Money is to be regarded as a gift from God to be used to the glory of the giver, God.  We worship the giver and not the gift. We cannot therefore spend as we wish even if we can afford it knowing that we will give an account someday to the giver, God.

We are only stewards of all that has been entrusted in our care.  There are some principles worth recalling as we begin the year, even as we are blessed with funds.

I Corinthians 4[7]  For who maketh thee to differ from another ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it , why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it ?

James 1 [17]  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

1.God should be the ultimate beneficiary of how we spend money.  Money is thus another tool to be used to please God.  We must be thankful of the opportunity to steward even the smallest portions as for large sums, with the understanding that it may indeed be as difficult or even more tough to be found faithful when we are in possession of great wealth.

2.Do not allow money to master you by seeking for it at all costs.  This leads to devilish clamouring for opportunities and intrigues disguised as business savvy.  This love of money has led to murders of born and unborn, robbery, fraud or the more civilised sins of envy, subtle misrepresentation and exaggeration.

3.Do not be a borrower at all if you can help it, nor be a lender.  What you cannot afford to give, do not give as a loan so as not to create a chain of bitterness instead of love. If you must borrow, be very certain that the means of redemption is already within your reach…never borrow for lifestyle expenses.  Live as simply as the means God has made available to you dictates.

4.Enjoy simple living and resolve to be contented, never envying another for what they have or making comparisons.  God may have very good reasons for permitting certain persons to have a higher standard of wealth and living to accomplish their specific mission.  Do not imagine that the wealthy have an easier kingdom assignment.  To steward great wealth can be a very difficult examination requiring a greater reservoir of self control and patience than most have been prepared for.  Having more money than we can steward for God turns wealth to a destroyer.  Many families have generations gripped in various bondages …drugs, alcoholism, perversions, depression and early deaths  etc. mainly because of lack of disciplines that are needed to match great fortunes. Do not pray for wealth you cannot steward for God.

5.Impulsive buying and accumulation of non-essential gadgets will grieve the Giver who needs you as a conduit to direct funds to a need crying for provision.  The prayer of the one with excess funds should be for God to reveal the needs the extra funds are meant to meet.

6.God is not against luxury, entertainment and leisure, but how does this glorify God if this consumes most of the money of a Christian?  Visitors should be properly entertained and our homes should be comfortable and open to show a warm hospitality always. Partying and many celebrations are simply opportunities to show off and eat gluttonously and cannot glorify God. Certain forms of leisure such as viewing some films and some “innocent”  games and music genres can expose us to youthful lusts we have been admonished to flee from.  We are cautioned to be watchful.

7.The Christian keeps good records of money spent and budgets wisely.  The Bible is a book of records, numbers and specifications suggesting that God is exact and cares about the fine  details and so should we. Living carelessly expecting a miracle when we run out of cash is like testing God by jumping down a cliff.

8.Enjoy being a generous giver, giving without grumbling to several worthy causes also remembering to thank God always for the privilege of giving.  Investing more in people’s lives and the work of God than in shares or investments can be more satisfying and pleasing to God.

My favourite Bible verses as it relates to God and Money are from Philippians;

Philippians 4[12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Remain Blessed.

Adapted from Christian Conduct by Kayode Adesogan and Wealth Out of Ashes by the Blog Author, Bode Ososami.

The Bible presents two broad ways and dispensations when speaking of prospering and the principles of enterprise.  Both ways involve diligence particularly in sowing seed which refers to applying an input.  The input could be our business ideas, our career efforts, and our investments in skill development, sacrificial giving or even financial investments of our surplus.    These two ways are different but we often can confuse one for the other or be found in a mix, not really having left one approach fully while seeking to enter the other.

Egypt, in the Bible, was a luxurious and wealthy empire but for the children of Israel it represented the place of their captivity and bondage where they were enslaved to deliver target productions of bricks.  It represents a dispensation of wealth which enslaves the child of God to mammon – a wicked and crafty hard task master.  Egypt can appear welcoming, rewarding and fair – but has a natural disposition to kill, steal and destroy when the opportunity presents itself.  Canaan is the land of promise, flowing with milk and honey, but occupied by hostile tribes occupying cities with mighty walls, representing strongholds of thought – which must be pulled down.

Between Egypt and Canaan is the wilderness experience, a place where the Israelites grumbled and murmured – never understanding the ways of their God, but often seeing His acts of deliverance and miracles of provision.  In the wilderness, the Israelites though not in Egypt still think like Egypt but on a journey out of Egypt to the place of promise.  Only few of those who left Egypt enter the Promised Land, but a new generation of Israelites enter and become the citizens of the Land of milk and honey – the land of rest.

When we consider wealth, we see the three environments.  Egypt, The Promised Land, Canaan and The Wilderness.   We also should know where we are.  Many Christians are still struggling in the wilderness having left Egypt.  The unsaved are in Egypt. But wealth and beauty is in Canaan.

Deuteronomy 11[8] “Therefore you shall keep every commandment which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land which you cross over to possess, [9] “and that you may prolong your days in the land which the LORD swore to give your fathers, to them and their descendants, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey.’ [10]  “For the land which you go to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, as a vegetable garden; [11]  “but the land which you cross over to possess is a land of hills and valleys, which drinks water from the rain of heaven, [12]  “a land for which the LORD your God cares; the eyes of the LORD your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year.

[13] ‘And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, [14] ‘then I will give you the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, your new wine, and your oil. [15] ‘And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled.’ [16] “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them, [17] “lest the LORD’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and the land yield no produce, and you perish quickly from the good land which the LORD is giving you.

Ezekiel 29 [3]  Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself. (KJV)

Psalms 95[8] “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial  in the wilderness, [9]  When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. [10]  For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways.’ [11]  So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’”

In  Holy Scriptures, we can locate our environment and seek salvation to enter into rest.  One can also see that the experience and expectations differ depending on where they are with God.  My prayer is that you enter the land that drinks water from the Rain of Heaven

Extracted from Wealth out of Ashes.

Having the right attitudes to money and a stewardship mindset is important for financial success.  The Bible contains a lot of wisdom related to this.  Recently it was reported in Time (Moneyland) that the Charles Schwab 2011 Teens & Money Survey (Please download survey PDF report) suggested, if only in some small way, the recession may have changed attitudes and knowledge about money management in young people who experienced recession in one way or another. Attitudes are more positive and constructive than it was prior to the Recession.

