From A to Z - Part I
"Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him."
This verse from Proverbs 30:5 reminds us of the straightforward yet profound perfection of God's Word. Over this month and next you will receive verses of "ammunition" relating to our finances that can be applied, either to stand on for promises from God, or to aim for in our actions and obedience, with each keying in on a word beginning from A to Z.
Above - "Set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not the things that are on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). As we embrace this in our thoughts, we will desire less of the world's "things" and we'll find ourselves wasting less money and time pursuing those things.
Blessing - "A person of blessing will be enriched, and he who gives water also will be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25). Here and in many other places God promises to return blessings back to those who are generous towards others.
Content - "But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied)" (1 Timothy 6:8). Our ability to lean on contentment in Christ is one of the best deterrents to indulging in extravagant and unnecessary spending to sink us into debt.
Diligent - A sluggard's appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied (Proverbs 13:4). God speaks highly of being diligent - from listening and seeking Him, and in our efforts of working... where He promises those who do so shall rule and have riches.
Enjoy - "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance" (John 10:10). From experiencing life with debts and without debts, I can testify God intended us to enjoy life without debts, and experience that peace.
Faithful - "Because you have been faithful and trustworthy in a very little (thing), you shall have authority over ten cities" (Luke 19:17) Joseph was a great example, of how to be faithful to the Lord in handling smaller things, He will entrust us to greater things. I feel this also translates to how we handle smaller amounts of finances to graduate towards larger amounts.
Guard - "Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23). This verse speaks strongly... "above all that you guard". We are charged to continuously reject worldly ways, in our finances this would include impulse spending, keeping up with the "Joneses", and a lack of concern for counting the costs to come.
Help - "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" (Hebrews 4:16). It does not matter if our financial difficulties came from our choices or a circumstance that came upon us, God encourages us to come to Him and receive His grace, bringing peace until that time when He moves on our behalf.
Integrity - "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them" (Proverbs 11:3). Part of integrity is defined as "the state of being whole and undivided". The greater degree that we think and walk undivided in the Truth, God will lead us to the right steps to take, including in our finances and in fair dealings with others.
Joy - "Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus endured, knowing it would save the world. In the same manner, we can endure the temporary hardships of denying our flesh towards paying down debts - while imaging the joy before us what it will be like to pay off that credit card, car and home down the road.
Keeper - "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand" (Psalms 121:5).
We can rest in and trust in these words, which from the root Hebrew word of keeper speaks to God being specifically our hedge and our protector.
Lack - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him" (James 1:5). Whether it is with our finances, vocation, or other areas. If we humble ourselves and simply ask, God will show us His wisdom in that purchase decision, managing our finances or being the best we can be in our work.
Meditate - "I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways" (Proverbs 119:15). Treasuring His words enough to spend time on them in thought after we read or hear them will increase our ability to use them as a "sifter" to us, providing discernment to know what is right and wrong when financial decisions arise and all other matters.
We'll pick this back up next month for the remainder of the alphabet. Lasty, be encouraged that God continuously guides us from His word, using a familiar passage from Psalms 119:105, but from the Voice translation bringing some additional perspective:
"Your word is a lamp for my steps; it lights the path before me"
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
