Book Review: "Faith and Finance"

Focus Press has put out a lot of good material in her magazine, THINK, dealing with how we should look at money from the Biblical point of view. Jim Palmer writes a monthly article in that magazine under the heading "Faith and Finance."

Now some of those thoughts have found their way into book form, with the volume having the same title. Subtitled Understanding the Inseparable Link, Palmer's book is one that everyone should read. If you even remotely believe in God, this book will remind you of His perspective of money, and help you make sure your view is the same as His.

In this review, I want to give a brief overview of each section of the book.

Preface

In this brief section, Palmer has the reader imagine that he, the reader, owned a business that was having some problems. What would you do? Would you continue to do the same things, or would you seek to solve the problem?

Sadly, for many, when it comes to money, we do the same things and expect different results. With that mindset in place, Palmer moves to chapter one.

Chapter One: Is Money Your Servant or Your Master?

This chapter really forms the basis for the rest of the book, and the title question is the overarching theme of the entire volume. Money is neither good nor bad, but it is necessary and important. How we view money is not just important, it is eternally important! Jesus taught that "no one can serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24), and the rest of that passage shows that the main thing Jesus had in mind was money (or possessions).

Palmer points out that we can be a servant to money if we are rich or if we are poor. Both of these lifestyles can lead us to covet more and more, so we must keep our minds properly focused.

In this chapter, Palmer also briefly mentions the problem of using debt to gain the lifestyle we want. This is a way of making money (or the possessions money can gain us) our master.

Chapter Two: Prosperity Theory

This chapter deals with the "health and wealth" gospel that is so often seen on television. This is the belief that God wants me to have whatever I want and, in fact, He wants me to be rich.

While there might be some truth to the fact that God wants us to prosper, He is not going to "zap" a huge amount of money into our bank accounts, and He certainly does not want us to get rich by unscrupulous means.

Palmer writes

The problems with the Prosperity gospel are many. The danger in adopting this "other gospel" (Galatians 1:8) is that we no longer focus on eternal blessings and instead favor blessings which will not last. (page 23)

The rest of the chapter deals with the mindset that this view gives: that God is nothing but a cosmic ATM! We begin to get whatever we want and the ultimate "god" then becomes money, or ourselves. This obviously is not the Biblical view of wealth and money.

Chapter Three: Poverty Theology

This teaching is the exact opposite of the Prosperity gospel outlined in chapter two. We won't spend much time here, because the "opposites" are obvious.

Those who subscribe to this teaching say that we should not have anything. We should give everything away and basically be a hermit. "God will provide" is their motto.

The basis for this teaching is a misinterpretation of Scripture. God will provide, but sometimes He provides money and things! Also, the Bible does not teach that money is evil; rather, it teaches that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (First Timothy 6:9-10). It's not the money, it's the love of it.

In closing the chapter, Palmer writes,

In order for us to walk in all the ways the Lord God has commanded we must train our hearts and minds with thorough application of all of God's Word. We must prepare our hearts to willingly accept God's provision and use it to His glory. That way we will not be enamored with and deluded by extremes that would endanger our souls and the souls of others. (page 44)

Chapter Four: Stewardship Theology

In this chapter, Palmer gets to the Biblical view of money and possessions. As we attempt to point out on this blog quite often, we are just stewards (caretakers) of the blessings--money and possessions included--that God has given us.

That implies, according to Palmer, that God wants my best effort in giving, in care taking and in all other areas related to money. On pages 56-58, Palmer writes a section entitled "Find--and Keep--Your Balance." This section is worthy of your reading, as it really (in my estimation) gives a great summation of the Bible's teaching on money. (In fact, I am using this material in a sermon on Sunday night!...thanks, Jim!!!). Included is a list of passages and points on page 58 that is worth preaching or teaching; especially to young people.

Chapter Five: You Can't Take it With You

This very brief final chapter is one of those "put it all in perspective" chapters. Why do we spend and horde and spend and horde? We all understand that when we die, or the Lord returns, we won't have any of our "stuff" anyway?

We should enjoy the things we have, but we should not be a miser. We need to plan for our children's future. We need to give more liberally to the church and other important works. In short, we need to have the Bible's view of money.