Highlights from the data, from the online survey of 1,132 American teens between ages of 16-18:

• “93% say their family was impacted by the recession
• “64% say they are more grateful now for what they have.”
• “58% say they are less likely to ask for things they want.”
• “73% say it’s important to have enough emergency savings in case times get tough.”
• “77% describe themselves as “super savers,” and only 23% say they’re “big spenders.”

Psalm 119[67]  Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

There are consequences for doing things our way, this includes entering cycles of loss and ultimately the demise of all hope as crashes produce anger and more rebellion – even while grace still cries out that there is a way back.   We can still find our path back to God, the Owner, who is ever seeking good stewards.  A few more words to reiterate on stewardship.

1.God supplies our needs and will not have us hungry.  He does not supply our carnal wants or wasteful excesses.

2.Covetousness is trying to be someone God has not gifted us to be and without the grace and abilities.  This produces bitterness and anguish of spirit and much zeal without knowledge.

3.Remember, we do not own the gifts and wealth but we can have power with God to make wealth.  God does not seek our permission to give or take that which belongs to Him.  There are direct unfortunate consequences for seeking independence from God in managing His resources rather than depending on Him.

I will have you attempt solving the following puzzle.  Three frogs were lounging on a fence facing a pond. Then suddenly there appeared a big fat insect. As the three frogs watched it strut towards the pond, one of them decided to jump down and go after it. Now, how many frogs were left on the fence?

Was your answer 2, 3, 1 or none? The correct answer is three.  There were three left. One only decided to jump but he did not. It is not enough for you to decide to be blessed you need to act.

It is our doing and obedience that saves us and not our decisions. Doing is always costly and often painful. Perhaps the lessons from this Recession will lead to more than decisions.

Count yourself blessed O stricken and afflicted.  I have encountered few who justified continued sin in their lives even with scriptures (as is common today) until mercifully struck down with financial or moral crisis and they found grace to cry and return to God for help.  It was easier to appreciate the gravity of misdeeds before God and seek repentance. Today, they have corrected many ethical situations that previously plagued their finances, marriage and life in general. Crisis (though not the preferred instructor we wish God to appoint) also teaches vital disciplines of prayer, humility and obedience that are not as well assimilated in today’s user-driven word environment.  Perhaps if we surveyed this aspect of the impact of the Recession, we may be able to establish improvements in our devotional life and like David also say…

Psalm 119 [71]  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

The Recession that did the most good was the affliction of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross at Calvary that we might be saved and receive eternal life… Surrender your life to Him.

Now you are better armed to manage the windfall soon coming your way.

(Originally published in The Christian Post)

Words are the currency of the soul. Thoughts and words are the medium of exchange. Thoughts are our spiritual revenues in the bank of the heart. When we speak we draw it out. When you give a man an audience — a right to speak with you, you issue him a cheque to draw from your inner bank . . . to drain you a bit of your inner resources.

Pro 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.
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Every opening of the mouth is an expenditure of the inner man. When you speak, you spend. A waster is simply the man that spends without thinking . . . without ensuring that his spending will enrich his life or the life of those around him.

It is inevitable to spend, but the matter is “what exactly are you spending on?” And if words are a vent to the soul, an effluence of life, the question is “what are you spending your life upon?”
He is actually a fool that opens his mouth everywhere, for everything and to everyone. Imagine a bank that opens its vault to every casual passerby.

Pro 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.
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No! Nobody opens the doors of revenues to those they have not yet ascertained. All monies are kept behind a door. Even the cashier sits behind a counting desk separated at the least by a wall of glass! Before they release their revenues to you, you must show evidence that you have a right. You are either an owner of an account or a borrower, a drawer, that must repay with interest. Don’t open your mouth at every opportunity. Not everyone that asks a question deserve an answer much less every casual man that provokes a thought is worthy of it!

Read more in living seed.org

Romans [12:1]  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Gbile Akanni speaks below on what being a living sacrifice means…

There are seven points summarised from the text – related to what the Bible describes as reasonable service.

1.It is voluntary service to God – and not compelled through zealous prodding or the compulsion that often comes from a competitive group or organisation experience. We are to present our bodies rather than be presented.  God lays His burdens on our hearts – often times through Godly leadership – and invites our voluntary surrender and submission.

2.We are to come as a “living sacrifice”.  This means we hand over the control levers completely to God.  This can be scary as God deploys not always based on our talents, preparations and expectations. But we trust Him knowing that as we obey all things work together for our good often in ways we cannot always discern.

3.Our best offer to God is our voluntary and obedient submission and not our potential, achievements or even performance.  The best utilisation of our skills and abilities is in the hands of God and not us.  A sacrifice can be used as the owner pleases – and is meant to be sacrificed on the altar.  We cannot be elated when chosen for what we perceive as a choice assignment nor discouraged if put on the shelf for a period or assigned something we consider menial. Waiting for God can be the best service we can offer in some scenarios.  Few can be trusted to do this.

4.Gains and outcomes of service do not belong to us.  The honours should be returned to God. Similarly we may often find divine work unappreciated or disdained by men.  Luke 16[15]  And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

5.Our service, by His grace, must be holy and acceptable to God and not men.  Indicators for our success are understood only in the context of divine pleasure. Time alone with God gives us a better perspective of divine realities.

6.Sin, in the child of God, breaks communion with God and distorts perspective … setting us on the path of ambition and vanity – sometimes well meaning and justifiable.  Repentance and forgiveness are critical even more so for God, in that He desires that we are connected to Him and better prepared to be used – something that sin will not permit.

7.Perhaps the greatest impediments to service to God are our best and noble intentions .  The  “living sacrifice” – may not have intentions ..albeit noble ones.  The battle with self during visioning is not easy to win. Most will struggle on this criteria as we seek to find achievement instead of divine pleasure.  These are often in conflict.

Do these points align with your vision of service for God.  All other perhaps additional considerations must have these 7 minimum requirements satisfied.

May God find our service to be reasonable and pleasing in 2011 as we reflect and plan for a glorious year.

