I certainly hope so.
Continue readingCan a rich person go to heaven?
The Sabbath: A Strategy for Restoring your Soul
The Sabbath ended up being a strategy that gave me a second chance.
Continue readingIs Money Evil?
Many Christians, overwhelmed by the negative effects of money, view wealth as a necessary evil. But the issue isn’t about riches. It’s about our heart’s relationship toward them.
Continue readingWhat The Bible Has To Say About Money
Money—it’s a word that stirs up all kinds of emotions, from desire to desperation to anxiety and ambition. Everyone wants it, but most people don’t know how to carry it.
As Christians, it’s easy to think of money as a secular object, but it truly isn’t. A lot of people don’t understand what the Bible has to say about money.
Turns out Scripture has many opinions on the subject. The Bible isn’t just a spiritual guide; it’s a manual filled with financial principles that can lead to true prosperity.
Understanding What Money Is & Isn’t
First, let’s answer the question: “What is money?” Money is more than just a physical object; it’s an idea, a form of legal tender, and a source of power.
Money opens doors, creates opportunities, and magnifies whatever is in your heart. It has the potential to elevate righteousness, corruption, or destroy whoever mismanages it.
No amount of hiding will allow you to sneak past this test. God has designed money to act this way. Whoever possesses it shows their true colors—good or bad.
Money in the Bible
Various authors mention money in the Bible over one hundred times. One of the earliest examples is when Abraham purchases a field to bury his wife, Sarah:
And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. And Abraham rose up from before his dead and said to the Hittites, “I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” The Hittites answered Abraham… “Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb to hinder you from burying your dead.” … and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants. – Genesis 23:2-6, 16 ESV
In this story, commerce and trade are at the center. It’s clear that money was a fundamental part of human existence at this time. God didn’t shy away from discussing it, and neither should we.
While today we use fiat currency instead of precious metals, the principles remain the same. Money is fundamental to human existence, and understanding its importance is key.
Bible Verse About Money Root of All Evil
Everyone knows the verse: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils…” This passage is often quoted to warn us against the excesses of wealth. But is that really what this verse is about? If we look closely, we realize that the Bible’s opinion is quite different. Let’s read this passage again:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” – 1 Timothy 6:10 ESV
It’s evident that the Lord despises the love of money, not money itself. Wealth is a tool used to achieve freedom and success. However, we must maintain a balanced perspective. When we become obsessed with riches, it leads to destructive behavior.
Does the Bible Say It’s Better to be Poor?
One misconception about Scripture is that it glorifies poverty. Yes, there are some “better to be poor” Bible verses, but if you examine the Word’s overall context, you quickly realize this is nonsense.
While Scripture emphasizes humility and warns against idolizing wealth, it does not champion poverty. Proverbs 10:4 states, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
God’s perspective on money is depicted in the parable of the unfaithful servant. In this story, the servant who failed to invest his master’s money was punished, while the one who gained interest was rewarded (see Matthew 25:14-30).
The Lord expects us to be wise stewards, growing what we are given. God is a capitalist. When He gives us a blessing, gift, or talent, He expects us to increase it. Ignoring this truth is a violation of God’s commands.
Bible Verses Regarding Money
There are many Bible verses regarding money. The Lord has so many opinions on topics like debt, generosity, and greed. Applying these truths, we can strengthen our own finances and help others do the same. Here are just a few relevant scriptures:
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops,” – Proverbs 3:9
“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?” – Luke 14:28
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income…” – Ecclesiastes 5:10
It’s clear that God wants us to master our finances with a complete and balanced mindset. If He didn’t, why would He emphasize stewardship, contentment, and money management? By embracing these Biblical principles on money, we can carve out our own paths to financial stability and gain personal freedom.
Bible Verses About Money Blessings
Scripture is overflowing with verses about money blessings. Some shy away from the concept of blessings, mistakenly viewing them as greedy or selfish. But God’s message is clear: He wants us to thrive. When we align our actions with His principles, success is not just a possibility; it’s a promise. Consider these verses:
“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” – Proverbs 10:22
“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.” – 1 Timothy 6:17
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” – Malachi 3:10
God is not hesitant about blessing us; in fact, He actively encourages it. Money is a tool for blessing, and He wants us to enjoy it. We can embrace this perspective, but realize that we need to stay humble. Remember, according to Scripture, building wealth is all about stewardship, not self-indulgence. Money without righteous intent brings misery; money with purpose and a divine calling leads to eternal fruit.