Recommendation

While this book is not long, it is filled with information that will help you. Each chapter has questions for thought and discussion (and a little soul searching). There are a total of 21 quotes (called "links") interspersed throughout the chapters that keep the reader's mind going in the right direction.

I recommend this little book for individuals, and I think it would also be a fun book for a group to read and study together (a small group or Bible class for 1-2 months).

To order Faith and Finance from the Focus Press website, click here and scroll down a bit.

An Interesting Look

Before reading this brief article, please take a moment to read "A Guideline Budget: How Do You Compare?" on Gathering Little by Little.

If you do much reading on financial planning, or any reading on budgeting, you will probably find a similar breakdown of how to allocate your funds. I find the comparison in the article to be quite interesting.

I also find it eye-opening. Did you notice that nowhere in the "guideline" was there a line item for "Church" or even "charitable giving"? Even if you looked at the miscellaneous category as that kind of spending, it would only be 8% of the budget (at most).

Recently, Wes wrote an article on this blog that I hope you will go back and read. Sometimes faithful Christians really have a struggle with their attitude towards money. The reason is quite simple: we either give like we should and stay deeply in debt (or just waaaay behind the "Joneses"), or we live like everyone else without giving anything but a token to the Lord.

Christians need to remember that, in our "budget meetings," the Lord doesn't just come first. What? Isn't that what we always say? Write down what you make and put "Church" or "Giving" as the first item on the list? Yes, we should do that. God shouldn't get the leftovers, He should get our first "fruits."

However, that's not the only place God should be in our budget meetings. The Lord shouldn't just come first on the piece of paper or on the spreadsheet. He should be in charge of the meeting! Every decision, from the debt reduction to eating out, should have our spiritual lives in focus.

When we do that, we will adjust our "percentages" accordingly.

Debt: Sacrificially Speaking...

It is a simple fact that every single person (or family) lives off of a specific percentage of his or her (or their) total income. Some are able to live comfortably off 60-80% of their income, while many spend every dime--100%--just in time to get their next paycheck. Unfortunately, many Americans have begun living off more than 100% of their income. The ease of obtaining credit and the pressure to "have it now" have suckered us into buying what we want, even if we can't afford it...we can just swipe it and pay for it later (and for even more money because of outrageous interest).

Debt should be on the mind of Christians for many reasons. Notice just one as we think about living off of a certain percentage:

As Christians, we are expected to give regularly (1 Cor. 16:2) and proportionally (2 Cor. 8:3). Additionally, we should be willing to serve the Lord with our financial blessings (e.g., helping the needy, giving to reputable charities, etc.) (Mt. 25:31-46).

We must ask ourselves a tough question when we consider these financial responsibilities in light of debt (especially irresponsible debt like unpaid-off credit cards, payday loans, etc.): "Am I able to give sacrificially to the Lord if I'm living off more than 100% of my income?"

I don't think it's possible. Notice a little hypothetical math: If I make 10,000 dollars annually, and give $1,000 of it to the church (roughly $20 weekly), I technically give 10% of my income. If, over the course of the year, I put $1,000 on a high-interest credit card without paying it all off, I've just raised the ceiling of my living expenses without raising the level of income. Therefore, I've not really made any sacrifices in order to give that $20 a week to the local church. Theoretically, I could give $5,000 a year--and it would seem as though I was giving an amazing 50%--and turn to a credit card instead of adjusting my spending habits. I get almost anything I want and still give to the church. But that's not the point.

God knows we could use the percentage we give for additional things at our disposal, yet he wants us to trust him (and our elders) to use it in much better ways than we would personally. What if we read that the widow gave all she had--those two mites--but then went and borrowed two more from a Pharisee so that she could buy some more clothes or living amenities? It wouldn't be giving all she had if she kept going back for more beyond her affluence.

May we always consider our financial decisions in light of our relationship to the Lord.

"Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts." Proverbs 22:26

Giving Our Way to Prosperity (Lesson Thirteen)

This final lesson deals with giving throughout the Bible. As its purpose the chapter has, "to impress upon our minds that God through the ages has taught man to give of his means" (75). There is no way, in a brief review post, that every aspect of this chapter could be discussed. This final chapter deals with one subject, but goes deeply into that subject, making the student understand that giving is not some thing God "made up" to torment Christians.

Giving is good for us. Giving to God is even better. By sacrificing, we put our trust in God and we show our appreciation to Him. This chapter simply deals with how that has been done over the centuries.

