Faith and Finances

Let's face it, we are human and we want all of God's promises.

"Take care of all my needs and wants, protect me and my family, advance my career…"

Some may think, "I'm a child of the King—so I should be living like a king!"

1 Corinthians 4:8

Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

Paul Chappell recently wrote:

The idea that a Christian will only receive good things from God and coast through life on a bed of blessings sounds good and draws large crowds and television audiences. But it is not the reality of life presented in Scripture.

David—hunted by Saul—no wrong doing

Paul—numerous physical afflictions and sometimes fear

God's children are very precious to Him and it brings Him pleasure to work in and through our lives!

In This Episode, We Look At:

Our Lives are not meant to be Passive

"God will do this for me" "He will take care of that"

Make no mistake, God does everything He says He will do.

It is His power that accomplishes great things, not ours, but… there is work for us to do.

Our part in God's promises—What God Requires of us

This is the Key.

We cannot earn God's favor and we cannot earn salvation. It is a gift of God by grace through faith.

God wants us to live the Christian life fully dependent on God and growing stronger in our faith.

He has given conditions (actions on our part) to many of His promises for us—for the purpose of our seeing how great He is.

Protection: Trust Him

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:

Answers to prayer: Abide in Christ and His words in you

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

"abide"- dwell, remain, reside

Provision: Seek the Lord

Psalm 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

Similar to this is Psalm 84:11

For the LORD God is a sun and a shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Finances: Give first

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you ; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

Malachi 3: 10

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,

That there may be meat in mine house,

And prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts,

If I will not open you the windows of heaven,

And pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Proverbs 3:9-10

Honour the Lord with thy substance,

And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,

And thy presses shall burst out with new wine

2 Cor 9:10

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

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There is a lot of talk on the subject of renting vs buying.

While counselling and advising couples, I often hear them say something like, "We can't wait to get a house. We are just throwing money away renting a place!" and "Besides, a home purchase is an investment."

Is this true?

In This Episode, We Look At:

"Is your home an investment?"

Definition (Investopedia): investment

A)An investment is an asset or item that is purchased with the hope that it will generate income or will appreciate in the future.

B)In an economic sense, an investment is the purchase of goods that are not consumed today but are used in the future to create wealth.

We look at the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining a home, a brief look at 15 year versus 30 year mortgages, and the importance of financial margin.

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

It is wise to save and invest for your financial future beyond the payment of your primary residence.

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Little regrets can happen daily.

For many of us, regrets are realized years or even decades later in life. We may wish that we had spent more time with family, taken better care of our health, and saved more money.

For the child of God there will be a day when we stand before Him, and no doubt have many regrets about our stewardship of this life:

"I should have shared the Gospel with my family and neighbors!"

"I wasted so much precious time on things that are meaningless now!"

There is a tendency in older people to be mindful of their own mortality and then start focusing on making the most of their life.

Don't wait until you are older to start living for what really matters.

In This Episode, We Look At:

The Key

In his later reflective years, King Solomon gives us the key to living a life without regrets.

The key is the phrase, "under the sun." Used 29 times in the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon concludes that if a person's desires and motives are focused on this present life on earth (which is under the sun), then he will have indeed wasted his life—it was all vanity.

Ecc. 1:14-15 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

Vanity, from the Hebrew hebel, basically means "emptiness." Everything done for this world, will pass away with this world, 1 John 2:17.

The Change

What is the solution to avoid having regrets in our lives?

Center our affections and motives above the sun (unto Heaven, above the world).

Col. 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sittith on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on the things above, not on things on the earth.

Seek first His kingdom, His righteousness, and His will.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

In essence, Jesus is saying, "Seek my ways, live for me, live righteously, and I will take care of all your needs."

Those things which are done above are what impacts eternity. 1 Corinthians 3:14 instructs us, "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon (the foundation of Christ), he shall receive a reward."

Everything we do in obedience to God

Reaching the lost for Christ (Matt. 28:19)

Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Loving our neighbors (Matt. 22:39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Transferring our earthly treasures for heavenly treasures (Matt. 6:20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal

Solomon's words to close us out:

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" Ecc 12:13-14

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

It helps us to be continually mindful that today is a gift and today is the day to live for Christ.

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In This Episode, We Look At:

A Mortgage is not Consumer debt weighing on your shoulders.

No one is going to offer to buy your credit card debt

A mortgage should not be viewed as a sin, citing Romans 13:8 "Owe no man any thing".

The Bible warns about being/staying in debt and encourages prompt repayment.

If borrowing were a sin and not simply frowned upon, then we would be enablers to others' sin because the Bible encourages us to be liberal in lending and ready to forgive!

Deut. 28:12, Psalm 37:21,26

You can sell your home, and the mortgage balance is taken on by the buyer (and you may pocket some equity in the proceeds).

It is leverage; you can live in that home as long as you make the payments. It is the cost of living in your chosen home.