Conclusion
Overall, the Bible has a lot to say about money. If we can apply its ancient, financial principles–the dangers of debt, the virtues of hard work, and the pitfalls of greed–we can exponentially increase our own monetary worth.
For your homework this week, tap into the Scripture’s wisdom on money. Consider the Lord’s insights on generosity, stewardship, and contentment. Use His wisdom to shore up any weaknesses in your own finances and personal beliefs.
The Unintended Consequences of Debt
by Guest Author: Cory De Silva
You already know the obvious consequences of debt: stress, bankruptcy, and rocky marriages. But let’s talk about the hidden consequences:
- A lack of generosity
- Stolen joy
- Loss of freedom of choice
Unintended Consequence of Debt #1: It Kills your Ability to Give
Four months ago, a young father approached me for financial help. He was losing his apartment and needed some cash to house his family. I wanted to contribute, but could only give $100.
Because of my debt, I was limited on how much I could offer. I knew debt could wreak havoc on my finances, but I never thought it’d prevent me from helping others. This realization broke my heart.
Unintended Consequence of Debt #2: It Steals your Joy
When my wife and I were buried in medical bills, we argued daily. There was zero peace. Thankfully, God was bigger than our problems, and we passed through this difficult season.
However, we still had work to do: make calls, apply for financial assistance, and set up payment plans. It was a humbling experience, and it required trust in God.
Now, almost a year later, we’re halfway out of our debt. We’re saving for a home and are on the path to debt-free living. It feels like a miracle!
Unintended Consequence of Debt #3: It Steals your Freedom of Choice
Sometimes debt is unavoidable. You take it on for education, mortgages, or a business loan, and it takes years to pay back.
Life can also deal you an unfair hand, where there’s no alternative but to turn to debt for survival. When this happens, what do you do?
What does the Bible say about Owing Debt?
There are a handful of verses that talk about debt. But the one I’ll mention is in Genesis, when an uncontrollable situation (famine) reduced an entire nation to bondage.
It involves the story of Joseph, a young Hebrew who was put in charge of Egypt. To prepare for a famine, Joseph began stockpiling food. Several years into the crisis, the nation ran out of grain and the people panicked:
“When that year was over, they [the Egyptians] came to [Joseph] the following year and said, ‘We cannot hide from our lord the fact that since our money is gone and our livestock belongs to you, there is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Buy us and our land in exchange for food, and we with our land will be in bondage to Pharaoh. Give us seed so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate.’
So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh. The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields because the famine was too severe for them. The land became Pharaoh’s, and Joseph reduced the people to servitude, from one end of Egypt to the other.” —Genesis 47:18-20 (NIV)
Isn’t that staggering? The Egyptians begged themselves into bondage because there was no way out.
Point is, sometimes debt is unavoidable. But regardless of the reasons, one unintended consequence of debt is that it steals your freedom of choice.
Your Assignment for this Week
Take some time to really scour your expenses. See if you can slash outflows and stabilize your budget. As the saying goes, “the first rule of holes is to stop digging.”
Making Hard Decisions
In my own life, my wife and I’s biggest instability was our cost of living. We were renting in Los Angeles, where a tiny apartment was $1600 a month. Cash was tight and we had to use credit cards to buy groceries.
In the end, we made the painful decision to relocate to my parents’ home. Was this decision easy? Of course not. But we didn’t have many other options.
Another solution was to give one of our cars to a friend in need. It was tough having only one vehicle, but the money we saved from insurance and maintenance each month was worth it.
Obviously, some people can’t afford to move or downsize their vehicles. If that’s you, I deeply empathize.
In Summary
Scour your housing, auto, and living expenses. Identify areas where you can cut costs. Secure a surplus so you can start the debt snowball process–one of the easiest ways to get on top of your liabilities.
God is on your Side
Even if your situation looks dire, don’t be discouraged. God is on your side. Ask Him to put wind in your sails and fast-track your mission toward Financial Health.
Meet with a professional who can show you different payment strategies–especially the debt avalanche and debt snowball processes. My dad, Stephen, is a great resource for this. When I first met with him almost a year ago, I was so embarrassed, but in just a few months, I’d already begun to see breakthrough. A little bit of humility and a lot of help from the Lord can go a long way.
