First and foremost, I want to tell you that this blog has been a God send. Never in 25 years in and around the financial industry have I enjoyed my work as much as I do now. I must thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ first. George Tsiolis, President of Agoracom, a brilliant man who I became instant friends with, also deserves a big thank you. And finally you, my readers, for believing what I say can be worthy of your time.
It would take writing a book to tell you how I got to this moment and that’s what I’m halfway done with. Let me just say for now that through trials, jubilations, and everything that comes in between, I’ve been prophetically shown what I’m here for and what I must do. Some will not like this. In fact, some will detest it. Others will accept it while some will embrace it. But all can know this: I speak from my heart and not my wallet. I know my calling may mean not having the fame, glory and financial rewards I once strived for, but I have no doubt that all I’ve done and especially what I’ve failed to do, was in order for me to be at this point and take this one road no matter how bumpy or scary it may be.
When I started as a stockbroker 25 years ago, I was told if I wanted to be successful, I shouldn’t talk about three things:
- Politics
- Religion
- And other men’s wives.
I know I did the first two a lot and must have done the third a few times. It took a while, but I began to understand why the first two were said to me. The financial services industry is mostly about sales. Speaking about politics or religion can only cost you sales, so why mention them (even if they do impact people’s investments)? While this never really stopped me, I’ve discovered I did so but not for all the right reasons.
The last 12 months have been the best and worst of times for me. I have never been as low or as high (drug free). My faith was tested to the core and I almost failed. My business and personal life became intertwine by being so right about the markets but so wrong on the direction of the one industry some would call me an expert in. After entering 2008 on cruise control, I literally was in a battle for my life. Only through the Grace of God am I here today and that’s why I must now do what I have to do.
While I would never exchange the lack of education for the on-the-job experience I gained about finances, I often wondered why I am where I am. Have you ever done this? I was not a typical Wall Street success story. I didn’t hang out with the Wall Street crowd. But I did enjoy the things that came with it. So why, then, did I have two very serious life trials and feel lost despite having so many blessings?
When you get in a pool do you first put your toes in and then maybe ease in slowly? Or do you just dive in? Despite believing I was truly a Christian and doing what God wanted me to, I discovered in 2008 I was not even close. In the last six months I’ve learned more about love of God, family and people than in my entire life. I needed to because God had a much bigger purpose for me then just being a so-called financial expert – only I couldn’t do it until I truly surrendered my will, pride and ego to him (a feat which is a battle every waking moment).
The second most talked about subjects in the Holy Bible are money and possessions. About half the parables are about them. Whether you think the Bible is the word of God, a story about a great “human” being, or just made up, you can’t deny one thing: it has influenced more people than all the books ever written combined. Such a book is worthy of reading no matter what. So, if the author thought money matters would be so important to mankind, and I for whatever reason have been given some amount of understanding about these matters, shouldn’t I look for financial guidance in this book and to make it the guideline in my work?
If you answered no, there’s no reason to read any further.
Okay, I assume you answered yes or you have to see what I say no matter what.
Without question, America and the world are facing the worst economic crisis in decades or even centuries. In addition, America appears to be in crisis on several other fronts and at a crossroad. As crazy as this is going to sound (it sounded crazy to me when it was first placed on my mind), I believe all of what has happened to me did so that I could be one of many others who God wishes to help others through these times. No, I’m not going to be a television evangelist nor am I going to sell any Christian prosperity stuff. But from this day on, I will never be afraid to say anything I feel the Holy Spirit has placed on my heart no matter how much it can cost me in any manner. Trust me; I already know how some clients, business associates, friends and even family will take this. I have already experienced how some readers do.
Before you think this blog is now “a voice from the heavens,” little if anything will change. I will still cover the markets and even on rare occasions actually be funny. But from this point on, I won’t hold anything back because it’s not politically correct. I will continue to welcome opposing views providing they’re in good taste.
With this in mind, let me speak about some subjects that have grown heavy on my heart.
As many of you know, back in October, 2007, I turned extremely bearish on the U.S. Stock Market. I spoke about a terrible economic tsunami that was going to hit us. I pleaded and begged people to watch this video and understand America was a very sick patient despite the “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” crowd saying otherwise.
