What do You do When Financial Profits do Not Come?

You worked hard doing everything right, so you should expect a profit, a reward for your labor, or some kind of positive outcome, but the reverse happens. What do you do then?

An obscure ancient prophet in the Bible has some advice for you. He said, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV©

ABSOLUTE DISASTER

These words describe an absolute disaster for a person living in an agrarian culture. All their resources, investments, and labor are tied up in these things, and when there are no results, there is nothing left but poverty loss and possibly (In ancient times) slavery.

Everything described is an essential resource or commodity of the day. What is the Habakkuk's response to financial ruin?  He says he will rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God, his Savior. 

HOW DO HIS WORDS MAKE SENSE?

At first glance, you say, "How does that make sense?" But if you look deeper, you see it is the only thing that makes sense. 

All those material things, like sheep in the pens and grapes on the vine, do not compare to God. 

Crops, like bank accounts, are transitory, uncertain, and fluctuating in value. They do not influence the world around them but are influenced by countless forces against them.

ON THE OTHER HAND- GOD

On the other hand, God is true, eternal, faithful, righteous, holy, the master of creation, commanding nature and nations, and owning all things. Add to all these wonderful truths about God that He loves you and sent His son to redeem you and bring you into a relationship with him. 

Our relationship with God gives us value and purpose. He gives us his caring love, and his promise to provide for those who serve him is without end; it is forever. 

A RELATIONSHIP THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

The ancient prophet could say that he would rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God, his Savior because his relationship with God was richer than the wealth of the fields.

RESOLVE

Sometimes, setbacks and personal disasters drive us into God's arms because of our desperation and brokenness. But the Prophet Habakkuk did not wait until then; he was resolved to rejoice in God.  

His attitude required not only a relationship with God but also faithfulness toward God, a faithfulness that is expressed in resolve. He was determined and committed to rejoice in God and his Savior no matter what circumstances or Divine Providence brought. 

Anyone can rejoice in God when they are blessed, and everything is going well. It is more wonderful and a blessing to purposely rejoice in God during difficult times. 

I hope you are encouraged by my musings. 

Grace and Peace

A. E. Dozat

Should I Loan Money To Someone I Do Not Like?

What do you do when someone you do not like, or even an enemy to you, comes to and asks for a loan. What would be the best way to handle this situation?

Fortunately, Jesus has already answered this question.

"And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.  But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:34-35.

These are the words of Jesus on the subject of lending money.

Jesus reaches the highest standard, not of business, social norms, or status but of Godlike love.

• 
  If they are a bad risk, just give them the money.
• If they are too poor to pay back, then just give them the money
• If they are underemployed, just give them the money.
• If they hurt you in the past just give them the money.

WITHOUT EXPECTATION

Do not keep records or watch for it to come back. In simple words, forget about it. This attitude is liberating. 

THE VIEW OF WHO

Take the view that it is not a loan to the needy person but a gift to God, who is that person's Creator and redeemer. 

WHY DID GOD GIVE IT TO US?

God gives us money and wealth not to become more prosperous but to be stewards of his gifts. We become better, nobler, and more like him through that stewardship. Jesus said our reward will be that we become children of the Most High so we may become Godly and righteous.

THE GREATER REWARD

We do not know what or where that reward will be, here and now or later in heaven. It may be material, social, spiritual, or something else. But we are assured by the Lord himself that whatever that reward will be, it will be great. 

Do not try to make money by lending; instead, seek God's favor by freely giving it away.

Grace and Peace

©A.E. Dozat

12/23/24

What Is The One Thing That Will Keep You From Being Wealthy

If there was one thing or attitude that is keeping you from being wealthy, wouldn't you want to know what it is so you can avoid it?

We have attitudes or behaviors that help us live a successful life, and because we are complicated human beings, we have attitudes and behaviors that undermine our quest for success.  We have to challenge ourselves to turn from things that keep us from blessing.  There is one thing that keeps us from success, and the Bible tells what it is.

"Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich." Proverbs 21:17.

Here are four short observations about what the Bible says.

FIRST: WHO
This verse does not single out the rich, the poor, or the middle class.  What is says it says to everybody, we see that because it starts with the word, whoever.  So no matter who you are, the statement applies to you.

SECOND: LOVES PLEASURE
Pleasure is not bad, and there is nothing wrong with enjoying life and the blessings God gives us. The danger is for those who live for pleasure or are consumed by it or motivated by it.  It could be the one who has a "live for the weekend" attitude.

THIRD: THE RICH BECOME POOR
If you are rich, then loving pleasure will make you poor. Perhaps as you pursue fun, you miss out on business opportunities. Perhaps you spend more than you should on pleasurable pursuits and business suffers from inattention.  Perhaps you lose your focus on good financial decisions. There are many reasons, but whatever they may be, loving pleasure will take your wealth away.