PS: If you need help overcoming debt, check out my dad’s lesson, “Debt Avalanche & Snowball,” from his Practical Tools Collection. After you finish the video, schedule a free 15 minute Zoom session with him so you can begin to craft a plan for debt-free living.
Signs of a Prosperous Church
In America, there’s this unspoken belief that wealth is bad and poverty is good. The less you have, the closer you are to the Lord. But these ideas reek of a poverty mindset. There’s a big difference between being “poor in spirit” and believing you’re a powerless victim.
Scripture says, “it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” but that doesn’t mean we should retreat from Heaven’s blessings (see Matthew 19:23 NLT).
God wants us to thrive financially, spiritually, and emotionally.
Personally, I see success in these 3 areas as signs of a Prosperous Church. But what does thriving in these areas look like? Is it possible to have all 3 and still maintain integrity? I think so.
1. Spiritual Prosperity
Spiritual prosperity for church members is a strong desire. Yet, so many congregations feel spiritually empty. Why?
A lot of churches have no real connection to the Holy Spirit.
Some leaders are too afraid to get their people connected to God’s presence. Members who “flow in the spirit” act weird. Services run long. Congregants get offended.
But this experience of God’s power is so needed. It’s a sign of spiritual prosperity.
When Bill Johnson first arrived at Bethel Church, he preached a message of “revival at all costs.” He encouraged everyone to seek God with ferocity.
At first, Bill’s message was met with resistance. Over half the church left within a few months.
Today, Bethel is a massive, international movement dedicated to hosting God’s presence.
That’s what a Prosperous Church is: a community of believers who pursue the Lord wholeheartedly and experience His presence on a personal level.
2. Emotional Prosperity
Everyone in a Prosperous Church, leaders and members alike, should work to become healthier people.
This is why inner healing and deliverance ministries like Bethel Sozo are so beneficial. They allow people to meet with God in a safe environment and receive healing from deep personal issues.
I remember when my wife and I ran into an acquaintance from a previous church. Dawna had just started the Bethel Sozo ministry and experienced radical transformation. The acquaintance was so stunned with Dawna’s change. She said, “Wow, you used to be so bitter!”
It was a hilarious moment that caused everyone to laugh. Dawna confessed, “Yes, I definitely had some anger issues.” Point is, inner healing can lead to extreme breakthrough, even to the point of making people unrecognizable (in a good way).
Members of a Prosperous Church seek to heal their issues so that they can become healthier people.
3. Financial Prosperity
Finally, members of a Prosperous Church grow financially. Congregants aren’t afraid to examine their finances and make changes if needed. They see wealth as a tool, and grow it for God’s glory. This mission is demonstrated in Matthew 25:20-22:
“Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much…’”
God not only encourages us to earn wealth, He expects an increase in whatever He gives us. Prosperous Church members recognize that money is an opportunity for growth, and they work hard to steward it.
Conclusion
The church has an incredible opportunity to demonstrate spiritual, emotional, and financial success. We don’t need to look to important figures in culture, politics, or business to be inspired. We can be the inspiration ourselves!
I call this an evangelism of jealousy: where people come to the Bride of Christ because they see us thriving.
If you feel called to build a Prosperous Church or are inspired to join one, ask God how you can increase your health in these 3 areas: spiritual, emotional, and financial. Pray this prayer:
“Lord, help me to steward the riches you’ve given me. Empower me to get healthy on the inside so I can carry the blessings You provide. Teach me how to connect with You on a deeper level, so I can move closer to You and reflect success in every area of my being. I pray this all in Jesus’ Name, amen.”
P.S: For insight on how to develop your strength in these 3 areas, check out my ecourse: Prosperous Soul Online: Foundations.
Hoarding is a Sign of the Poverty Spirit
Did you know that hoarding is a sign of the poverty spirit? I’ve been teaching this for years.
When my wife and I were first married, we were so poor. It was hard not to hold on to stuff, thinking, We might need this later.
Eventually, our trinkets stacked up. Our backyard began to resemble a junkyard.
It took our children and grandkids visiting over the summer to finally convince us to clear this stuff out.
During one boiling Memorial weekend, Dawna and I went through our entire yard, loaded every useless item into our trailer, and hauled it off.
It was 3 solid days of back-breaking work, but I’m so glad we did it.
Today, our grandkids can wander outside freely, without the fear of tripping on some useless metal contraption.
When I first started teaching in the 2000s, I had no idea hoarding was a sign of the poverty spirit.