The outlook is positive though fears of a future dip again into recession still persist and though companies are richer than in prior years – they will not be spending as generously as they used to.  The best tips for success could be as follows:

1. Know/perfect what you are good at and remain in your area of strength – find where you excel/add value to others (where you can differentiate your product offering) and have developed cost advantages and continue to compete based on a lower cost excellent value strategy … moderation will remain the king of values in 2011. Frills will not sell.
2. Stock prices are coming up … but these are yet to be proven as sustainable jumps.  Look beyond the numbers to understand why prices are coming up.  Well run companies with nimble structures that understand how to flex their costs to adjust to seasons are probably going to be winners.  Spot and stick to the winners and invest prudently.  Use simple investment plans you understand with a low-risk grow-rich-slowly vision.
3. Many still project that real estate prices will still go further down before they rebound again. If you have spare cash you will not need in the medium term…it may be a good time to get an excellent deal on Real estate but be careful and get professional help.  Do not borrow to purchase real-estate …though banks will be more generous to target good credit customers.
4. Online web-based creativity will continue to be rewarded although more charlatans will flock to this arena. Increase in expendable income will push a lot of expenditure into this space.  This is a no-brainer…web-based services are cheap and positioned for the mass-market with little barriers to entry and almost limitless reach even as infrastructure for the internet continues to improve globally.  The greatest gains in 2011 will perhaps be in this sector as a new army of internet entrepreneur warriors emerge.
5. Maintain personal prudence –i.e.  Putting off purchases, eschew debt, save more…and watch your eating and physical habits to enhance health.  Spend much less than you earn.  Consolidate new financial habits and disciplines you imbibed in 2010…such as using a financial worksheet to project and plan expenditures and track net worth movements over the short/medium term.

Following are some of my favourite finance scriptures for meditation and some balance …so please be prayerful and watchful.

Psalm 37[16]  A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

Deuterenomy 28[12]  The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

Ecclesiastes 5[12]  The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. [13]  There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely , riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.

2 Corinthians 8[20] [For] we are on our guard, intending that no one should find anything for which to blame us in regard to our administration of this large contribution. [21] For we take thought beforehand and aim to be honest and absolutely above suspicion, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men. (amp)

I found an example of such standards in the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) – 440 West Jubal Early Drive, Suite 130 • Winchester, VA 22601 with the mission to help Christ-centred organizations earn the public’s trust through developing, maintaining accountability standards and God-honouring ethical practices. I have only highly summarised the Seven ECFA Standards of responsible stewardship only to illustrate an example of vision on how faith institutions ( adapted for Churches/faith groups) can be the light and salt in handling money matters and responsibly stewarding the significant amounts contributed daily. Perhaps someday this will no more be optional.

Standard 1 – Doctrinal Statement – Churches/faith groups etc shall subscribe to a written statement of faith clearly affirming its commitment to the Christian faith and shall conduct its financial and other operations in a manner which reflects those generally accepted biblical truths and practices.

Standard 2 – Board of Directors and Financial Oversight – Churches/faith groups shall be governed by a responsible board of not less than five individuals, a majority of whom shall be independent, which shall meet at least semi-annually to establish policy and review its accomplishments. The board or a committee consisting of a majority of independent members shall review the annual financial statements and maintain direct communication between the board and the independent certified public accountants.

Standard 3 – Financial Statements – Each Church/faith group is required to submit complete and accurate financial statements.

Standard 4 – Use of Resources – Churches/faith groups shall exercise the management and financial controls necessary to provide reasonable assurance that all resources are used in conformity with applicable federal and state laws and regulations to accomplish the exempt purposes for which they are intended.

Standard 5 – Financial Disclosure – Churches/faith groups shall provide a copy of its current financial statements upon written request and provide other disclosures as the law may require. The financial statements required to comply with Standard 3 must be disclosed under this Standard. They must provide a report, on written request, including financial information, on any specific project for which it is soliciting gifts.

Standard 6 – Conflicts of Interest – Every Churches/faith group shall avoid conflicts of interest. Transactions with related parties may be undertaken only if all of the following are observed:

• a material transaction is fully disclosed in the audited financial statements of the Churches/faith group;
• the related party is excluded from the discussion and approval of such transaction;
• a competitive bid or comparable valuation exists; and the board has acted upon and demonstrated that the transaction is in the best interest of the Churches/faith group.

Standard 7 – Fundraising – Every member (Churches/faith group )shall comply with each of the ECFA Standards for fundraising:

7.1 Truthfulness in Communication: All representations of fact, description of the financial condition of the Church, or narrative about events must be current, complete, and accurate. References to past activities or events must be appropriately dated. There must be no material omissions or exaggerations of fact or use of misleading photographs or any other communication which would tend to create a false impression or misunderstanding.

7.2 Communication and Donor Expectations: Fundraising appeals must not create unrealistic donor expectations of what a donor’s gift will actually accomplish within the limits of the Church ministry.

7.3 Communication and Donor Intent: All statements made in fundraising appeals about the use of the gift must be honoured. The donor’s intent is related both to what was communicated in the appeal and to any donor instructions accompanying the gift. The Church should be aware that communications made in fundraising appeals may create a legally binding restriction.

7.4 Projects Unrelated to a Ministry’s Primary Purpose: A member raising or receiving funds for programs that are not part of its present or prospective ministry, but are proper in accordance with its exempt purpose, must either treat them as restricted funds and channel them through an organization that can carry out the donor’s intent or return the funds to the donor.

7.5 Incentives and Premiums: Members making fundraising appeals which, in exchange for a contribution, offer premiums or incentives (the value of which is not insubstantial, but is significant in relation to the amount of the donation) must advise the donor of the fair market value of the premium or incentive and that the value is not deductible for tax purposes.

7.6 Financial Advice: The representative of the member, when dealing with persons regarding commitments on major estate assets, must seek to guide and advise donors so they have adequately considered the broad interests of the family and the various ministries they are currently supporting before they make final decisions. Donors should be encouraged to use the services of their attorneys, accountants, or other professional advisors.

7.7 Percentage Compensation for Fundraisers: Compensation of outside fundraising consultants or a member’s own employees based directly or indirectly on a percentage of charitable contributions raised is not allowed.

7.8 Tax-deductible Gifts for a Named Recipient’s Personal Benefit: Tax-deductible gifts may not be used to pass money or benefits to any named individual for personal use.

7.9 Conflict of Interest on Royalties: An officer, director, or other principal of the member must not receive royalties for any product that the member uses for fundraising or promotional purposes.

