Hold On!

“And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock.” (Mat 7:25)

“And Jesus said to him, ‘The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.’” (Mat 8:20)

So many people have lost or are on the verge of losing their homes. The economy has caused a landslide of stormy devastation all over the world. The rains bring a flood and the winds beat against our homes; our very lives as we’ve known them are in danger of being swept away. Right now I am thinking of Rev 12:14-15: “And the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, in order that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. And the serpent POURED WATER LIKE A RIVER OUT OF HIS MOUTH AFTER THE WOMAN, SO THAT HE MIGHT CAUSE HER TO BE SWEPT AWAY WITH THE FLOOD.”

How can so many people be out of work? Everyone was certainly trained and proficient to successfully accomplish his/her profession and surely, we saw those companies prosper. Yet, almost overnight the most educated and successful business owners and employees are suddenly out of business or unemployed. A larger force, like a huge domino, started the fall of a long line of dominos ~ and how quick and great is the fall! Amidst this hurricane of a storm, we try to find SOMETHING to HOLD ONTO, some sort of shelter to cover our heads amongst the falling debris. We suddenly feel so small.

I listened to a news report the other day about a huge landslide that occurred, having stopped just feet from the foundation of an apartment complex stationed on the beautiful cliffs of Pacifica, California. All the residents were evacuated as the threat of further destruction was imminent. The report stated that the owners of the land were called upon to make the cliff-side secure before residents could return. How in the world can anyone secure the earth from the ocean’s rage? BOULDERS! They are bringing in boulders to stack along the cliff! Rocks are stronger than dirt! And what does the ocean floor consist of? SAND. May the Spirit speak.

As I searched for scriptures to minister to my heart and yours, Luke 8:14 stood out to me: “And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard [the gospel], and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” Are you feeling choked by thorns? Now, the Apostle Paul obviously had a “thorn in his flesh”. 2 Cor 12:7 tells us why; “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me– to keep me from exalting myself!” Thank you, Lord.

The LORD of the Storm!

The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us about Jesus and His disciples getting into a boat to travel from Galilee to Gerasenes, located on the opposite side of the sea. It was evening when they set out. Initially, the trip started out peacefully, so peacefully in fact that Jesus actually fell asleep on the stern (rear) of the boat. Peter, Andrew, James and John were experienced fishermen. Considering they knew more about how to handle the sea’s temperament than the others, no doubt they took responsibility for the safety of the trip.

However, a great storm rose up during their trip. A fierce gale of wind descended upon the sea; the waves were braking over the boat so that the boat was covered with the waves. The boat was swamped with water, endangering the lives of all of them!

Talk about FEAR! Do you think the disciples were greatly intimidated? I’m certain they did everything they could; it was beyond their control. And, here Jesus is ~ SLEEPING SOUNDLY on a cushion at the rear of the boat. The disciples rushed to Him and woke Him up shouting, “Save us, Lord! We are perishing!”; “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”; “Master, Master; we are perishing!”

Is that how you feel today? I’ve found my spirit shouting these things a time or two. Thus, why I turn to the Word of God. Jesus speaks to us just as He did to His chosen ones: “Why are you TIMID, you men of little FAITH? How is it that you have NO FAITH? Where is your FAITH?” What? Is Jesus not being compassionate here? Frankly, I don’t have the answer as to what the disciples SHOULD HAVE done, but I DO KNOW that Jesus stood and REBUKED the storm and it calmed immediately!

Likewise, I think of the Archangel, Michael. Surely, he had more power than any human being. But, if you read Jude, verse 4 I think we should do as he did! “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you.’” Our FAITH must be in the LORD. Prayer is our key. Jesus holds the KEY. HE IS the Authority!! Mat 28:18: “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”

DO NOT FEAR.

Jesus truly KNEW the hearts of His disciples and He knows us, too. He KNEW there was a storm. He ALLOWED them to be challenged. They called Him “Teacher”. Wow; when God teaches a lesson, we NEVER forget it, do we? Now, what would have been the worst case scenario for all of them? What did the disciples FEAR? First of all, they were intimidated by the storm. Then, they looked at Jesus and were almost OFFENDED that He SLEPT! They feared He would abandon them. “Jesus, WAKE UP! Don’t You CARE?” Do we feel that way when we encounter fiery trials? Hey, we must remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! How hot was that fire again? (Daniel 3)

Next, they shouted, “We are PERISHING!” So, their next FEAR was DEATH. What if they’d been swept overboard? What Old Testament account would they have to remember? Jonah, of course! Okay, so maybe they all would have been swallowed by a great, big whale. What if they died? Well, Paradise awaits in an instant. Did you notice the “What IF’s”? Do we not ask ourselves the same thing?