FOURTH: THE POOR WILL NEVER BECOME RICH
This scripture was written in ancient times when wine and olive oil cost huge amounts of money.

• Possessing them signified status. 
• Wine and olive oil can refer to the freedom to consume.  
• Wine and olive oil gives us an image of one who loves food and drink. 

There is nothing wrong with being well thought of and admired, or of having nice things or of being able to provide food and shelter for yourself and those you love. But if status, possessions, and self-gratification are your focus, then you will never be rich.

Jesus reminded us who we should love, "He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:36-40,

Thank you for visiting and reading my post I hope it is an encouragement to you.  Use the search box above or see the sidebar for more.

(c) Adron 7/28/18

Do Good Things Come to Those Who Wait? Proverbs 6:6-8 Answers.

Can we expect good things to come to us if we sit just around and wait while hoping for some good fortune to change our lives like winning the lottery?

The wisest man in history didn't seem to think so. King Solomon wrote, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8.

YES, IT IS POETRY
Proverbs are different kind of teaching style than we are used to in western thought. It uses poetry, imagery, and other literary devices to make a point. What counts is the point that it makes.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS VERSE
Ants do not have a big corporate structure, a huge master plan, or agenda. What they do have is a work ethic. They work day after day without ceasing. They do not take vacations, holidays, personal days, me time or call out sick.

ANTS DO HAVE SOMETHING
They have something and it is not just a work ethic, but it is because of their work ethic they have storage filled with provisions.

CONSIDER ITS WAYS
Ants work hard and long so they have what they need.
Be like the ant and:

• Be the hardest worker.
• Don't wait for the right time, to them the time is now.
• Look for opportunities.
• Make opportunities if none are available.
• Do not disregard the small stuff.
• Work with your team.
• Work toward your goal.
• Take time off when you need it not when you want it.
• Don't consume what you have gained but set aside for the future.
• Don't wait to be told to work.

Maybe the wind will blow a winning lottery ticket to your doorstep, but don't count on it! Be like the ant and work every day and store up as much as can; someday you will have storehouses full of provisions ready to use and share.

What is The Secret to Contentment With Your Income? Insight from Psalm 23:1

How can we find contentment? 

Our human nature is rarely happy with what we have. We are like the toddler who sees something and as he reaches out for it and screams, "Mine!" It is cute in a toddler but can lead to misery as an adult. Does the Bible teach how to be content? It does, and you may already know the passage.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

THE LORD
The first two words of this verse are the most important ones.  They begin this psalm with a view of God which is a good attitude for everything we do.

A "lord" has the authority to rule, and he has the highest status and power over those in submission to him. When you call God your Lord, then you have made the most serious declaration you can make.

A SHEPHERD
We need a shepherd...

• The shepherd provides by making sure that the sheep have food and water.
• The shepherd guides the sheep to safe pasture and brings them to freshwaters.
• The shepherd leads the sheep. They follow him to those safe places. He goes ahead to find the best and safest way.
• The shepherd shelters the sheep by protecting them from dangers.
• The shepherd watches the sheep not only as a guard but out of love for them.
• The shepherd never leaves the sheep; without his presence, they are vulnerable to attack and injury.

MY SHEPHERD
People recite this famous verse of poetic scripture and think they are covered by some universal grace. The truth is you must personally make the Lord your shepherd. God is love, so He will not force himself on you since that would not be loving. He waits for you to come to Him and choose Him. Until you do, you cannot honestly say that the Lord is your shepherd.

If you have invited God into your life (to understand more about this, see the link above for the Gospel), then God is your shepherd, and He does all these things for you. Your needs and wants are in His care.

If your needs and wants are in the care and custody of the Almighty Creator of the Universe, who is also the Lord of all Heaven and Earth and Lord of all time, then you can be confident that you have enough, because as your Lord, He knows your needs and He knows what is best for you.

YOU LACK NOTHING
You may feel something is missing, but because the Lord is your shepherd, you lack nothing.
Because He is All-Wise, He knows what is best for you and will either give it or withhold it.
Because He is All-Love, what He gives is given out of love, and what He withholds is withheld out of love.

The person who wrote the 23rd Psalm was content not because he has a lot of stuff, or a full dinner plate or a beautiful house (indeed he may have been sleeping in the open and eating roots),  but his contentment came by viewing the Lord's provision as all he needed.

We should be content because God is watching over us. He is our shepherd.

(c) Adron 7/28/18

What Should You do When You Get Wealth? Psalm 62:10

What would you do if you had a million dollars?

We all say something like, "If I only had a million dollars I would do..." and then we describe something that fulfills a dream, a longing, or creature comfort.  But what does the Bible say you should do if you did inherit or win a million dollar? Here is a suggestion from the Bible.

"Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Psalm 62:10.

WHAT?
Do not set your heart on it. That sounds lofty and ideal but what does that mean?
To set your heart on something means:

• That thing is the object of your affection.
• You dream about it.
• You see that thing as the fulfillment of your hopes.
• That thing is essential to you.
• It begins to define you.
• Your identity and the thing you set your heart on start to become one and the same. 
• It becomes your motivation and the basis of your choices.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT
The list above is not bad if your heart is set on something wise and healthy, like family, God, church, and community. But to set your heart on wealth for the sake of wealth or to serve only yourself is not wise. Our hearts should be set on loving God, family, and serving our community. To set our hearts on wealth puts wealth in competition with God, creates selfishness, puts at risks the best things in life and opportunities to serve and know God, ultimately you risk eternity and the blessings of heaven.

THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY
This Bible verse is not just a proverbial saying. The Holy Spirit moved the patriarch to pen these words so this is not merely some advice that you can take it or leave it.

Scripture addresses the issues of your heart in many places because God has a right to it and everything you are and have. As a loving Father, God cares for our wellbeing and knows a heart set on wealth for the sake of wealth is unsatisfactory to meet our deepest need. Even Jesus affirmed this when he said,  "Where your heart is there your treasure will be also." Matthew 6:21.

DEVOTION
The scriptures do not say to refuse wealth or deny your inheritance. It does not say we should choose to become destitute. Our hearts were made for better things than gold, silver, houses, and vacations. Our hearts were made for God and will only find fulfillment in serving Him.

So, if some wealth comes your way affirm to God that He alone has your devotion and demonstrate your devotion to Him by acts of charity, tithing, and service.

(c) Adron 3/2/18

What Does The Bible Say About A Fool And His Money? Psalms 49:20

The Bible says a lot about money, but what does it say about a foolish person and money?

"A man who has riches without understanding is like the beast that perish." Psalm 49:20.

RICHES
At first glance, you think this is all about money, but riches can be many things. Riches can include all manner of property; you can be rich in talents, education, friendships, and other things of this world. Therefore, we can all consider ourselves to be rich in some way or another.

UNDERSTANDING

To have understanding is more than just an education or a broad knowledge base. 

• It is having insight into how things work. 
• It is to know the effect of your actions. 
• It is the result of experience, thoughtfulness, and imagination. 
• It is to possess an awareness of potential and possibilities. 
• It is the result of purposeful intelligence.
• It is intentional, it is not an accident and it doesn't just happen. 

We must understand wealth, how it relates to the world and what is God's purpose for our wealth.

BEAST
In God's creation, humans are set apart from the beast. In the Bible, we see God creating beast by His command, but when He created man He had greater care and intention because it says God formed man out of the dust of the ground, not by command.

The opposite of the beast that perishes is being made in the image of God. If we are in the image of God we are intended by God to be noble and virtuous, a reflection of his nature and character, we are to do great things not just to exist.

PERISH
To perish is to come to an end, it is the final conclusion. The wise author of Proverbs used these words as a statement of value or judgment; it is to say that without understanding your wealth makes you less than God intended you to be.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
You must get understanding. It is foolish to possess a powerful resource and not to understand it.  You must take time to learn about your wealth, gifts and blessings. Seek out advisors who are expert in these things. Read literature that teaches how to handle your wealth. Resolve not to be like the beast who perish.

(c)Adron Dozat 12/21/17

Does God Promise To Give Back What You Give To Charity? 2 Corinthians 9:6

If you give money to God you will get that money back? Some say you will and that you may even get more back, but what does the Bible say?

Consider what it says in 2 Corinthians 9:6.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 2 Corinthians 9:6.

REMEMBER
We have problems with forgetting, especially the good and right things we should do. Who remembers to thank God every day for His blessings? We need to remember the important things, and resolve to do those things and giving generously is one of those things.

WHOEVER
Anyone who is stingy is known as such and anyone who is generous enjoys a good reputation. This is true of all people not just some or people from one culture or time.  It is not just the rich or the upper class but anyone.

SOWS
Generosity is illustrated here as a farmer sowing his seed in the field. When the farmer cast seed in the field he can anticipate a certain result.  Once the seed is tossed on the ground he has little power over it but must trust God to send the rain and the sunshine to produce a crop.

SPARINGLY
Sparingly is like giving the left overs or the extra, it is giving the little you can spare after your own needs are met. There is no sacrifice or heroic sense in it.

To give sparingly has a predictable result. If you toss a lot of seed into the field there will be a lot of plants if you only put out a few seeds you will have a few plants. How big a harvest you have depends on how many plants you have in the field.

REAP
The purpose of sowing seed is only one thing and that is to get a crop. The purpose of God's gift of wealth is not to consume them but to sow them and to do good.