7.10 Acknowledgment of Gifts-in-Kind: Property or gifts-in-kind received by a member should be acknowledged describing the property or gift accurately without a statement of the gift’s market value. It is the responsibility of the donor to determine the fair market value of the property for tax purposes. The member may be required to provide additional information for gifts of motor vehicles, boats, and airplanes.

7.11 Acting in the Interest of the Donor: A member must make every effort to avoid accepting a gift from or entering into a contract with a prospective donor which would knowingly place a hardship on the donor, or place the donor’s future wellbeing in jeopardy.

For more information on ECFA standards

(Published in the Christian Post)

The question we have to ask ourselves is “I do not know how much time I have, nobody does.  Whether it is seventy, fifty, forty years or eighty, hundred years…We should ask ourselves critically, how have I done so far? How have I used the talents God has placed in my hands?” … if we answer that sincerely, we’ll know that we have to redeem the time…

Indeed, there are many things that we need to do to ensure that we can give a good account of ourselves in Heaven…God is looking for people who would use their talents to the fullest, who use everything they have been given…

God bless you

Mrs Sola David-Borha

Executive Director and Deputy CEO of Stanbic IBTC Chartered Bank Plc

In summary I list below five pieces of baggage related to finances – giving more attention to discuss the last of which I admit a bias to see as perhaps more encumbering especially from a spiritual perspective. All these items come in a deceptive garb but really are merciless predators positioned to tear apart God ordained destiny.

• Idols
• Certain lingering experiences
• Untested assumptions and misread observations
• Fears
• Philosophies of Achievement – Humanism

Idols: We unconsciously embrace the good and the not-so-good in kindred, leaders or examples of admired persons. How many lusted over 50 room mansions of celebrities? … Or gaped as films and TV commercials arrested our thoughts and screen idols alighted happily from white limousines (not considering that this joy could be only part of another script – unreal). Why is “Idols” – reality television competition – so popular in all nations? Many vain but well acted mind-distorting scenes and images remain etched in the mind, influencing desires and distorting priorities. We also tend to embrace the brand of faith and beliefs of people close to or historical icons admired by us. We unconsciously hold on to fond but made-up memories of people to whom we feel attached – clinging to models God may want released. These idols have crept into worship …producing music and pastoral theo-tainment instead of discipleship.

Certain lingering experiences: A vivid memory of the disgrace over bankruptcy or a grieving relation unable to meet bills can be foundational in a life that commits to wealth as ultimate protection to be obtained at all costs. This positive urge to succeed can also become a maniacal drive tending eventually to criminality. God give me grace to be freed of the chains of a corrupted past. We are accustomed to conditions that formed us – sometimes unable to appreciate a different wholeness paradigm. We simply do not know better…and cannot appreciate or desire the healing we need.

Untested assumptions and misread observations: Many have wrong perceptions of most situations. We impute truths in academic texts, classics, religious and philosophy literature, music lyrics, poetry and drama…traditional folklore and sundry documented narratives until completely mind-washed with fantasy. Many unproven suppositions are mixed in our most noble thoughts. Advertising reshapes realities until dangerous vehicles (like debt) resemble useful appliances of salvation – at least for a season. (See previous article on myths.)

Fears: Chiefly, the fear of failure and disgrace. Hindrances and opposition are overestimated – helped by fears. Fear helps to overrate the things we imagine will hold us down. Many have successfully overcome major adverse swings in fortunes and bad winds to emerge much stronger. But most are still afraid to move forward should they fail. Fears also include exaggerated thoughts of inferiority and distortion of perceptions/impressions as it relates to acceptance of others or the authority of others to stop us. This baggage encourages oppressive covenants innocently entered for protection and alignments with fraternities promising some insurance. (See article Dare to fail.) Fear robs of all the things we could do or have done and be – if we had no fear. Fear offers instead second-rate “safer” options and destiny substitutes having cremated and buried many great works, books, ministries, inventions and new business initiatives.

Philosophies of Achievement – Humanism: These are positive meditations and mental exercises to influence seen and unseen creation to attract wealth and success. The Andrew Carnegie Dictum was to spend the first third of one’s life getting all the education one can, to spend the next third making all the money one can and spend the last third giving it all away for worthwhile causes. Andrew Carnegie was involved in philanthropist causes, but he kept himself away from religious circles. He wanted to be identified by the world as a ‘positivist’. In “Think and Grow Rich”, Napoleon Hill popularised Edison’s philosophies that perhaps foreshadowed today’s “prosperity” “humanist” and “motivational” movements…offering a mental solve-all that captured a generation. Napoleon piped his formula for success paralleled on studies of patterns common to achievers of the day. This new music enchanted billions ripe for the bait… and many slide down under the grip of a new lord – self. Others embraced perhaps unknowingly the occult behind the mask of brotherly love, charity, extra-biblical esoteric truth and generous philanthropy. The fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil again tastes better than that of life. The sufficiency and sole supremacy of Jesus Christ is debatable and His throne can be shared.

Napoleon Hill’s models of humanism were great inventors, achievers, thinkers and philanthropists like Thomas Edison,George Eastman,Henry Ford,Elmer Gates,John D. Rockefeller, Sr.,Charles M. Schwab,F.W. Woolworth,William Wrigley Jr., and John Wanamaker. The good end was said to justify any means or mix of beliefs. i.e. a good man was one who did good things in a bad society – free to worship whatever he fancied.

Edison believed “Nature is what we know. We do not know the gods of religions … nature made us — nature did it all — not the gods of the religions…. what you call God I call Nature, the Supreme intelligence that rules matter.” In 1932, Eastman (who changed the face of photography when he found the Eastman Kodak company at New York) committed suicide with a single gunshot to the heart, leaving a note which read, “My work is done. Why wait?” Ford and Adolf Hitler admired each other’s achievements. Henry Ford said “I adopted the theory of Reincarnation when I was twenty six. Religion offered nothing to the point. Even work could not give me complete satisfaction. Work is futile if we cannot utilise the experience we collect in one life in the next.” Ford captured the final breath of Edison in a test-tube kept till today in the Ford Museum. Gates introduced the science of “mind-using”. Rockefeller became an oil “Baron”. Schwab the steel magnate who became notorious for his “fast lane” lifestyle died broke. Woolworth the stores magnate was deeply fascinated with Egyptology and spiritualism. John Wanamaker, the father of modern advertising was a Pennsylvania Mason. Norman Vincent Peale – a Protestant preacher and also a Scottish Rite Freemason – another later day piper of humanism wrote “The Power of Positive thinking” described by a critic as “The Bible of American auto hypnotism”.

