Tag Archives: Finances

Prosper Not – Sauni Rinehart
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Prosperity is More than Money

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8, NKJV

I bought into the wrong idea. For too many years, I bought into the wrong definition of prosperity and success. I thought it meant owning the grandest home my money could buy. Driving a nicer car than my neighbor did. Having a career that, when I told people about it, would make them think, “Wow! She’s got it made!”

I became rather prosperous and successful. My husband and I bought our first home just a year into our marriage. We drove newer model cars. We took nice vacations. We bought pretty much whatever we wanted—the latest gadgets, the newest technology.

But even with all the “stuff,” I wasn’t happy. Or content. No matter what I had, I wanted more. I became more and more discontent with what I had, and I couldn’t seem to get what I thought I wanted.

Then I finally realized God’s word defines prosperity and success differently than the world does.

God promises to meet our needs. But He may not necessarily give us what we want. Having a bunch of “stuff” just isn’t important to Him—not that having it is always a bad thing. If God has blessed me with financial prosperity, as long as I realize it’s all His and I’m willing to do what He asks me to do with it, I’m probably okay.

But God’s idea of prosperity is very different than having money and what it can buy. In God’s economy, being prosperous means experiencing His blessings by doing what His word tells us to do. Recognizing that everything we have is really a gift from our Heavenly Father.

When He chooses to bless us—to make us prosperous—we should, first, be humbly grateful. And then we should surrender it all back to Him, so He can use it for His glory.

Glorifying God. That’s true prosperity.

Sauni Rinehart is a speaker, vocalist, and writer through Triple-E Ministries (www.saunirinehart.com). Visit her blog at http://saunirinehart.blogspot.com. She is also involved in worship arts and women’s ministries at her home church. She and her husband make their home in Eastvale, California.


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It’s Only Money – Elise Seyfried
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Give to Those in Need

Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.    Matthew 5:42

I have a confession. When I’m asked for money by people on the street, I generally ignore them. They’d just spend what I give them on drugs and booze, right? I am doing them a favor to withhold a handout. They should seek out social service organizations that can give them real help.

One day I was talking with my son Sheridan, a young musician. He makes ends meet with a variety of teaching and performing gigs. He rarely buys new clothes. His cell phone and computer are veritable antiques. He can’t afford to waste a dime.

The subject of the homeless came up. I made my usual comments to justify my closed mouth and closed purse on city streets.

“I never turn anyone away who asks me for money. I like to buy them coffee and sit on the curb with them for awhile. Mom, they have amazing stories. I really think it’s the talking they need the most,” Sheridan responded.

Who is right?

Jesus makes it very clear. Sheridan is right. We are to give to those who ask of us and never ignore those who would borrow from us—even when it’s clear there can never be repayment. The poor do have amazing stories–heartbreaking stories of financial reverses and losses, overwhelming medical bills, mental illness. They swallow their pride to ask for a dollar or two, and endure the parade of no’s from people like me. Does some of the money fuel bad habits? Probably. But who are we to judge? Most importantly, these hard-luck brothers and sisters need a friend. A curbside chat. A chance to be treated as human beings.

Christ puts no conditions on giving. He sees into every heart, including our own. Maybe it’s us who need the transaction the most—to be the giver of a moment’s respite — a moment of light on a dark, dark day.

In the end, it’s only money. And when money stands between His children, Jesus demands we break down the barrier and level the playing field… even the tiniest bit.

Try it, next time you’re approached on a city street. Just give what you can — especially the gifts of your time and listening heart. Count on our Lord to do the rest.

Elise Seyfried is the Director of Spiritual Formation at a suburban Philadelphia Lutheran church, actress, writer, wife, and mother of five. She is the author of the book Unhaling: On God, Grace and a Perfectly Imperfect Life. Her work has appeared in such diverse places as The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Lutheran Digest, Simul: Lutheran Voices in Poetry, Guideposts Magazine and theWittenburg Door. She was lyricist for the Stanley Drama award-winning musical Flight, and is co-author (with her husband Steve) of fifteen plays for children.

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Learning from Your Mistakes – Anna Gregory
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What is the Cost?

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?  Luke 14:28

Taking my eyes off God’s plan is quite foolish and costly.

Several years ago, we purchased some rental homes without looking at them close enough. We figured we could make a profit on them if we fixed them up and resold them.

First God chided me about buying something we hadn’t truly checked out thoroughly. Should you buy something without figuring the cost? What I couldn’t really see was how much it would truly cost to fix them. And we went into the deal with our son Joel, who really couldn’t afford these properties any more than we could. Finding ourselves and Joel struggling with the costs and backbreaking work, I saw I should have listened to God’s chiding spirit.