Long-term

Buying a home with a mortgage is not a short-term purchase. There is more risk of loss in the short-term due to fluctuating values.

Your primary residence is NOT an investment

It is a cost.

It is collateral.

Cosigning for a loan. Nope!

A credit score is intended to reflect one's financial responsibility and history of paying bills on time.

If a grown child's credit score is not sufficient to get their mortgage, then it is self-evident… perhaps they should not take on a mortgage.

Co-signing is assuming the responsibility for the debts of another person. If the person who you signed up to help does not make the payments—you are legally responsible.

Scripture teaches not to do it:

Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.

Proverbs 22:26-27 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?

The FTC states: "You are being asked to guarantee this debt. Think carefully before you do. If the borrower does not pay the debt, you will have to. Be sure you can afford to pay if you have to, and that you want to accept this responsibility."

And… "The creditor can collect this debt from you without first trying to collect from the borrower.* The creditor can use the same collection methods against you that can be used against the borrower, including suing you or garnishing your wages. If this debt is ever in default, that fact may become a part of your credit record."

"When I sign for someone else, I am saying, "I will answer for all of this person's financial decisions, wise or unwise. I'm now legally and financially accountable for whatever he chooses to do."

—Randy Alcorn

Resources and Links:

Rent Reporters

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

If you desire to help an adult child, prayerfully consider avoiding cosigning on a loan. Help by gifting some money or offer counselling and advice.

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How often do we resign, throw up our hands, and say, "I can't fix my marriage", "I can't get on top of my finances", or "I can't quit lusting"?

It seems our first response is "I." "I can't"…and that is true. We cannot do anything good on our own. (Romans 7:18)

I submit that our focus is way off and the Devil loves it. He constantly reminds us of our failures, sin, mistakes, and incompetence. He is wrong.

In This Episode, We Look At:

The Power within us

How often do we overlook the fact that the Holy Spirit actually dwells within us? How incredible and indescribably powerful is that?

2 Cor. 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

You see, it is not our power, but His!

2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Whether they be financial, relational, or carnal, remember who you are in Christ before you face the challenges of each day.

You are God's child—John 1:12

You are Christ's friend—John 15:15

You are justified—Romans 5:1

You have been bought with a price—1 Corinthians 6:20

You are a new creation—2 Corinthians 5:17

You are more than a conqueror—Romans 8:37

You are born of God and the evil one cannot touch you—1 John 5:18

You are righteous and holy—Ephesians 4:24

You are hidden with Christ In God—Colossians 3:3

You are the light of the world—Matthew 5:14

You are a citizen of heaven—Philippians 3:20

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you—Philippians 4:13

You are free from condemnation—Romans 8:1,2

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Daily review these truths of who you are through Christ!

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Family communication has its challenges today.

A good old fashioned, face-to-face conversation has been reduced to a text message; with abbreviated words to boot, lol! And there are topics that require our focus and clear communication but many prefer to avoid them—like money.

Perhaps we can blame it on Emily Post's book of Etiquette (1922), which lambasted talk of money.

It seems generations of parents for almost 100 years have carried on her view of money-talk as taboo.

In This Episode, We Look At:

Communication about money

According to an Ally Bank survey, 7 out of 10 people consider it rude to talk about money.

It does seem that millennials are breaking the trend; "more than half readily disclose their income, savings, or debts to other people, Ally found."

This is one area that I am "with the Millennials".

Plan your talks

45% said they would rather plan a dinner discussion for the topic of money rather than talk on the fly.

During a drive

When writing a tithe check, offering, or giving online

While shopping

Read Scripture and discuss

Read money-related stories

Concepts

A good starting point is the Value of Money.

Earning

What does it take earn money? Explain trading labor or a service for income.

The importance of learning a trade and developing a skill.

"Does money come easily, or is their a cost to obtain money?"

Spending

How to determine what a product is worth—should you buy it?

"Which do you want more—That fidget spinner or your $5?"

Saving

Your child may not be able to buy what they want with the money they earned this week. Teaching them the principles of saving, they hold onto a portion of what they earn, and in time, have enough to make that purchase.

Teach them Proverbs 6:6 and Proverbs 21:20

Credit

When the time is appropriate, teach them the truth about credit cards.

It is not money to spend

The credit company does not love your child, but wants to make money off of them.

Teach Proverbs 22:7

There is power in paying cash for purchases, including "emergencies".

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Model financial stewardship to your family.

Your walk talks louder than your talk talks.

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It is easy for us to find ourselves buying into the ever-increasing consumerism of our culture.

"I need this, this, this… and this…"

Consumerism:

NOUN

1. the protection or promotion of the interests of consumers.
2. the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.

Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of men are never satisfied

Madison Ave knows this and they fully exploit it.

In This Episode, We Look At: A Subtle Creep

Consumerism can be very subtle: Think of all the areas in our lives where we have to "upgrade"—cell phones, online subscriptions, streaming services, food delivery services.

