Business & Finance

Are You Financially Protected?

Whenever I have the opportunity to speak to groups or individuals on the subject of finance, I share two key scriptures of financial warning so that I can bring safeguards to those who will hear. These two scriptures call us not to be naïve, and to avoid financial mistakes that can cripple. The first scripture is: “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 22:3). In the Middle Ages, before people would build a castle or a community, they would first build the moat or wall to protect them. In […]

-Read More


Are You Content With Your Finances?

Did you know that the Bible speaks on the subject of finances more than any other subject? Why is this? God knew that this area would be one of our greatest challenges. Security in worldly things is a constant struggle, not only for non-believers but for Christians also. The basic problem is a lack of contentment. Many things can cause discontentment. We often tell ourselves: “If I lived someplace else, if I had more money, if I had a better job.” God tells us: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have  […]

-Read More


Making Investments: God-Centered Motives

Are you investing your money like it is your own, or like it is a gift from God? The Holy Spirit will reveal our true financial motives as we seek Him. Making money should be a by-product of doing what God has called you to do. Remember that peace does not come by building up material possessions.  If it did, the richest people would be the most at peace. Instead, many times, they are often the most miserable. True peace comes only from God. As we read in John 14:27, “My peace I give to you, not as the world […]

-Read More


Financial Goals: Are you in the 3%?

The first step of the financial planning process is finished. You have figured out where you are financially by calculating your net worth and summarizing your cash flow. These reports have identified some obvious problems, financial strengths and some action steps to take. So what do you do next? It has been said that a man without a plan is like a ship without a rudder – he will end up somewhere, but probably not where he intended. That brings us to the second step of the financial planning process – the “where you want to go” question – setting […]

-Read More


How Does Your Cash Flow?

Last month’s article dealt with step one in determining where you are financially. You learned that calculating your net worth/balance sheet (what you own minus what you owe) was the starting point in developing a biblically-based financial plan. This month you will become familiar with step two, which is calculating your summary of cash flow/income statement (what’s coming in minus what’s going out). This starting point will identify any obvious problems, financial strengths and some immediate steps that can be taken (i.e. spending less than you make). If the statement of net worth is like a snap shot, then the […]

-Read More


It All Adds Up

Proverbs 27:23 states, “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks; give careful attention to your herds.” Did you know that the message behind this statement can also be applied to your specific financial situation? Here’s how; the first step in determining where you are financially is putting together a statement of net worth. In simplest terms it is a list of everything you own minus everything you owe (assets minus liabilities). It’s a snap shot, frozen in time, of every single financial decision you have ever made. It reflects your propensity to accumulate, and conversely, your propensity to […]

-Read More


Financial Planning 101

There are three things you need to know in order to develop a “Christian” financial plan. First, you need to know your eternal position because of what Christ Jesus has already accomplished on your behalf. Second, you need to know exactly where you are. And third, you need to know where you want to be. You need to know your eternal position because of what Christ Jesus has already accomplished on your behalf. “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). An often used phrase from a past mentor was: “A man without […]

-Read More


Time To Perform A Family Audit – More Family Time

It’s seven weeks into the school year and you’ve already lost control.  This is not the way you saw the family schedule going.  Every man for himself, everyone going in different directions and there is no family time whatsoever.  It’s like the whole family fell down a steep hill and everyone is rolling faster and faster … in different directions. Once the family activity year gets rolling, putting on the breaks is difficult.  Most parents just give up and let it roll.  Mom is the one who usually realizes that this just isn’t the best plan for the children. Before […]

-Read More


The Big Mistakes of Debt …Part 2

     Do you find yourself depending on the world’s wisdom or God’s wisdom when it comes to financial advice? God’s Word is true, timeless, universal, transcendent and completely practical. Unfortunately, all too often, we depend upon the finite wisdom of the world for our financial counsel. This is especially true with the constant barrage of worldly advice urging us to use debt to “get ahead”. Christians need to carefully study what the Bible has to say about debt. Though God’s word is certainly not a financial textbook, it does offer clear guidelines that we can apply to our financial […]

-Read More


God is the best long-term investment.

The continual gyrations in the stock market have caused many people to question their investment strategy. Questions like “What should I do now?” and “Should I sell my stock positions and move into a money market?” are running through many investors’ minds. And while it is important to avoid making emotional buying and selling decisions based on the temporary state of the markets, it is a great time to analyze your financial foundation and to fill in any cracks that you might have. The first thing to keep in mind is that the best investment strategy is a long-term plan […]

-Read More