Search out, listen to and follow wise godly counsel:
Talk radio and TV news shows really “bug” me because they can be so deceptive. We are willing to take advice from KABC talk radio or CNN and make life changing decisions about our finances but we do not listen to God.
In the Book of Psalms we read: “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11)
Solomon has more insight in the Book of Proverbs:
Proverbs 1:5 – “…let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…” Proverbs 11:14 – “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.” Proverbs 12:15b – “…a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 15:12 – “A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise.” Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
If we want to cooperate with the Lord and His plan we need to listen to godly advice, but where do we find it? One place is from the video seminars available on the “Life Navigation” ministry web site (http://sites.google.com/site/lifenavigationinturbulenttimes/). Another is from someone trained by Christian organizations such as Glass House Ministry (http://www.glasshouseministry.org/) or Crown Financial Ministries (http://www.crown.org/)
The key to success in all areas of life (including money management) is having a correct set of priorities. That means putting God first in every area of our lives. Many of us have tried in our own strength to set up and maintain a budget but we have failed. One reason for that is that we are sinners and by nature we are not able to do “the right thing.” We keep sinking lower and lower.
How do we change this downward spiral? By establishing a personal relationship with our creator God and giving our lives over to Him. CLICK HERE to find out more.
If you live in Southern California visit Cypress Church at 6143 Ball Road near Valley View. Sunday Services are at 8:45 am and 10:30 am.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #17 - Choose Your Friends Wisely
Choose your friends wisely:
Have you ever noticed how much we humans tend to reflect the manners, speech and dress of those around us? If you are not certain you agree with this idea, just spend a few moments watching Junior High or High School kids on their way to and from school. You will see small groups of two, three, four or several students that have very similar clothing. If you listen to them speaking they will be talking about similar subjects and using similar slang expressions. God's word tells us: "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20)
If we want to develop good habits we need to be cautious who we become friends with. Psalms 1 gives us excellent advice: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." (Psalms 1:1) Solomon agrees and tells us: "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men." (Proverbs 4:14) In our age of internet and TV this advice applies to choosing our “virtual” friends as well.
If we are tempted to stray from God's directives we need to stand firm in the truth. Country Western singer (and esteemed Bible commentator?) Aaron Tippin cautions us that "...you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything..." The Bible states: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them." (Proverbs 1:10)
In the New Testament the Apostle Paul advises us: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.' (1 Cor. 15:33)
Here are a few more Bible references on this topic: Proverbs 4:19 - "…the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." Proverbs 5:3-4 - "…the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword." Proverbs 22:24 - "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered." Proverbs 23:20-21 - "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 24:1 - Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company."
So if we are not supposed to keep company with "wicked men" who should we "hang out" with? Solomon tells us in Proverbs 18:24: "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Who is that friend? Many Bible commentators see this as a reference to Jesus Christ. Is Jesus your friend? Would you like to know more about starting a personal relationship with Jesus? If so CLICK HERE. For video seminars on the economy and job search topics visit the Life Navigation web site.
Have you ever noticed how much we humans tend to reflect the manners, speech and dress of those around us? If you are not certain you agree with this idea, just spend a few moments watching Junior High or High School kids on their way to and from school. You will see small groups of two, three, four or several students that have very similar clothing. If you listen to them speaking they will be talking about similar subjects and using similar slang expressions. God's word tells us: "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20)
If we want to develop good habits we need to be cautious who we become friends with. Psalms 1 gives us excellent advice: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." (Psalms 1:1) Solomon agrees and tells us: "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men." (Proverbs 4:14) In our age of internet and TV this advice applies to choosing our “virtual” friends as well.
If we are tempted to stray from God's directives we need to stand firm in the truth. Country Western singer (and esteemed Bible commentator?) Aaron Tippin cautions us that "...you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything..." The Bible states: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them." (Proverbs 1:10)
In the New Testament the Apostle Paul advises us: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.' (1 Cor. 15:33)
Here are a few more Bible references on this topic: Proverbs 4:19 - "…the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." Proverbs 5:3-4 - "…the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword." Proverbs 22:24 - "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered." Proverbs 23:20-21 - "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." Proverbs 24:1 - Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company."
So if we are not supposed to keep company with "wicked men" who should we "hang out" with? Solomon tells us in Proverbs 18:24: "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Who is that friend? Many Bible commentators see this as a reference to Jesus Christ. Is Jesus your friend? Would you like to know more about starting a personal relationship with Jesus? If so CLICK HERE. For video seminars on the economy and job search topics visit the Life Navigation web site.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #16 - Be Generous To Those In Need
Be generous to the poor, needy and disadvantaged:
God's Word is very clear in stating that we should be generous and kind to those who are disadvantaged. There are many verses on this subject:
Proverbs 3:28 - "Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you." Proverbs 11:24-25 - "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
God loves each one of us and takes our needs very personally. If we turn our back on the needy we are, in effect, turning our back on God.