But once I began researching for my book, I realized it made total sense!
Hoarding is all about fear and scarcity. It’s a presumption of lack.
Someone believes there’s a limit on provision, so they store anything that appears remotely useful.
Now, please note: squirreling can also be a sign of mental decline. If you suspect a loved one is stockpiling because of cognitive problems, seek professional help.
The Spiritual Side of Hoarding
Those who struggle with runaway storing can collect anything: plastic containers, clothes, or pens.
Point is, they hold onto things that retain little or no value, even if they’re unsure that they’ll need them later.
While hoarding seems like a role of stewardship, it’s actually a sign of the poverty spirit. Scripture tells us there’s more than enough:
“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV
It also states:
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:31-33 ESV
And it reminds us:
“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” – Proverbs 10:22 ESV
In summary, God provides all that you need. There’s no reason to worry.
That’s why hoarding is a sign of the poverty spirit. It denies the Lord’s ability to provide.
Side note: storing junk is different from saving assets. There’s a reason people collect stamps, cars, or homes, which can gain value over time.
The New Testament promises us access to a life of abundance. We don’t need to cling to our junk.
If you find yourself hoarding, repent and ask God to show you the truth of His provision.
A Prayer to Break Free from the Poverty Spirit
If you struggle with hoarding, declare this prayer:
“Jesus, forgive me for opening a door to the poverty spirit. Release me from partnership with lack. I confess that You are my provider and protector. I hand responsibility of provision to You, and ask that You give me an identity of abundance in exchange. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
A Prophetic Act to close this door
This week, take a look around your house. Are there piles of junk that need to be disposed of?
If so, do the important task of clearing it out. Set aside 2 to 3 days. (Break it up over several weekends, if needed.)
Gather up your trinkets in a pickup or trailer and haul them to the dump.
View this as a prophetic exercise to signal that you’re turning back to God as your provider, and breaking free from the poverty spirit.
P.S: For an even deeper look at the signs of a poverty mindset, check out my online training, Prosperous Soul Online: Foundations.
17 Signs of the Poverty Spirit
A poverty spirit is a victim mindset that presumes scarcity. It’s a powerless viewpoint that believes:
- Money, promotion, and wealth is limited.
- Opportunities are hard to come by.
- Rich people are greedy.
- You’ll never be financially free.
The poverty spirit affects the rich and the poor. It focuses on what you don’t have.
When a victim mindset like this gains influence in your life, it forces you to act in unhealthy ways.
This is why Financial Healing is so crucial.
You can work with the Holy Spirit to identify and remove the destructive behaviors.
To aid your journey toward prosperous living, here’s a list of 17 signs of the poverty spirit.
Familiarize yourself with these habits, so you can reject them from your life:
- Resentful when others succeed – A poverty spirit makes you feel jealous of others’ success, even in areas you’re not pursuing.
- Quitting in the face of trials – Those influenced by a poverty mindset believe they can’t get ahead, no matter what. But Scripture states, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 ESV
- Quickly surrendering when confronted – Those who struggle with a victim mindset can’t handle feedback, even if it’s presented in a kind manner.
- Always blaming yourself – A poverty spirit convinces you that every obstacle or challenge is your fault, even when it’s not your responsibility.
- Hoarding – My wife and I used to hoard so many trinkets and toys. Our backyard started to resemble a junkyard! Eventually, we loaded our stuff into a trailer and hauled it off. Today, our property is beautiful and has plenty of room for our grandchildren to play.
- Impulse buying, with remorse – A victim mindset presumes there is never enough, so impulse buying, mixed with regret, is common.
- Giving away money you shouldn’t – Over-generosity is a sign of the poverty spirit. Don’t believe me? Read this post on the subject.
- Presuming failure before beginning – People with a victim mindset claim they’re just being “realistic.” But Prosperous Souls recognize challenges ahead and meet them with ferocity.
- Running away from creative ideas – Those who partner with lack shy away from creative solutions. But Kingdom thinking is innovative! We must seize God’s ideas and abandon those that no longer work.
- Awkward side hugs, where you cower low – Years ago, one of my clients greeted me with an awkward side hug. In that moment, I realized: This person believes they have no value. I confronted them on this action and they confessed to having a lack of confidence.
- Procrastinating important tasks – A poverty spirit cripples your ability to move forward with responsibility.
- Always talking about things but never starting them – Kingdom thinking requires you to back up your ideas with solutions. Anyone can sprinkle out ideas. It takes courage to execute them.