Luke 9 [25] For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

There are few that have not had to deal with any of these besetting weights in one form or the other. Many still do not see the junk… after all carrying them seems to work just fine. However, where they are not boldly conquered, “innocent” baggage transforms to hungry dragons waiting in the den that life eventually throws all into. The most ravenous of these beasts being “Philosophies of Achievement” or more accurately “Doctrines of demons” – as disciplines of the mind and mental manipulation to influence others graduate into more elaborate ritual. Once the bait is bitten, the snare closes and many drown in destruction.

Hosea 4[6] My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…

I Timothy 6 [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Ephesians 4[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; [23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; [24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Daniel already conquered when alone he purposed firmly not to defile himself and said “no Babylonian junk food for me”. When the beasts saw him in the den they only saw Christ – the Lion of Judah. Compare this to the mongers of his destruction – quickly and completely torn to shreds before slipping down the cave.

Perhaps “baggage” items are in your house…still lurking somewhere in more private chambers. Domestic pets you call them … fed by your attention but soon to manifest their vicious identity. Unlike Daniel …who from the onset purposed to be apart…it took a while for me to risk confronting the baggage once and for all…only to find there’s even more than I thought that I could ever list … I do not justify them but rather still go to my prayer closet to express my frustrations at the Throne room of God – laying all my ugly burdens at the feet of Jesus…not finding shameful rebuke but always encouragement, help, fresh mercy, resolve and strength as Jesus moves out the rest of the rubbish and rebuilds where I went amiss.

Nehemiah 4[10] And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Nehemiah rebuilt successfully. Pray that the Holy Spirit should reveal your own peculiar baggage (lion) and receive grace to see what the word of God calls rubbish. God help us to be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus…and may His grace be sufficient for all our prosperity. May Christ help us to victory. May we be made truly financially whole by Him.

Success is for the will of God to prosper in our lives. In Christ – you will succeed. Conquering is to master the things that seek to master us internally and externally. Like Daniel – you will conquer. Finishing well is to make Heaven and earn the well done of God. Like Nehemiah you will finish well. Amen

John 14[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(Originally published in the Christian Post)

1. Money, Riches and Achievement will make you happy and fulfilled.

Micah 6[12] For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. [13] Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins. [14] Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword. Riches, pleasures can be obtained but satisfaction is a separate virtue that God must send not necessarily as a consequence of wealth. Ecclesiastes 5[10] He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. The challenge is that riches promote lusts and desires that steal our hearts from God…and when we love silver we are cursed with never being satisfied and always wanting more…a path that leads to a downward spiral.

2. God gives us what we desire and supplies our wants.
Truth: God gives us what He decides in His unquestionable benevolence to give us for His glory and purpose. True works of God do not lack for funds.

Phillipians 4[18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. [19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Needs are not wants…nor are they desires…Our needs relate more to God’s divine assignments and His purpose for our lives. He wants us to prosper as our soul and destiny prospers. This promise was made to Epaphroditus – a generous giver to Paul’s cause. God’s cause and all who align to provide to it will not lack. God may if He chooses but is not committed to finance our lifestyle expenditures … nor does He have to pay for our vain pursuits.

3. When we give to God – God owes us and we must expect to receive.
Truth: God commands us to give our Tithes, first-fruits and offerings out of love for Him and not as an investment.

Luke 17 [10] So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.We can never repay what God had done and still does for us through our giving of what He gave us in the first place…talk less of turning God to a debtor. The best of us are unprofitable from God’s perspective. He fulfils His word by opening the windows of heaven, causing men to give us and blessing us with increase as we love Him.  It is love of God that God responds to and not debt. Indeed how can we say we love God and argue about giving back to Him in our Tithes, First-fruits and Offerings and to bless others to His glory.

4. Seize the moment…your best life is now so amuse yourself and enjoy life.
Truth: Your best life is certainly not now !

Luke 6 [25] Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. The Bible is full of pictures that lets us see He saves the best for the last. His Eternity in Heaven is His best. His way is to serve the best wine last…the way of the antichrist is the exact opposite. Eternal damnation is the worst of all worst case scenarios…and it is saved also for the last. Christians are told especially in the end-times to endure … and that it will be worth the wait. The antichrist says there is nothing to wait for so don’t miss out on the joys of the moment at the expense of your soul.

5.We can believe God for harvests we have not sown, God does the impossible.
Truth: God has no limitation – for all the silver and gold in Heaven, Earth, with believers and unbelievers all belong to Him and He gives as He pleases. God does not deny His word on which He asks us to meditate on day and night.

Genesis 8 [22] While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. God is merciful  – He does not deal with us according to our iniquity but scriptures encourage us to change our seed if we want a different harvest.  We can not sow oranges and hope to harvest bananas.  Our kind words, sacrificial giving, service and industry can be seeds …we must pray God gives increase. Zero multiplied a billion times remains zero. Change your seed and reap a different outcome.

Galations 6[7]  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8]  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

God bless you.

Bode

A study suggested that 3-5% above the rate of inflation can be a reasonable gain…our objective is to keep our money for future needs and have stable resources to respond to God’s command in giving to His work, the poor and/or other possible recipients as the Spirit of God directs.

Prioritisation is important…before we  invest or even give to ministry we must often be reminded of certain issues…I certainly am not there yet but I do tend to admire the unusual candour and benchmark expressed in the following extract from Christian Fellowship Church web site based in India.

“A genuine work of God may use money, but it is never dependent on money. It is dependent only on the power of the Holy Spirit. Where any work is dependent on money, it is not a genuine work of God.

