Financial Peace

"Financial peace isn't the acquisition of stuff. It's learning to live on less than you make, so you can give money back and have money to invest. You can't win until you do this." (Dave Ramsey)

As a Christian, I'm always trying to look to God's word in order to learn about how I should be living my life (when it comes to my finances, my personal life and everything in between). The Bible has a many verses about how to deal with money (and investing). Remember, to put your hopes in an eternal God, and not the temporary pleasures of wealth.

It’s important to plan ahead for the future, save, invest, and diversify our money. Here are just a few scripture about this important area of our life.

1.   1 Timothy 6:17-18 (GW) –“Tell those who have the riches of this world not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, they should place their confidence in God who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. Tell them to do [well], to do a lot of good things, to be generous, and to share.”

 

2.   James 4:13-15 (GNT) - Now listen to me, you that say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to a certain city, where we will stay a year and go into business and make a lot of money.” You don't even know what your life tomorrow will be! You are like a puff of smoke, which appears for a moment and then disappears. What you should say is this: “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.”

3.   Luke 14:28-30 (MSG) - Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: “He started something he couldn’t finish.”

 

4.   Luke 16:10 (GW) – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with a lot. Whoever is dishonest with very little is dishonest with a lot.”

5.   Proverbs 11:28 (VOICE) – “Those who trust in their wealth are headed for great disappointment, but those who do right will sprout like green leaves in the spring.”

 

6.   Proverbs 13:16 (AMP) – “Every prudent and self-disciplined man acts with knowledge; but a [closed-minded] fool [who refuses to learn] displays his foolishness [for all to see]”.

 

7.   Proverbs 16:9 (GNT) – “You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.”

 

8.   Proverbs 21:5 (ERV) – “Careful planning leads to profit. Acting too quickly leads to poverty.”

 

9.   Proverbs 22:16 (NCV) – “Whoever gets rich by mistreating the poor, and gives presents to the wealthy, will become poor.”

 

10.       Proverbs 24:6 (VOICE) – “With wise guidance, you can wage a successful war, and with a council of many advisors, you will be victorious.”

 

11.       Proverbs 3:5-6 (NCV) – “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and He will give you success.”

 

Let’s conclude this post with some valuable quotes on the topic of investing your money wisely:

 

1.  Anonymous Author - “It’s not what you own that will send you bust but what you owe.”

 

2.  Benjamin Franklin - "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

 

3.  Benjamin Graham - “Successful investing professionals are disciplined and consistent and they think a great deal about what they do and how they do it.”

 

4.  John Templeton - “The four most dangerous words in investing are: ‘this time [it is] different’.”

 

5.  Paul Clitheroe - "Invest in yourself. Your career is the engine of your wealth."

 

6.  Peter Lynch - "Know what you own, and know why you own it."

 

7.  Peter Lynch - “If you’re prepared to invest in a company, then you ought to be able to explain why in simple language that a fifth grader could understand, and quickly enough so the fifth grader won’t get bored.”

 

8.  Phillip Fisher - "The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing."

9.  Robert G. Allen - "How many millionaires do you know who have become wealthy by investing in savings accounts? I rest my case."

10.      Warren Buffet – “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”

 

11.      Warren Buffett - “I will tell you how to become rich. Close the doors. Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful.”[i]

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[i] Adapted from “30 Bible Verses about Investing: Getting Good Counsel, Planning Ahead and Diversifying” by Peter Anderson. On Proverbs 13:16, brackets were added by the Amplified Bible, and not me. 

 

Something’s Wrong

“The man who sows wrong thoughts and deeds and prays that God will bless him is in the position of a farmer (who having sown tares[i]) asks God to bring forth for him a harvest of wheat.” (James Allen)

Darnel (poison darnel, darnel ryegrass, or darnel cockle) grows in the same area as wheat. It was a serious weed of cultivation until modern sorting machinery enabled darnel seeds to be separated efficiently from wheat seeds. The similarity between these two plants is so great that in some regions. Darnel is referred to as "false wheat."

