by Joe Ranney

It is interesting to me that Jesus used 16 of 38 parables to teach His disciples about money and possessions. Did you know that one out of ten or 288 verses in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John deal with money? In the Bible, there are 500 verses on prayer, 500 verses about faith and 2,000 on money and possessions. Obviously, there is much the Lord wants to teach us on this important subject.

1. Settle the ownership issue.



We have all seen children gather toys around themselves and declare to others "M-I-N-E!" As we grow and mature, we must unlearn that "M-I-N-E!" statement as we relate to God. Verses for personal study: All that we "possess" is really God's--Deuteronomy 8:17, 18 and 10:14, Psalm 24:1, Psalm 50:10-12, Haggai 2:8, Matthew 25:14-30


2. Trust God for your needs and be content.



Verses for personal study: Proverbs 3:5-6, Ecclesiastes 15:10, Matthew 6:25-34 and 11:28- 30, Philippians 4:6-7, and 11 and verse 19, Colossians 3:1-5


3. Give back to the Lord as an act of love--as worship.



Our offering at church or our gift to an organization like Back to the Bible must be made as our heart says "I love you Jesus." Verses for personal study: This includes your resources, but most importantly it means YOU! Exodus 35:21-29 and 36:5-7, I Chronicles 16:29, II Corinthians 8:1-15 and 9:6-8


4. Give to God first--regularly and systematically.



Verses for personal study: Make it a habit--Exodus 22:29, Deuteronomy 26:1-3, Proverbs 3:9, I Corinthians 16:2


5. Give joyfully and proportionately according to how God blesses.



Verses for personal study: We are often confronted with a variety of interpretations on Old Testament tithing--(Leviticus 27:30-33, Deuteronomy 12). But God's plan (I Chronicles 29:9) is that we give with joy and proportionately according to how He blesses (I Corinthians 16:2, II Corinthians 8 and 9, Deuteronomy 16:17). We are under our Lord's perfect New Testament law of love. Does this new law call for any less than the old?


6. Love and give lovingly as a reflection of being created in God's image.



Verses for personal study: Genesis 1:26-27, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, I John 3:16-18 and 4:10


7. Be absolutely honest and truthful in all personal and business dealings.



Verses for personal study: Exodus 20:15-16, Acts 6:3, Romans 12:17 and 13:13, Colossians3:1-5, I Timothy 3:7, I Peter 2:12


8. Manage your own "house" well.



Verses for personal study: Be an example to those who may be watching. I Timothy 3:4-5, 7


9. Do your work for the Lord.



Verses for personal study: Take pride in your work and work hard. Exodus 20:9, Proverbs 13:11, 14:23, 18:9, 19:15, 20:4, 20:13 and 21:25, I Thessalonians 4:11


10. Be consistent in saving for the future.



Verses for personal study: Deuteronomy 28:1-8, Proverbs 6:6-11, 13:22 and 30:25


11. Be joyful and thankful in the Lord's provision.



Verses for personal study: Deuteronomy 16:15, Ecclesiastes 5:18-19, Matthew 10:10, Luke 10:7, II Thessalonians 3:10, I Timothy 5:18, I John 2:15-17


12. Teach these truths to your children.



Verses for personal study: Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4

Take the challenge by studying these concepts for yourself. Start applying them in your daily life! You'll be amazed at what the Lord does in and through you in the process.