Jesus’ ministry was dependent only on the Holy Spirit. He did accept gifts of money from His followers for His work (Luke 8:2, 3). But He never asked anyone at any time for money and He never made His financial needs known to anyone but His Father. This is the way that any ministry that honours God will work even today. …and so, in the more than three decades that we have existed as a church (since 1975), we have never asked anyone for money for our needs and we have never sent out any prayer-letters hinting about our needs either. We have never taken an offering in our church in Bangalore or in any of the many churches the Lord has planted through us in India and abroad. We only place an offering-box at our church-meetings, for those who wish to give – secretly, cheerfully and voluntarily – for the work of the Lord. We have also offered food and accommodation freely always to all who attend our annual three-day conferences in different parts of India. All the elders in our churches support themselves with earthly jobs (like the apostle Paul did) and none of them is supported financially by the churches. Our books and video and audio messages on the Internet are also offered freely for anyone in the world to download and circulate to others freely. We have received everything freely from the Lord and we give it all out to others freely. … we have never been in debt at any time since we commenced our ministry. We have never taken a bank loan or a mortgage for constructing any of our meeting halls. We do not judge other ministries who do things differently from us. But this is the way God has led us.  … when people ask us whether they can give to support this ministry, we ask them to go through this checklist first:

 1. Are you a born-again child of God? It is a great honour and privilege to support the work of God on earth; but that privilege is given only to His born-again children (3 John 7).

 2. Do you have enough money for your family’s needs? Are you sure that your giving will not put your family under any financial strain? You must take care of your family’s needs first (1 Tim.5:8). Our Father in heaven is very rich and He (like any rich earthly father) does not want any of His children to starve or suffer in any way, just because they gave Him money for His work.

 3. Do you have any large debts to repay? If so, do clear those debts first. God wants His children to live restful lives, free from all debt. We must first give to Caesar what is his, before we can give anything to God, because God does not want us to give Him Caesar’s money, or anyone else’s money (Matt.22:21; Rom.13:8).

 4. Do you have a clear conscience? Have you done your best to be reconciled with those whom you have hurt in any way? God will not accept any offering from anyone who has hurt someone and still not apologised to that person (Matt.5:23, 24)

 5. Are you giving freely and cheerfully – and not under pressure from any man or even from your own conscience? God loves cheerful givers, not reluctant givers. He does not want gifts from those who give under pressure, or who give in order to fulfill some obligation, or who give merely to ease their conscience, or who give in order to get some reward from Him in return (2 Cor.9:7).

Please bear with us as you go through this checklist….”

The prudent investor in similar fashion cannot be investing money if deficient in his tithes/offerings, is in debt or has not kept enough to meet family needs…He should pay his debts first to God and man and take good care of his family first.

Excess resources can then be invested noting God’s ownership and sovereignty. The kingdom can use funds to advance the cause of Christ. 

The key principle of prudent investment of surplus is diversifying for safety and stability/moderate growth.

Ecclesiastes 11[2]  Give a portion to seven, yes, even [divide it] to eight, for you know not what evil may come upon the earth. (amp)

If you are familiar with a few good stocks that you are confident have weathered economic cycles you can stick to these. Insist that your portfolio adviser creates a conservative mix and not a hot high-growth pot….to complement your long term get-rich-slow perspective of a steward(manager) for God who is the owner.  You may also consider an Ethical fund i.e. a mutual fund that limits investment alternatives to securities of firms meeting certain social/ethical Bible-based standards. Real estate is also a viable option but needs to be considered within the context of the overall asset mix and decisions on location/optimum real estate size require professional consultation.  Do not move forward however on what you do not have a grasp for.  Beware of impure motives, worldly-wise wisdom, powerful emotions and unclear vision that appear to lure way from the “narrow” path. Money is no excuse to embrace the broad way to destruction.

Proverbs 13[11]  Wealth [not earned but] won in haste or unjustly or from the production of things for vain or detrimental use [such riches] will dwindle away, but he who gathers little by little will increase [his riches]. (amp)

Jesus reigns forever

Bode

John 17[27]  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Peace in the areas of finances is an area in which many seek Biblical perspective and direction.  We understand that the peace of God is not just through principles but rather is the gift of God – not given as the world would give…but received by faith and complete obedience to His word.

There are 7 aspects of Biblical ethics that relate to Financial Peace.  This may not be complete but nevertheless is a good place to start.

1. Debt-free living
2. Wise investing
3. Generous giving
4. Lifestyle of moderation
5. Diligence and Industry
6. Caring for the family
7. Honouring God in finances

As we permit the word of God and the interpreter – the Holy Spirit, to guide our ways on these issues – we may or may not appear on Forbes list of the worlds wealthiest…but will know a peace that is alien to the world.

Debt free living

Proverbs 22[7]  The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. [26] Be not one of those who strike hands and pledge themselves, or of those who become security for another’s debts. (Amp)  The one who saves is the lender…purpose to pay off existing mortgages ASAP.  Do not borrow especially for consumables or for status. Get rid of credit cards. Save…Save…Save.  (Enjoy this article on How to stay debt-free and mastering credit.)

Wise Investing

Invest for retirement and for the future conservatively on instruments in which you understand the risk profile.  “Conservative” means investment for stability sometimes at the expense of promised gains. The Bible in saying we shall lend to nations seems to imply that stability of investments is preferred to promise of returns with added risk. Defer expenditure and let the power of compound interest work for you. Seek expert advice (beware of ungodly counsel) and compare counsel from different sources.  Pray for final direction.

Generous giving

Proverbs 11 [24]  There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. Do not ask me how this works…but it does.  There is a mystery to the great value in releasing our precious things and consideration to establish the covenant of God and for the poor…being like a flowing stream to which God can pour His wealth into.

Lifestyle of Moderation

Phillipians 4 [5]  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Phillipians [19]  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Guard your heart from consumer marketing that attacks moderation and fuels passion to spend on what you really do not need ( but may be able to afford) …or more precisely what the Holy Spirit has not asked you to buy. Seeking to make a statement with a show of luxury is great folly.  Worse still is if the money is borrowed or is in stewardship.  Luxurious and sumptuous fare financed from parishioners who do not enjoy this lifestyle is oppression and not Christianity. God promises to meet the needs of faithful stewards and  not the wants of the squanderer.  True religion bridges gaps – through communal sharing and love.  (Read more about frugal living of Warren Buffet)

Diligence and Industry that adds value to society

Matthew25 [30]  And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The profitable servant is hard-working and makes contributions, creates value through enterprise in an open competitive market.  Idleness/sloth and practices that protect unfair competition and finance indolence are natural partners to confusion.

Caring for the Family

I Timothy 5[8]  But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.  God cares about traditional family values. A man, a woman and the household must be cared for. Parents must be honoured with giving. Set funds aside for education, aged parents, unplanned births. A recent statistic showed 21.3% of abortions (which God calls murder) result from lack of financial preparation)  It is wise to maintain a family emergency fund. Trifling with God’s instructions on the family is simply asking for trouble.