GENEROUSLY
This is the word we want to see. We would like to receive generous blessings from God.

There is no guarantee that you will receive money if you give money. God may bless your financial giving in other ways. He may bless you with deeper friendships or bless you with richer experiences, or a fuller walk of faith, or He may defer the reward for heavenly treasures.

We should make gifts of the blessings that we have but not to receive gifts in return, we do it out of love for God and his creation.

* * * * *

Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope this is helpful. 

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(c) Adron 7/16/17

What Does The Bible Say Is The Best Way To Increase Wealth? Proverbs 13:11

Get rich quick or get rich slow- which is better according to the Bible?

"Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow." Proverbs 13:11.

DISHONEST MONEY

You might say to yourself that this refers to someone who robs a bank or snatches an old woman's purse, but it is broader than that. It is not just the "get rich quick" schemes or fraud but any lack of integrity and transparency in money dealings. It might be the extra service charge that is unnecessary, or the extra little percentage is written into a bid.

DWINDLES AWAY

To dwindle is a slow diminishing, like a leak that causes the bucket to slowly drain dry so that you do not see it happening, but when it is too late, you have an empty bucket sitting in a muddy puddle. You will not notice the loss, but you wake up one day, and it is all gone.

GATHERS

This is like the farm laborer who goes out into the field and diligently fills up his basket with the farm produce over and over throughout the day. It is hard work; it is the opposite of the treasure hunter who finds a fortune all at once. The one who gathers does so over and over, one basket-full at a time and day after day.

A person who gathers is not consuming it as he goes. To gather implies he is also storing what he gathers.

LITTLE BY LITTLE

Little by little suggests a planned step-by-step approach. It is not the try this and then to try that, but having an intelligent plan and following it each day.

Little by little requires patience and an attitude that you are in it for the long haul. It means you are willing to postpone the quick results to achieve superior results in the future.

MAKES IT GROW
This phrase has a sense of empathy. Not quite a Biblical promise but a statement you can count on. It is saying that there is a cause and effect relationship between gathering slowly over time and the growth potential of doing so.

Growing is a picture that is like a force of nature. Normal healthy living things will grow; it just happens. Things that grow not only become bigger but also become more useful. Our problem is that we can't easily observe something growing; it happens so slowly that its measure has to be taken over great lengths of time.

Things that grow slowly are generally better, an oak tree takes decades to grow, but a weed grows in days.

This growth results from your patient's hard work and efforts and are realized over time.

Do not become tempted to participate in "get rich quick" activities, and do not get discouraged over small results in savings and earnings today or tomorrow, but keep it up, and over time your money will add up.

I hope this is an encouragement. To find more, use the search box above or choose from the list of favorites in the sidebar.

(c) Adron 11/6/16

Does the Bible Teach it Is OK To Not Work? Ephesians 4:28

Sometimes work is hard and sometimes work is boring. The world is full of other activities that are more enjoyable and fun than work, so if you can get out of work by cheating, stealing, or by taking advantage of a welfare program, then what is wrong with that?

The Bible says, "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need."

 Ephesians 4:28.

"ANYONE"
Some people steal and feel they can justify it by some reason or another, that they are owed, or they are deserving, or that this case is an exception, but the word anyone also means EVERYONE, so no matter who you are or what your reason you must not steal.

"STEALING"
Many people do not understand what stealing is. Most people can see that taking something that doesn't belong to you is stealing, but others think it is OK to steal if the value is small or the owner is impersonal, like a business or government. Stealing is just as wrong if it is a dollar candy bar or robbing a bank.  When you steal, you take the benefits of someone else's life, their time, energy, and labor. It is the same if you use a gun to rob a bank or lie on a form to get money from the bank or the state.

"WORK"
God gave work to mankind as a gift. It was the first instruction to Adam in the garden, making it foundational to all we are intended to do and be. Work was meant to be a blessing; our sinful nature wants to twist it into something else.

Work is a blessing because it...
     * Increases self-image, self-worth, and self-identity.
     * Becomes the catalyst to develop character.
     * Develops relationships we would never know otherwise.
     * Provides a means of greater and sustainable wealth.
     * It can actually increase your IQ.
     * People who work are generally healthier than those who don't.
Just to name a few blessings.

"USEFUL"
Work is an activity that is useful to others, the community, or society, and it makes you helpful to others. There is a purpose in honest labor that benefits all those around us. The one who steals or lives off of others' endeavors is doing something not worthwhile.

"HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE"
We do not work to amass our own stockpile of goods, but we work to provide for ourselves and to have a resource to provide for others. Because we work, we are prepared to share our goods, wealth, and blessings.

"THOSE IN NEED"
There will always be someone in need, and we are blessed by their creator when we reach out and become a blessing to them.