As we have worked and remodeled a great portion of the houses, we’re finding God’s greatest lessons.

Making mistakes, whether it be finances, faithfulness, or a myriad of other mistakes, teaches me. I find that the more difficult the task — the more it costs me and the harder I struggle to put things right to keep our heads above water —  the more it teaches me . . . far more than all the things I get right.

Sometimes it is difficult to pay what must be paid. We’re trying to work our way out of the disaster so we might retire. At times, it is taxing, yet, it is a joy to fix up old houses, give them new life, seeing what they can be. For the moment, it also gives our sons a place to live.
At times, our new knowledge has exacted an awful price. Jesus knows that good things cost. After all, He paid the highest price anyone could pay. That is one lesson He has taught me well.

How can I not praise him for that gift? Praise God through your mistakes, for He teaches His children by them.

Anna Gregory lives in Macon, Illinois with her husband Dennis. She is the mother of five sons and fourteen grandchildren plus two. She is a devotional writer having written for the Secret Place, Pathways to God, Upper Room and Haven. She is the author of Searching for Charlie.

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For the Love of Money – Grace Brand
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The Root of All Evil

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10 NIV

The love of money put me into bondage. In fact, it’s been my motivation for living. Money places many people in jail, in debt, and for some, even an early grave.

An elderly couple told me about a man whom they trusted to invest their money. He stole all their retirement money in what was called a ponzi scheme (a fraudulent investment operation that involves paying returns to investors out of the money raised from subsequent investors). These schemes date back to 1882 and Charles Ponzi, an Italian immigrant to the United States who became one of the greatest swindlers in American history.

When I heard their story, I looked at my earnings statement and examined my own spending habits. Where did my money go? Did I spend it on a new car that is now a used car or new clothes that are now worn out? Did I spend it on food, yet I have no food in the pantry? I wondered if I’d invested my money wisely and given my tithe as I should.

Solomon asked the same questions and concluded: I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gathered under the sun.

Solomon’s words encourage me to invest in things that will endure forever. Only the things of God and His word will endure for a lifetime. My job is to spread God’s word to my family, friends, or unreached people around me. What am I loving other than God and what can I invest my money into that will last forever?

Let the Holy Spirit show you the matters of lifestyle that He wants you to seek as a follower of Christ to glorify Him.

Grace Brand is a wife, mother of two girls, and a preschool teacher. She loves to share her love of Gods word through her writing.
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What is Your True Net Worth? – Nate Stevens
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Spiritual Investment

Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. I Chronicles 29:11-14 / NIV

Net worth or self-worth? I thought.

My client’s arrogant attitude quickly proved his stance as he unfurled a printed roll of computer paper with his numerous investments listed. “With the interest I earn from this investment, I send my son to medical school. With this other one, I send my daughter to law school.” Shooting a snide glance my way, he puffed out his chest and asked, “Now, son, just how many of my assets do you need to see to approve my mortgage application?”

I’ve watched people’s expressions as we completed the net worth section of their loan applications. Sadly, some people mistakenly associate their self-worth with their net worth. Then, in a moment of economic crisis, their self-esteem and outlook plummet along with the financial markets.

As a follower of God, who fully trusts His sovereignty, I’ve learned it’s important to keep a few things in biblical perspective. First, everything belongs to God and comes from Him as He chooses – wealth, job promotions, setbacks, etc. Secondly, I really don’t “own” anything; rather, I’m a steward or caretaker of what God temporarily entrusts to me. Finally, I’ve come to realize my value isn’t based on my accumulation of earthly possessions. My true worth is found in the biblical truths that confirm I’ve been wonderfully and marvelously made by God Almighty and bought at a great price with the precious blood of Jesus.

The next time you’re feeling arrogant about your wealth or have a case of the “financial market blues,” remind yourself you are one of God’s invaluable creations. He made you specifically for His divine purpose, then He died for you so you could establish and enjoy an intimate relationship with Him . . . both of which make your true net worth immeasurable.

Go ahead – celebrate your incredible value today with a prayer of thanksgiving to Him from whom all your blessings flow.