Honouring God in Finances

I Samuel 2[30]  Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.  Honouring God by giving offerings, tithes and first fruits to God out of love for Him is not legalism but confirms that He is the owner, provider and protector of our wealth. You cannot expect peace if you treat God shabbily by dropping alms and leftovers or crumbs from what completely belongs to Him in the first place.  Observe the superiority of the giving of Abel who gave the firstlings of his flock.  Genesis 4 [3]  And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. [4]  And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.  Giving God the first and the best of our increase is only smart.

Hebrews 12 [14]  Follow peace with all men , and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Jesus reigns forever.

Bode

John 12[4]  But Judas Iscariot, the one of His disciples who was about to betray Him, said, [5]  Why was this perfume not sold for 300 denarii [a year's wages for an ordinary workman] and that [money] given to the poor (the destitute)? [6] Now he did not say this because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief; and having the bag (the money box, the purse of the Twelve), he took for himself what was put into it [pilfering the collections](Amp)

Romans 8[28]  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Have you ever woken up to discover funds kept in your care has been lost … gradually and systematically diverted ?  Indeed you are a man of prayer but you also blame yourself for ignoring available wisdom on controls that would have prevented losses under your stewardship.  Often as Christians we avoid issues as this and instead of also building “adequate processes” that protect against diversions we are perhaps rightly focused to build “strong men (and women)” but still vulnerable to “Judas Iscariot”  on an undisturbed mission amazed at our trusting  ”carelessness”.

A man of God once said the protection of a true church is in the genuine fellowship and interdependence of the body of integrated members and it’s not about size.  The healthy hands even in a small body can protect the face from an attack, just as the nimble feet can protect the body by immediate motion…but a large heavily built man with sluggish hands and feet not aligned with the body or in conflict with it is extremely at risk.  True fellowship and unity amongst members are a great protection.  May we be one – indeed. Amen.   But whether there is unity or not -  keep your focus always on your father the King of kings. 

This blog post is perhaps more down to earth to demonstrate some very basic  internal control principles to at least consider especially if you find yourself in a custodial role even as you leverage accounting help available in the body.   Do not wait to be stung before you wake up.  If you are too spiritual to understand these things … you are perhaps too spiritual to have very large sums of money in your care.  I may mean well but can end up corrupting people with temptations they are not prepared to deal with …or surround myself with cracks the enemy will love to leverage to cause reproach and distractions.

• Segregation of dutiesrequires that different individuals be assigned responsibility for different elements of related activities, particularly those involving authorization, custody, or record-keeping. For example, the same person who is responsible for an asset’s record-keeping should not be responsible for physical control of that asset. Having different individuals perform these functions creates a system of checks and balances.  Segregate roles properly – do not allow one super trusted person to handle all your accounting/money related roles and transactions from beginning to end.
• Proper authorization of transactions and activities helps ensure that all activities adhere to established guidelines unless responsible managers authorize another course of action. Establish and implement simple guidelines that will protect resources in your stewardship.
• Adequate documents and recordsprovide evidence that financial statements are accurate. Controls designed to ensure adequate record-keeping include the creation of invoices and other documents that are easy to use and sufficiently informative; the use of pre-numbered, consecutive documents; and the timely preparation of documents.  Embrace financial transparency – openness and completeness in financial records will one day protect you.
• Physical control over assets and records helps protect assets. These control activities may include electronic or mechanical controls (such as a safe, employee ID cards, fences, cash registers, fireproof files, and locks) or computer-related controls dealing with access privileges or established backup and recovery procedures.
• Independent checks on performance,  which are carried out by people who did not do the work being checked, help ensure the reliability of accounting information and the efficiency of operations. For example, a supervisor verifies the accuracy of all cash receipts at the end of the day. Internal auditors may also verify that the supervisor performed the check of the cash receipts. Also, you should reconcile bank records and other independent records with your local records regularly. Let your accounting role understand that you have the ability to and will regularly conduct independent checks especially to verify liquid assets.
• Qualified Personnel should fill accounting/audit roles.  Incompetence can be costly and poor accounting has resulted in reproach and issues. Regular training to update skills is important.

In not-for-profit organisations including missions and churches it needs to be admitted that risks (not necessarily reduced by anointing) will indeed be higher and additional caution is needed for the following reasons:

1. High levels of amateur or volunteer labour and part-time staff
2. Only basic internal controls are affordable and staff are not aware of legal responsibilities
3. Records tend not to be correctly maintained and only basic cash statements are prepared.
4. Leaders tend to be community supporters of the cause and not trained or qualified professionals.

The recession is not an excuse but has of course heightened pressures that produce evil workers.

Paul declared and prayed in 2 Timothy 4 [16]  At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. [17]  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. [18]  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever.

May you be divinely strengthened … and may the Lord stand with you and help you that His word will continue to be preached.  And may your ministry, business and home be delivered out of devourers and preserved till the end. Keep glowing on the mission field.

At a deeper level of truth, we can gain even through all losses God permits if we endure and keep trusting Him and not our systems, skills and abilities.  All things will work out for our good.  Discovery and expulsion of Judas was not God’s plan as Judas played a crucial role to facilitate the glorification of Christ. Paul was perfected in all his experiences to be a great blessing to generations of Christians through his writings and teachings. The treachery of the brothers of Joseph only pushed him to destined greatness.

May God continue to reign in all that pertains to us and may He bless and keep us always. Be focused. Maintain your concentration.  Keep shining on. You are not a failure.  Get up – Keep beholding the King of kings. May Christ and Christ alone be glorified. Amen

Bode

 “Jesus tells the story there of the man who went into a far country and before leaving, called in his three servants.  He gave them talents to be held in trust during their absence.  He gave one man five talents, another two and another one, each according to his own ability.  They could not complain for each was given what he deserved.   Then He said, “ I will be coming back – remember that I have delivered unto you my goods.”  ….

 … But the hour will come when our kindly-faced but serious Saviour will call the redeemed and justified to His feet saying:  “ I must have an account of the deeds done in the body since you were saved.  You have had more abilities entrusted to you for faithful and obedient service and witness.”

