Thoughts on Finance

Friday, May 03, 2002

Every Penny Counts

"Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." (John 6:12)

If the Bible's eschatology is correction, we're heading for some hard times.

"Money is a needed treasure. Do not lavish it upon those who need it not. Someone needs your willing gifts. There are those in the world who are hungry, starving. One may say, I cannot feed them all. But by practicing Christi's lessons of economy, you can feed one. 'Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.' These words were spoken by Him whose power wrought a miracle to supply the needs of a hungry multitude." Counsels on Stewardship, 37.

Tuesday, May 2, 2002

Blessed to Give

"But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth." (Deut. 8:18).

"Many despise economy, confounding it with stinginess and narrowness. But economy is consistent with the broadest liberality. Indeed, without economy there can be no true liberality. We are to save that we may give." Messages to Young People, p. 320.

It was the Lord's plan that we should have much. It was by this means that He purposed to have us bless others. He said, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me…when saw we thee an hungred…thirsty…naked… sick, in prison…. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:35-40).

Be a blessing for the Lord. Get to give!

Wednesday, April 24, 2002

The Use of Money

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Tim. 6:17-19)

Money is a trust from God. It is not ours to expend for the gratification of pride or ambition. In the hands of God's children it is food for the hungry, and clothing for the naked. It is a defense to the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, a means of preaching the gospel to the poor. You could bring happiness to many hearts by using wisely the means that is now spent for show. Consider the life of Christ. Study His character, and be partakers with Him in His self-denial." Ministry of Healing, 287.

Will you do His will?

Monday, April 22, 2002

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Tim. 6:10)

The Bible condemns no man for being rich, if he has acquired his riches honestly. Not money, but the love of money, is the root of all evil. It is God who gives men power to get wealth; and in the hands of him who acts as God's steward, using his means unselfishly, wealth is a blessing, both to its possessor and to the world. But many, absorbed in their interest in worldly treasures, become insensible to the claims of God and the needs of their fellow men. They regard their wealth as a means of glorifying themselves. They add house to house, and land to land; they fill their homes with luxuries, while all about them are human beings in misery and crime, in disease and death. Those who thus give their lives to self-serving are developing in themselves, not the attributes of God, but the attributes of the wicked one. Ministry of Healing, 212, 213

Money then, has great value,

because of all the good it can do!

Monday, April 15, 2002

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (3 John 2)

Originally, in the Greek, the word prosper means "to have a prosperous journey." Used in a general sense, it means, "to be successful," "to prosper." The Lord is mindful of our temporal needs. He wants us to succeed in our temporal as well as our spiritual affairs. God told the children of Israel, "I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you," (Lev. 26:9). With that, a good Christian should be a good executive, or worker, since, in addition to natural ability he also enjoys the blessing of God in his daily affairs.

However, should we as Christian chase the things of this world? Should we be seeking the same type of earthly blessings as those who do not know God? Over the next series of studies we will be looking at what God's prosperity is all about. Until then take our survey and tell us what you think.

Walk with the Lord and bring prosperity to someone today.

Maranatha - The Lord Is Coming!