GOD
God does not mean for us to be idle, lazy, or to live off the efforts of others. We are meant to be productive and valuable. Instead of being persons who take the resources of others, we are supposed to be giving to others.

Many of us hold the core belief that God is Love and that love is expressed in his sacrificial giving of his Son Jesus on the cross to pay for mankind's sin. If God is to be an example, then we should live sacrificial lives of giving and serving; such lives are not possible if we depend on theft for income or welfare programs because these things undermine the work of God in us.

(c) Adron 9/3/16

How To Get Riches According To The Bible- proverbs 8

We want to find riches and we want to know the way to wealth. Does the Bible have any directions or advice to us so we may finally find fame and fortune?

You would think that a book like the Word of God is dedicated to purely spiritual instruction but it does have some teaching about worldly wealth. The part of the Bible known as the book of Proverbs is mostly attributed to King Solomon who is considered the wisest man to ever live. He wrote about wisdom and its relationship to wealth, riches, and honor.

In chapter eight of Proverbs, wisdom is speaking as if it is a person, and as a person wisdom says: "With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold: what I yield surpasses choice silver." Proverbs 8:18-19.

"WITH ME..."
The metaphor is clear that wisdom is primary. You must have wisdom first, but this goes against conventional thinking.

Wisdom cannot be separated from honor wealth and prosperity.

The modern conventions are that to gain wealth you have to have:
     * An education,
     * A system,
     * A team,
     * A loan,
     * A program.
     * An angle.
     * A talent.
Just to name a few.

Wisdom trumps all systems because is it not a system- it is a gift from God that becomes a truth of who you are, it is a character trait.

Find wisdom first and you will be positioned to find riches, honor, wealth, and prosperity.

WISDOM IS

A gift from God:
"If any man lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him." James 1:5

Is reverent:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom but fools despise instructions."  Proverbs 1:7.

Will be found when you seek it:
"The beginning of wisdom is this, acquire wisdom, though it cost all you have- get wisdom." Proverbs 4:7.

Is a reward from God.
"To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness." Ecclesiastes 2:26.

Is hidden (found in) in Christ:
" In order that they may know the mystery of Christ in whom are hidden all treasures wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:2-3.

HONOR.
Wealth does not guarantee honor. In some cases, it may be accompanied by embarrassment and shame. Wisdom brings good things, and with those things, it brings honor and the esteem of others.

WISDOM IS BETTER
Wisdom is multidimensional, unlike wealth that is limited to material or finical value which fluctuates. Wisdom affects many more areas of life and character.

WISDOM SURPASSES:
Wealth by itself is limited to the finical realm, but there are no boundaries to the blessings that wisdom brings with it. The wealth wisdom brings is not only financial but spiritual, social, moral, and wealth of character.

WITHOUT WISDOM
It only takes a little imagination to foresee what happens to wealth when someone is foolish or lacks wisdom. The tales of lottery winners who squander their sudden wealth and acquire debts that exceed their winnings are countless, not to mention the many who come into a great inheritance and run themselves into financial ruin in a short time.

GET IT
Get wisdom by spending time with God, his Word, godly people, and service to him and those he loves. You just might find yourself wealthier than you ever imagined without adding a cent to the bank account.

 (c) Adron 8/20/16

What does Jesus Teach About Money and Weath? Mark 8:36

Jesus spoke about money often, he paid taxes and watched people give money at the temple; and sometimes he used money as an example or a teaching illustration. If he had one piece of advice about money what would it be?

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and to lose his soul?" Mark 8:36.

A QUESTION
It is amazing at how well Jesus answered his critics who challenged him with questions. Here it is Jesus who asks a question, and his question may be the hardest one to answer but the most important one, and it is a question each of us must answer for ourselves.

A QUESTION OF VALUE
It is a question of values where one is greater and one is lesser and we determine which.

PROFIT
This may be the most important word in this verse. Here is the bottom line. Here is the ultimate question. It is like saying, "What is the point, or what is the good in it?"

THE WHOLE WORLD
At first glance, the whole world would be the ultimate gain, if you had the whole world you would have it all; every need, every desire, and every pleasure would be yours. If we stop there it would be a nice idea but the next phrase adds a surprising perspective.

LOSE YOUR SOUL
We have gone from gaining to losing. Our soul is eternal and it is the truest part of us. To lose your soul would be a loss that cannot be recovered. The Bible teaches we have one life and experience one death then we face the judgment. Hebrews 9:27.

GAIN
Everyone agrees that you must look to the future and save for retirement or save for kid's college, but when it comes to eternity we become nearsighted.  Yes, we should save for retirement, mortgage, and for kid's college but we must also look beyond.

The reason we save for things like retirement is that we hope to live into retirement, but even if we don't we will still experience eternity. We must make plans for how we will spend eternity just like we plan for our retirement here.