It has come to pass and now all Americans have some degree of understanding how bad it is. But as bad as it is, many are committing the worst investment strategy bar none- they’re “hoping” things will change for the better. Hope is a great spiritual attribute but the worst investment strategy. After living decades beyond our means, the thought of not only having to go through hardships for years to come but to lose all or many of the toys and lifestyle we grew accustomed to, is still, to many, unfathomable.
It’s this very reason why so many Americans have placed their “hopes” on someone who looks the part but IMHO will end up crushing their hope and making their hardship much, much worse than it had to be. In my heart of hearts, I believe the problems we had back in October 2007, will end up looking like a gift before too long.
I believe the threshold of the abyss David Walker and others have spoken about and I’ve written about has now been violated and America has fallen in. As bad as it seems now, the worst is still to come. Unless a miracle occurs (and that’s quite possible according to prophetic people in whom I believe), our future, and more importantly, our children’s and grandchildren’s future, is no place any of us would want to be let alone see people we love so much have to try to endure.
Many people who felt “hope” since last November are not going to just give up that hope. I don’t blame them knowing what’s coming. But there’s no scientific law that one needs a certain amount of time before they could come to the conclusion I have. In fact, I believe it’s a gift that I can’t use just for myself or my love ones. Believe me that would be far easier as I will be challenged, and even attacked both secularly and demonically.
America has been slipping and sliding for years now socially, politically, economically and most importantly, spiritually. The last one will trouble many and it has become increasingly more difficult for people to speak up about this. Amazingly, 86% of Americans say they believe in God yet only small minorities who don’t are the voices heard and their choices are imposed on the vast majority. But I don’t blame them. It is people like me who had the chance to speak up but picked and chose when, where and to whom versus being the same day and night, 365 days a year.
I have no doubt that all our problems, socially, economically and politically, are all rooted in what we became, or more importantly, what we stopped being, as a nation spiritually. How can I say this?
I love to golf.. okay hack. I would do just about anything to improve my game (so would most golfers). Imagine, if you will, that you discover a book, video or whatever, that shows you not only the inventors of the game, but what they did to make themselves so great at the game. Would you not at least try what they did, especially since just about everyone who was part of the beginning was recognized as being great at what they did? Of course you would.
Well guess what? America was once great. There’s no doubt about that. People from all over the world once dreamed of coming to only one place: America. And when they did they became part of the fabric that made it great. And they did everything they could, no matter how hard they had to work, in order to live in the once land of the free and the home of the brave.
And whether you like it or not, the fabric that held America together and made it once great, was our founding fathers’ belief in Almighty God to build the foundation that lasted for these 200 or so years. There’s little argument that these men managed to put together a system that withstood the test of time for a couple of centuries. They were far from perfect, but where they failed to do things right, they built a foundation of laws and rights that allowed justice to prevail even in the worst of circumstances.
I wholeheartedly believe that this country has gotten to where it is today because it has been moving away from what our forefathers built. I believe the system they devised worked wonderfully because of the 55 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 52 were orthodox, deeply committed Christians. The other three all believed in the Bible as the Divine truth, the God of scripture, and His personal intervention.
It may come as a surprise, but I don’t think a Democrat or Republican can save us. I also don’t think you need to be a Christian to be saved from what is taking place. What I do think is unless we all return to the principles that worked for our forefathers, we will endure pain and suffering unlike anything America has faced. We won’t be saved by a stimulus bill or a “give hope a chance” movement. Our only long term chance is to place our faith back in what made us once great and not only recognize what has brought us to the abyss but be willing to die in the abyss for the Creator of everything good in the universe.
So while I will certainly speak about economic news and how it may affect the markets, know that the foundation to all my work (even if it ends up meaning no work) will now and until my last breath be in the name of the Creator who our forefathers entrusted without the luxury of knowing what it would lead to.
Calvin Coolidge saw what would happen to us when he said,
“The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.”
It’s no coincidence that our difficulties have grown as God has been removed more and more from our everyday lives.