Our monthly expenses slowly creep up (Because "it's just another $20/month" right?) and we find ourselves saying "I can't afford…"

According to Creditloan.com, the average family spends $2,827 per year on entertainment which includes: fees/admissions, toys/hobbies, and audio visual services/equipment.

That's about $235 per month.

That isn't terrible unless you are struggling with debt, can't seem to save money, or otherwise have no idea where your money is going.

Not so Subtle Creep Auto

$9,049 per year on transportation…

Ouch!

That's car payment/lease, Gas, Uber, maintenance, etc.

Hello $754/month!

Clothes

The U.S. apparel industry today is a $12 billion business and the average American family spends $1,700 on clothes annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Storing our Stuff

Americans have 3X the space than we did 50 years ago. Americans spend $24 billion each year just to store their stuff.

Even secularists agree that we would be happier with less stuff!

Balance

Even if you strive for the minimalist lifestyle, it's difficult to journey through life without some stuff.

I believe we easily forget that God's Word teaches us that our lives are merely vapors—here for a brief moment, then gone.

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Wouldn't we focus more on eternity if we lived daily with the knowledge that our lives are indeed brief; and not the "flash-in-the-pan" life here on earth?

Resources and Links:

Graham Hill: Less stuff, more happiness

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

We can survive with less.

Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.

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Today we take a close look at the parable Jesus taught in Luke 12:13-21, what prompted Him to teach it, and how it relates to us.

In This Episode, We Look At:

Setting: Jesus is speaking to a large crowd (innumerable)

As He had been addressing Lawyers and Pharisees (warning them of their hypocrisy), one in the crowd interrupts Jesus to ask Him to make his brother split their inheritance.

Jesus responds, and said unto him "Man, who made me judge or a divider over you?"

He warns us of covetousness:

That's the lust for something we do not have or longing for more (God also equates covetousness with idolatry Col. 3:5).

And he said unto them "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." vs 15

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

We are introduced to a "business man" who was successful as evidenced by the word "rich".

There is nothing inherently wrong with being a successful business person.

The man saw that he had enough wealth to last a lifetime

Luke 12:17-18

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

He was done and ready for early retirement!

We do not hear him saying, "I can now give to the poor and build temples."

God calls him out

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

He had grand plans for his life. He was not planning on dying that night!

Jesus warns the crowd (us)

v21

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Resources and Links:

Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Which kingdom are you building?

Identify which kingdom you are building; whether it be the temporary one of wood, hay, and stubble or the eternal one.

Resolve to "be toward God" and make an eternal difference!

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It's amazing how money can often make monsters out of us. If you've ever borrowed from, or loaned money to others, you may have experienced how the relationship between lender and borrower can become strained.

In This Episode, We Look At:

Non re-payment of a debt can lead to the severing of relationships

Jesus teaches that when we lend, do not expect re-payment.

Luke 6:34-35

And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

The person who borrows is expected to repay

Psalms 37:21

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again:

but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.

Non-forgiveness can hinder your walk with Christ

Matthew 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses

Psalm 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart,

The Lord will not hear me:

We are not suggesting that if you are in the loan business, to forgive all loans!

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

When helping someone in need, do so without expectation of money being returned. You've done it unto the Lord.

Proverbs 3: 27-28 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee

Proverbs 21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

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A popular little book has the title, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!"

While there is certainly truth to that—don't make a mountain out of mole hill, don't major in the minors… we also challenge you not to miss the little things that can change lives!

In This Episode, We Look At:

The Tongue

James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

What a difference a kind word can make in someone else's life!

How often are we preoccupied with our own cares and easily miss the opportunity to simply say a kind word.

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver

Time

James Boswell, the famous biographer of Samuel Johnson, often referred to a special day in his childhood when his father took him fishing. The day was fixed in his adult mind, and he often reflected upon many of the things his father had taught him in the course of their fishing experiences together.

It occurred to someone much later to check the journal that Boswell's father kept and determine what had been said about the fishing trip from the parental perspective. Turning to that date, the reader found only one sentence entered: "Gone fishing today with my son; a day wasted."

Treasure

You may receive a cost-of-living pay increase of 2% and think it no big deal.

Contact your HR Dept and increase your 401(k) contributions by that same 2%.

A 2% increase on a $5,000 monthly income is $100 per month.

Because it is pre-tax, every dollar goes into that 401(k).

That could grow into an additional $500,000 in retirement for a 30 year old!

Pay off debt quickly

Most of us have heard the coffee example (brew at home).

While it won't make you rich, taking that $2 a day (week days) and adding it to your minimum payment on a $2,000 credit card balance will pay it off in 36 months instead of 10 years.

Resources and Links:

Christians Conquering Credit, Part 3, Blog post by Tim Rosen

Improve Your Faith and Finances:

We encourage you to be mindful of the seemingly small things in your life that have the potential to do great good to both yourself and others.

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