"For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope" (Romans 15:4)
As we begin a new year, I want to challenge you try something different - to create Your Bible. Think about what many of the books of the scriptures are... they are accounts of people who learned of God's ways, accepted and applied them by faith, sought the Lord in prayer and then saw Him intervene to bless them and to fulfill the promises that had been declared or what God had spoken to their hearts.
I'm encouraging you to try this for all areas spiritually, but today let's zero in on what it would look like in relation to finances and debt. You can begin with either a notebook or to create an electronic document, start either by copying special verses that speak to you. They can be ones that challenge because you know it's a place you're not yet obedient, like "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in My house" (Malachi 3:10) or "Owe no man anything but to love one another" (Romans 13:8).
There will be scriptures of encouragement, such as "Be strong, vigorous and very courageous... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9), and "Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). Refer back to these, especially when you're tempted to turn away from continuing on the right path. Continue to add to these scriptures.
Next, write down the tangible steps you are taking, such as bringing your lunch to work some days of the week, giving faithfully in tithes, using an app like GasBuddy before filling up, giving to a special need for some one or a ministry, recording and watching your credit card charges in real-time during the month, reducing some area of spending that you know trips up your higher goals.
An important and faith-building portion is to record your prayers to the Lord. Be as detailed as you are in speaking and petitioning with Him. They can be for strength in avoiding overspending, receiving a promotion and increase at work, forgiveness or reduction of a financial debt, wisdom in making a larger purchase decision.
As you see answers to your recorded prayers, write them down next to the prayers in Your Bible. This black-and-white evidence will inspire you to pray more, increasing your faith for even greater things and works from the Lord, be a testimony to share with others and will magnify your love for Him.
The results of your efforts and the Lord's blessing are worthy of writing down also, such as eliminating one of the credit cards, retiring a particular bill that has lingered for a long time, paying off the car, being able to have a down payment for the house you're looking for.
Looking back on this effort, you'll realize what you're recording is no different than what is in the scriptures from 2,000+ years ago - it is what's been spoken and promised by God, what prayers and steps you took by faith in response, and the results that appeared for you. That is why this will truly be Your Bible.
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
