Ok, where were we, oh yes, we were discussing what God‘s Word says about credit and some good examples of how some governments (including our own) are not properly handling finances and how we can bring that down on a personal or family level. Folks, I am doing this study because I struggle with finance, maybe more so than any of you do. God has called me to do this and share this with you and I am following His leading. Financial difficulties is probably the number one cause of destroyed families, and it is a symptom of a deeper problem. At the root of all of our problems are deep rooted spiritual problems and once we get those addressed, all other areas of our lives fall in place. The fact is that how we earn, spend, save, and invest our income effects our families, our churches, our community, and nation. We need to pray about every expenditure that we make, this will bring God directly into our lives and will make our faith stronger so that we can trust Him in even greater things. No purchase is too big or too small to pray about. Get the whole family in on this so they too can share in the spiritual blessing. We need to learn to discern God’s will in the area of new purchases, God might not grant every desire because so often we ask for things that will ultimately hurt us. Do this exercise this week – consider two prospective purchases and pray about them before buying. Now we come to a little bit more about setting goals- the main thing here is to set your own goals- if you let someone else set your goals for you, you are going to be unhappy. Many times Christians will get involved in get rich quick schemes or some type of investments (more about investing later) because others around them seem more successful. God has a plan for your life, your neighbor does not! Lets take a look at Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness;
I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.
This verse is about contentment. King David here has rejected the idea that the pleasures of this life are ultimately fulfilling , he awaits the day when he will awake in glory and be made in the likeness of God. Now lets go to Proverbs 3:13-14
Proverbs 3:13-14
The Message (MSG)
The Very Tree of Life
13-18 You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight—and be blessed!
Here success is defined as having wisdom and insight. The person who has discovered wisdom has found a priceless treasure. Wisdom is like another tree of life that and will begin to restore the lost happiness of paradise.
Proverbs 3:19
The Message (MSG)
19-20 With Lady Wisdom, God formed Earth;
with Madame Insight, he raised Heaven.
They knew when to signal rivers and springs to the surface,
and dew to descend from the night skies.
And we see from these verses that the source of wisdom is God Himself.