Section one deals with 3 tithes that Old Testament Jews were required to make. The first is called The Priestly Tithe by Brother Black because the purpose was to aid the priests in their work (75-76). The other two tithes are not given specific names, but are listed to impress upon us that Jews were required to give a significant amount of their wealth often (76-77).

With that reminder in place, brother Black turns the student's attention to the New Testament law. What are we to give? As we have noted, there is no "set" amount listed in the New Testament, but Christians are still commanded to give. We are to be good stewards of our blessings and we are to give liberally to the cause of the Lord. How do we do that? Section two deals with the mental side of giving. It takes a mental recognition of the need for stewardship (77-78).

Finally, to close the book (79), Black helps us see the fallacy in giving only what is left over. David, in Second Samuel 24:24 understood that he needed to sacrifice in order to please God, not just give Him "something." David said that he would not give to God something that did not cost him anything. I need that same attitude! I need to learn the meaning of sacrifice, and I need to trust God to protect me.

After having read through this book again, and having written these posts, it is cemented in my mind that Christians (me included!) need more teaching on money, stewardship and sacrificial giving. This book may be somewhat hard to find, but it will be worth finding. Adult classes (and even youth classes) would benefit greatly from a study of this book. It is not long (just 80 pages), but it covers so much. If you are looking for material for a Bible class, find this book and teach it. Then, live it!

"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Twelve)

This next-to-last lesson in V.P. Black's book gives an interesting perspective to giving. It walks us through the story of the Magi (or wise men) to see their attitude and the gifts they brought to the child Jesus. This lesson is unlike others in the book in that it basically is a sermon. One could read this chapter straight through and it would read like a sermon or lecture on giving. There are no lists or long parentheticals as in other lessons.

To emphasize the giving of the wise men, brother Black mentions these four points about their giving:

1. "They made ready for the offering" (page 69). To emphasize the modern-day lesson, brother Black reminds us of Matthew 6:33 and also the Old Testament story of the widow of Zarephath.

2. "They guarded their offering" (70). While not stated in the text, it is obvious that these men had to guard the gifts they brought, simply because of the distance they traveled and the value of each gift. We often "lose" our gifts by robbers. Brother Black enumerates some of these "robbers" as "need," "carelessness" and "automobile!" (70-71)

3. "They presented their offerings to Christ" (71). They went directly to Jesus to offer these gifts. This shows the desire of their heart as much as the gift itself.

4. "They provided for Christ's needs in their offering" (72). Do we give with needs in mind, or do we just give because we "have to"? That's a question that only I can answer for myself, but that will teach me much about my heart.

"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Eleven)

A survey of the New Testament letters is a valuable study in nearly any Bible subject. That is true in thinking of giving, as well. Just a simple survey of the epistles teaches us so much about money and stewardship. In the 11th lesson of his book, V.P. Black gives us a few lessons to think about that come from these books.

First, from the example of the Macedonians, brother Black lists 9 paradoxes from their example in giving:

1. They gave under affliction and persecution.
2. They gave with abounding joy.
3. They gave with abundant liberality.
4. They gave as much as they were able to give.
5. They gave more than they were able to give.
6. They gave willingly.
7. They begged Paul to accept it.
8. They gave more than Paul expected, they surprised him.
9. The reason for their liberality: they gave themselves. (page 64)

As you can see, each of these 9 could easily be a great class discussion starter. Such is the nature of a survey.

Next, brother Black takes the time to speak of the concept of the "promise" to give (Second Corinthians 9:5). This leads to a discussion of setting a budget. He lists 8 things that a budget "is."

1. It is a goal looking to the future, believing certain things can be done.
2. It is a plan which may be called the blue print of the church's program of work.
3. It is a way which points out the best road to follow in the use of your liberalities.
4. It is a picture which points up the financial program of the church, and is drawn so all may see.
5. It is a ladder which challenges Christians to climb still higher, and thereby walk the mountain tops in righteous stewardship.
6. It is satisfaction in which every member can have a part in carrying on congregational activities. It is not really just the "church budget," it is "our budget"--the personal obligation of every member of the congregation.
7. It is an operation which "cuts out" all unscriptural means for financing God's work.
8. It is an opportunity for all--from the youngest to the oldest; from the richest to the poorest; from the largest to the smallest. It is a thrill, it is a joy. Here everybody knows where his money is going and what it is accomplishing. (pages 65-66)

This list would make a great series when thinking about budgeting. We often think of a budget as a stagnant "thing," but these points remind us it is far more.