There will be no place to hide then.  You tried to settle everything in the spiritual life by one act of believing but there are some things that are never settled until death cuts us off or until the Lord comes.  Now what is it that God expects of us morally, and spiritually?  He advises the way of self-judgment: “ If we judged ourselves we would not come under judgment”… I trust many of us are becoming willing to breathe sincerely that prayer with Charles Wesley:  Arm me with jealous care – as in Thy sight to live; And Oh, Thy servant, Lord prepare  – A strict account to give”

I often reflect on the words of Tozer.  The Bible tells us of a man called Enoch who walked with God … so closely that God took Him.  Enoch had a son he named Methuselah. But why did Enoch walk with God?

Genesis 5 [21]  And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: [22]  And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: [23]  And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: [24]  And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Methuselah means “When he is dead judgement shall be sent”… or  in plainer terms – the audit comes when he dies.   We can imagine that God inspired Enoch to give his son this name and every time Enoch saw Methuselah he remembered the coming judgment and must have been often perturbed in that he did not know how long Methuselah would live.  Everyday must have been lived with strict care.  This perhaps was the secret of Enoch’s close walk with God.  Indeed, we know Methuselah lived very long (969 years) and died in the year of the flood that destroyed the world (except Noah and those in the ark).  The fact that Methuselah lived longer than any man known testifies to God’s incomparable mercy, love, patience and long-suffering – that gives and gives us new opportunities to repent. This does not mean He has changed His plan.  The effacement of thoughts about judgment  from our theology causes us to seek fun and be unwatchful.  The apparent delay decieve many to imagine He will no more return.

Someone asked “ How can I be sure I am walking with God in my finances, business and ventures?”…and I answered  ” live a life of constant remembrance that whatever you do, gather and achieve is time-bound and mortal … and after there will be a comprehensive audit…a judgment of it by an all-knowing God who owns it all.”

God will judge what we did with time, career, ability, skills, our marriage, ministry, education…He will judge our response to every sermon we heard…every blog we read…every thought and knowledge He gave us.  He will judge what we did with our nationality and all our advantages…He will judge fairly but firmly according to His word. It is wise to understand the audit scope by studying the word of God and quickly agreeing with it.

He especially remembers what we did concerning the poor, the vulnerable, the widows and the orphans…the hungry and the weak…He will judge all our failures, successes and all our assets acquisition and losses.  He will audit our saving and spending and scrutinise our generous giving.  He will judge our silence and also our words.

He will consider all our aspirations, earnings and luxurious extravagance in the light of the needs of others with neither food nor shelter.  He will judge our comfortable social safety nets in the light of impoverished souls perishing daily and innumerably like unprotected insects  - mere statistics or news items to us.  He will judge the things we missed because we thought they were immaterial – yet someone hungry somewhere could have been fed for weeks on that which we squandered on another gadget we will throw away in a few months.  Everything will be reviewed as  though they belonged to Him and not to us…nor to any government or nation…or even ministry.   They all belong to Him.

Enjoy this video by John Piper giving his own perspective on the Prosperity gospel …

Click here to view the embedded video.

Concerning all the investments, businesses, achievements…Christ constantly reminds us  “ I will be coming back – remember that I have delivered unto you my goods.”    Surely, we all need more grace to walk with constant remembrance of this truth – ever seeking the mercy and help of a God who lovingly and patiently awaits our repentance and is ready to give us a fresh start.  With this mindset, all our business activities will be conducted in a very rigorous self-auditing mode that transcends our accounting standards.  He will examine if we are still full or emptied of every deposit that must have been poured out for the benefit of humanity.  Have all the talents been invested for His glory?  What do we have hidden in the closet of procrastination?

Many may ask?  Why have I dedicated many posts to Haiti and ugly scenes of crisis and death amongst the poor brethren in Jos, Nigeria…surely these have nothing to do with managing money and success.  Others may not want their consciences assaulted with images of the poor living under subhuman conditions… and a few have had disturbing nightmares caused by realities they are not used to considering.  But our responses to all these scenarios may all be part of His judgment …

Isaiah 58 [6]  Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [7]  Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? [8]  Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.

Get back on track… and back into the ark. This time – be sure you remain in the ark  – in Christ Jesus.   May the Almighty God who is able to keep us faithful and save us till the very end arm us with jealous care and bless us indeed.  Amen

Bode

A new lifestyle of moderation is evolving. Recently Yahoo Finance reported in a recent article 17 Ways Consumers are Changing  by Rick Newman…to present a new world of moderation and frugality.  Some have speculated that when things improve the consumer will go back to lavish consumption but consumer watchers believe this new culture will linger longer than many expect. I wrote a blog post The Post–Recession World and High Growth Business opportunities on the new world and ideas for businesses to consider to embrace the new realities in which I suggested “…The more discerning, sophisticated, frugal consumer will have more options and power…”

The word “Success” is also being redefined – writes Rick Newman in his article. Also more than ever before materialism is being shunned and viewed with suspicion. Another recent news caught my attention on how the luxury royal caribbean cruise liner seen at the Haiti port immediately attracted critical remarks…even as we hear another magnitude-6.1 temblor shakes buildings and sends screaming people running into the streets.

No doubt there is also a new interest in spiritual things out of fear and realization that many creeds seem to have failed and previous metrics of performance found unreliable. Also as digitalization consumerises faith – there are new evangelism opportunities but also serious threats…

Like never before it is time to bring the Lord into the equation of our ministry, business and lifestyle. The Lord cannot be a consultant, adviser or just a helper to achieve what we want or endorse our “ improved” ways.  He is King and He wants to reign as He opens new doors to those who seek, honor and fear Him.

I have listed an update of new opportunities…remember you can start small … and it is not about making more money …

Potential Opportunities/niches to consider…

1.   Low cost Food and Agriculture solutions
2.   Employment bureau/Human capital engineering/Re-education services
3.   Security Intelligence and corporate safety
4.   Low end residential real estate solutions
5.   Outsourcing services/Equipment Rentals/Leasing services
6.   Customer Market insight / Data consulting services
7.   E-business Markets leveraging new channels i.e. webs/blogs/social media
8.   Government Consulting/regulatory support/Public sector support services
9.   Recycling of waste / Used goods merchandising
10.   Community facilitation/volunteering management/support
11.   Home/Personal Finance consulting (Debt-free consulting)
12.   Alternative media solutions ( “responsible” audiovisual/radio/web/TV)

 

Isaiah 11[2] And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; [3]  And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears…

Surrender your life to Jesus and let Him reign in you.
 

Bode