Proverbs 14:31 - "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Psalm 41:1 - "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble." Psalm 37:21b - "…the righteous give generously."
We should include systematic giving for the assistance of the needy in our financial planning. Lev. 23:22 - "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God."
Paul described his own actions in the area of generosity when he spoke to the elders from Ephesus. "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts. 20:35)
This may be a hard concept to accept but in God's economy we are not expected to do His will in our own strength. We will desire to be generous based on our relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you have a relationship with the Lord? Click Here to discover "The Life Changing Message Of Jesus."
God's Word is very clear in stating that we should be generous and kind to those who are disadvantaged. There are many verses on this subject:
Proverbs 3:28 - "Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you." Proverbs 11:24-25 - "One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
God loves each one of us and takes our needs very personally. If we turn our back on the needy we are, in effect, turning our back on God.
Proverbs 14:31 - "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Psalm 41:1 - "Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble." Psalm 37:21b - "…the righteous give generously."
We should include systematic giving for the assistance of the needy in our financial planning. Lev. 23:22 - "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God."
Paul described his own actions in the area of generosity when he spoke to the elders from Ephesus. "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts. 20:35)
This may be a hard concept to accept but in God's economy we are not expected to do His will in our own strength. We will desire to be generous based on our relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you have a relationship with the Lord? Click Here to discover "The Life Changing Message Of Jesus."
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #15 - Do not love money
Do not love money, trust money or focus on getting more money:
The world tells us that we need to strive to get ahead, make money and be successful in business. "Go for the gusto" is the mantra of secular society. We are focused on getting ahead and planning for the future instead of being focused on Jesus.
God's word tells us in Proverbs 11:28 -"Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." The Apostle Paul told Timothy: "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 Tim. 6:10) So according to Paul if we focus on finding our fortune it could damage our most important relationship.
Many people get so focused on making money that they literally work themselves to death. Some have spent a lifetime planning for retirement and gone to the grave before they left their job or shortly thereafter.
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 23:4: "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." So stop working through your vacation time and find a ministry project where you can be a part of building up the Kingdom of God. Then you will be storing up treasure in heaven.
Paul gave very strong instructions to Timothy: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Put God first in everything and if you have not begun a relationship with the Lord CLICK HERE to discover how to take this important step.
The world tells us that we need to strive to get ahead, make money and be successful in business. "Go for the gusto" is the mantra of secular society. We are focused on getting ahead and planning for the future instead of being focused on Jesus.
God's word tells us in Proverbs 11:28 -"Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." The Apostle Paul told Timothy: "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 Tim. 6:10) So according to Paul if we focus on finding our fortune it could damage our most important relationship.
Many people get so focused on making money that they literally work themselves to death. Some have spent a lifetime planning for retirement and gone to the grave before they left their job or shortly thereafter.
Solomon tells us in Proverbs 23:4: "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint." So stop working through your vacation time and find a ministry project where you can be a part of building up the Kingdom of God. Then you will be storing up treasure in heaven.
Paul gave very strong instructions to Timothy: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."
Put God first in everything and if you have not begun a relationship with the Lord CLICK HERE to discover how to take this important step.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #14 - Be Patient and Wait On God
Be patient – God does things in His timing – Do not act hastily:
In our culture of "instant gratification" we may be tempted in interact with God as if He was a "Designer Diety." We pray as if to "our butler in Heaven." But this approach does not work in God's economy. Let's see what God's Word has to say.
Prov. 13:3b – "…he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Proverbs 19:11 - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."
David was a great example of patience. He was annointed as the new king of Israel as a teenager but did not actually gain the throne for more than a decade. Psalm 37:7 tells us - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Solomon got impatient and decided to try every possible road "under the sun" to find happiness and satisfaction. Here is some of his inspired, sage advice from Eccl.7:8 - "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."
Proverbs 14:15 - "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Proverbs 21:5 - "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." So we need to give thought to our steps, not rush into financial decisions and if we are diligent we are apt to be lead to profit but if we are hasty we are very likely heading towards poverty.
Paul includes patience as part of the fruit of the spirit - the evidences of true conversion: Gal. 5:22 - "…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" When we exhibit patience it is one of the outward signs that our heart has been changed through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
How about you? Are you a patient person? Do you wait on God's timing? Do you have a personal relationship with God? CLICK HERE to discover more.
In our culture of "instant gratification" we may be tempted in interact with God as if He was a "Designer Diety." We pray as if to "our butler in Heaven." But this approach does not work in God's economy. Let's see what God's Word has to say.
Prov. 13:3b – "…he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Proverbs 19:11 - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."
