All posts by John (Manager)

Optimizing Life, Treasures In Heaven

Can You Find True Peace Through Wealth?

Managing our finances wisely according to God’s word is a very good thing, but we should take care to never put our faith in our finances. We can only find true peace by placing our faith in God.

Luke 12:16-32

16And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. 17“And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ 18“Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ 21“So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

      22And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23“For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! 25“And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? 26“If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? 27“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 28“But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith! 29“And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30“For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31“But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Many prepare financially for their anticipated days in their earthly life and may even plan for some expenses associated with death and burial. They make considerations for those who will survive them. They put their faith in their money. However, the most important planning is not for expenses related to our death, but for where we will go thereafter… either to Heaven or Hell and to what legacy we leave in regards helping others and leading others to Heaven (or Hell) with us. What treasure are we storing up in heaven? In this regard, plan wisely and act now.

Matthew 6:19-21
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Diversification, Proverbs, Speculative Investment, Treasures In Heaven

Start Investing In 5 Steps

For those of you who have established consistent income, a budget to control spending, gotten debt under control, established at least an emergency savings fund that is easily available to you in case you need it, and have money available in addition to that… you may be ready to consider investing.

Now you find yourself asking a common question:

“How do I get started investing my money?”

1- Establish your personal goals.

Before you start investing you should spend time clearly defining (and writing down) the objectives you are trying to accomplish.  Are you planning for college expenses for your children? a house?  retirement?

Defining your goals and writing them down helps to clarify for yourself what you are trying to accomplish with any investment, and it will help you make reasonable choices in investing to accomplish your goals.

2- Decide if you prefer to work with a professional investment advisor or go it alone.

If you work with an advisor, remember that they have other motives besides just your best interest (e.g. getting paid) and not all look out for you the way they should.  On the other hand, many of us are not prepared to invest effectively and wisely without a professional to help give us input and guidance. You are your own chief investment advisor. They provide helpful counsel, but you make the decisions. Consider verifying by researching online or meeting with more than one professional advisor separately and comparing notes.

With or without an advisor, you really need to do some homework to understand how to make good decisions.

3- Diversify your portfolio to manage risk and potential gain.

For example, let’s consider two cases:

Jack wants to invest and prepare for retirement. He is starting early and has time on his side. Jack wants to limit his risk exposure for his investment losing value and will be satisfied with a moderate return on investment.

Joe has a higher risk tolerance and is willing to consider more risk to achieve higher return on investment.

Diversify your portfolio consistent with your personal goals and personality. You need to be comfortable with your investment decisions. If you are nervous or lacking in confidence you may make poor decisions when unexpected events happen (e.g. 2008/09 stock market crash) and may make poor decisions. If you had a lot of your portfolio in U.S. stocks and then sold when the market bottomed instead of riding it out… you are really hurting.

4- Get Started.

Do not wait until you have perfect clarity on exactly what you will need to spend 20 years from now or more.  Do not be discouraged from starting because you think you do not have enough to make it worthwhile. Even if you are starting small, you are going to gain knowledge and experience along the way.

Set aside some designated funds to start investing toward your objectives. Open an account at a reputable broker or financial institution. Begin the investing journey.

5- Steward your investments regularly.

Verify your portfolio is on track to deliver your objectives. Make adjustments as needed consistent with changes in your plans or the performance of the investments. Continue on a schedule of investing additional funds consistent with your long-term goals.

Do not be afraid to admit you made a mistake and get out of an investment, if warranted. Establish conditions ahead of time that would indicate when you should exit an investment if it does not go well. Our human tendency is to hold on to our bad investment decisions too long hoping for them to turn around.

If you are uncomfortable getting started, begin with a small investment that you are not afraid to lose. Invest wisely and you will soon see a return on investment that will encourage you and give you more confidence.

Remember, choosing not to invest is also a decision… and it may cost you a lot of lost opportunity to grow your money over time.

Bring your finances and investments before God and ask for wisdom and blessing. Seek Him in all you do, and He will make straight your path.

Proverbs 3:5-10

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

7Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.

9Honor the LORD from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce;

10So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

 

Investing

Do You Prefer a Roller Coaster or a Carousel?

Do you prefer a roller coaster or a carousel? This seems an unlikely question to be asked in an article about managing finances, but let’s consider it a bit further. Do not worry, we will come back and tie it in to financial investing in a short while.

