

 

Tenant pays $750.00 per month rent and all utilities – lease ends 5/2021. Current rent is under market value.

Summary:

Monthly Income from tenant:                                                    $750.00 per month

Monthly cost to own:                                                                   $722.00 per month

Positive cash flow:         $336.00 per year or                          $  28.00 per month

 

At first glance this deal really makes no sense and this is why most never realize the benefit of owning investment real estate – but please read on.

Here is why this property is a great deal – even with only a $28.00 per month positive cash flow in its first year.

 

There are many factors that can get overlooked by even the most seasoned investor.

As we mentioned earlier, the average rental income for a two-bedroom unit in Lancaster county is $1091.00 per month.

Remember also that home prices increase on average 5% or more per year.

Taking those two factors into consideration – lets take a look at a 10 year plan for owning this property with a current $28.00 per month positive cash flow and how you can turn your $30,000 into $100,000 profit owning just one property.

Image if you could do this just once every year for the next 10 or even 20 years.

                                                                                                                                              

Let us first look at conservative rent increases over the next 10 years.

 

Current year 1                     $750 x 12 = $9000.00    or           $28 x 12 = $336.00

Year 2                                    $850 x 12 = $10200.00     or        $128 x 12 = $1536.00

Year 3                                    $900 x 12 = $10800.00     or        $178 x 12 = $2136.00

Year 4                                    $925 x 12 = $11100.00     or        $203 x 12 = $2436.00

Year 5                                    $950 x 12 = $11400.00     or        $228 x 12 = $2736.00

Year 6                                    $975 x 12 = $11700.00     or        $253 x 12 = $3036.00

Year 7                                    $1000 x 12 = $12000.00  or        $278 x 12 = $3336.00

Year 8                                    $1025 x 12 = $12300.00  or        $303 x 12 = $3636.00

Year 9                                    $1050 x 12 = $12600.00  or        $328 x 12 = $3936.00

Year 10                                  $1100 x 12 = $13200.00  or        $378 x 12 = $4536.00

 

Total positive cash flow over 10 years while your tenant pays the bills:        $27660.00

Granted some costs will increase slightly and you may incur some maintenance along the way but at nowhere near the rate of rent increases.

Plus, you will realize the appreciation of the home and profits from the sale – see more below:

 

Current Home Value:                                                                   $90,000.00

We will look at a conservative 5% a year increase in value, the average for our nation:

2020                                                                                                  $90,000.00

2021 plus $4500                                                                            $94,500.00

2022 plus $4725                                                                            $99,225.00

2023 plus $4961                                                                            $104,186.00

2024 plus $5209                                                                            $109,395.00

2025 plus $5469                                                                            $114,864.00

2026 plus $5743                                                                            $120,607.00

2027 plus $6030                                                                            $126,637.00

2028 plus $6331                                                                            $132,968.00

2029 plus $6648                                                                            $139,616.00

2030 plus $6980                                                                            $146,596.00

 

Mortgage payoff in 2030 if you only pay the original mortgage payment of

$409.00 per month = $43,094.00

Let’s now look at the facts

 

Original investment                                                                         $30,000.00

Positive cash flow over 10 years                                                     $27,660.00

Equity in home after selling in 2030: $146,596 - $43,094 =           $103,502.00                                               

**Your positive cash flow covers your original investment and the sale of the home nets you $100,000.00 in real cash profits.

This assuming a very conservative increase in value and a still under market monthly rent.

Versus earning 1-2 % bank interest on your original $30,000 might equal $6000 total return.

**Your actual results may vary and are not guaranteed.

 Yes, there are many variables in Real Estate investing:

 

1. Location

2. Condition

3. Property management

4. Knowledge of the industry

5. Finding good tenants, etc.

 

One thing is certain however, hands down real estate has been the number one wealth producer over time and there are professionals that are willing to help you along the way.

If any of the above information seems of interest or value to you, or if you just have questions, feel free to call me anytime. I can help you through the process and help you find the right property for your needs and budget.

Call or text today, I would love to help open the world of real estate investing to you.