THE ANSWER
All the riches and power for the few years we have here are not worth sacrificing eternity for.

We must work and earn a living but just earning money and acquiring wealth should not be our focus. We need a balanced attitude. We live this life and use its resources for the next. The wealth you gain in this life you cannot keep in the next.

There is no profit in getting wealthy for a short time to lose your soul forever, but if you live your life in such a way that you consider eternity you will have a richer life here; it may not be finically richer but richer in ways the world cannot measure and that heaven rewards.

To learn more about the riches of salvation see my other blog.
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(c) Adron 7/22/16

Does the Bible say When is debt OK?

Our culture, lifestyle and modern economies seem to all justify debt. Not only to justify it but to make it a foundational value- even a virtue. If monetary debt is a lifestyle and approach to handling money what is to keep it from becoming a standard for other attitudes too?

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.." Romans 13:8.

LET...
This Bible verse starts out with a word that speaks of choice. To let is to choose to allow something. In a sense, this makes the verse a command of the Holy Scriptures.

LET NO...
There is more than one kind of debt. Most people focus on financial debt but before God, and in our society we have many debts. They include...

The debt to thankfulness.
The debt to service.
The debt to those who make our world better.
The debt to those who sacrifice for our good.
The debt to parents and teachers.
The debt to the faithful family and friends.

Each of us could add many debts that we owe to so many others.

LET NO DEBT REMAIN OUTSTANDING...
We must be people who pay all our debts not only the financial, but practical, social and any other debts we are obligated to.

Consider what a difference it would make to the world if everyone had the attitude that they would not be indebted to anyone else?  What if every kindness and act of grace or mercy was repaid without consideration of cost?

EXCEPT FOR THE ONGOING DEBT TO LOVE
Some may counter that this attitude of paying off every act of indebtedness or replying to every kindness with a kind and gracious response could lead to a legalistic view of life and may sound too much like eastern religious philosophy. The concluding words of the verse gives the balance that we must love others beyond the measure of any ability to repay. Paul the Apostle and author of the verse points out that love fulfills all the commands of God and man. Love overpowers debt.

Whatever our debts we should pay them back in full measure and in love. We should be people who give back in excess of our receipts.

And we should love beyond any measure of others to pay back.

(c) Adron

What Is The Best Standard Amount For Charitable Giving?

Some people and some churches say we should give a certain percentage such as 10% or 20%, or even more. Did Jesus give his followers any guidance on how much they should give?

It is recorded in Matthew 10.

"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." Matthew 10:8.

These words are from the instructions Jesus gave to his followers when he sent them out to preach.

This is a list of Apostolic miracles, and generosity is elevated to the same level and is included as a guiding attitude. This statement of giving freely is an exclamation mark that sums up all of the instructions.

WHO
The phrase, "freely you have received, freely give," is directed to those disciples and their specific mission on that occasion; but the principle transcends time and place, and applies to us today.

THE POINT
The point is obvious that they were not to charge for the work they did in the name of the Lord; they were not to make a profit out of something that God gave them freely, instead, they were to be generous.

COST
Some in the church quote, "I will not give to God that which cost me nothing," which is a reference to King David's sacrifice to stop the plague in 2 Samuel 24:24.  But Jesus' disciples were to share freely the blessings they were given freely.  They were not just to do good but to do it with the attitude of unrestrained generosity.

WHAT IS IT TO GIVE FREELY
There is not a set rule to follow like a ten percent tithe; this is an even higher standard- it is to give without restraint or hesitation. It would say, "I have been greatly blessed so I will greatly bless. I have been given much so I will give much."

THINK WHAT HAVE YOU RECEIVED FREELY

We each have been given more than we know. We have blessings and resources of many types; some have money and some have talent, skills, time or gifts. We all have life and every heartbeat is a gift. If we count our blessings with an open mind and reflective spirit we would see we have been given much in many ways. Since we have received much and we should give much. 

NOT JUST BECAUSE

Jesus gives the instruction to give freely and that is the strongest reason but it is supported by many truths. 

     * It is morally right to give freely. 

     * It is an appropriate expression of gratitude. 

     * It is the correct way to honor the giver.

     * It is noble.

     * Society respects it.
     * God rewards it.
     * It reflects God who freely gives blessings to us.
     * It models Christ to those who are witness to it.

GIVE
Maybe you cannot raise the dead and drive out demons but generosity is just as powerful. Be thankful for the blessings The Almighty has given to you and rejoice in the opportunity to be a blessing by freely giving.

(c) Adron 2/7/16

Does the Bible Say it is better to be poor? Proverbs 28:6

Is it better to be rich or better to be poor? Or is it all be the same?

The Bible puts it this way, "Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse." Proverbs 28:6.