As a missionary kid who grew up in a Christian home and church, Nate Stevens has enjoyed a thirty-year banking career in a variety of leadership roles. Recently, God made it clear Nate should use his writing talents for God’s kingdom. He has written online devotionals for his home church (Calvary Church in Charlotte, NC) for the past two years. His first book, Matched 4 Marriage – Meant 4 Life, was recently published and released (www.natestevens.net). God is opening doors for speaking engagements at conferences, seminars, churches services, etc., for singles, young adults, young marrieds, and youth. Nate received his MBA from Liberty University. He currently lives near Charlotte, North Carolina and is an active dad with his two awesome kids, Melissa and Mitchell.
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Just Surrender – Gay Ingram
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Cast all your anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

She was at her wits’ end. Despite Helen’s best effort and long work hours, she couldn’t keep up with her workload. The quality of service her clients depended on was fading. She’d run Uptown Business Services for years and Helen worked hard to meet the bookkeeping needs of every client. But for the last couple of years it seemed the harder she tried, the behind-er she got. Her faculties had slowed, dragging her further from her goal of good service. Financially, she couldn’t afford to retire. The minimal income from her few clients made the difference in keeping afloat or sinking. Daily she sought God’s help to accomplish that day’s work.

Helen knew her old home was too big, too much for her to manage, but selling it and buying a new place—even renting an apartment, would be impossible without her bookkeeping income. She found herself caught between a rock and a hard place. Still, Helen’s faith remained strong in a God who was a Deliverer. So she struggled, trying to manage paycheck to paycheck.

I’ve found myself in the same predicament—immersed in a problem too big to see around, yet all the while holding to the hope that God would show me how to correct it. We pray to God, asking for direction. “How do I fix this, God?”

Surrender to me, He whispers.

Surrender is a hard concept for humans to accept. Pride comes in so many different disguises. It’s difficult to let go of control. I’ve been known to have the attitude of, “It’s my problem, surely God will work through me to solve it.” But that wasn’t what God asked me to do. He asked me to surrender.

God doesn’t always provide an immediate remedy. Sometimes he makes me wait so I become dependent on Him. As His servant, all I need do is listen for His voice and say, “Yes, Lord, I surrender to You.” Letting go and letting God is hard but rewarding.

Stop asking for a way to fix things and surrender it to God. Cast your cares on Him. He will provide.

Gay Ingram writes from her home in the piney woods of East Texas.
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Hilarious Giving – Faith Zao
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Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

Have you ever watched a small child give an offering?

One Sunday, I observed a dark-haired angel placing her money in the plate. Her heart overflowed as she anticipated every movement of the ushers. Leaning from side to side, she peeked through taller heads to make sure they didn’t miss her. When they stopped at her row, this child leapt to her feet and cheerfully made an offering to God. Her exuberance compelled me to ask, “Is God satisfied with my heart of giving?”

The Greek word for cheerful is hilaros; the English equivalent is hilarious. Have you ever laughed when writing your check? If not, you can develop a hilarious heart by focusing on how and why you give. These “cheer steps” may help you.

Contribute from the heart. In his poem, The Vision of Sir Launfal, James Russell Lowell wrote, “He gives nothing but worthless gold who gives from a sense of duty.” Examine your heart. Is your offering worthless gold? Is it presented with a reluctant heart?

Help minister to others. Offerings provide the means for ministry. Without funds, the impact for Christ is minimal. With them, organizations help those in need physically and spiritually.

Ensure the future. The children running through the hallways of your church are the upcoming teachers, pastors, and worship leaders. Giving today guarantees the existence of the church throughout their lifetimes.

Espouse missions. Jesus commanded us to be witnesses to all the earth. We do this by sending missionaries. Reflect on how many people they reach because of your offering.

Receive blessings. Malachi tells about how God promises if we bring Him our whole tithe, He will pour out blessings on us. He even tells us to test Him in our giving. Why would God give this directive when His instructions to Moses included “Do not test the Lord your God?” Could it be that He longs to bless us so much that He allows this forbidden privilege?

I challenge you today, if you find cheer dwindling, watch the children and learn from them. We can do all things through Him who gives us strength, and that includes giving with a hilarious heart.

Faith Zao is a freelance writer who shares a home in Alabama with her husband and a temperamental feline. Having faced many hardships in life, she views her struggles as opportunities to minister, especially in the areas of infertility, death, divorce, and remarriage. As a Christian writer and speaker, she uses her experiences to offer hope and effect change in the lives of her audience. Faith has received non-fiction awards from the Southern Christian Writer’s Conference, and she is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Sonshine Writers based in Hueytown, Alabama.
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No Worries – Barbara Durnil
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So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NASB

When did this bed get so hard? My mind flipped from one idea to another, refusing to bow to the hour of night. My body succumbed to the frenzy of my mind and I threw the covers aside. I left the chamber of distress and headed for the office where I could think in the light.

I needed a plan…money was short. The dark bedroom created alarming scenes of unemployment, debt, sacrifice, homelessness, and hunger. I needed to anticipate all these things and to prepare. The soft light of the lamp spilled onto the fringes of the desk, and brushed the picture of my granddaughter. What if I lose the house and must relocate?