Jim Bull – Realtor

Lancaster office: 717.553.2500

Cell phone: 717.951.5620

Home office: 717.584.3296

Click Here  to search for property anywhere 

How Does Exercise and Nutrition Affect Our Immune Systems

In these ever changing times our lives are being turned upside down with the goal of not infecting  the masses with the dreaded CoVid-19 infection.  We know so little about this new flu or virus and information and guidelines are changing daily on what we are required to do to fight the battle. It can sometimes be overwhelming at the least.

One thing I do believe however is that the healthier we are, the better chances we have at fighting whatever new virus may come down the road. Since we are all on a "stay at home order' it was impossible for me to go out and interview any professionals on the subject.

So i did the next best thing and looked to the internet to try and learn some things. My disclaimer here is that I am not a health professional so please do your own research. I've listed all the sources for the below information and its up to you to decide whether its good advice or not.

I can tell you though, that since recently embarking on my own health improvement adventure that I feel better, have more energy and am sick less than I was just three short years ago.

So I went online and searched - Does exercise and nutrition improve our immune system which helps fight off sickness and disease. Below is what I found:

Does exercise help or hinder our bodies’ ability to fight off infections?

The latest science suggests that being fit boosts our immune systems, and that even a single workout can amplify and improve our ability to fight off germs.  March 4, 2020  www.NYtimes.com

Does exercise help your immune system?

Lifestyle changes like exercise and a healthy diet bump up your levels of IgA, a protein in your immune system that fights infections. It helps keep threats out of your body -- and zaps any that do get in.   April 16, 2020  www.webmd.com

What if I can't go to the gym?

Being in isolation without access to gyms and sports clubs should not mean people stop exercising, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Bath. Keeping up regular, daily exercise at a time when much of the world is going into isolation will play an important role in helping to maintain a healthy immune system. March 31, 2020   www.sciencedaily.com

What about my diet?

Good nutrition is essential to a strong immune system, which may offer protection from seasonal illness and other health problems. ... Vitamin A helps regulate the immune system and protect against infections by keeping skin and tissues in the mouth, stomach, intestines, and respiratory system healthy.  Dec 9, 2019  www.eatright.org

How can Protein benefit my body?

Protein is an important resource for enhancing immunity because it helps form the cells that operate the immune system. “The amino acids that are found in protein form the building blocks of all the body's cells – including the cells that power your immune system. Dec 1, 2017   www.biprousa.com

Healthy ways to strengthen your immune system:

Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system strong and healthy. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults and bolstered by healthy-living strategies such as these:

April 6, 2020  www.health.harvard.edu

Don't smoke.

Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

Exercise regularly.

Maintain a healthy weight.

If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

Get adequate sleep.

Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.

Try to minimize stress.

Click Here For Info

Recap

I know, you're saying enough already, I get the point. Let's face it, there are many things we can do to help stop the spread of this life threatening disease such as following the Presidents health guidelines on social distancing and hygiene. 

But taking the steps above and taking care of your body will not only help you get through this crisis but will prepare you for any more that come. Take it from a 50 plus year old baby boomer that's experienced a total revitalization in life. Just by loosing some weight and staying fit, you can get a new lease on life. 

If you don't already, now is the perfect time to start exercising and eating right. If you don't know where to start or need some help let me know.  I have access to a great plan for nutrition and I know some of the best trainers in the business.

Call or text 717.951.5620

What Are You Looking For in 2020

Isn’t it always the age-old question as we enter a new year and a new season – what will this year bring?

Maybe not, I’m sure there are some of you who are focused and have clear goals and a plan of action in place. Whether it be for your relationships, your career, your racing season or just life in general.

Or maybe you’re like many of us and you know what you want but just don’t have a clue how to get there. Below find a very true quote I found floating around social media last week that applies not only to our morals but to all that we do in life.

In the image above Chief Sitting Bull (no relation) talks about feeding his inner self. About whatever he gives the most attention and thoughts too, that emotion or action will prevail.

Have you found that your life is much the same? Have you ever wondered why? Or maybe you just don’t know why you are getting the results you are.

Unfortunately, many are never taught information like this. I know I hadn’t been exposed to anything like this until I was in my late 20’s, oh how I wish someone would have explained this to me earlier in life.

Let’s look at another angle and see what the Bible has to say along similar lines.