     * BETTER: When something is better it is deemed to be superior to the alternative. It is a comparison between one item and another.
     * WALK: This is a figurative term and can be thought of as lifestyle, or our daily activities.
     * BLAMELESS: This is to be able to endure scrutiny and be proved to be free from blame. it is like good character.
     * WAYS: Ways may be the habits or view of life.
     * PERVERSE: Taking the good and making it bad, or twisting the good for a bad outcome.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
In this Bible verse, riches are contrasted with character. You can have riches and good character. Riches will not always help you in problems, but more often good character will: riches may even bring more problems, you become a target for scammers, the taxman, thieves and people who see you with a prejudiced view. By comparison, a good character will rarely bring you problems.

JUST THINK ABOUT IT
Riches alone do not give indicators of character, maybe they illustrate someone's skill at acquiring money.

If you were going to hire someone for a job would you hire someone on the basis of having a lot of money or someone who was honest and trustworthy? We look for character in people more often than we look for wealth.

When you have riches you spend a lot of time worrying about it all and maintaining everything it brings. But who worries about being honest, truthful, trustworthy, hardworking and the other traits of having good character?

THE CORE TRUTH
This scripture verse points out that there is a moral standard that is higher than the gaining of riches. The virtuous life of integrity is better than riches.  Seek to be noble and a person of virtue instead of chasing after wealth.

(c) Adron  1/27/16

Why Not To Be Jealous Of The Rich

We look at the world around us and see people who seem to have it all and more. Should that inspire us to want to be like them?

"Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them. Though while they live they count themselves blessed- and people praise you when you prosper- they will join those who have gone before them, who will never again see the light of life." Psalm 49:16-19.

DO NOT BE
This is not just advice or a suggestion; instead, the Bible gives it the strength of a command. Here is something we are clearly told to do, or in this case not to do.

OVERAWED
We should not wonder at the situation of the rich, or think too much about their lives, much less be jealous. We should not let thoughts about the rich fill our vision, and don't be impressed with their riches.

WHAT IS THE VERSE SAYING ABOUT HOUSES?
The house suggests not only bank accounts but the way of life; besides not being in awe of other people's money we should also not be impressed with their other riches such as possessions, community, influence, status, and power.

THEY WILL
There is one absolute you can count on, it is that they will take nothing with them when they die.
Riches often cause us to focus on this world as if there were no other, and they can cause some to forget the reality that one day they will stand before God.

THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE THEM
In death we are all common and those things that made us each distinct are gone we are then just like everybody else.

LIGHT OF LIFE
We have opportunities only in this life to find peace with God.  One of the dangers of wealth is that it conditions us to think that money can buy anything, but God does not sell salvation- instead, He gives it freely to those who are willing to accept it. Without Christ, all the riches of the world will still leave one hopeless and facing a dark eternity

 (c)Adron Dozat 11/19/15

What Does The Bible Say About Defaulting On Loans?

These days there are many offers to borrow money and these offers seem to target the ones who are least able to afford them.  It is tempting to think that you can take a loan and not worry about repaying; after all they are big corporations with a lot of money and our little bit won't hurt them.

Is it right to borrow money knowing that you cannot repay it?  What does the Bible say?

"The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;" Psalm 37:21.

THE WICKED
You may think it is cleaver, OK, or just a little shady, but the name that the Bible gives for getting loans and not paying them back is WICKED.  It is saying this is the act of a wicked person.

Something that is wicked is a thing or action that is condemned by God because it is full of sin.

BORROW
To call it borrowing is hardly the case, it is really theft.  It is the same as to enter a bank with a gun and take the money by force.  Instead it is theft by a lie- the lie the wicked say is that they have integrity and are going to pay it back.

AND DO NOT
There is purpose in their failure to repay.  It becomes a lifestyle of consuming and not giving back.  At one time it may not have been intentional but the practice has solidified into a mindset of self -gratification.

REPAY
There is a theme that goes through the Bible of gratitude and thanksgiving.  We are all debtors to God for life and all the blessings we enjoy.  To repay our debts honors God for whom we owe more than we ever will be able to repay.  It honors God when we pay back our loans and is an expression of obedience to God.

(c) Adron 11/1/15

How To Get A Guaranteed Reward For What You Do

We all want to get rewarded for our work but can we really get ahead at any cost, and if so what kind of profit will it be?

"A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward." Proverbs 11:18.

A WICKED PERSON
In a sense we are all wicked at heart, but the individual who gives himself over to that evil lurking within is much worse off than the ignorant person or the person who continues to struggle with right and wrong.

The "wicked" in this Bible verse is someone who will deceive others; they would even deceive God if they could but knowing that they can't they just ignore God.

