Bible Money

God says that if we pray for anything in His will, believing, it will be given to us. However, God''s will and His ways do not always coincide with ours. So, when we turn our finances over to God, we also must be willing to accept His direction.

Too often we impatiently seek our own way without any clear direction from Him, sometimes even borrowing money to do His work. We forget that God says He will not frustrate His work for the lack of money (see Luke 22:35).

There is nothing wrong with asking God's direction, but it is wrong to go our own way without waiting for God's answer.

In order for us to recognize God's directives, it may be necessary first to understand God's view of money and how He uses it to enhance our relationship with Him.

Money is neither good nor bad: it is merely a medium of exchange. It is the misuse and abuse of money that cause the problems.

Because God is so good, He uses money for our benefit in several different ways.

1. God uses money to strengthen our trust in Him. It is often through money that God can clearly and objectively show us that He is in total control, if we will trust Him and accept our positions as stewards and managers of His possessions (see Matthew 6:32-33).
2. God uses money to develop our trustworthiness. This principle is important because our lives generally revolve around making, spending, saving, and using money. If He can trust us with money, He can trust us with greater responsibilities and His true riches (see Luke 16:11).
3. God uses money to prove His love. Scripture tells us that God assumes the responsibility of providing the basic necessities for everyone who trusts in Him (see Matthew 7:11). By transferring all money to Him, He often uses money to meet those necessities of life.
4. God uses money to demonstrate His faithfulness. Moses reminded Israel that it was God who would give them the power to make wealth. Our security is in God, not in our bank accounts. Discovering His faithfulness though financial needs encourages reliance on Him.
5. God uses money to unite Christians in blessings. God will use the abundance of one Christian to supply the needs of another. Surplus money in our lives has been given by God for the purpose of helping those who are in need.
6. God uses money to provide direction. There is probably no way God can direct our lives more meticulously than through the abundance or lack of money. Too often we believe God directs our lives through the abundance of money, but He also will lead us down His directed path by withholding money.
7. God uses money to cultivate self-control. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control, a key aspect of successful money management.
8. God uses money to clarify spiritual maturity. Many temptations clamor for Christians' attention. A great deal can be learned about our personal character and spiritual maturity by noticing how we handle money and determine financial priorities.

Just like there are several ways in which God uses money for our benefit, there are several areas in which God never uses money to influence our lives.

1. God never uses money to worry us. If Christians are worried, frustrated, and upset about money, God is not in control. God said that wealth without worry is His plan for our lives. In addition, He promises to meet the needs of those who trust in Him (see Matthew 6:25).
2. God never uses money to corrupt us. Many Christians have fallen into Satan's trap and are being corrupted. Christians whose financial life is characterized by greed, ego, deceit, and other worldly snares are at enmity with God and His plan.
3. God never uses money to build egos. Frequently, Christians are trapped by financial ego in that they use money in an attempt to build self-worth and ego. However, in Christ all are financially equal because all wealth will pass away. What will remain will be those things that have been laid up in heaven-the true wealth.
4. God never allows money to satisfy our personal whims or desires. God does not expect His people to live in poverty; however, He also does not endorse lavishness. Surplus is provided so that God's work can be funded and those in need can be helped. If the surplus is hoarded or wasted on lavishness rather than used for His plan and purpose, chances are the surplus will be removed.

God offers countless financial principles, intended to make our lives meaningful, because He's interested in us and how we earn and spend money.

Once we understand how God uses money and why He chooses to use it in a particular way, we generally become more familiar with His plans and purposes for our lives and are able to recognize and comprehend His directives.

For many people, the biggest obstacle to becoming a successful investor is the belief that investing is too difficult for them to handle. Because that misconception is so prevalent, SMI devotes a lot of coverage to the complexity-busting power of establishing a personal investing plan and sticking with it regardless of what's happening in the markets.

