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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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Meaningful Gifts – Nate Stevens
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On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 NIV

What makes a gift meaningful? The effort or thought put into it? The gift’s significance or cost? Do you give meaningful gifts or do you make the last-minute mad dash and buy gifts regardless of the significance or cost? Regardless of your efforts, there’s no way to know if the recipient will even appreciate your gift. There there’s the struggle with what gift to buy the person who seemingly has everything.

Oh, the frustration we endure and the anxiety we experience during the Christmas season. The tradition of exchanging gifts has become so stressful and meaningless it distorts our vision of the real reason we celebrate Christmas. If we were completely honest, we might embarrassingly confess our gift-giving expense rivals our gifts to God.

The wise men endured a long journey and went to great expense to present their gifts to Jesus. The great distance they traveled confirms their effort. The meaning behind each gift reveals their significance – gold fit for a king, frankincense symbolizing a sacrifice, and myrrh signifying the preparation for burial. However, these gifts were not meaningful simply because of the effort, thought, significance, or cost. Rather, we find their true value in how the wise men gave their gifts to the “Word made flesh.” Before presenting their gifts, they first gave of themselves by humbly bowing and worshiping Him.

I recall a preacher once saying that the true measure of people could be found in their checkbooks. The underlying reference was to where your treasure is, there your heart (and checkbook) will be also. Using any financial computer application, it’s easy to run annual totals and calculate percentages on where we spend our money. I recommend this as a year-end activity – it may reveal your priorities, goals, and true treasure of your heart.

Beyond the monetary value, all the gifts in the world pale in comparison to the gift of yourself. Giving quality time, effort, and support to others is quite commendable. However, superseding that is the giving of yourself wholly to God. As you consider your gifts this year, make sure Jesus is on your Christmas list. Then give Him the most meaningful and valuable gift you can – you.

As a “missionary kid” who grew up in a Christian home and church, Nate Stevens has enjoyed a 30-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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Mind over Money – Nate Stevens
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Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV

“Mind over matter.” It refers to the belief (or assumption) that the mind is stronger than the body. This mental phenomenon leads people to perform such unbelievable activities as polar swimming, bungee jumping, skydiving, walking on fiery coals, and other feats the human body naturally hesitates to perform. Yet, when we focus our minds into believing we can do something, we then persuade our bodies into action.

Similar to this phenomenon is a new concept of “Mind over money.” It is the Biblical mindset of generously giving back to God – and overcoming our natural human hesitance or resistance to fully accept and practice it.

During an extended furlough from the mission field, we relocated to a farm in northwest Washington State. One important concept learned from farming is the lesson of sowing and reaping. If I am tight-fisted with the seed, my harvest will be small. If I generously scatter the seed, my harvest will be abundant. The first premise of “mind over money” is that God wants me to give Him a portion of what He has entrusted to me.

Secondly, and more importantly, God wants me to want to give to Him. God loves a cheerful giver – as opposed to someone giving out of reluctance or obligation. In today’s verses, “cheerful” is derived from the Greek word hilaros. What English word immediately springs to mind? Hilarious! God loves it when we hilariously and willingly give back to Him.

If my kids gave me a gift out of an attitude of resigned obligation, it wouldn’t be very meaningful. However, when they eagerly present their gift with excited grins on their faces, that makes all the difference in the world. As our heavenly Father, God desires this same level of excited giving from us. The awesome news is we can’t out give God. He says, Give, and it will be given to you. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

As you give, change your mindset. Give willingly, with a grin and a cheerful heart. Mind over money – give generously and hilariously.

As a “missionary kid” who grew up in a Christian home and church, Nate Stevens has enjoyed a 30-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.
Read Nate’s devotions.

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Rubber Check – Nate Stevens
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I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. Psalm 37:25 NIV

My checkbook had racing stripes on it. The smell of burning tires seemed to fill the air as the funds raced out of my account.