DECEPTIVE WAGES
The results of compromise and profit by wrong doing prove to be empty and not at all what was hoped for.  Often the results will not be as much as promised or not there at all; even if the rewards promised are realized they do not bring enjoyment or satisfaction.

ONE WHO SOWS
Sowing is hard work. It is putting little seeds in acres of prepared soil. You do it in the hot sun on your feet until you are tired and then you do it some more because if you don't you will not have a crop. To sow the seed requires commitment, patience, planning and a measure of skill. This is the opposite of the "Get Rich Quick" philosophy.

RIGHTEOUSNESS
The righteous person acts right so the results will be holy. The righteous know their actions are known by the Almighty and are judged by others.

REAPS
Reaping is a resulting action. It means if you do this then that will come about- namely that with time there is fruit to harvest.

SURE REWARD
The reward is as sure of as the Eternal Holy God who guarantees it via this promise. He is trustworthy so our reward is secure.

Unlike the empty wages of the wicked the righteous can be confident that there will be something at the end of his labor.

It is implied that this sure reward is also a bountiful reward.

REMEMBER
Character counts, a person who is deceptive, cuts corners, falsifies statements, to get a quick reward, is himself deceived- he will fall and will cause others to go down with him.

If you want good things in life sow goodness.

____________________________

Thank you for visiting my blog. 
I hope these post help.
See my most helpful post in the sidebar.

 Adron

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Does The Bible Teach That You Will Be Rewarded For Being Generous

If I am generous, will I be rewarded?   Does the Bible teach that?

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

This Bible Verse is a promise.

GENEROUS
A generous person blesses others by giving liberally, but generosity is not just giving stuff to others; there is an accompanying generous spirit.  If you give someone what they need and it is done with a complaint, a frown, or an ungracious attitude, then it is not done in God's Spirit.  To be truly generous comes as much from the heart as it does from the wallet for "God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7.  God looks with favor on the attitude of cheerfulness in giving.

PROSPER
The word, prosper, is associated with an investment that pays off, so the idea in this verse is that the giver receives not just equality but liberality. There is an idea, too, that being generous is a loan to God.

REFRESHES
This is an action word. To refresh is to meet a physical need, like giving a cup of water to thirsty.  The person who refreshes is one who not only says they will pray for you, or they wish the needy to be cared for, and then they do nothing themselves- the generous person is the person who actually does something.

WILL BE
The word, will, occurs twice in this verse; it gives double emphasis.  It is like saying the generous person definitely, absolutely, utterly, and completely will be prosperous.  There are no maybes in this verse.

REFRESHED
You have received so that you can, in turn, give, both in the world's goods and spiritual blessings.   God often deals with us in the same manner and measures we deal with others.  Jesus himself said,  "Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38.

We have been given many blessings and riches in the gospel of Christ, and since we are being made in the image of God, who loved and gave sacrificially, we ought to be generous.

* * * * *

Thank you for visiting my blog. 
I hope these posts help.
See my most helpful post in the sidebar.

 Adron 5/31/14

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(c) Adron

How Do You Tell The Difference Between Needs and Wants? Proverbs 30:8

Some of our wants and needs are legitimate like food, clothing, and shelter. Some of our wants are things we think we need but don't.  How do you sort out the real need and the wants?

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God."  Proverbs 30:8-9.

PRAYER
This scripture is a prayer, and it is instructive that it asks God to help with falsehood and lies.  There are the falsehoods and lies that you may commit but you must be aware that you are the victim of falsehoods and lies.

Our world is full of falsehoods and lies.  The wise man does not want to speak falsely, but he does not want to hear the false either and be deceived.  The media tells you that you need something, but is it true?  Your own heart may tell you that you need something but that does not make it true.

GIVE ME NEITHER POVERTY NOR RICHES
Your foundation must be the truth that what you have comes from God.  If it is poverty or wealth both come from God.  To acknowledge this is the first step to understanding the difference between needs and wants.

BUT ONLY MY DAILY BREAD
This prayer asks God to give what is needed and only for the immediate, not a storehouse.  This becomes a daily or constant dependence on God.

TOO MUCH
There is nothing wrong with possessions; the danger is the "TOO MUCH" when we have an unhealthy amount of possessions.

Too much leads to the possibility of disowning the Lord.  If it makes you forget your dependence on God then you have too much.

To disown is to turn away and neglect your relationship with God, it is to reject God.

POOR
The danger of being too poor is the possibility of relying on your own resources to provide; you may be tempted to break the law, to steal, or do something dishonest to meet your physical needs.  This is a sin, but the greater danger of it is that it brings slander to the name of the Lord and his reputation.

This verse is an example which Jesus reinforced by his words in the Lord's Prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread."  (Matthew 6:11). Pray daily for your needs and wants, and be honest with God- there is no safer course

(c) Adron 6/19/15