With all the emphasis on planning, it's easy to start thinking that investing success or failure depends solely on you. What a relief that isn't the case! Surely God expects each of us to faithfully do the best we can, but ultimately, He has promised to provide for every need, whether or not we pick all the right mutual funds along the way (Matthew 6:25-33).

Still, the pitfall of faulty perspective remains a danger for any investor who is focusing years into the future. Imbalance often results when an investing plan is being applied too rigidly, and these two areas seem especially vulnerable:

* Keeping a generous spirit. Despite the many reassurances given to us in scripture that we come out ahead by being generous (Proverbs 11:24-25, Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:6), the idea is so counter-intuitive that it remains a battle for many people. If meeting our saving and investing goals is a struggle to begin with, it sure seems strange to consider giving more money away. Yet that often seems to be how God works, perhaps as a gentle reminder that "my ways are higher than your ways" (Isaiah 55:9) and that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight" (1 Corinthians 3:19).

* Focusing on what really matters. As Scott Houser pointed out in his recent family vacation article, sometimes it does make sense to temporarily bust the budget or borrow from the emergency fund. Naturally it would be even better to incorporate these relationship-building activities into the budget, but the point remains valid-accomplishing financial goals isn't worth it if you look back after their completion and have deep regrets. Although the ad is blatantly manipulative, I feel it right in the heart every time the radio implores me with a little girl voice to "Take me fishing, because my wedding day will be sooner than you think." Ouch. I don't fish, but I get the point. My retirement will probably still be okay even if our family spends some money building loving memories.

Like most things in life, your investing plan requires balance to be effective. If it's too loose, you'll never hit your goals. But if it's too tight, you can miss the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or sacrifice the things in life that ultimately prove most important. If you're like me and lean to the "too tight" side with your plan, consider this true story.

Years ago, my parents felt led by God to give away the small sum they were planning to use as investment capital to start college funds for their three young children. While they didn't know where the money for college would come from if they did, they were obedient and gave it cheerfully. The years went by, and right up through the time that the youngest went away to school, it was never clear where the money would come from. Now and then events would allow them to save a little, and like many families, they took out a few small loans to make it work.

As the youngest prepared to graduate, Dad totalled all the items that had come up to help pay for college costs: taking a voluntary layoff and finding another good job quickly, scholarships, and so on. The final tally confirmed God's faithfulness. The total amount of unexpected college "help" was almost exactly one hundred times the original sum given away over 20 years before. Despite the change in plans that God orchestrated, everything worked out. God is faithful.

Having an investment plan is essential to meeting long-term financial goals. But we need to allow some flexibility within that investment plan. Sometimes God helps us reach our destinations using a different path than we'd naturally choose. That may be because He's not as interested in the destinations themselves as the journeys we take to get there. If you trust God and try to follow His lead, there's no need to worry-He will provide.

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With regard to finances, the greatest thing pastors can do is to teach God''s financial principles as recorded in God's Word. The next greatest thing pastors can do is to demonstrate that God's financial principles really do work.

Bible versus the world
In Romans 10:14, we are told that for the unsaved to believe we must tell them about Christ. The book of James tells us that we who have accepted Christ are the living testimonies that the Word of God is true. Living testimonies of how God expects His children to handle finances should be no exception.

There are three areas of finance that have been most influenced by the world: borrowing, lending, and sharing (giving).

Borrowing. The world teaches that if you don't have the money for what you want or need, borrow in order to get it. All that is necessary is that you have enough income to pay the monthly bill.

God's Word does not encourage borrowing. However, if you must borrow, do it modestly and cautiously, and always repay what is owed (Psalm 37:21; Proverbs 3:27-28).

Lending. The world says that we can lend to those who have the ability to pay back with interest. In addition, the money lent should be covered by collateral whose value is equal to or greater than the amount of money borrowed. If the borrower doesn't repay, the lender can sue for recovery of the amount borrowed plus interest and legal fees.