Both a roller coaster and carousel provide the same basic concept… provide an enjoyable ride for those who choose to get onboard.  One is predictable and steady, relaxed pace and still enjoyable… delivering a pleasant experience and fulfilling its purpose for those who ride it. The other can be exhilarating, bringing forth strong emotions ranging from joy from an adrenaline rush to fear about what comes next. There are unexpected turns, it goes up and down sharply, and sometimes it seems as if the bottom may just fall out. It is important to know which ride you prefer for your personality and for both rides it is important to get on and off at the right times. (For a literal example here, I suggest when the ride stops moving.)

We have a similar choice to make as investors while we manage the money and other resources that God has provided to us. We have to decide where to invest… in bank accounts paying sometimes low interest or in stock markets… how much in each if we properly diversify to match our specific investing goals? For the money we invest in stock markets, are we investing in a long-term horizon of several years and satisfied with low risk and perhaps lower returns? or are we trying to trade in and out of stocks on a short-term horizon to embellish our returns?

For most of us, we would be well served to invest for longer term based on market and specific business fundamentals. That is a bit more like the carousel. Yes, it is important to know when to get in and when to get out, but you can sit back patiently and try to enjoy the ride… hopefully collecting dividends along the way.

For those who decide to trade… “please hold onto the bar”. The market may make sudden and inexplicable moves that you do not anticipate. It can be a real rush and it can be frightening. You must be disciplined and specific about your goals… about why you trade in a particular stock and re-evaluate your thesis if the situation changes. You must avoid the emotions of holding onto a losing position hoping it will become a winning one, but also avoid just getting out at the first sign of trouble. Many who are not ready for this step, and many even professionals who think they are, end up selling low when fear kicks in and buying higher when everything seems to be going well. This is most certainly not the strategy anyone would devise ahead of time… buy high, sell low.

The moral of the story… understand which ride is better suited for your personality… and with what percentage of your diversified portfolio. If you want to invest or trade… do your homework and set up specific investing or trading theses, or why you are getting in and why you would get out of a particular investment. What would change your mind? If you choose frequent trading… please hold on to the bar and try to calm your emotions… or you may just try to get off the ride at the bottom, while it is still moving.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Optimizing Life, Treasures In Heaven

Don’t Let Money Keep You Apart from God

Let me preface this article by highlighting that God does not call all of us to part with all our money. He does not need our money, but rather He wants our heart. Some He may call to give up their money, in particular if they are placing it as an idol in their life that keeps them separated from God by taking His rightful place as Lord of their life.  What He calls you to do individually… by all means do it. God’s specific direction to you in your life trumps the general biblical advice we share through this ministry. Sometimes He has something specific in mind that is more important than the general wisdom He has provided.

However, take caution that you are hearing from Him properly. He will never contradict Himself. Thus, if He asks you to do something, pray over it, ask for confirmation, seek trustworthy Christians you know to help validate what you are hearing and make sure you are not acting inconsistent with what God teaches in the Bible. Most of all… ask God to help you clearly understand and obey.

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“What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This question is incredibly important, and those who ask it genuinely seeking an answer have already started down the right track. They have acknowledged there is eternal life and not everyone gets there. Some will have eternal suffering instead. Let us review how Jesus answers this question when a rich young man asks Him.

Mark 10:17-31

The Rich Young Ruler

      17As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 18And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19“You know the commandments, ‘DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, Do not defraud, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.’” 20And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” 21Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

      23And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!” 24The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 26They were even more astonished and said to Him, “Then who can be saved?” 27Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

      28Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.” 29Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, 30but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. 31“But many who are first will be last, and the last, first.”

The rich young ruler was not far from the kingdom of heaven. He knew the commandments and he knew Jesus was the right person to ask. Clearly, he did not fully understand the significance of obeying the commandments, as he felt that he had obeyed them sufficiently well throughout his life. None can truly accomplish this, when we fully consider how to apply this law according to Jesus, Himself (Matthew 5:21-48). However, he was looking in the right places for the answer.

Jesus did not even break stride in the conversation to explain what it means to truly follow the full standard of God’s commandments. He already knew where the man was failing in his devotion to God. For this specific individual, it was love of money. Jesus never called everyone to give away their money, it is not required. He knew this individual had that as his primary remaining barrier to following God. Sadly, the man went away grieving rather than following after Jesus.