While America and the world relies more on themselves and less on the Creator, I for one, hereby declare that the God who created us all, will rule my life. I pray He will continue to give me the Grace to take His gifts and apply them to my work and for my sinful nature to resist the many temptations such work and its worldly rewards offer.
Here’s the ultimate adviser It’s okay if you turn the sound up, get on your knees and have tears of joy. I do!
Peace Be With You
Dear Peter
my English it is stil poor
but would like to thank you for you message
I believe suffering it is part of our life even country
that it is purification
God suffer for us and sometime that bring peoples togheter
well let me tell you
I love you writting
God Bless you and you familly
and us we are bless to have you to guide us
thank you
francois
Peter that video was an eye opener,and I am humbled to be your friend.
Peace & Love
JF
Peter,
That was a fantastic letter. Even as a child being a Canadian I always wanted to move to the states. But over the last two decades I have come to realize how blessed I am to live in Canada. I am surprised that you and your family have not decided to move up here.We would love to have someone like you up here Peter. And I can be sure to say that on behalf of all Canadian readers.
Whether it’s an essay or a personal message it’s most sincere and certainly heartfelt.
Have you seen a revelation?
There are many examples of people and leaders that let religion or belief(s) cloud their judgement. Your strong belief in God clarifies and solidifies your view that “faith in God” needs to be part of a greater society and everything including commerce will flow out from it. In times of crisis many people turn away from God, run to the evils that exist in society, i.e. drugs etc.. rather than facing the truth, but you show people that they need to embrace God.
We all must gain strength from the word of God because there is no substitution for the real thing.
Peter, here is the daily verse today I read
Titus 1:7-9
Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless — not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Peter, I think you are seeking to be known as a kurios that is one who belongs to the Lord above all, above all allegiances in this world, even above mother, father, sister etc as the Lord taught. This is where all spiritual wisdom is found.
North America has committed a grave error. It has forgotten its God. As with ancient Israel who possessed the oracles of God and abandoned them for the pleasures of the Baals. Our heritage of our founding is that we knew the Almighty and have dismissed the knowledge of Him as foolishness. This is the gravest mistake a people can make. Now in love the Almighty has left us to our own devices (the best kind of teaching a loving God can give us) We are now reaping the whirlwind of foolishness.
Even a child could see the foolishness of greed and living beyond our means. We are living in a fantasy world where men marry men and we say it is good, where we borrow from the world and say it is good, where we murder the unborn and say it is good.
No nation in history has gone down this path and not been overcome by its enemies. Of course we hate to hear this, just as Israel killed the prophets whom God sent so this foolish people will reject the knowledge of Him.
The problem goes to the heart of a bankrupt spirit and cosmentics such as bailouts will not fix it anymore than a corpse can be brought to life with a good make-up job.
Only a kind of repentance that this overfed, over-indulged people will not consider is the answer.
As individuals we can only come under His protection by true faith in Christ where we give up our will and desire Him to live in us by the Spirit. Ultimately the Sovereign Almighty is bringing all the earth under Christ Eph 1:4-14.
Courageous and inspiring! More power to you!
Peter: Well said and very true. May God bless you in your work and strengthen you as you face the challenges ahead.rp
Peter – I was a client of yours back in the 80’s and 90’s and have read your publication since then. I feel I know more about you than some of my own family. I could write 10,000 words of my experience but will just make it short and sweet. You beat yourself up too much and try to please everyone. 100 financial advisers honesty couldn’t add up to yours alone. We are all sinners yet you seem to be unable to forgive yourself whenever you made a wrong prediction or stock pick.
By being involved with penny stocks, you’re going to have losers all the time, yet you beat yourself up whenever someone is critical of you. Pete, these people aren’t worthy of a response. If they had any decency and knew how you go out of your way to warn people of the risks, they would just shut up. Did you put a gun to their head?
Pete, if the financial world was as honest, compassionate and knowledgeable as you, most investors wouldn’t be where there at today. The fact that you give your advice for free, without making people have to do anything with the companies you work for, makes me wonder if you should just charge for advice and not give it away.
With love and affection, God bless you.
Thomas Jefferson quotes
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
T
In light of the present financial crisis, it’s interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
‘I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.’