God's Word says that Christians are to lend to one another without interest, without expecting anything in return, and without reservation and are not to engage in lawsuits to recover losses (Deuteronomy 23:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:1-7).

Sharing or giving. The world says to give if you can afford it or if you can receive a tax deduction by doing so. In addition, give to the poor through benevolent organizations that can give you a tax receipt.

God's Word says that Christians should give joyfully, willingly, and without coercion. They should provide for every legitimate need within their own fellowships. This could include funds for illness, unemployment, and old age (2 Corinthians 8:14-15).

What should we do to learn what God says?
In order to learn what God says about finances we need to do four things.

1. Study the biblical principles of finance found in God's Word. Many times it is helpful to study available materials on the subject of God's principles of finance. An organized study can reduce the time involved in studying and give additional insights from others who have applied the principles.

2. Apply godly discipline to your lifestyle. Each Christian family must look at its spending habits and give an account for its stewardship to God.

3. Teach your children God's principles of finance. The primary reason given for divorce is financial problems. If parents can teach their children God's principles of finance, the likelihood that financial problems will be a cause for divorce will be greatly diminished.

4. Teach your neighbors. Millions of people are hurting financially and don't know where to turn. They will most likely not only respond to any financial advice, but usually will be open to the Gospel if you have helped them with their financial management.

**Conclusion
Many Christians have "bought into" the world's financial management tactics, and they feel those are normal and acceptable to God. But contrary to what the world teaches, God's financial principles do not produce debt, worry, anxiety, bankruptcy, loss of job, financial stress, or the break up of marriages. Managing finances God's way inevitably brings peace and financial freedom, not bondage and stress.

Most families are looking for ways to save money, and financial consultants by the hundreds feel that they have the money-saving methods for which these families are looking. These include everything from refinancing home mortgages, taking home equity loans, and getting low-interest charge cards to no-down payment investment property, and borrowing against retirement funds.

In evaluating the multiplicity of suggestions and money-saving options, 10 suggestions seem to be advised more than any others: (1) give to God; (2) start small; (3) put money into a company retirement account; (4) monitor ATM withdrawals; (5) pay off charges and loans; (6) pay extra on home mortgage; (7) pay off car loan; (8) open an IRA; (9) evaluate life insurance; and (10) be accountable for your money.

Give to God
When we recognize that God owns everything and all blessings come from Him, our role as managers, or stewards, becomes evident. Part of being a good steward is giving back to God a portion of what He has entrusted to us. It is not that God needs our money. Rather, giving serves as an external, material testimony that God owns both the material and spiritual things of our lives and that He is the source of all our supply.

Malachi 3:10 is the first place that really directs the tithe: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house." In the Old Testament, the storehouse was a physical place where the Jews would deliver their offerings of grain and animals. Ideally, the church should serve as the storehouse in God''s economy today.

Although the tithe is an indicator of our obedience to God's laws, He is looking for the right attitude in our giving. If there were not a willingness to give back to the Lord a portion of what He has entrusted to us, then even giving above the tithe would be of little use. So, since the tithe's purpose is to be a testimony of God's ownership, each believer should give bountifully and cheerfully.

Start small
Most financial experts feel that we need to save at least 5 percent, and preferably 10 percent, of our income and place it into an interest-bearing, liquid savings account. However, don't give up if you're not able to put aside 5 or 10 percent. Establishing a saving habit and saving consistently will eventually add up; even as little as $5 per pay period will accumulate. Once saving becomes a habit, set as your savings goal a maintained savings account of at least three to six months' income. This will prevent borrowing when unexpected expenses arise or in case of a period of illness or unemployment.

Put money into a retirement account
If it is available, sign up with your workplace's 401(k), 403(b), or similar retirement plan in which your company will contribute matching funds to the plan in your name. The most common match is 50 cents on the dollar. If this is the case for you, you will get an immediate 50 percent return on your contributions.