Jesus, never wanting to let a teaching opportunity be wasted, spoke further with His disciples on the subject. He pointed out how hard it is for many that have money to choose to serve God instead of money. We cannot serve both (Matthew 6:24). However, there is hope. No matter what personal obstacle stands in our way, we have hope with God that we can overcome it and follow Jesus.

27Looking at them, Jesus said, “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

We can also be encouraged that whatever it is that we give up in order to follow Jesus, we will not regret it so long as we submit to and trust Him.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Control Debt, Control Spending, Generate Income, Optimizing Life

Increase The Money in Your Pocket Now

I know people are in a range of different places with regards to their finances. Those that have a solid foundation already are optimizing spending and debt management and looking for investment opportunities to grow their finances.

However, many simply feel like they are running as fast as they can to just stay in place… never making progress toward their goals. Long term job selection and career or skill development seem far off objectives.  They want to know how to get more money now.

There are at least two very effective ways to get more money in your pocket quickly.

For those of you who have jobs that are commission or “tip” based or those who have the opportunity to work overtime, simply working hard and working longer hours can be effective short term to generate more income. Of course, that effort may not be sustainable long term without detriment to your personal or family life. It ultimately only bears meaningful results if you take that money and pay down debt or create savings or investment funds. If you work harder and then just buy more stuff you “want” but do not “need”, then it has not accomplished anything substantial.

The second approach is undeniably effective, if done in meaningful way. Reduce your spending! You not only keep the money you have earned, but do not forget that you have already paid taxes on this money. A dollar saved is worth more than a dollar earned. It really is yours to save and invest… so long as you do not spend it. To be most effective, start by challenging everything you are spending money on, starting with larger expenses first. Differentiate true “need” from “want”. Aggressively reduce spending on “wants”. Yes, it will feel uncomfortable and force you to change your behavior. But it absolutely generates cash in your pocket at the end of the month.

Want to see how much impact you can have on your finances? Just commit to yourself to test for a month saying “no” to any discretionary spending. In other words, really distinguishing “want” from “need”. Take the extra money you save at the end of the month and put it aside to pay down debt, start an emergency fund, or start preparing for investing. See how quickly you can use this simple approach to get your finances under control. If you are not confident you can commit to this challenge for “no” discretionary spending, then simply set up an assigned dollar value to spend toward your “wants” for the month and track even your small expenses to avoid exceeding that target. Try reducing that target next month. See how much you are actually spending on “wants” and “convenience” vs. “needs”.

Yes… buying that morning coffee from the coffee shop instead of brewing at home counts as “want” and the added cost does matter over time.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Ethics, Generate Income, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice

How Do We Deal With Those We Cannot Trust?

How shall we deal in business with those we know we cannot trust or even perhaps just those we are not sure we can trust?  We stand firm to the principles and values inherent in God’s word. Even while we work diligently to ensure others do not take advantage of us, we hold ourselves accountable not to take advantage of them.

Let us consider how Jacob prospered, documented in Genesis 30:25-43. Remember that Jacob was a relatively new believer at this point while he labored under Laban. Jacob was living his life committed to God but doing so imperfectly… like all of us who try to serve God.

As we read this scripture, remember that Laban was certainly not one to be trusted. He deceived Jacob quite significantly, in tricking him to marry the wrong daughter after seven years of work. Laban was looking out only for Laban. So, too, we can remind ourselves that Jacob was also not one to be trusted before he committed to follow God on his way to Laban’s. Prior to that, Jacob actually deceived his own father and brother to steal Esau’s birthright from him. However, here we see Jacob is maturing and learning to do things God’s way… hard work and honest accounting with the flocks.

