FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GOD'S WAY (JOYCE MEYER)

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers (3 John 2)

CHAPTER 1: YOU CAN DO IT! 

“In order to make it to your financial freedom, you’re going to have to get to the point where you are ready to say, ‘I am not going to live like this! I don’t care how long it takes me to dig my way out of this mess. I’m going to keep my eyes on the freedom, not the digging, and I am going to be free!”

1. Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (NIV). When we put God first in our lives, then we won’t become attached to money and material possessions. We’ll be willing to give whatever He puts in our hearts to give.

2. Although we should always know the state of our finances, we should never think about money too much. You don’t need to chase blessings. Instead, chase after God and His blessings will come to you, which are worth much more than just money.

Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5)

3. Remember that God is on your side. He will give you wisdom and show you what to do and where to start digging first. Your breakthrough might come quickly, or it may take some time. Just remember to keep your eyes on the freedom and you’ll make it! 

“If we will trust God and refuse to worry or think about what we don’t have, then He will give us more as we show ourselves to be good stewards over what He’s given us.”

CHAPTER 2: THE JOURNEY TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM

1. We must realize that we don’t really own what we have; everything is a gift from God. We call ourselves stewards, but sometimes we have the tendency to act like the owner; however, a steward is someone who manages property for someone else.

Jesus uses parables regarding financial stewardship to teach us about the importance of developing Godly qualities such as perseverance, discipline, charity, compassion, sacrifice, integrity and honesty. Money is an ideal training tool because God knows “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). And so, for the Christian, the goal of stewardship is much greater than simply paying your monthly bills. The goal is preparation for eternity.

2. Everything belongs to God. He simply allows us the great privilege of caring for it. And one of the best ways we can do that is to not be wasteful.

3. God gives each of us the talents, abilities, and finances in the proportion that He believes we can handle. Matthew 25:15 is a good example of this: To one he gave five talents [probably about $5,000], to another two, to another one—to each in proportion to his own personal ability. What we need to do is take what we have and do the best we can with it. If we will trust God and refuse to worry or think about what we don’t have, then He will give us more as we show ourselves to be good stewards over what He’s given us.

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV)

4. This scripture shows us that God watches us to see how we handle our money before He releases other things into our life. There are two specific tests that we all need to pass when it comes to finances: how we act when we don’t have money, and how we act when we do.

5. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12 NIV). It’s important for us to learn this too, because almost every person who serves God is going to go through a dry time financially.

"You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many thing (Matthew 25:21 NIV)

6. So while you are in the middle of the tests and waiting for your financial breakthrough, I want to encourage you to put a smile on your face and see something good for your future. Be a good steward with every penny God’s given you, give to help others, work really hard, keep a right relationship with money, and little by little God will give you more. 

7. The more you increase, the more you’ll be able to be a blessing in the body of Christ. Then, as you help others, you’ll be able to sing the praises of a good God who continually provides for His children.

ASK YOURSELF:

What am I doing with the money God has given me? Trust God to show you the places where you need to use your money and believe that He will be faithful to bless you for your obedience.

 

“Our pursuit of money can ruin our relationship with God, but it doesn’t have to…as long as we keep things in balance and don’t let ourselves crave money more than we crave God.”

 CHAPTER 3: MONEY AND RELATIONSHIP

1. For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs (1 Timothy 6:10). Notice that it says “the love of money” is a root of all evils. It doesn’t say that money is evil. Sure, money can be something that draws people away from God and can destroy relationships, but it also can be a wonderful tool. It can be used to bless many people, to relieve suffering, and to preach the Gospel.

2. Money can also reveal whether or not we love God. Jesus said if we love Him, then we will obey Him. It’s good for each of us to examine our heart attitude about giving and consider whether we’re doing what God is asking us to do. For example, do you tithe?Do you give when God asks you to give? Do you have possessions in your life that you know God has asked you to give away, but you still have them?

If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands (John 14:15)

3. As soon as we start letting things get in the way of our relationship with God, He will remove those hindrances to help us grow closer to Him. For example, I believe God was testing Abraham when He asked him to give up Isaac because Isaac had become more important to Abraham than what he should have (see Genesis 22). God wants to bless you immensely, but He also doesn’t want anything to come before Him—whether it’s money, position, people or anything else.

4. So when God brings blessings into your l life, be careful not to let your desire for His presence and your relationship with Him fade. Because the only way to keep your peace and joy is to keep God first and to worship Him for who He is. But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33 NIV). God wants us to have what we can handle, but He loves us too much to give us anything that will cause us to lose our faith.

