Show Me the Money

Dear Friends -

I had planned a completely different topic for this newsletter. However, the “economic earthquake” which recently surfaced caused me to shift to the subject of money.

Some of you know my husband Steve and I worked for Crown Financial Ministries (Larry Burkett/ Howard Dayton) for many years. I left in 2003 to write and speak full time, but Steve was with Crown for 14 years before taking a job as the business administrator of a church in Florida.

This newsletter provides the Biblical insight on the things we learned. Now more than ever we need to understand and implement God’s perspective on how to handle our money, possessions, and financial decisions. I don’t claim to be a financial expert. I only know that over the last 23 years Steve and I have worked hard to discover and follow God’s guidelines. My goal is to share some of those with you.

Feel free to share with others.  

Your Sister In The Journey,

The Money Monster-
How to Tame the Beast!!

by Laura Petherbridge

It all began with a bribe.

“If you will go to a Crown Ministries leadership training with me, we can stop at your friend Margaret’s house on the way, plus visit New York City,” my husband Steve pleaded.

“But I don’t want to drive 7 hours to attend something about money—that’s your topic. I hate the subject. Why do I have to go?” I sniped.

“Because I really want you to come with me. Plus it’s about Biblical principles—not money. If you would just read the material, I know you would love it,” He responded.

“I tithe—what more do I need to know?” I protested. “Besides I never ask you to get involved in the studies I enjoy. Your have your ministry and I have mine. Let’s just leave it at that.”

He dropped the subject. “Whew!—I got out of that one,” I thought. But inside of me something didn’t feel right.

Later that week I finally:...[click here to read]

Will God guide me on who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election?

We moved to Georgia in the fall of 2000 and voted via absentee ballot in Florida. That was the election where the FL votes were counted several times. I quickly learned the difference that one single vote can make. So I commend you for voting.

I believe the Word of God can and will give us guidance in every area of life, including leadership—both political and personal. In 1 Samuel 8 we see the Israelites begging for a King. God tells Samuel to tell them that a King is a bad idea (a Laura paraphrase), and that a King will bring terrible suffering to the people. But they refuse to listen (v19) so God gives them what they ask for (v22). He tried to warn them but their hearts were hard and stubborn. This tells us God is willing to show us the leadership we need, and that he will allow us to suffer if we are stubborn. 

Using King David as an example of a Godly leader we see the things that God values. David seeks after holiness and worships the One True God. The Father calls him “a man after my own heart.”  (I Sam 13:14) God reveals in other scriptures the consequences of what can happen when the King worships and serves false Gods. (2 Kings 24, 2 Chronicles 28)

David wasn’t perfect, he failed miserably several times. But God restored him after he humbly admitted his sin, sincerely repented, and asked for forgiveness. (Psalm 51) Therefore, we know God honors those attributes. In addition to loving God, King David also loved the people. He focused on others, not self. Many times he placed himself in danger or battle for the benefit of the people. 

Often our challenge as Americans is to look past what a candidate can “do for me.”  Our human nature makes it hard to be objective. Our goal should be to ask God for the leader who will provide the highest good for all people, including those in other countries—even if it means I will suffer discomfort. This is where being a Christian becomes difficult. God commands that we “Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:4-5.

I believe with all of my heart God WILL reveal the best candidate to any believer who lays aside personal preference (which can be deceptive) and sincerely prays for wisdom, seeks The Word of God for guidelines, and asks Him for direction. Nothing is too big for Him, and no sincere request is too small.

The Love We Long For

“He will take great delight in you, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Lack of trust and a distorted view of God kept Laura on a treadmill of performance, until God’s lavish love broke through her wall of fear. Laura shares, “I let Jesus save my soul, but I wouldn't let him love me for a long, long time. Fortunately, He rescued me from that broken, wounded condition.”

This workshop shares how to:

• Escape the performance trap.
• Establish your true identity as the Beloved.
• Refrain from allowing others to determine your worth.
• Become certain that God will never abandon you.
• Overcome poor choices which eventually cause pain.

Click here to read more about Laura's other speaking topics.

Resource
Give-Away Contest:

Last month’s book winner was Kay Jaton, from Omaha, Nebraska Congratulations, Kay!

This month’s resource give-away contest winner will receive Free and Clear: God's Road Map to Debt-Free Living.

Be the 7th person to contact me. To enter this month's Resource Give-Away Contest, enter simply by contacting me.

For more about this book by Howard Dayton, check out: www.crown.org

Did You Know...

Some 40 percent of American families annually spend more than they earn.

Average card debt among people who have at least one card is triple what it was in 1990.

In a recent AARP poll 1/3 of retirees describe their personal debt levels as a problem.

Source: Bankrate.com