Let’s talk about FEAR for a moment. Have you ever been advised not to show fear around a predatory insect or animal? A snake, a spider, a bee, a mean dog? How about an abusive spouse or criminal? Why would we not want to show fear? Predators FEED ON FEAR. Once you’ve learned the wisdom of this truth, you will also find out that predators react based on their OWN FEAR. Do you not think that Satan FEARS GOD? He fears the faith of God’s children, too! Amen!!

Now, God’s angels, when they appeared, often said to mankind, “Do not fear; do not be afraid.” Then, we remember the scripture found in 2 Tim 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline (a sound mind).” I have to admit; I keep hearing God say to me, “Do not fear”. What causes timidity? Intimidation. Who or what intimidates you? Is your faith in THINGS? Is your faith in MONEY? Is your faith in PEOPLE? Fear and/or worry is the opposite of faith! Peter certainly was fearful and intimidated when he denied Christ on the night of our Lord’s arrest.

This is Only a Test

A Test of the Emergency FAITH System!

Yes, we are human. We are not gods. How can God teach us faith if we are not tested? Ever see the military perform what they call “exercises”? They practice the real deal (of course, no one is in real imminent danger). They do this to prepare themselves for what lies ahead. How much more can we face imminent danger knowing God is in control? Why would He put us through such things? To prepare us for greater things! God is our commanding officer! What will you do, should you have to choose between buying and selling or receiving the mark of the beast? Will you fear so much that your faith will fail you unto eternal damnation? Will you abandon the very One Who will save you? We are not to love our lives even unto death (Rev 12:11). Jesus told us in John 11:26, “Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.” He then followed that statement with, “Do you believe this, [insert your name here]?” Do you? Believing is the same as FAITH. God knows what He’s doing.

I recently remembered the movie “Bambi”. Remember when the birds were hidden safely in the grasses of the field? The hunters’ footsteps could be heard; the vibrations of their steps felt in the ground. The wise birds stayed put and pleaded with the one who panicked with fear ~ the one that desperately wanted to fly away!! “WAIT!” She did not listen. She flew. The gun-shot was heard and the “thunk” that followed. I do know that we are to wait upon the Lord for His direction and His confirmation. Waiting is hard in times of crisis. We mustn’t panic. Keep sober; stay on the alert; pray; discern His voice; ASK for direction and CONFIRMATION (2 Cor 13:1). Only make a move when He makes it clear. Sometimes, you won’t know WHY He’s told you to do something; just be obedient. Obedience is BETTER than sacrifice!! He will NOT FAIL YOU. God is LOVE (1 John 4:8, 16) and LOVE NEVER FAILS (1 Cor 13:8).

We must STAND on His Word. These accounts are recorded because we NEED THEM today! We will need them until He comes again! Remember that Satan cannot do anything to God’s children without God’s permission (Job 1:6-12 and Job 2:1-6) . Have you no faith? Only a little faith? All we “need” is the “faith of a mustard seed”. I can guarantee you we have a whole plant of mustard seeds when it comes to fear and worry. We are but dust (Gen 18:27). Have you prayed for God to increase your faith? I know I have. If Jesus Christ be IN YOU, He has NO FEAR.

So, I suppose we are to embrace these circumstances and count it all joy! Jam 1:2-3 tell us, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” Then, we are told that “the one that endures to the end shall be saved.” That is TOTALLY THE OPPOSITE of our flesh, isn’t it? Oh, may we take our eyes and ears off the intimidating dragon and his smoking nostrils. Eph 5:20 says, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Remember, it is He Who crushed Satan’s head!! IT IS FINISHED!!

Comforting Scriptures

Phil 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prov 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Ps 37:23: “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way.”

Rom 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Rom 10:13/Acts 2:21: “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Mat 6:7-8: “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the heathen do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Mat 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Mat 6:24-33 (summary): “Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will wear. And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Jer 29:11 is my absolute favorite verse in times of trouble: “‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’”  AMEN!

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A lot of Christians seem to be ‘cloudy’ in the area of asking, “Is Gambling A Sin?” I want to spend a few moments sharing from God’s Word the wisdom and principles that are found that make the answer to the question very simple and easy to answer.

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Bible Lessons on Using Our Time Wisely- An Introduction is one article in a series on Biblical Stewardship. What follows is a few thoughts on time management from a biblical perspective that is by no means exhaustive but which can set us on the right path to a fuller understanding and appreciation of our responsibilites.