5. God wants us to enjoy what we have, but our attitudes and relationships with others are so important. In fact, how we treat people is more important to God than just about anything else. God wants us to treat people well, be generous and ready to share with other people. People who are wealthy or are in positions of authority over others sometimes face the temptation to use their power in a way that makes them feel important, but that grieves God. In His Kingdom, leaders are actually humble servants of those they have authority over.

As for the rich in this world, charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment. [Charge them] to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share [with others] (1 Timothy 6:17-18).

6. Our relationships in this life are so important. If we can maintain a balanced relationship with money and not let it affect our relationships with God and others, we will be able to live in joy, to help a lot of people, and God will receive all the glory!

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO...

but sometimes we need to be willing to do it. Even if you have to literally take out your checkbook, debit card or piggy bank and talk to it, you need to be able to say, “You’re nice and I enjoy you, but I can live without you if I have to; however, I cannot live without God and I am not going to let you have first place in my life!”

“The main reason for abundance is so you can put a smile on other people’s faces by helping meet the needs they aren’t able to meet. There are so many waiting for a miracle and God could use you to give it to them.”

CHAPTER 4: PRINCIPLE TO LIVE BY

1. Principle #1: Work

If you want to receive a breakthrough in your finances, you’re going to have to be willing to put in some hard work. "But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today" (Deutoronomy 8:18 NIV). Truthfully, work is so good for us. And if we’ll be obedient and work with integrity, God will bless our work.

The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you (Deuteronomy 28:8 NIV)

2. Principle #2: Give 

• The best way to be happy in this life is to be a blessing to other people. The more you give away, the more you’ll be blessed. Tithing is the first step for someone who really wants to be a giver, and it’s a great privilege as a believer.

• Of course, you want to be wise about where you give. Here are a few things to consider when giving your money: 

~Are you being fed spiritually?

~Is your life being changed in positive ways that bring you closer to God?

~Do you really believe in what they’re doing?

~Do you see good fruit as a result of what they’re doing?

~Are they reaching the poor and needy?

~Are they preaching the Gospel?

• When God asks us to give our money away (or anything else we have), He’s never trying to take anything away from us. He’s simply giving us the opportunity to be part of what He’s doing to meet the needs  of others. And that’s part of His purpose and calling on our lives.

• It was important for me to trust God and give by faith when I knew He was leading me to do it, even though it hurt or was uncomfortable. You know, if you want to produce a dynamic harvest in your life, sometimes you’re going to feel the cost of that seed when you give it away. If you have something that you cannot part with and you know God is telling you to do it, then I want to encourage you to trust God, resist the hold that it has on you, and ask Him for the grace you need to obey and release it. Don’t let  fear or selfishness keep you from being a blessing!

• If you will live to give, you will never run out. Whatever you give up now will come back to you one-hundred-fold in this lifetime (see Mark 10:29-30). If you want to have an abundant life, then I encourage you to ask God to help you live like this. 

"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 NIV)

3. Principle #3: Save

• It is so important to be prepared for any expense that may pop up, like a flat tire, house repair or medical bill. And by having a savings set aside, you won’t have  to depend on credit cards or go into debt when the need arises. If you’re already tithing and giving 10 percent, I recommend taking an extra 10 percent each paycheck and setting it aside as a personal savings.

• If you will be diligent in saving, God’s Word says He will command blessings upon your storehouse. God may cause people to give to you. You might get overtime at work or an extra bonus. However He chooses to do it, God wants you to trust and expect Him to fulfill His promises in your life. 

• If you want to live in financial freedom, having a savings is vitally important. You might not be able to have or do everything you want right now, but it will be exciting when the day comes that you can pay cash for things and not go into debt to get them.

You know, everything is beautiful in its season and if you’ll save now, you can live in financial freedom later.

4. Principle #4: Spend

• First, ask God to help you and give you wisdom with how you spend your money. Listen to His still, small voice in your heart when you buy things. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Counselor, and He will tell you whether or not you should purchase something. As you get in the habit of doing this, you’ll find that you have more peace and joy in your spending.

• Second, only spend what you are able to afford. You’ll never make it to financial freedom if you aren’t able  to say “no” when your flesh is screaming, “I’ve gotta have it!” I like to say it like this, let your emotions subside and then decide.

5. All of these principles, including spending, should be followed within your borders—that means within what you are able to afford. Don’t worry about what others have; take good care of what God has given you and slowly your borders will increase.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS God is 

asking you to give away to be a blessing to others? This could include finances, possessions or your time and abilities. Write them down, give them away and trust God to bless that gift for both you and the recipient.

