Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, even in this will I be confident. The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27)
To be victorious in our finances, or in any battle, it is important to know who and where your enemy is. The reality is there's a host of enemies working to divert your finances away from you to what you know is best - to tithe, to pay down debts and become debt-free.
To start, many of our parents showed an example of using (or abusing) credit cards, always carrying a car loan and a mortgage. In our youth our classmates and friends wore certain labels of clothing, had expensive gadgets, ate out frequently and took in entertainment that brought pressure to go along and fit in. As we get older, we can feel that same pressure to buy and do the things that our neighbors, coworkers and friends do.
The onslaught of advertisements from television, radio, billboards, mail, computers and phones has one goal - to excite you into spending your money on what they're selling... whether you have the money or not. I've said a funny definition about shopping centers, "A series of distractions intended to extract more dollars from the consumer than he/she originally intended to spend."
Even "financial experts" can be trying to sell you their stocks, bonds and mutual funds to gain a commission while also advising to not pay off your mortgage. (In our Debt-Freedom Class we cover this topic in detail)
Our closest opponent is our flesh, which tells us we will not be happy unless we buy that item, service or experience. The flesh has no concern for what it will do to our budget. Galatians 5:17 says the desires of the flesh are opposed to the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are opposed to the flesh. Satan will try to tempt us through our flesh, which is why it must be put down.
Yes, we are outnumbered, but we are not alone.
Who is on our side? The servants of God usually are, teachers and Pastors - like Pastor Aaron, will share from God's Word, which has both practical knowledge for finances and instructs and encourages us how to overcome the desires of the flesh. Online searches for biblical financial guidance are available, beyond the basics from what is found on this page.
I am on your side. Each month this page will provide encouragement, scriptures to reinforce God's will for our finances, and practical steps you can take. At Broomfield Assembly you can always ask me for help and prayer about finances and debt. There is a free 3-hour Debt-Free Class available covering the action plan that can be started immediately, with plenty of information, scriptures and encouragement to get you on your way.
God sent us the Holy Spirit as our Counselor (read John 14), He is always with us 24/7. If we are sensitive to Him, the Holy Spirit will lead us to make wise decisions with our finances. It can be in an instant when in the marketplace, in quiet meditation before the Lord, and in bringing to our remembrance what we have learned. God says we'll be led forth with peace by Him, which is a good test to use when facing a purchase decision.
God Himself promises to always be there for us, on our behalf when in His will... "For the Lord your God is He that goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." (Deuteronomy 20:4). He further encourages us in Isaiah 41:10 - "I will strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Lastly, know that you are not alone because the Lord your God - who said that His words shall never pass away, said this... "I will be with you. I will not abandon you. I will not leave you." (Joshua 1:5)
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