Good for you Peter, I can almost feel your burden lifting from your shoulders. I think you will find many that will embrace your thinking and need to share those thoughts on an elevated level ,and many like myself who may not be as liberal with the subject but will not be so unreachable or naive as to shy away.
Pete – Please have some reader tell us who discloses more than you do in the metals and mining industry. Who speaks about their losses and bad picks like you do. Casey, Raulston and crew do all sorts of private placements, promotions with companies to pump their newsletters and a whole bunch of other self-interest things. I can’t recall once them admitting they were wrong about anything and they think I’m stupid enough to not know what they do privately.
Meanwhile like the other poster said, you beat yourself up when you’re wrong or somebody pisses all over you. To hell with them. Tell them to listen to Casey Raulston Van Eden and gang instead but don’t hold their breath waiting for their mistakes being declared.
Keep your chin and good work up buddy.
Peter, easy solution to your angst, give all your material posessions to worthy charities, spread your knowledge for free and live off the kindness of others. Practice what you preach, so to speak. The pursuit of religious fulfillment and material pursuit are diametricly opposed. You gotta walk the walk. Don’t question your sincerity, just can’t believe someone of your obvious intelligence can’t see the irony. Good old American wealth in all of it’s contemptable forms, and inner peace. What a concept! Passing judgement from a comfortable perch atop the food chain. Your words ring hollow my freind.
Peter,
Thank you for “coming out” & God Bless you in His work.
Shame on you Steve H. I doubt very much you’re a friend. I have no doubt what you got most out of your post is seeing your name here and your self rewarding chest beating. Go back to the glass house you obviously live in and know you’re not worthy of an answer from Peter.
Peter don’t answer this jerk as that’s what feeds his lost soul.
Very much respect Peters’ work. As per his commentary, religious discussion tends to elisit strong opinions. Thanks for judging me though Andy.
Good for you, Peter. As you know Kathy and I truly value your friendship. You are a great example of a man who lives by his principals.
God Bless,
Al Korelin
#19 Al Korelin ….. A good while back, Jay Taylor invited subscribers to write to you explaining how far we have advanced toward a Fascist / Socialist / Communist society. Apparently, you didn’t feel that the situation was that bad. While I never got on to the project and regret not writing to you, it would be senseless at this late time because you’re probably in complete agreement. Appeciate your forum & regards.
I agree with your world view as it stands today. The underlying cause of the mess we are in, coined as “moral hazard” by Hank Paulson, and as you say, is because we have thrown God out of our lives, our schools, institutions, finances, and government. However, God is not mocked. He has a way of humbling the mightiest and maybe we are in the process.
For those who believe, be of good cheer. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me (Christ) you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” ” Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.”
For some, I guess, to be Godly minded, you have to be materially poor and a financial burden to your fellow man, because God and material pursuits are diametrically opposed. Something like Mother Teresa. Tell that to Sir John Templeton ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Templeton ). As I recall, he donated 1 million dollar a year to Godly endeavours throughout the world, including Mother Teresa one year. I don’t think Sir John was making money investing and giving it away to clear his conscience. As for Mother Teresa, we could only hope we would leave a legacy like her. We need many more of both types, who humbly follow their God given gifts, passions, and beliefs.
Keep the faith brother,
Cheers!
Speaking about guidance from the Bible, I heard from a sermon couple years ago from our pastor. Here was what he said “75% of all canadians will put down $0 in the box of charitable donations when they file their income tax. 12.5% will give $120, that means only 12.5% will give more than $120. We are among the wealthiest people in the history of humanity, never have there be a culture that are so filled with wealth like ours, we are among the cheapest culture in human history, giving less than our ability is the standard of this culture. In the 30s Great Depression, canadians give more porportion of their incomes than we do today. The wealthier we have become, the cheaper we have become.”
While I do not agree with an earlier poster that we have to give away all of our material possession to gain inner peace, I do believe giving 10% is a important financial guidance given in the Bible. Peter is probably already doing that but most of the readers here are not. It is one thing to say we are in Christ, but it is another thing to ignore hungry children dying every second when we can do something about it.
Peter, I am pleased to read you have been inspired to use the talents you have been given … like it or not it is your responsibility and it will not be easy … speaking out against injustice is frought with danger and the enemy is subtle and uses all means to challenge you and to undermine amongst other things, your faith in yourself.