The antique gold ring, the Courbette English saddle, and Wilson K-28 golf clubs became objects of income. I saw myself mending clothes past their prime and planting a garden. The newspaper lay open on the desk to the employment ads and taunted me with empty possibilities. Eventually, my rescue efforts consumed me. The future in front of me turned black.

Morning came and with the light came revelation. In trying to visualize every possibility in the future, I lost the moment. Darkness does that; it blinds the vision of the now and harbors shadows of the maybe. Satan’s darkness does that too. When I look away from the Son I lose sight of God orchestrating the present. I was organizing my future without knowledge of its contents. There were steps to take that were time appropriate, and God’s grace was given to me for that day.

Jumping ahead of God’s plan put Him out of my sight. If I am already into tomorrow’s worries, then I am ahead of God. That places His light behind me, and casts my own shadow in front of me, creating darkness.

Walking in tomorrow’s sunlight is impossible; the light of the Son also is for today. Trust He will rise again tomorrow.

Barbara Durnil is a retired medical worker and freelance writer. As a born again Christian, she has loved and followed God for thirty-three years, teaching and holding leadership positions in the Christian Community. Listening to God and writing His voice are her joys and passions.
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The Perfect Teacher – Nivine Richie
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When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. – John 6:5-6 NIV

“How should an investor evaluate the performance of a bond investment portfolio?” As a finance professor at a regional state university, I don’t ask questions because I need answers. I ask because I want my students to think: to wrestle with tough problems and discover answers on their own.

Jesus often used questions to teach his disciples. In John, Jesus asked Philip where to find bread for the crowd—not because Jesus needed to know, but because Philip needed to know that all provision comes from Christ.

Many situations in our lives present us with difficult questions, and we find Jesus teaching us just as He taught His disciples. We face questions like: “Where will I find the time to take this meal to a sick neighbor?” or “How will we ever pay such a large medical bill?” Sometimes the questions are small and other times they’re overwhelming.

We learn that even when questions seem impossible to answer, Jesus already knows the solution.

When you face a crisis or a crossroad in your life where you wonder, “Why is this happening to me?” — trust Him to know the answer, even if He hasn’t shared it with you yet. Ask Him to help you trust Him in spite of the circumstances around you. He holds the future in His hand.

Though circumstances look cloudy, God sees clearly.

Nivine Richie is a women’s Bible study teacher in Wilmington, NC where she and her husband Pat enjoy raising their two high-school age kids. She writes and teaches to encourage women of all ages. She is the co-author of Growing through the Storms of Life: A Woman’s Perspective, with E. Truman Herring. Nivine is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
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Griping or Singing? – Jana Dean
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About Midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

Rained out for our third gig in a row. It’s hard to shine God’s love into the dark places of the world when you keep getting rained out. And that’s not all. My car won’t sell. And it’s a cream puff Mini Cooper with low miles. My house won’t sell either — great house with location, location, location, but nary a nibble. I keep thinking my life will improve when the car sells, the house sells, or at least the band gets to play past the first half of the first set.

Then I read that pesky Bible of mine and find the story of Paul and Silas singing … in jail. Which, by the way, was after a dreadful public flogging. Justice (or the lack thereof) could be swift and deadly in those days. Beaten, sore, chained up in a miserable place, they defied desperation and sang. Maybe they were singing the blues. For all Paul and Silas knew, they were done. Toast.

I like to think they were singing God’s love and light into that dark and dangerous place. The storyteller says, “All the prisoners listened.” Miracle enough right there. But, there’s more — we read in Acts an earthquake shook the jail and loosed their chains. God freed them to move to their next place of ministry.

Maybe it’s time to start singing (and I don’t mean the blues). I don’t know the end of my story and I’m not sure how an earthquake might help me sell my house or car, but Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us. Good word that… “never.”

Life will improve when the car sells and the house sells. And they will sell some day—but by then something else will have crept up onto the “wish-this-would-happen-soon list.”

Between now and someday, on the road from here to there, what warrants our attention? God freeing us to move on. He tunes in to our families and co-workers who need help. Look for God from moment to moment. Griping or singing?

Jana Dean is a globe-trotting missionary kid who resides in Kentucky. She supports her writing habit as a corporate communicator and sales trainer. She also teaches youth Sunday School, and performs as keyboardist and vocalist with Aaron Austin and the Bootleg Preachers, as well as women’s trio, Rahab’s Rope. About a month after this writing, she sold the Mini Cooper… and there was much rejoicing.

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