Jacob Prospers

      25Now it came about when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my own country. 26“Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me depart; for you yourself know my service which I have rendered you.” 27But Laban said to him, “If now it pleases you, stay with me; I have divined that the LORD has blessed me on your account.” 28He continued, “Name me your wages, and I will give it.” 29But he said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you and how your cattle have fared with me. 30“For you had little before I came and it has increased to a multitude, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household also?” 31So he said, “What shall I give you?” And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this one thing for me, I will again pasture and keep your flock: 32let me pass through your entire flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted sheep and every black one among the lambs and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and such shall be my wages. 33“So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come concerning my wages. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, will be considered stolen.” 34Laban said, “Good, let it be according to your word.” 35So he removed on that day the striped and spotted male goats and all the speckled and spotted female goats, every one with white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the care of his sons. 36And he put a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

      37Then Jacob took fresh rods of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white stripes in them, exposing the white which was in the rods. 38He set the rods which he had peeled in front of the flocks in the gutters, even in the watering troughs, where the flocks came to drink; and they mated when they came to drink. 39So the flocks mated by the rods, and the flocks brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted. 40Jacob separated the lambs, and made the flocks face toward the striped and all the black in the flock of Laban; and he put his own herds apart, and did not put them with Laban’s flock. 41Moreover, whenever the stronger of the flock were mating, Jacob would place the rods in the sight of the flock in the gutters, so that they might mate by the rods; 42but when the flock was feeble, he did not put them in; so the feebler were Laban’s and the stronger Jacob’s. 43So the man became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks and female and male servants and camels and donkeys.

Laban realizes that he is blessed because of association with Jacob, who serves God. Jacob, despite his mistakes, has been a witness to Laban and Laban wishes him to stay. Before we give Laban too much credit, though, his reason for wanting Jacob to stay is selfish and greedy. He has financially prospered with Jacob. Laban shows no interest in worshipping or serving God or even thanking God.

Jacob, however, also realized that he needed to begin investing not only in Laban’s flock but also in preparing for his own household for the future.  Jacob was willing to leave without pay other than the wives (and children) he had agreed to previously… even though Laban’s flocks have clearly prospered under Jacob’s care. Jacob demanded nothing extra, and was willing to leave with only his agreed upon wages (e.g. his wives and children) and God’s promise. He did not demand more than he agreed to just because Laban had prospered. He did not resent Laban and wish him ill because of his success.

However, God made a way for Jacob to prosper from his hard work helping with Laban’s flocks for those fourteen years. When Laban suggests Jacob name his price, Jacob finds wisdom in a solution that meets both his need and Laban’s, so he stays. Jacob tends the flocks and prospers exceedingly.

Each of us should consider:

  • Am I planning responsibly for my future needs and those of my family similar to Jacob?
  • Do I trust God to provide for me, adhering to His principles and values?
  • Do I keep my word and live up to my agreements? or do I demand more from someone just because they prosper from the work I agreed to do?
  • Do I resent someone else’s success or am I satisfied with the wages I agreed to?
  • Of course, it is also acceptable when our agreements have concluded to negotiate for better terms in the future based on the quality of our work. If all parties agree, we have a new agreement. If not, we should not resent the other, but just make a different choice to pursue our goals… just as Jacob was willing to leave. At no point did Jacob perceive Laban to be his enemy or adversary.
  • Do I recognize that if / when God blesses his people in financial matters it seldom comes overnight or without hard work, faith, and planning? Jacob, like Abraham before him, trusted God and worked hard over many years to generate his wealth. God blessed his hard work and it was fruitful. God does not reward laziness or lack of faith.

Prayerfully consider how to apply these lessons to both how you generate your income as well as how you fairly deal with people you may not feel you can trust. We have the opportunity to represent God to those who do not know Him. Imagine their surprise when we deal fairly and unselfishly with them! Plan and prepare and work hard and trust God by doing things His way, rather than the way of the world.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Control Debt, Control Spending, Generate Income

Build Your Income Before You Build a Bigger House

Build your income before you build a bigger house. This sounds obvious, but so many today start by getting deep in debt in order to have a bigger house “now” rather than waiting until they can wisely afford it. Then they say “It is ok, because everyone else is doing it. It is normal.” or “A mortgage is good debt, an investment.”

The advice comes from God in Proverbs 24:27.

  27Prepare your work outside
And make it ready for yourself in the field;
Afterwards, then, build your house.

God is not telling us to go to work while we have no shelter to protect our family. God is telling us to build our income stream through diligence before we focus on more spending and get deep in debt. That way we know what we can wisely afford while stewarding what He provides.

The truth is that you pay a lot of interest on what you may consider “good debt”. The truth is that many people you look to as “normal” are poorly prepared for the future and living beyond their means thanks to high debt load they assume they can pay back later. They are not ready for retirement. They are not even ready for small emergencies like appliances needing replacement or car repairs. They are really living month-to-month despite income that would be considered in the top 10% of the world.