It bears a close resemblance to wheat until the ear appears. The spikes are more slender than those of wheat. The wheat will also appear brown when ripe, whereas the darnel is black. This plant goes by the scientific name of Lolium temulentum. [ii]

The above description reminds me of the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds as told in Matthew 13:24-30(MEV) below.[iii]

He told them another parable, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while [the man] slept, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. But when the shoots had sprung up and produced fruit, the weeds also appeared.

 “So the servants of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir did you not [plant] good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’

“He said to them, ‘An enemy did this.’

“The servants said to him, ‘Will you then have us go and gather them up?’

“But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the weeds, you pull up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers: Gather up the weeds first and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”[iv]

 From this parable, we can learn the following life lessons:

1.  Be cautious because the Devil (your enemy) is at work in your life. “Be careful [and] watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart.” 1 Peter 5:8 (TLB)

“The weeds keep multiplying in our garden, which is our mind ruled by fear. Rip them out, and call them by name.” (Sylvia Browne)

2.  Be patient because one day evil will be dealt with by your Heavenly Father permanently. “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain anymore…The old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (AMPC)

“Prejudices (it is well known) are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilized by education; they grow firm there, firm as weeds among stones.” (Charlotte Bronte)

3.  Be ready for your personal harvest to be beyond your wildest imagination. “But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display. The Anointed One died for us. As a result, the blood of Jesus has made us right with God now, and certainly we will be rescued by Him from God’s wrath in the future.” Romans 5:8-9 (VOICE)

“Therefore, brothers and sisters know this: Through Jesus we proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship with God.” Acts 13:38-39 (CEB)

“The promises of God are samples of what is promised; as a handful of wheat is of the barn.” (Coventry Patmore)

 “It is amazing where God will take you when you are willing to follow. Life is full of surprises when we choose mystery over security.” (Erwin McManus) Are you ready for the adventure of your life?

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[i] Tares are weeds.

 

[ii] This section was adapted from Wikipedia.

[iii] This post was inspired by the sermon, It’s Like This: Harvest Gathering  (installment four, final) Pastor Dave Jansen Sunday, February 26, 2017 CenterPoint Church Gahanna  Gahanna OH

 

[iv] The interpretation of this parable from Jesus: Matthew 13:36-43 (NCV)

 

Then Jesus left the crowd and went into the house. His followers came to him and said, “Explain to us the meaning of the story about the weeds in the field.”

Jesus answered, “The man who planted the good seed in the field is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed are all of God’s children who belong to the kingdom.

 The weeds are those people who belong to the Evil One. And the enemy who planted the bad seed is the Devil. The harvest time is the end of the age, and the workers who gather are God’s angels.

 “Just as the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all who cause sin and all who do evil.

The angels will throw them into the blazing furnace, where the people will cry and grind their teeth with pain. Then the good people will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let those with ears use them and listen.

 

 

 

They’re Everywhere

“I think mentors are important and I don't think anybody makes it in the world without some form of mentorship. Nobody makes it alone. Nobody has made it alone. And we are all mentors to people even when we don't know it.” (Oprah Winfrey)

Becoming a mentor can be important to both one’s personal (and professional) growth. The mentor is the more experienced person that takes the rookie under their guidance. The reward is watching their mentee mature (as a person). Mentoring offers many growth benefits outside of simply feeling good about helping others.

The Lessons You Teach Are a Good Reminder for Yourself - One of the most important skills I can give my mentees is the capacity to believe and be kind to who they are inside. To be kind and confident in myself is the best way I can be a role model for others. I am reminding myself (and my mentees) to strive to a higher standard.

“Mentoring is a mutuality that requires more than meeting the right teacher: the teacher must meet the right student.” (Parker J. Palmer)

Many educational institutions abide by the theory of “See one, do one, teach one,” for optimal learning practices. Nothing can help you learn better than teaching a concept to someone else. You have to know your material thoroughly in order to convey it to others.

