Cassendur Mus’s Reviews > Money: Seeking God's Wisdom > Status Update

“A major characteristic of the early church was their care of widows and others who were poor (see Acts 2:45, 4:32, 6:1-6, Gal 2:10, James 1:27). Believers willingly made great sacrifices to help one another.” (pg. 79).

“Start taking radical steps to get out of debt. Make a plan to pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Lower your expenses by reducing your lifestyle. Increase your income by working harder and smarter. If necessary, sell some of your possessions. If you are weighted down by a house or car payment that is beyond your means, it may be wise to sell that assert and downsize.” (pg. 75)

“I have sat with couples who are initially unable to balance their budgets. Sometimes it is necessary for them to make lifestyle changes - driving a less expensive car, getting rid of a costly phone or cable plan, or even moving into a smaller home - order to make ends meet.” (pg. 72)

“In the long run, those whom rely on debt own less and lower their standards of living. They are often unable to fulfill their obligations to provide for themselves and their families. Sadly, they also find themselves unable to give to the Lord’s work.” (pg. 62).

“You have a natural ability to work with your hands while struggling with theoretical classroom training. If that’s the case, you may do best with some kind of vocational training. Or you may find that math comes easily to you, this some kind of formal education in engineering or business might suit you. God has given you unique strengths.” (pg. 50).

“Once I overheard a contractor who was working on my house talk with his partner about how to bury a gas line. There wasn’t a safety concern, and once the line was buried on one would know. His Christian partner replied, in essence, “God will know, and that’s enough for me to do it right.” (pg. 48).

“The sluggers in Proverbs is a pathetic,almost comical figure who works hard at avoiding work. The sluggard procrastinated and expects others to provide for his needs. He is full of excuses. The sluggard shows up late for work, doesn’t contribute while he is there, and then leaves early” (pg. 45).

“The person who is prone to pride in his accomplishments may learn humility through unemployment. Those who are prone to self-sufficiency-who trust their income and assets for their future security-will learn to trust God by facing challenging financial needs. Those who lack faith will be encouraged as they experience God’s provision.” (pg. 38)

“Often, our financial troubles result from a lack of careful stewardship of our God-given resources. If in our hearts, we see our possessions as being “ours”, we will view our things with a self-centered lens. This will lead to all kids of heart trouble - pride, greed, selfishness, a love of pleasure, ease, comfort, and self-satisfaction” (pg.27-28)

“There are many cases in which a Christian may suffer financially due to no fault of his or her own. Your employer may unjustly fail to pay you the wages you earned (James 5:4). You may be the victim of theft or embezzlement. You may lose your job because of the misconduct of your employer. A friend of mine was fired by a boss who hates Christians.” (pg. 22)