The stewardship of our time and the opportunities it allows is one of the most important stewardships we are given and one for which we will be held accountable when we stand before our King.

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, says it this way:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:15-16)

While it is true that the Bible makes no distinction between the secular and the spiritual when it comes to the activities in our lives (it’s all spiritual), there is a distinction made between the spirit and the flesh and which of these we are accomodating, feeding, and indulging, when we engage in any particular activity.

For the rest of this article, we’re going to look at Galatians 6:7-10, unpack it a little and hopefully draw some conclusions and implications that’ll keep us walking wisely and faithfully before God.

Galatians 6:7-10

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Here, Paul is giving some practical advice to the Galatian church who were confused and struggling with how to live by the Spirit and grace and not get sucked back in to trying to keep the Law. In verse 7 he lays down for them and us one of what Oswald Chambers calls an eternal law of God:

 “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (v7)

This rule applies from the the throne of God downwards to every person, believer and unbeliever unlike in any and every circumstance. We can’t get around it so we best work with it, which is what God intends and expects.

Paul goes on to explain and apply this rule further in the next verse:

“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (v8)

What we choose to do, the activities we spend our time doing, and how we go about doing them, all has a lasting effect on us and our future and also those around us. The effect may not be immediate as verse 9 indicates but there will be a consequence whether for good and life, or bad and corruption. We can partake in spiritually encouraging activites or spiritually destructive. There’s things that are useful and things that are a complete waste of time. And sometimes it’s hard to say either way and in that case we should pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give us discernment and insight into what’s best.

None of this is easy, especially with deeply ingrained habits but it is important. It’s the difference between bearing fruit and being an empty fig tree; between bearing good fruit and bad fruit. It all comes down to abiding in Jesus and His word and walking in the Spirit, and in His strength making the best use of our time.

Ephesians 5:15 referenced earlier, commands us to look carefully how we walk, so here’s a few questions we can ask ourselves on a regular basis, to keep our focus.

“How do I spend my time each day?”

“What activities am I doing most often?”

“Is this activity sowing to the Spirit or the flesh?”

“How much TV am I watching (watching TV’s not a sin – only watching TV is a sin)

“What shows am I watching? Why do I watch them?”

“How are the activities I’m engaged in been determining the results I get in my life? Are they hindering my prayers?”

“Is this spiritually encouraging or am I just indulging the flesh?”

“Am I being lazy or diligent?”

“Am I avoiding my responsibilities?”

“What do I read and how often?”

“Where’s my Bible?”

“How often am I on the internet?”

“What sites do I visit?”

“What example am I setting to others? Family? Unbelievers?”

“What could I be doing instead?”

“Does this glorify God?”

“If Jesus was in the room right now would He do this with me?” (coz He is.)

 (If you’re interested, and want to take this further, I have a time management planning form that is available at no cost. It’s a gift for you. To download go here.)

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The New Covenant of GIVING 

2 Cor 8:3 “For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord.”

2 Cor 8:8 “I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also.”

2 Cor 8:10 “And I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this (giving), but also to desire to do it.”

2 Cor 8:12 “For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have.”

2 Cor 8:14 “at this present time, your abundance being a supply for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality.”

2 Cor 8:16 “But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus.”

2 Cor 8:24 “Therefore openly before the churches show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.”

2 Cor 9:7 “Let each one do as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

2 Cor 9:12 “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all.”

Giving to God through the Church 

Mark 12:41-43: “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on.”

Comment: Knowing we are to first provide for our family, I’m certain the poor widow did not neglect the needs of her family, but gave what she had to give. The rich put in out of their wealth and could have indeed given much more, had they sacrificially given as the widow did.  (see “More Important Rule” section below)

Now, let’s look at what happened when yet another Pentecostal experience happened in Acts 4:31-35:

“And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

“And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them.

“And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.

“For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.”

Comment: So, we can see that this was FAR beyond a “tithe”. It doesn’t mean we are to go to this extreme, but rather see that generous giving is a fruitful heart of thanksgiving and love for God and the brethren.

More Important RULE 

1 Tim 5:4 “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”

This goes right along with Matthew 18:5-9 “And He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment [Honor your father and mother] of God for the sake of your tradition?’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,’ he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition.”

1 Tim 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Comment: Many live lavishly and this is not suggesting this an “excuse” for not giving to the Lord. But, if you’re a single mother raising children and are struggling to make your rent and food needs, don’t feel you are obligated or under a law to give. Just give as the Lord enables you.