Mentorship Forces You to Step Back and Gain Perspective - When a mentee comes to you with a challenge, it is difficult to offer advice without the full context of the situation. Ask questions and gain more clarity about the circumstances before answering.

“There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses - only results.” (Ken Blanchard)

As an unbiased party, you have the distinct advantage of being able to see the whole picture (without getting caught in details or emotions that may hinder your mentee). Because of this, you can offer advice that is clear and sound. This part of mentorship has challenged me to step back and gain perspective on my own situation.

Mentees Can Teach You Something Too - As a mentor, you must forget the perceived hierarchy; keep an open mind, and be willing to let your mentoring session work both ways. Most mentees would be more than happy to share what they know with their mentor (especially since they have gleaned so much from you).

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” (John Crawford Crosby)

Mentorship Grows Leadership Capacity - When you mentor others, you learn to bring out the best in others. You recognize strengths and weaknesses. You know how to be diplomatic (while getting results). You learn to give sound advice and be supportive. You look within established guidelines to make changes.

 

“A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you (than you see in yourself) and helps bring it out of you.” (Bob Proctor)

The skills you may inadvertently learn are applicable in many life and professional situations. The confidence you gain as a mentor is transferable to leadership in the workplace. Mentoring can be both beneficial and fulfilling. Take the time to reflect on your own life. Consider your valuable insights as you move into mentorship.[i]

 

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[i] Adapted from “Why Mentoring Others Has Helped Me” by Alex Lyman

 

Floral Sunshine

·       “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” (Luther Burbank)

·       “Think about how the wildflowers grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon[i], the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.” Luke 12:27 (ERV)

Like music, flowers have a way of communicating intense emotions (that the written or verbal word can’t). Are you aware that the color of a flower can let the recipient know exactly what feeling you want them to take notice of? Below is a handy color guide for when you wish to give another individual a floral moment.

·       “God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” (Martin Luther)

Red communicates intense romantic love (or passion), seduction, and desire.

·       “You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry, don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”  (Walter Hagen)

Orange communicates happiness, joy, and the warmth of sunshine.

·       “The flowers are springing up and the time of the singing of birds has come. Yes, spring is here.” Song of Solomon 2:12 (TLB)

Pink communicates femininity, innocence, playfulness, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and spontaneity.

·       “The grass withers, the flower fades; nothing lasts except the Word of our God. It will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (VOICE)

Yellow communicates friendship, trust, compassion (sympathy), and respect.

·       “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” (Abraham Lincoln)

 Green communicates harmony (balance) with nature and good fortune, which leads to resilience and a youthful outlook.

·       “After women, flowers are the [loveliest] thing God has given the world.” (Christian Dior)

 Blue communicates calmness and serenity, get-well, and is appropriate for long-term couples who want to exchange their deep and abiding trust for each other.

·       “Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made and forgot to put a soul into.” (Henry Ward Beecher)

 Purple communicates mystery, an enchanted (other worldly) quality, charm, grace, elegance, and refinement.

·       “But immoral ones will find their lives cut short; they’ll vanish as quickly as wildflowers in the fields.” Psalm 37:20 (VOICE)

White communicates eternal unconditional love, purity, and spirituality.

·       “When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so. They have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it (whether they want to or not).” (Georgia O'Keeffe)

White/Red (together) communicates harmony and excitement (purity and passion). There is a promise of adventure wrapped in elegance (as well as unity and togetherness).[ii]

·       “For happiness one needs security, but joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair.” (Anne Morrow Lindbergh)

“We need to find God and God cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature (trees, flowers, grass) grow in silence; see the stars, the moon, the sun, how they move in silence.

Is not our mission to give God to the poor in the slums? Not a dead God, but a living, loving God. The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life. We need silence to be able to touch souls.

The essential thing is not what we say, but what God says to us and through us. All our words will be useless unless they come from within -words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness.” (Mother Teresa)

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[i] Solomon’s parents were David and Bathsheba.

[ii] Sources used:  “When I Give Someone Flowers, What Message is the Color Sending?” By SJW and “Flower Color Symbolism” (www.flowershopping.com)