- Having trouble sleeping because of worry – Stress is not God’s will for your life. If you struggle with sleep, partner with the Holy Spirit’s peace. Say, “Holy Spirit, I give you worry and ask for Your rest in exchange.”
- Complaining about rich people – Those influenced by a poverty spirit despise those who rise from the grime. As Prosperous Souls, we honor everyone who is blessed by God.
- Inability to say “no” or keep boundaries – People who struggle with a victim mindset lack self-value. They can’t honor themselves, so they refuse to protect their own needs.
- Hiding from the amounts you owe (debt) – Hiding from your numbers is a key sign of a poverty spirit. Prosperous Souls know their financial figures, and aren’t afraid to improve them.
- Self-pity parties – Powerless thinking tricks you into wallowing in self-pity, instead of choosing to grow.
- Inability to imagine a better tomorrow – Those who partner with a victim mindset kill their ability to dream. But God calls us to hope and imagine. Scripture says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” – Proverbs 13:12 ESV
If you recognize any of these behaviors, congratulations! You’ve identified the presence of a poverty spirit.
The next step is to remove its influence through partnership with Jesus. We’ll go over this in a future post.
In conclusion, here’s a Financial Healing prayer:
“Holy Spirit, thank You for revealing the signs of the poverty spirit. Please remove its influence from my life and equip me to embrace the identity of a Prosperous Soul. I reject anxiety, hopelessness, and lack, in Jesus’ Name. I receive peace, hope, and abundance in exchange. Amen.”
P.S. For an even deeper look at the signs of the poverty spirit, check out Appendix C of my manual, Prosperous Soul Online: Foundations.
Secrecy is a sign of Mammon
What do clubs like the Freemasons, Odd Fellows, and Illuminati have in common?
They’re all shrouded in secrecy.
Back in 2007, when I was researching for my first book, I discovered that secrecy is a hallmark of mammon.
But what is mammon?
Mammon is the deification of wealth—the personification of it.
It’s worshipping money for the sake of it. It’s selling your soul get ahead, no matter who’s hurt.
Money is power and secrecy is a strategy the enemy uses to hold onto power.
Now, I’m sure most of you have never been part of a secret club, but I bet somewhere in your family line a relative has dabbled in one (especially free masonry if you’re in the United States).
Even if you’re sure you’ve never opened this door, it’s good to cover yourself in prayer.
To disempower the effects of mammon, say, “I see you, mammon. I do not partner with you. I send you back in Jesus’ Name.
Jesus, cleanse me from all ties to this spirit. Forgive anyone in my family who has opened a door to secrecy or exclusive clubs. Jesus, what gift do you have for me in exchange?”
Write down what Holy Spirit says and place it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. Make sure it’s somewhere you can visit daily and remind yourself of the breakthrough God has provided.
If you need help removing any more fingerprints of mammon, schedule a Financial Sozo with me. We can root out any sneaky side effects of this spirit and replace them with God’s truth.
Fingerprints of Mammon
Mammon is one of those words that gets thrown around in Christian circles. But what does it actually mean?
The term, which is mentioned in Scripture as mammonas, comes from the Greek word μαμμωνᾶς. Its origin is Chaldean (Babylonian) and is defined as:
To personify wealth. To deify riches as a god.
Mammon is a mastering spirit. It’s associated with greed and lust, but sins like secrecy, addiction, and envy are also characteristics.
For a full list of mammon’s traits, here’s a list I’ve compiled over the years. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any present in your life, then rebuke them:
- Mammon thrives on secrecy and half-truths by questioning your boundaries and twisting your thinking.
- Mammon invites unhealthy comparisons and factions between individuals, families, and teams.
- Mammon craves immoral and sensuous living in exchange for its own worship.
- Mammon is an incubator for addictions and conspiracies.
- Mammon is the source of entitlement, greed, and envy of others’ success.
Mammon views money as a source of worship. It’s evil and must be displaced by God’s truth.
Breaking free from mammon
God wants us to use wealth, but not be mastered by it. If you discern mammon’s presence in your life, you can break free with this renunciation prayer:
“I see you, Mammon. I do not partner with you. I send you back in Jesus’ Name. Jesus, forgive me for opening a door to secrecy, comparison, immorality, addiction, and greed. I hand this all to You and ask for Your goodness in its place. Jesus, what do You have for me in exchange?”