Other sections in this chapter make further points ("Completion of plans," "The Lord's money can be embezzled," and "God's promises to the liberal giver"). There is so much in this chapter and it is one that can be covered for many weeks. Students will enjoy a teacher who gives ample time to the points in this survey.

"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Ten)

Oddly enough, this chapter carries the same title as does the entire book. While I think this lesson is vitally important to the overall study, I wish it were either first or last. It is one of the very best lessons, and it carries the same title as the book, so the placement just seems to be "off."

The purpose of this lesson is "to impress upon the mind that we are blessed in this life for liberal giving" (57, emphasis added). Many think that God's people will only be truly blessed for their sacrifice and work in Heaven, but this lesson reminds us that there are promises for this life for those who give sacrificially to the Lord.

The lesson begins with one of the longest introductory sections of any chapter (57-58). In this section, brother Black recounts stories from him many years of preaching. He tells stories of those who have told him of great blessings due to giving sacrificially. He also tells the other side of the story: stories of those who simply do not give as they should and have even cut down their giving to the bare "minimum" for spite! For those with this attitude--which, I'm afraid, is far too many--a lesson on the blessings to be gained in this life from giving is so helpful.

The first reminder in this lesson is the promise of Jesus to those who had left "all" to serve and follow Him. He told His followers that they would "receive an hundredfold and shall inherit eternal life." What a promise! Wouldn't you like to gain 10,000%? That's what Jesus promised! That doesn't mean that, if I put $1 in the bank today that tomorrow I'll have $100. Jesus was using poetic license to tell His followers that the blessings they gain in this life will be incalculable. These words, brother Black reminds us, should greatly motivate us all to give, give, give!

The next verse discussed in this lesson is Luke 6:38. There Jesus said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." This verse undergirds the principle found in Second Corinthians 9:5-6: "He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." God is able to take whatever we can give and turn it into great things; sometimes even using other men as the agent through which that is accomplished.

In Malachi 3:10, God promised His people that He would open the "windows of heaven" to bless them if they would, in a word, challenge Him with their offerings. If I really trust God, why would I not see if He didn't mean what He said?

Solomon wrote, "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10). Also, First Kings 17:9-16 teaches much the same. This lesson is designed to use these several verses to remind us of the promises God has made. Friends, God always keeps His promises. Why not give to Him and let Him take care of the rest.

This lesson may seem like "health and wealth" Gospel, but it is not. This is not the teaching that says, "Give all your money to this ministry and your mortgage will be paid off." The Bible, instead, teaches us to give to God and let Him take care of the blessings. We may never be wealthy, but we will be well-taken-care-of.

"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Nine)

Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth: "Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful" (First Corinthians 4:2). That verses serves as the basis for lesson nine of V.P. Black's book. The lesson is simply titled, "Faithful Stewardship," and the stated purpose is "to get a better understanding of what it means to be a faithful steward" (51).

I find one of the introductory paragraphs in this lesson to be extremely interesting. While this study, obviously, is about giving, brother Black reminds us of the fact that stewardship is just part of our Christian walk, but it can serve as a sign of how the rest of our efforts for God are:

Stewardship of money is only a fraction of our full Christian stewardship. Giving is just a part of our stewardship of money. We must use wisely that which we do not give to the church. Faithful stewardship includes the whole of a thing, a part is never equal to the whole. Self and substance makes up true stewardship. The person who is very faithful in certain things and unfaithful in others is not a good steward. (51)

The point of this chapter is to remind us that we must use all God's blessings wisely. Wasting what God gives is not wise, nor is it Christ-like.

As I have done in most of the posts in this series, allow me to just list the sections that comprise this study:

• The steward and his life (52)
• Stewardship of time (53)
• Stewardship of influence (53-54). What an overlooked area of study!!!
• Stewardship of the Gospel (54-55)
• Stewards of money (55)

We often have lessons on being good stewards of money, then, near the end of the lesson, throw in a statement like, "Of course, we need to be good stewards of our time and efforts, too." Look at that list of sections again. What a great series to preach or teach in a Bible class! We have lessons about influence from time-to-time, but do we ever talk about being a steward of our influence?