Giving to God through Humanity (alms) 

Let’s look at the giving of the heart, the giving of love for which the reward in heaven will be great!

Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’

“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

James 2:5 “Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”

Luke 6:35 “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”

Luke 16 tells us the account of the rich man who goes to Hades (hell) and the poor man, Lazarus who goes to the bosom of Abraham after dying.

Romans 12:20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him. For if he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will pile burning coals on his head.”

Giving to the poor is called “alms”. Matthew 6:2 tells us, “So when you give to the poor (KJV states “when thou doest thine alms“), do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”

The GIVING of GOD to Us 

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure– pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

2 Cor 9:10 “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality…”

Just remember that prosperity preaching can be considered sinful, as God says you cannot serve both God and mammon (money) in Matthew 6:24. Also, remember the account of the rich man who kept all the commandments of Mosaic Law, and yet could not sell what he had and give it to the poor, as Jesus requested (as a test of where his “treasure” was) in Mark 10:21/Luke 18:22). Luke 12:34 states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

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Personally, I’ve also adopted the method of clothes washing that nothing goes into the dryer unless I’m sure to be home when it’s finished.  I haven’t pulled out the ironing board for a good long while because stuff goes directly from the dryer to the hanger.  Save money and frustration.

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keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25  Let your eyes look straight ahead,

fix your gaze directly before you.

A fairly straight forward lesson:

Don’t gossip & keep a civil tongue

Tell the truth, correct misinformation

Focus on the goals

Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked

The question may be, how does this translate to a Christian Finance lesson.  I guess that’s were I come in.  Some of my favorite books; The Millionaire Mind, 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, & The Millionaire Next Door, all touch on these lessons.  A person doesn’t get far in life, both personal or professional, if that person lies, misleads, or gossips on a regular basis.  Being a man of your word speaks volumes to your customers and your loved ones.  You will make a better employee, a better business owner, and a better person if you hold fast to the value of integrity.

These lessons also translate when shopping for a bargain.  They must be followed if one is to achieve a win-win solution to a deal.

Clearly defining ones goals is another trait.  You need to know where you’re going to avoid pitfalls the devil places in the way to get you sidetracked from the purpose God is calling you to do.

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A friend of mine gave me the tip to unplug everything in my house that wasn’t being used.  She had seen it on a TV show that a woman took her utility bill from $300 a month to $60.  I thought, it’s worth a shot and went around the entire house unplugging stuff.  I must admit that I left the desk top computer plugged in as well as the main TV in the house that has Tivo attached to it.

I did a little research and it turns out the worst energy sucker is your coffee pot, then it’s the appliances with block type plugs like your phone charger.  These babies pull energy all the time, whether a phone is attached to the other end, whether the blow dryer is on, or the dimable night light next to your bed.

The utility bill came the next month and, I kid you not, the bill was $59.  I was sold.  My whole family knows now to unplug stuff when they’re done, like the toaster in the morning.  My husband unplugs the coffee maker as soon as it’s finished and puts his freshly brewed coffee into a carafe.  I no longer leave my hair dryer and straightening iron plugged in for convenience sake.  The treadmill has a power strip to make it easier to cut off the juice.

Little things can really add up.

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By running the dishwasher every evening you are preventing food from getting dried and stuck on the dishes, making the unit run more.  Instead you can use the light cycle and the air dry.  Your dishwasher will use less water and energy and it makes for a nice routine.  When you wake up you can empty the dishes and it’s another win/win.

So, who wants the chore of washing the dishes?

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Second, did you know your freezer actually works less when it’s full?

Third, did you know that 6 out of every 10 items purchased at the grocery store are impulse items?

I give you these neat facts to give reasoning behind my cool tip today.  You can decrease your trips to the grocery store for necessary items, relieving the opporunity for impulse buys, & save on your utilities by buying an extra gallon of milk, pouring off a cup to enjoy with the next meal, and placing the gallon of milk in your freezer.  Then when you’re about to run out of milk, put the frozen one in the fridge, and enjoy the next day.

If you keep your fridge really cold, you may need to give your milk a good shake before you pour it.  Have fun.

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Most homes in America today have 3 bedrooms.  If your house is vacated during the day with kids at school and adults and work, shut all the bedroom doors.  The A/C unit will have less to cool in your absense.  Plus, when you do return home, it will be after the hottest part of the day.  Open up the rooms and they will be plenty cool by bed time.

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