Faith and Finances

God has designed us for work. Not good news for younger folks with zero motivation (hang in there parents, it should get better). Outside of the paycheck we may not view work as pleasant activity, but God sees it differently.

This is Step Two in Bible Steps: Receiving God's Financial Promises and Peace.

From the very beginning, we see God's directive that we are to work that we may eat (Genesis 1:28)

When we work, we are doing our part and God is pleased (Psalm 128:2).

Whatever work the Lord does provide, He wants us to do with excellency, unto Him, rather than unto man (Col. 3:23-24)

Bible Steps: Receiving God's Financial Promises and Peace.

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"We must do worldly jobs but if we do them with sanctified minds they become offerings to God." —A.W. Tozer

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There are countless books on the subject of finances and self-improvement available with simply a click. There are Step-by-step plans, "Baby steps", and systems ad nauseum. But, unless our personal beliefs about money are clearly identified and change to align with scriptural truths, we are not likely to experience lasting success.

Followers of Christ have God's power, principles, and promises; the world does not. We are not limited in the ways the world is limited.

The biblical steps for financial health run contrary to conventional wisdom. This should excite those who walk by faith, as they will see God do the seemingly impossible.

Bible Step One: Full dependence on God.

Since our teen years we've fought for our independence; and it's quite a struggle returning to a place of dependence.

We need to demonstrate our dependence, which requires faith. This is by God's design.

God's system for teaching us to fully depend on Him, is the tithe. The tithe is not intended to meet a need that God has, but for us to return a portion of that which we love, to Whom we love—and then look to Him to provide for us with the remaining ninety percent. He promises to do just that. Will we trust Him?

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Spend some time in prayer in this matter of fully depending on God in your finances. Ask Him to search and know your heart and, if there is any doubt or fear, ask Him to help you. As you demonstrate your dependence on Him through the tithe, trust Him to meet your needs according to His ways.

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Many people feel like they just can't get to where they want to be in their finances: There never seems to be enough money to meet needs and wants; emergencies keep popping up—depleting the savings; then there's that mountain of debt.

How did we get here?

How do we get out?

It's necessary to acknowledge that money is an instrument that can easily, and immediately, be used to satisfy pleasures for the moment.

Identify the financial temptations in your life.

View the temptation as a temporary obstacle between you and your desired, God-honoring goals.

Recognize that often the immediate wins over the later.

New, healthy money habits can be formed, but realize that temptations do not disappear.

Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

There will always be obstacles to our God-honoring goals. Clearly identify and write out those goals, and in moments of temptation or trial, pause on think on your goals; then respond appropriately.

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Not a lot of meat and potatoes here today, folks.

Troy and I share "stories of Christmases long long ago…"

And of course, we tie it all up in a nice "Avoid consumerism!" bow.

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Some people struggle with guilt, "Should I be giving more?"

Some people resist, "I want to give, but my family has needs and wants."

Many genuinely desire to know, How much should I give?

Know the extremes: Not giving (hoarding/trusting money) and giving with no thought nor prayer.

Guidelines according to Scripture. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Giving is very individualized.

How much to keep?

It is wise to save a portion of all that you earn, and it is foolish (and against God's will) to hoard.

Trust in the Lord always, in finances and in provision, and ask for the Lord's help to grow in this grace of giving—He will not let you down.

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In work, business, and even ministry, there is often a personal drive to maximize productivity and achievements, in our own timeline and with our own strength and ability.

This will always hinder us from reaching full potential.

When more becomes less. (John 15:4)

When less is more. (John 15:5)

Through Christ we can do more with less, by His strength and ability—not our own.

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In my household, my wife insisted that Christmas music would not be played until after Thanksgiving. Now, a full week after Thanksgiving—Christmas is in full effect!

Before things get too crazy, we wanted to provide some practical biblical suggestions as you prepare for Christmas this year.

Keep the purpose for this season a priority in your family.

Speak often of the priceless gift of Jesus; at meals, while shopping, while driving the kids to school.

Prayerfully plan ahead for gift giving.

Show the love of Christ while shopping. Retail employees are often sleep-deprived and stressed. A genuine smile and a warm greeting will not only catch them by surprise but may even be provide an open door to share the wonderful news of the gospel.

Lastly, your love is not measured by the amount of dollars you spend on your loved ones.

Let the world see the reason for this season within you!

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The Bible is chock-full of accounts where individuals have insisted on their instead of following God's ways.

Cain presented his offerings his way.

Abrahm protected himself and Sarai in Egypt his way, by lying.

Jacob obtained the birthright his way by deceiving his father.

King Saul proceeded with the required offering before battle—his way, and that lead ultimatley to his demise and loss of the kingdom.

Are we much different in our approach to solving issues in our lives?

At the core of following God's ways is faith.

Many fear handling money by faith; they prefer to operate by sight.

We too easily give ourselves a pass, by handling money our way.

Links, websites, books, resources here

Give a single action item here

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As we prepare to gather with friends and family in observation of America's holiday, Thanksgiving, there are several ways in which we can show gratitude for Christ to the world around us.

Giving thanks. We can audibly thank God for His goodness, and anything and everything He has done for you—while in public.

Look for opportunities to genuinely express "I thank God for that!" or "God is good!" These sincere expressions often lead to further conversation with those who are lost.

Expressions of thanks can be written and kept within the home, read together as a family.

Psalm 77:11 "I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."

Giving gifts.

An offering to the Lord.

To meet a need of someone else.

To help a family.

To bless a missionary family.

Samaritan's Purse

Gratitude begins in the heart. Purpose in your heart that you will be grateful to the Lord for all that He has done for you, beginning at Calvary. This gratitude should be seen by those around you, allowing them to see the light of Christ within you!

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We are not asking "Why are you living?" rather, "What purpose drives you?"

Behind every purpose (or goal) there is a value. So, for those driven to live for the moment, the value behind that drive may be pleasure. Those who seek one accomplishment after another may have respect, recognition, or honor as their value.

With all the hours we trade to earn money, it may seem that we are living for money, but that is not necessarily our value.

Those who live for financial gain will inevitably find their hearts drawn away from God.

2 Kings 5

Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches, by Chris Horst.

Measure every proposed purchase up against your personal mission statement and ask, "Is this in line with my values?"

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