This lesson is simple, but, in my mind, is a good "break" from only talking about money. Students will enjoy this lesson about other areas where God has blessed us all, and will want to do better about serving Him in all these areas.

"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Eight)

While hinted at in nearly every chapter, lesson 8 focuses the student's attention on the sin of covetousness. The purpose of lesson 8 is "to impress upon the mind that covetousness is one of the most deceptive sins known to man" (45). That word "deceptive" plays a key role in this lesson. The lesson is entitled "A Spiritual Cancer." When one studies this lesson, he/she can see why "cancer" is used.

The lesson opens with some examples of covetousness in the Bible (Achan, Gehazi, etc.) and what other sins that one sin led to. As brother Black points out, "Few sins are so distinctly and solemnly denounced in the scriptures as covetousness" (45). He then goes on to list several verses from both the Old and New Testaments that teach against this dangerous sin.

On page 46, brother Black takes a few moments to remind us that money is not wrong, but the "love of money" leads to all sorts of sins (First Timothy 6:10). Because we love money, its power eats away at us, causing us to do things we would never have envisioned ourselves doing.

After sections building on the main points of the introduction, brother Black has an interesting section that should cause every student to think (pages 48-49). He speaks of covetousness as the only sin that he had never heard anyone confess. While it may be one of the most committed sins, no one seems to want to admit his/her error in this regard.

In the brief final section (page 49), brother Black reminds us that covetousness is listed with other "terrible" sins, such as adultery and extortion. That alone should cause us all to think seriously about how important God thinks this subject is.

"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Seven)

When most Bible class students get to the seventh lesson, they are probably tired of hearing about giving. Then, they read the title of this lesson: "Give Till It Hurts." While the study of stewardship takes a great level of maturity, thinking of giving in these terms will truly test a person's commitment to the act of giving.

However, when the student begins to study the lesson, he or she is met with this seemingly paradoxical purpose: "To impress upon the mind that there is a joy in giving, and that there is no pain connected with true giving" (39). Why does that seem to be a paradox? Because the lesson title leads us to think that giving "hurts," but the purpose statement tells us that it does not hurt. How can that be?

The four sections of the lesson lead us to a greater understanding of the attitude of our giving. The lesson is divided into these four sections:

• Our Giving Should be Consistent (40-41)
• Giving Must come from Sincere Heart (41-42)
• One Should Give with a Happy Heart (42-43)
• Our Giving Is To Be Generous (43)

If one follows the logical progression of these four sections, he/she comes to the conclusion that giving from the right heart (or, with the right attitude) does not really "hurt." While our giving may be a large portion of our budget, when we have the correct attitude, we don't have pain when writing that check. We know our money is going to the right place and for the correct purpose.

This lesson may seem quite simplistic, but it helps students better understand how giving more money doesn't really "hurt" when we have the right attitude. Many Christians need to be reminded of that teaching.

"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Six)

This post will be brief, because this lesson is one of the most basic in brother Black's book. The purpose of this lesson is, in many ways, the purpose of the entire book: "To impress upon the mind that God blesses a liberal giver" (33).

On page 34, brother Black points out that liberal giving has been a trait of God's people since ancient times. Back to the days even of Noah people gave of themselves to serve their Creator. That example should resonate with us today.

As the lesson continues, we are reminded of the generosity of those under the Old Testament. Specifically, we are led to Exodus 36, where materials were brought for the building of the temple. The people brought so much that they had to be restrained from giving any more. Wouldn't it be wonderful if such were the case in our congregations today?!?

The basic idea of this lesson to set forth some basic truths about liberality. On page 35, this truth is set forth: "Liberality increases spirituality." When one truly studies passages such as Matthew 6:19-21, this comes forth. As brother Black says, "Liberal, joyful, believing and sacrificial giving will make you a stronger spiritual man. It is impossible for a man to have his heart in the Lord's work while all of his material interest is in the world" (36).

The final "truth" laid out in this chapter is that "Liberality leads to plenty" (36). This is not the "health and wealth" gospel that so many preach. Rather, it is taking God up on a promise (Luke 6:38). Jesus promised spiritual gifts here. In the Old Law (Malachi 3:10) God promised to open the windows of heaven to bless those who "challenge" God in their giving. While we may not get a million-dollar bank account, God still richly blesses those who give liberally and then trust Him to protect.