Monitor ATM withdrawals
Decide how much money you will take out each week or each month and make it last; discipline yourself to stick to your decision. Try to decrease the amount withdrawn every month. If you discover that you have money left over, deposit it into your savings account.

Pay off charges and loans
With the desire, discipline, and time, anyone can pay off his or her charges and loans and stay out of debt. There are four basic steps to eliminate charge and loan debt: (1) Transfer ownership of every possession to God; (2) Allow no more debt (no bank or family loans and cut up the credit cards); (3) Develop a realistic balanced budget that will allow every creditor to receive as much as possible; and (4) Start retiring the debt. Begin by first paying extra on the debts with the highest interest rates. If interest rates are comparable on all of the debts, first pay extra on the one with the smallest balance. After this first one has been paid, apply the regular payment as well as the extra money that was going to it toward the next highest balance. After the second is paid off, apply what was being paid on the first and second to the third highest, and so forth.

Pay extra on home mortgage
You will add equity to your home, reduce the amount of interest paid over the term of the loan, and reduce the length of the loan if you pay extra monthly on your home mortgage. If you consistently pay $100 extra each month on a $150,000 loan at 6 percent, you will save almost $73,000 in interest and shave more than 7 years off the original loan. If you can't commit to an additional $100 each month, just round your payment up to the nearest hundred.

Pay off car loan
Interest on your car loan is not tax deductible and the rate is generally higher than on your home mortgage. Pay it off as soon as possible by rounding up your monthly payment to the nearest hundred and then add $50 (or as much as you can afford) to that amount.

Open an IRA
If your funds are limited, open an IRA only after you have maxed out with your company's retirement plan. If you do not have a company retirement plan, open an IRA immediately.

Evaluate life insurance
If you've had the same term life insurance policy for five years or more, you can possibly cut your premiums by changing policies. If you apply for a new policy and get a new medical exam, chances are the insurer may feel that you are a better risk than fixed insurance health assumptions indicate, which means that you will qualify for a lower premium rate.

Be accountable for your money
Know where your money is going by establishing a budget and sticking to it. If the expense is not budgeted, the money should not be spent. Keep a small notebook with you to record miscellaneous budgeted expenses.

Conclusion
Debt-free living is still God's plan for His people today. The blessings of becoming debt free go far beyond the financial area. They extend to the spiritual and marital realms as well. No one who is financially bound can be spiritually free. The effects of financial bondage on a marriage relationship are measurable in the statistics of failed marriages. Therefore, God's people need to make saving money and debt freedom top priorities in their families.

Because materialism was a danger for everyone with whom Jesus associated, He taught pointedly against allowing materialism to control their decisions and lives. As it was with Jesus, so it is with ministers today. Because of the dangers of materialism, they must warn those God has placed under their spiritual care about becoming slaves to materialism.

Ministers know and most of them teach that the quality of life does not depend on the abundance of possessions. But what should they teach in regard to what to do with possessions?

Stewards
What is to be done with material possessions? Jesus told the rich young ruler to give them away. The good Samaritan paid for the care of one that was hurting and was in need. Various women gave to support Jesus'' ministry. Jesus told His disciples to give to the poor and needy. All of His followers are to lay up treasures in heaven.

We are all stewards of what God has entrusted to us-talents, possessions, income, gifts, family, and jobs-and we must be prepared to give an account of how well we managed all that He has provided. "It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy" (1 Corinthians 4:2).

All that we classify as "our possessions" are in reality God's possessions, and we are merely stewards of His possessions. If we are to live our lives pleasing to God, we must treat our lives and all that He has given as trusts from the Lord. If we are His servants, He owns us and all that we have. We therefore are expected to be wise stewards of His possessions, managing in a way that we know would be pleasing to Him.

As teachers of the Scriptures, ministers must teach these truths to those who are under their spiritual care. If they do not teach these truths, they are, in reality, neglectful in fulfilling their God-given responsibilities to teach God's people all that He has instructed.