Do not look to the people around you to determine what your standards should be. They may be drowning in debt and high spending. They may simply have a greater ability to generate high income.  Whatever the reason, don’t look to other people as your example but rather look to God and build your own plan based on lifetime objectives, not month-to-month spending. Be content with what you can wisely afford. As you build your income, establish savings, and establish a credible financial plan for your future you will be better prepared to make wise decisions around if/when you can afford to buy more expensive house, car, boat, etc.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Optimizing Life, Plan Carefully and Seek Wise Advice, Treasures In Heaven

God Is Bigger Than the Mission He Gives Us

It is very tempting for each of us to plan our finances in a way that we can completely control every aspect. Trust only in ourselves. Take no or little risk.

What if God calls us to give in a way that stretches us beyond our comfort zone?  What if He calls us to accomplish a task that we don’t know how to fund? Are we foolish to take such a risk?

That depends on whether or not you trust God and your ability to hear from Him.

We can often get wrapped up in how big a challenge appears. We can think as if we have to make it happen all by ourselves. We do well to consider, however, that if God is the one who told us to go accomplish the mission, then He already knows how He will enable us to accomplish it. He will provide. We need only listen and obey, even if we don’t see how He will finish the task with us and through us.

Exodus 38:21-31

The Cost of the Tabernacle

      21This is the number of the things for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, as they were numbered according to the command of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 22Now Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD had commanded Moses. 23With him was Oholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and a skillful workman and a weaver in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and fine linen.

      24All the gold that was used for the work, in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the wave offering, was 29 talents and 730 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 25The silver of those of the congregation who were numbered was 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; 26a beka a head (that is, half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary), for each one who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for 603,550 men. 27The hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary and the sockets of the veil; one hundred sockets for the hundred talents, a talent for a socket. 28Of the 1,775 shekels, he made hooks for the pillars and overlaid their tops and made bands for them. 29The bronze of the wave offering was 70 talents and 2,400 shekels. 30With it he made the sockets to the doorway of the tent of meeting, and the bronze altar and its bronze grating, and all the utensils of the altar, 31and the sockets of the court all around and the sockets of the gate of the court, and all the pegs of the tabernacle and all the pegs of the court all around.

Think about how overwhelming the mission could or perhaps did appear to Moses and the Israelites to build the tabernacle. They were in the desert, not in a land of plenty! Yahweh laid out very specific instructions and a grand scale for the tabernacle. The people could easily have thrown up their hands and made excuses why it was not possible. They could have quit even before they started. They did not. And consider what they accomplished!

Are you facing a mission or challenge that God has called you to complete? Does it feel overwhelming? Do not be discouraged or find reasons to reject the challenge. Instead, trust in Him, seek Him, and obey His instructions and guidance. You will be amazed at what He can accomplish through His people.

Want to learn more about how to pray effectively? This includes listening as well as asking… try the following resources:

  • HearingFromJesus.org /Learning To Pray Effectively – teaching on effective prayer based on scripture
  • HearingFromJesus.org/categories/HearingFromGod – collection of devotions and scripture referencing hearing from God
  • Experiencing God, by Henry and Richard Blackaby, is a modern classic that has sold millions of copies worldwide. Experiencing God is based on seven Scriptural realities that teach us how to develop a true relationship with the Creator. By understanding how God is working through us even as we try to fathom His ways, we can begin to clearly know how to relate to Him.
  • Experiencing Prayer with Jesus, by Henry and Norman Blackaby,  takes you into what many aren’t experiencing in their prayer life – intimacy with God. Experiencing Prayer with Jesus is not simply more information about prayer, but rather a leading into a life-changing encounter with Christ.
  • Hearing God’s Voice, by Henry and Richard Blackaby, is for those who are ready to listen. Henry Blackaby and his son Richard help those who are listening to discern the voice of God, to identify ways He speaks, and to respond to His revelations of His will.

Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

Treasures In Heaven

Give To Him Who Asks

At times, I have been confronted by people asking for money, begging really. Sometimes it is at gas stations and sometimes it is by the side of the road. Sometimes I help to honor the Lord, sometimes I feel it is too unsafe to try to help, and sometimes I try to pretend not to see them. I have not been able to lock down a specific firm position on this. Sometimes I feel led by the Spirit to give and sometimes I am just nervous by the circumstances around the person asking. Sometimes I just believe it is a fraud. I have prayed from time to time for the Lord to help guide me on this type of issue.