 “The greatest breakthroughs in your finances are going to come when you are willing to say “no” when you desperately want something you don’t need or can’t afford. It’ll sting a little now, but later on, when you can walk in and pay cash for it…you are going to feel so peaceful and enjoy it!”

CHAPTER 5: PRACTICAL STEPS TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM

1. In this chapter I want to help you take the steps needed to get to a place of financial freedom:

Step 1: Know the condition of your flocks

It’s always important to know where you are now before you try to get where you want to be. 

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations (Proverbs 27:23-24 NIV).

You can do this in simple ways, like balancing your checkbook. It’s important to know what money is coming in and what’s going out when you are spending. This will help you avoid overdrafts, fees and unneeded stress. It’s important to have a plan. Know the steps you are going to take to pay off your debt, save money and get to a place where you can live in freedom.

2. Step 2: Don’t buy things you don’t absolutely have to have or really need

If you’ve lived in excess for a while, you’re going to have to live the opposite way for a while. It will be hard for a time, but in the end there will be so much freedom. 

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11 NIV)

The greatest breakthroughs in your finances are going to come when you are willing to say “no” when you desperately want something you don’t need or can’t afford. It’ll sting a little now, but later on, when you can walk in and pay cash for it…you are going to feel so peaceful and enjoy it!

3. Step 3: Get credit cards under control

Consumer debt is the worst kind of debt because you’re spending tomorrow’s prosperity today. And when you make credit card payments, you’re often paying off things that you are no longer getting any value out of.

4.  Step 4: Pay off your debt

Money can cause so many problems in our relationships and personal lives, such as divorce, stress, depression and more. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your debt now so you can live in freedom later. It will help improve your overall health and  your relationships. As you work to pay off your debt, stay encouraged, be faithful in the little things and always lean on and trust in God for the ability to remain determined and diligent to walk through the process completely.

5. Step 5: Invest

In addition to investing in the Kingdom, we also need to invest in things here, like property, the stock market, mutual funds, etc. 

Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return. Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 NIV).

WRITE DOWN ALL OF YOUR DEBTS from smallest to largest. Mark each one off as you pay them off.

“God wants us to receive and enjoy the abundant life He offers us in Christ, which includes stable, healthy finances.”

CHAPTER 6: YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY

1. I hope this teaching has been a blessing and encouragement to you. God has shown me so many things over the years as I’ve gone through the circumstances that are discussed in this book. I know these principles work. And I know that God wants us to receive and enjoy the abundant life He offers us in Christ, which includes stable, healthy finances. 

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV).

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans (Proverbs 16:3 NIV).

2. PRAY THIS OVER YOUR LIFE as you set out on your journey to financial freedom.

Father, I love You so much and I appreciate You. Thank You for what You have given me; I sincerely want to handle my finances in the way that pleases You. Give me the courage to be obedient to You and to give what You tell me to give at all times. Help me, Lord, not to be deceived by the desire for money and possessions and things, nor to pursue those things. I want to pursue You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

SCRIPTURES ON FINANCE

God’s Blessings

…Let the Lord be magnified, Who takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant (Psalm 35:27).

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV).

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom (Deuteronomy 28:12-13 NIV).

The Lord shall command the blessing upon you in your storehouse and in all that you undertake. And He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you (Deuteronomy 28:8)

When the Lord your God blesses you as He promised you, then you shall lend to many 

nations, but you shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you (Deuteronomy 15:6).

Keeping a Healthy Relationship with Money

He who is of a greedy spirit stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall be enriched and blessed (Proverbs 28:25)

But immorality (sexual vice) and all impurity [of lustful, rich, wasteful living] or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting and proper among saints (God’s consecrated people) (Ephesians 5:3)

For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs (1 Timothy 6:10)

Health & Prosperity

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and [that your body] may keep well, even as [I know] your soul keeps well and prospers (3 John 2)

His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV)

Obedience & Finances

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity (Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV)

If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands (John 14:15)

For be sure of this: that no person…who is covetous [who has lustful desire for the property of others and is greedy for gain]—for he [in effect] is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God (Ephesians 5:5)

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11 NIV)

Trusting God

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass (Psalm 37:5)

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:12 NIV)

The Importance of Work

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he  swore to your ancestors, as it is today (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV)

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive (Titus 2:9-10 NIV) 

Knowing the Condition of Your Finances

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations (Proverbs 27:23-24 NIV)

Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, “This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish" (Luke 14:28-30 NIV)

Investing

Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return. Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 NIV)

Giving

A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30 NIV)

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former (Matthew 23:23 NIV)

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 NIV)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV)

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GOD'S WAY

JOYCE MEYER