Brother Black finishes the chapter with these good words:

It is not wrong to tell the farmer that if he makes an investment by sowing seed, that he, in due season, shall reap what he sowed. It is also right to tell the Christian what the Bible so often says: "giving" is sowing and the Lord of harvest guarantees the reaping. (37)

Choosing a Bible Study Software Package

This post looks long, and it is, but it is primarily long because of the comparison to follow!

There are so many different Bible study software packages on the market today. Each package claims to be the best, listing many reasons why you should select that package. Each package provides many of the same benefits including: fast electronic searches, multiple Bible translations, commentaries, savings over purchasing the materials in book format, etc. The packages generally include some different resources and tools as well. Some of the programs include macros to easily paste Bible verses into Microsoft Word or other word processing programs.

The most popular Bible software programs I know of include: PC Study Bible, Quick Verse, Logo's Bible Software, GRAMCORD, and E-Sword. While there are others, these are the five that I most often hear recommended. The price of the different current versions of these programs ranges from free to $1,379.95. In the spirit of frugality, or should we say in the spirit of stewardship and yet retaining our interest as students of God's word, I want you to consider what is the best Bible study software package for your investment.

In order to make this determination, one really has to compare the contents and prices of different Bible programs. In the chart below I look at many of the reference tools that I frequently use or that are considered standard reference tools, and compare which of the programs they are included in. In the chart the following programs are being compared:

• E-Sword v. 7.8.5
  
• Quick Verse 2007 Standard Edition
• Quick Verse 2007 Expanded Edition
• PC Study Bible 5 Reference Library Plus (Red Box)
  
• PC Study Bible 5 Complete Reference Library (Purple Box)
• Logo's Bible Software 3: Christian Home
• Logo's Bible Software 3: Scholar's Library
  
• GRAMCORD for Windows: Scholar's Bundle
• GRAMCORD for Windows: Ultimate Bundle

Click the image to the
left or here to see the full
comparison chart of
the different programs.


When I compare what is included in the programs listed above, I must conclude that what I get for around $100 or more is a brand name program with extra reference materials which I wouldn't use even if I had access to them. I would like to have the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament on my Bible program, but I do have it in book form for the times I need to consult it. I would like to have the NKJV and the NASB in E-Sword, but those really aren't necessary with the KJV, ASV, and ESV, but I can add them both for $35 if I'd like to.

I use the free E-Sword program. I do so because it is free and I cannot see how I can justify spending hundreds of dollars for the bells and whistles that come with the other programs when I will rarely access those extra tools. I look forward to hearing comments from users of other programs, and your reasons for going with your program. If you disagree with me at this point, that's fine, but I encourage you to seriously consider . . . what am I getting for the hundreds of dollars I spend every few years to have the latest version, compared to what James has for free?

"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Four)

The example of the Macedonians, as recorded in Second Corinthians 8:1-5, is one that we should follow daily. Found in that context are these words, which form the basis for the fourth lesson: "And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God."

Lesson four is called "First Give Yourself," and has this purpose: "To impress upon the mind of every contributor that the gift without the giver is bare" (21).

The idea behind this lesson may seem basic, but it is one that deals with a part of man that must be correct in all avenues of worship: his/her attitude. We need to have joy when we give, and we need to be willing to give our very lives to and for God's service.

In this brief lesson, brother Black gives two reasons why those at Macedonia were liberal in their giving:

1. They first gave themselves to the Lord. Black comments, "This is the key to the problem. When individuals first give themselves to God, it is not difficult to get them to be liberal givers" (22).
2. They had been truly converted. "In all probability there are more people in the church who need converting on the subject of giving, than any other subject. When you hear someone complaining or offering objections to class study on the subject of the subject of stewardship, you may put it down he is not converted and this is why we must continue to study the subject" (23).

Other sections deal with the Macedonian example by teaching us that they "made a complete surrender to Christ" (23-24) and they "had strong faith" (24-25).

Finally in this lesson, brother Black points out that those at Macedonia did not have much; rather, they were poor. There are some Christians today who do not have much in the way of this world's goods, but that does not excuse them from giving liberally to the Lord. The Macedonian example serves as a great marker for us all, rich or poor.