I still believe the situation matters. Unfortunately, we can’t trust everyone who is asking for help, not because they may waste our $10, but because they may be trying to car jack you or kidnap you. You do risk injury. We must use our best discernment of the situation and ask in advance the Spirit to guide us in these circumstances. As quickly as these situations arise, it seems as if there is not time to pray once the situation is upon you.

I believe the Spirit has nudged me more to a position where I will look to help through the scripture below. It will be most effective if I prepare ahead of time, perhaps having small denomination cash of $5, $10, or $20 readily available which I can grab easily without taking my eyes off the person asking. (This is not the time to be opening your wallet full of credit cards or sifting through a purse.) More than that I want to prepare something to hand out with the money to point them to Christ and to more resources about Christ should they wish to pursue Him.

Recognize too, that Matthew 5 speaks about much broader situations than the one I frame above. Some situations will call for a higher level of giving. Perhaps someone will come to you with a need to help enroll someone in a drug or alcohol rehab program or something similar. Some of these situations may require prayer as the financial impact may seem great to you at the time. For me, I realize that the great many of the situations that arise in my life truly are not threatening my financial security. They really can be easy decisions made with intent to honor the Lord and point others to Him. We provide the best witness when we help others joyfully, even if it is a “big ask” from them.

However, note from the scripture below, the examples that Jesus refers to are not typically going to bankrupt the one giving… extra work, a coat, allowing yourself to be taken advantage of a little. I am not trying to trivialize these things, as for some they are significant, but this type of giving often represents relatively small investments for the kingdom of heaven. Most frequently the worst I may risk is being “taken advantage of” or “fooled” into giving to someone who is a fraud. Honestly, we honor the Lord all the same and may actually have an impact on them anyway as they receive an example of God’s love from someone. If some end up “laughing” at us who give, how much does that really matter?

As a cautionary note, I point out that this scripture is not to be taken out of context to say give all you have to the first person who asks. This is not at all what I see in the text. As with everything, seek help from the Lord.

Matthew 5:38-48

      38“You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ 39“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. 41“Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42“Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .

 

Optimizing Life

Should I Worry About My Finances?

It is easy and natural to worry. We can worry about our family, our jobs, our children’s performance in school or extra-curricular activities. We can worry about our favorite sports teams winning or losing. We can worry about what we will be doing next week. Many people worry about their finances. There are lots of reasons for which we can allow ourselves to worry.

But what does God have to say about worry? Actually, He has a lot to say. One such verse to explore is short and to the point.

Philippians 4:4-9

      4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

      8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I do want to make a point that there is a difference between “worry” about something and taking action to address a situation that needs you to do something. I need not “worry” about my future finances when I walk with Jehovah, but He expects me to plan wisely, consistent with His word, and to exercise self control and manage my affairs well. Let us be careful to avoid the mistake of saying “not to worry” means we ignore the situation. This would be wrong and lead to many troubles.

Let us not overlook, however, that the scripture does not just say “don’t worry”. It also combines that with direction to let our requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. We should take our worries to our loving Father in prayer and supplication and with a thankful heart. We can trust Him. Whether He answers “yes” or “no” to any specific request, He knows what is good for us. He is our provider.

“Rejoicing always” sounds tough for most of us… but just because it is different than what we expect, does not mean that it is wrong. Often, what we have become accustomed to is wrong and we need to seek God’s way in the Bible and change our ways. Paul was more than just talk on “rejoice always”. He rejoiced even under persecution such as when he was beaten and put in prison. He rejoiced in the sovereignty and love of the Lord Jesus!

Be thankful for what we have in Christ and what He has already provided us even as we come before Yahweh to ask for our needs or requests. Seek contentment rather than coveting what others have.

When we focus on what is good, honorable, right, pure, lovely… we can truly learn, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to be anxious for nothing.

I leave you with a common expression you may have heard before for consideration and reflection.

“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”

Do you know who said this first? It was Jesus, as documented in Matthew 6:27.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you.

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Remember that all you have belongs to God. Manage your money God’s way and use it for His glory rather than your own. Visit GrowGodsMoney.org .