I was unemployed and wondered how I’d meet all the financial demands and monthly bills. It’s interesting how the bills don’t take a hiatus when the income stream dries up. Even the pantry and refrigerator were shivering in their bareness.

As a career banker, numbers are logical and money is a reliable commodity. However, as a missionary kid, I also understood that, behind the scenes, God sovereignly works in all things. Or at least I thought I understood, but understanding in theory is quite different from facing the reality.

When I was a high school junior in 1980, I recall catching a quick glimpse of my parents’ tax return for that specific year. At the time, Adjusted Gross Income didn’t mean much to me. The amount of approximately $24,000 didn’t quite seem like enough. Especially to raise five children. But I never heard my father complain about their missionary support level – we always seemed to have what we needed. Although, I do recall him faithfully and frequently claiming Psalm 37 and others like it.

When faced with my own financial dilemma, it was my turn to exercise my faith in God. Did I truly believe He would “meet my needs?” Really? If so, then why the fearful doubt and anxiety about utilities being cut off, plummeting credit scores, and collectors calling? With God running the affairs of the world, why should He care about my electric bill?

As I prayed, read God’s Word, and stretched my faith, a spiritual truth sprang afresh to my mind. God is more concerned with my heart than my situation. He wants to fill my relational need for Him rather than just meet my immediate monetary need. I needed to lift my eyes from the frantic financial picture and firmly gaze on the shimmering dawn of my intimate reliance on God.

It may be just an interesting coincidence, but shortly after my “providential encounter,” I received a job offer seemingly customized for my specific skill set. God has not forsaken me – or my well-worn checkbook. He won’t forsake you either. Trust in Him and He will meet your needs.

As a missionary kid who grew up in a Christian home and church, Nate Stevens has enjoyed a 30-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, church 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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Deck Time in the Storm – Nate Stevens
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Oft’ times amidst life’s seasons, we face uncertainty;
Trials come from our own making – or strike unexpectedly.
In those times when God seems distant and we’re tempted to despair,
Contemplate the reason being – Did He place or bid me there?

Though prone to seek the comfort of a life of endless ease,
Providential interference comes to drive me to my knees.
Whether desert, cave, or anvil – even herculean storm
God is “working things together” my life’s purpose to transform.

When my desert wanderings lengthen; barren vastness dries my soul.
Scorching heat and sand’s erosion blast their overwhelming toll.
Could it be that God is working – all what’s worthless to consume?
Is my desert meant to punish or prepare for future bloom?

A cave’s shelter beckons to me; cool relief from parching heat.
Clammy dampness; deep, dark shadows; hiding out in stark retreat.
Yet, is this His best plan for me – far removed from battle call?
Or am I simply still resisting, failing to surrender all?

When He calls me to His anvil, clanging, shaping blows to bear,
Am I tempered to His likeness or resistant of His care?
Is my hand upon His hammer as a shield against what’s marred?
Will I trust His hands of mercy to restore a life’s that’s scarred?

As the storms of life confront me, crashing waves my craft befall;
Impulse calls for tireless rowing, bailing, flound’ring in the squall.
Fearful thoughts of preservation; seeking comfort from the gale;
Doubting questions hurled skyward, “Carest Thou not the storms prevail?”

“Will You leave me unattended; life endangered, looming wreck?”
Howling winds the sails assaulting; wind-swept spray across my deck.
Then I hear Him speaking to me, “This storm’s mine – child, have no fear.
The storm’s intent is not to frighten but to cause you to draw near.”

Will I listen in the desert for His voice from bush aflame?
Will I shun the cave’s seclusion, urged outside by whispered name?
Will I stretch across the anvil trusting Him my life to form?
Will I rest on deck with Jesus, eyes on Him, not on the storm?

As a “missionary kid” who grew up in a Christian home and church, Nate Stevens has enjoyed a 30-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.
Read Nate’s devotions

Receive a daily devotion on your Kindle!