WYTI Links: 06.26.2007

I'm doing these a little early...I will be moving stuff throughout the day.

• The High Cost of Being Fat (via Get Rich Slowly)
  
• 73 Great Debt Elimination Tips (via Zen Habits)
• There Is No Such Thing as a Budget Failure Interesting idea here. Applicable to us as individuals/families OR a church budget. (via Not Made of Money)
• And just for fun...How to Clean a Coffee Maker (via WikiHow)
  

WYTI Links: 06.25.2007

I'm glad to be back from a week in Ohio--although I'm not sure a youth trip could have possibly went better than this one did (I was gonna post from the hotel, but the wireless network was down. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though.).

Here are some Monday links:

• How to Start a Roth IRA (and Where to Do It) Planning for retirement personally is an absolute must for a preacher. This might be the best summary of the Roth IRA option (one of several options). Personally, I anticipate opening a Roth IRA in the next several months. (via Get Rich Slowly)
  
• What to Discuss Before You Get Married Might be helpful in your "Marriage Counseling" file. (via Dual Incomes No Kids)
• Ten Things to Do When You Move Into a New Home This is self-driven; Lord willing, we should be in the preacher's house by the end of the week. (via The Simple Dollar)
• Mom and Dad, Your Financial Decisions Matter Financial stewardship is certainly one of those areas parents are expected to train their children. (via Wisebread)
• And in honor of the release of the iPhone next week...Apple's New iPhone (via The Onion)
  

This Is My Father's World

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears,
All nature sings, and ‘round me rings
The music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world, I rest me in the thought.
Of rock and trees, of skies and seas-
His hands the wonders wrought

This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world, the battle is not done,
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heaven be one.
Maltbie D. Babcock

What a great need we have in the Church today to recognize that simple principle which we sing about so often, this is my Father’s world. Everything we possess, see, and understand in this world actually belongs to God because He is the creator and sustainer of all things. Were it not for Him there would be nothing physical, including ourselves. The Psalmist said in Psalms 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell there in.” The things which we control, we control only because God has allowed us to have control of them. This ranges from physical blessings such as our homes and cars to spiritual blessings such as the gospel, control of our time, and the direction of our steps.
Stewardship is the term for this principle of God allowing man to control those things which are His. We are stewards in the creation of our Lord. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines a steward as “one who has the management or oversight of another’s property” (440). We are given the responsibility to manage and have oversight over the Lord’s property. Our eternal destiny rests on how well we handle these things. Perhaps no passage of scripture better illustrates this principle than the parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30. Jesus tells of a man who had three servants. Before he traveled to a far country, he gathered his servants together and gave each of them a portion of his possessions. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent. The two servants who had received five and two talents each went out and doubled their possession, but the servant who had received only one talent hid his money in the ground. When their Lord returned, they each presented their talents to him. The two servants who had used their talents to double them were told, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter into the joy of your Lord” (vs 21, 23). Unfortunately, the servant who had not properly used his talent was told by his lord, “You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed...And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (vs. 26-30). Jesus goes on in Matthew 25 to make the point that this is representative of the scene which will be played out on the day of Judgment when the nations will be divided as a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. The righteous will inherit the kingdom prepared for them (vs. 34), and the unrighteous will inherit the everlasting fire prepared for them (vs 41). There are many lessons which could be drawn from this passage, but two speak loudly. First, we must use wisely the things which our Lord has placed in our control. Second, not to use the things the Lord has given us is just as wrong as to misuse those things.
We must remember that we are merely stewards of God in regard to everything we have. A fraction of the complete concept of stewardship deals with our money and what we do with it. Do we spend our money wisely? Do we spend our money on good things? Do we spend our money on evil things? Do we support good works or only our own desires? These are just a few of the questions one might ask himself about his practice of Godly stewardship. To understand that the money we work so hard for and treasure so much in our lives is actually God’s possession which He allows us to use is to understand something that a majority of those in our society miss. The prophet Haggai taught this principle as he spoke to a people who had been blessed greatly. The Lord’s words are recorded in Haggai 2:8, “‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Open your wallet, open you bank accounts, open your portfolios. Before you say, “This is mine,” say, “This is the Lord’s!” Stewardship is not doing something for God with my money. The Biblical idea of stewardship is doing something for others with God’s money.