The above scripture comes from the Book of Matthew 7:7-8

Ask, Seek, Knock

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

**Below message is for both believers and non-believers**

Now, I’m not sure what your beliefs are but wouldn’t it be great if it were just that simple. Wouldn’t it be great if you got every sale you asked for, or that every person you asked on a date said, yes.

Maybe you just need a few extra bucks to get through the week, wouldn’t it be cool if you just asked this imaginary God and an envelope showed up on your doorstep.

I’m here to tell you that if you will dig into the scriptures in the Bible and that if you can have the unshakable Faith, that God wants you to have everything that you need and desire.

That if you’re willing to trust in God, then take the actions described in those words in the Book of Matthew, that your envelopes will be full, that you’ll have the relationships you desire and that you will reach all your goals in the coming year.

I’ll ask you to not take my word for it, but to explore these truths for yourself. To reflect when there was a time you needed something and said that little prayer and it miraculously came true. When maybe you had some fear holding you back and you broke through the barrier and took action, and all of the sudden it really wasn’t that bad after all.

I must urge you to be careful here, however. Let’s return to the wisdom that Sitting Bull shared with us above. This principle will work for both good and bad.

If you seek good and productive things you can achieve that goal but in the same token, if you are feeding yourself or seeking negative or unproductive thoughts you will get the equal result.

So make yourself a promise in this new year and this new season. That you will ask for what you need and have faith it will be given. That you will seek out new ways to improve your life and that you will knock on the door of happiness and results and accept it into your life.

One last thing, even if you have to go hide in a corner to do it. Read that little black book called the Bible and ask God daily for your wildest desires.

As always, if you need help or have questions, contact us here or at Jim Bull Talks on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/Jim-Bull-Talks-664276770301656/

Let 2020 Be Your Best Year Yet

Hi everyone - hoping you all had a joyous holiday season. Christmas is a time that we are supposed to spend time with our family and reflect on the many blessings that we have received through out the past year.

Of course, the season can mean many different things to individuals depending upon your beliefs and outlooks. I know that not everyone feels Blessed at this time of the year. There could be many reasons you are happy but their may be many reasons why you're not.

I would ask you no matter what your current circumstances are, whether it was the best one ever or whether you were feeling lost and all alone, to believe the best is yet to come.

Of course that is entirely up to you and what actions and beliefs you partake in the coming year. I know many of you reading this already believe that we celebrate Christmas because of Jesus' birth. That God sent his son to earth 2000 plus years ago to carry the weights of the world and to set us free.

I'm sure that many too who may be reading this either don't believe or aren't quite sure what to believe. I'm also sure that if you've read this far that you either do know Jesus' love or that you are looking for an answer, wondering how 2020 could be your best year yet, or maybe just even a little better than what 2019 was.

At this point I could quote many scriptures from the Bible that I believe hold the keys to wisdom and happiness in this life, but today I want to quote you one of my favorites, Its not one we typically associate with this time of year, but one I believe is the key to success and happiness while we spend our years walking this earth.

Matthew 7: 7 says - Ask and it Shall be Given.

The Bible tells us that whatever we ask God for that if we believe thru faith, that it shall be granted to us by Him. Its such a simple concept yet so easy to forget or hard to believe. You see there is the key, knowing who God is and believing that he wants to Bless us beyond our greatest imaginations.

Please be careful here and use some wisdom however, because this can work for the good or bad.

I've been a believer in Christ for over 20 years now and I've found just recently again, even when my Faith lacks, that God comes through and takes care of me. In times of sadness, worry, financial struggles, it doesn't matter what you've been through and what you are going through today, that God has a great and glorious plan for you life.

That if you'll just be open and turn to Him, that He will make you smile again and again and Bless you with your greatest year ever in 2020. 

I know many have lost loves ones, are suffering with disease or sickness, maybe you've lost your job or way to support your family. I will tell you though, that if you want things to get better and if you open your heart to God that life can be grand. 

I'm not saying you'll become rich, or that your sickness will be cured, but I can tell you that your heart can be happy. It's up to you, the answers are at your fingertips, never easy but always worthwhile. Go ahead, give it a try, what do you have to lose compared to what you may have to gain.

If you need guidance on how to get started just reach out to us here or on FB, ask a friend, pick up a free Bible at a local thrift shop or just google it on your phone.

Go ahead, God is available and just waiting for your call.