There are many who lack the ability to separate their own values using messages out of context, supporting false values and rationalizing a position. This happens especially with those in the best position to help others … you are justified by your faith and nothing else. Nothing you do, nothing you say, nothing you inspire can add to what has already been done … you simply realize you owe a debt that can not be repaid and anything less than giving your all towards repayment is undesirable to yourself that you must focus on during trials and tribulations.
Your choice and proclamation is a courageous one …. expect attacks where you may least expect them …. it is easier to find a needle in a haystack than a righteous man … think about that …. do not misplace you trust in man pure hearts are hard to find.
the prophet
That’s my King, too! I heard a similar audio tape by Lockerage years ago and bought it. That message is a good way to be regularly reminded of what is really true in this world. I would ditto the posts of Jim, D.S.G. & Niccc. First give God your whole life (let Him guide your decisions) and then give Him 10% or more of your income, and you will be useful to both God and men. People who love money find it difficult to give money away. People who love God are happy to give money to help others.
In recent months I’ve begun saving quotes by Jefferson & other founding fathers as they clearly show many of the errors in modern America.
Peter:
I’ve known you for many years and have seen you up and down, thin and flush. You are UP now and your words are very profound and filled with lessons that many of us are still learning. Thanks for sharing.
Peter,
As you know, God leads. We have to let him. He lead me to this website only a week ago. PTL! I too follow what is written in Malachi chapter 3, as this is just one divine principle this nation has forgotten. You are on my prayer list for guidance from on high as you lead people back to Him.
Peter,
Keep up the great work. If only we had more men like yourself.
Peter, you can be such a dope.
Everyday of your life, every professional success, every hard effort has been through the gift of your creation. You have known this for a long time. The grind of the markets, the pressure of apparent failure in the face of great success can be murderous. Then God shows who is in charge – no revelation there. We are never more than we have been created to be even if endowed with free will. Lighten up. Proclaim your faith by living it, as words will always fail to describe the infinite. Live the best you can and remember God commands us to be productive and honest, not just among men, but before God himself. So lighten up. You have always known this. Have a drink, play golf, get your game on and play. But, never half way; go full out!
Turn down the volume, and just be Peter. The country will go where it goes. Be yourself, play hard, trust in God. You have known this all along.
Patrcik you said Peter, you can be such a dope. That’s very christian of you
Peter, you are right. If we want our country to be great it won’t be because of a mans will but Gods will. 2 Chronicles 7:14 …… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
[...] I noted in this posting, there’s really only one person who can get us through all this. I truly believe if I [...]
[...] wrote recently that the only real hope for America is to return to the country our forefathers [...]
Dear Peter,
A private email, lease don’t publish.
I live 20 min south of Vancouver and have greatly enjoyed listening to you speak at the world outlook conferences and reading your posts, thank you.
I am a teacher of teens with severe behaviour disorders and mental illnesses for the past 22 years. I have also taken care of a mentally challenges adult for the last 17 years. He is completely part of the family. He has taught us so much. Simply put, I love my work. My two daughters are at local university/college and there fore I have extra room.
I am sure you have lots of offers but I will extend this to you. You and your family are welcome to stay here for the Olympics in 2010. It is a humble home with a hot tub and a good place to unwind after a hockey game.
Cheers Neil.
[...] When I came out of the closet, I made it known I would do more than just comment about markets here. I knew some would not like it then and I know some will not like it now. [...]
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it,” Jesus said in Matthew 7: 13-15. It is obvious, Peter, the spirit of the Lord is leading you on that narrow path and given you the honor of using your gifts to direct others in the same direction. That same spirit spoke to Jesus, and in the hours before his cruxification he replied, “Not my will, father, but your will.” There will come a day soon when we all will stand before the creator of the universe in judgment, and hope to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Count me in as one of your new readers, and one who will be lifting you in prayer as you pick up your cross and bear it.
Blessings in abundance.
[...] appears I must once again “Come out of the closet” as I did back in February. We’ve seen thousands more viewers on a regular basis now and with the “spats” of [...]