Teach giving
Ministers must teach stewards how to manage both by example and instruction. Also, ministers need to present to those they are teaching opportunities for giving, so that they can learn how to effectively lay up treasures in heaven and to actively be involved with managing the possessions given to them by God.

The concept of teaching believers stewardship by instructing them how and where to give was one of the essential spiritual principles taught by the apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 9:3-7; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Its importance has not diminished in today's world. Christians still have to be taught that an indispensable element of stewardship is giving to the work of the Lord and to those in need.

Conclusion
Ministers need to identify areas in which God's stewards can give. Since the only things that are eternal are God, God's Word, and people, we must be more concerned with giving for the benefit of eternal things than we are for temporal things.

The first area of giving should naturally be the local church and the ministries and outreaches to people sponsored by the local church. This can be followed by other local or area ministries or efforts associated with and/or supported by the local church. These could include benevolent programs, such as food and housing for the hungry and needy, homes for unwed mothers, orphanages, homes for the elderly, and so on.

The third area would be domestic and worldwide ministries. These might include domestic helps and benevolent programs and ministries to the peoples of the world. The last area of concentration would be giving to enhance temporal things, such as buildings, parking lots, gymnasiums, and basketball courts. Although these can well be justifiable needs, they should never take the place of or be given preference to giving for things eternal.

p>What Is The Attitude Of Your Heart Toward Money?
By Terry Weber

The attitude of your heart is more important to God than what you do. I suggest you read the following Scriptures, in full, to see what the Lord has to say about the importance of attitude: 1 Samuel 16:7; Psalm 51:6; 16-17; Matthew 15: 18-20 and 23:26

It has been said about attitude: Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what other people think or say or do. Attitude is more important than appearance, fitness or skill. Attitude will make or break a company, a church or a home.

The remarkable thing, and I believe you'll agree, is this: we each have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will assume for that day. I think you will agree we cannot change our past. We cannot control nor change the fact that people will act in certain ways of their own choosing. In addition, we cannot change the inevitable. The only thing you and I can do on a daily or minute-by-minute basis is to change or control our attitude.

If our attitude toward God is one of service, stewardship and complete dependence, then we will never have any financial problems because our attitude is one of complete obedience to the Lord. As we are obedient we will, as good stewards, discover that it is easy to manage our financial affairs as God instructs us over and over again in the Bible. Remember, there are over 800 verses about money management in the Bible.

God wants us to be debt-free, to owe no man anything but love. He wants us to be successful and prosperous. But how, we ask? Here's how:

You can owe no man anything at all by changing our attitude toward money and then - simply spending less than you make!

If you will do this one thing, that is spending less than you make, month-after-month, an amazing thing will happen to you and your attitude! For one thing, you will then have money in the bank!
Wouldn't that be great? Just think, you could soon have your money working for you instead of the other way around.

To say it another way: If you spend all of the money you get, you are a financial failure and your attitude about many things could be one of discouragement, to say the least.

More importantly, when you spend more than you make you are not being obedient to the Lord. But, if - as a Christian you habitually are obedient to the Lord by always spending less than you make, your life will change. Why?

Because, when you have money in the bank it has a direct relationship on the way you live and - obviously - you'll have a whole new, very optimistic - attitude.

Terry L. Weber

weberanchorsoffaith.com

originalsbyweber.com

Terry Weber is a retired advertising/direct mail sales letter copywriter and
inventor of several useful items. Terry and his wife Doris are Habitat For
Humanity, RV Care-A- Vanners who, for the past eight years have volunteered to
help build more than 39 houses all over the USA. They travel to and from the 2-
week long builds in their RV. The money they make on their Crafty-Ones website
helps them pay their expenses to and from those volunteer Habitat builds.

P.S. Due to the high cost of gasoline we can no longer afford to drive the RV to
Habitat builds. The RV is parked until gasoline prices come down. (4/28/06)

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