David was a great example of patience. He was annointed as the new king of Israel as a teenager but did not actually gain the throne for more than a decade. Psalm 37:7 tells us - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
Solomon got impatient and decided to try every possible road "under the sun" to find happiness and satisfaction. Here is some of his inspired, sage advice from Eccl.7:8 - "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride."
Proverbs 14:15 - "A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Proverbs 21:5 - "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." So we need to give thought to our steps, not rush into financial decisions and if we are diligent we are apt to be lead to profit but if we are hasty we are very likely heading towards poverty.
Paul includes patience as part of the fruit of the spirit - the evidences of true conversion: Gal. 5:22 - "…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…" When we exhibit patience it is one of the outward signs that our heart has been changed through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
How about you? Are you a patient person? Do you wait on God's timing? Do you have a personal relationship with God? CLICK HERE to discover more.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #13 - Don't Worry - Be Content
Be content with what you have – Do not worry:
God’s Word is chock full of admonitions about being content ... Prov. 15:16 - "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil." Eccl. 5:19 - "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God." Heb. 13:5 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Phil. 4:11b - Paul tells us: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Jesus was clear in His teachings that we should not worry. Luke 12:22-23 - "Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.'" Luke 12:29 - "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it."
Most of the things we worry about never happen anyway. We need to start our day with prayer and continue to talk to God throughout our day. As God leads us we must take responsible action to follow His directions. He will meet our needs.
Paul provides us with some great counsel: 1 Timothy 6:6 - "…godliness with contentment is great gain." Phil. 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Our biggest problem with this concept is that we fail to separate “needs” from “wants.” We continue to try and do things our way instead of trusting God and His plan.
God has a plan and purpose for your life. CLICK HERE to find out more.
God’s Word is chock full of admonitions about being content ... Prov. 15:16 - "Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil." Eccl. 5:19 - "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God." Heb. 13:5 - "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Phil. 4:11b - Paul tells us: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Jesus was clear in His teachings that we should not worry. Luke 12:22-23 - "Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.'" Luke 12:29 - "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it."
Most of the things we worry about never happen anyway. We need to start our day with prayer and continue to talk to God throughout our day. As God leads us we must take responsible action to follow His directions. He will meet our needs.
Paul provides us with some great counsel: 1 Timothy 6:6 - "…godliness with contentment is great gain." Phil. 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Our biggest problem with this concept is that we fail to separate “needs” from “wants.” We continue to try and do things our way instead of trusting God and His plan.
God has a plan and purpose for your life. CLICK HERE to find out more.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Biblical Financial Principle #12 - Do not be envious or greedy
Do not be envious or greedy:
Many years ago I read an article in the Readers' Digest that made a lasting impression on me. I believe the title was "Keeping Up With The Jones." The writer's main point was that we really do not know how others are spending their resources.
One family might be putting 4 kids through college. Another might have a motorhome and their friends might take a trip to Europe each year. Someone else might have a Harley and their next door neighbor might spend a good deal of money on insurance policies.
There is no way we can even begin to keep up with everything that everyone we know is doing so don't even bother to try. Be content with what God has given you and be a good steward of what you have. Here are a few Scripture verses that bear on this topic:
Proverbs 14:30 - "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Proverbs 23:17 - ":Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord."
Job 5:2 - "Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple."
Luke 12:15 - "Then he (Jesus) said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"
As Christians our inheritance is the Lord and we have been blessed with access to all of His many resources. We need to keep Him at the very top of our priority list. If you would like to discover how to begin a relationship with God - CLICK HERE. For information and video seminars on the economy, resume writing and job interview tips visit: Life Navigation In Turnbulent Times
Many years ago I read an article in the Readers' Digest that made a lasting impression on me. I believe the title was "Keeping Up With The Jones." The writer's main point was that we really do not know how others are spending their resources.
One family might be putting 4 kids through college. Another might have a motorhome and their friends might take a trip to Europe each year. Someone else might have a Harley and their next door neighbor might spend a good deal of money on insurance policies.
There is no way we can even begin to keep up with everything that everyone we know is doing so don't even bother to try. Be content with what God has given you and be a good steward of what you have. Here are a few Scripture verses that bear on this topic:
Proverbs 14:30 - "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Proverbs 23:17 - ":Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord."
Job 5:2 - "Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple."
Luke 12:15 - "Then he (Jesus) said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.'"
As Christians our inheritance is the Lord and we have been blessed with access to all of His many resources. We need to keep Him at the very top of our priority list. If you would like to discover how to begin a relationship with God - CLICK HERE. For information and video seminars on the economy, resume writing and job interview tips visit: Life Navigation In Turnbulent Times
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About Me
- Bob Koehler
- Cypress, CA, United States
- I am a U.S Navy Veteran, a Bible student and I work in the maritime industry. I attempt to represent Jesus Christ accurately on this site. My blogs are not the "official" position of any church or ministry.