Moms of Faith

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The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. - Proverbs 12:15

We need to be very careful that we do not ever try to go through life and making important decisions alone. God wants us seek HIM first and His Word. However, He also wants us to seek out godly counsel in all areas…including money matters.

Wisdom comes when we seek good counsel. We will accomplish more and have less frustrations when we seek for and ask those who know more about money, budgets, and investing.

Who should we Counsel With?

Obviously God first!

And then…..

There are several options, depending on your circumstances and the issue you need assistance with.

• your husband, of course
• parents – they know you better than anyone
• close friends
• pastor or leader
• someone who knows about money matters

On the flip side, you should AVOID counsel from worldly people, those who have no experience with money or budgeting, and anyone who would lead you away from what God’s WORD says about money.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. - Proverbs 12:15

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, Thank You for Your Word and the Truth, Help, and Life that it holds. Help me to find the answers I need when I need them. Lord, please help me to know who I need to counsel with in the matter of my finances. Help me to seek counsel from those that YOU want me to. I love You, Lord, and I want my life to be ALL that You created to be…including money matters! In Jesus Mighty Name.

Our Homework:

Memorize this Scripture:

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. - Proverbs 12:15

Study the Following Scriptures:

(Each week I will give you 7 different passages or groups of Scriptures…Each bullet equals one for every day of the week until we meet again.)

1. Proverbs 11:14; 13:10; 15:22
2. Psalm 16:7; 32:8; 106:13-15
3. Psalm 119:24; 119:105
4. Psalm 119:98-100
5. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12
6. Proverbs 1:8-9; 11:14; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
7. Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 12:5

Pray daily for God to show you where you are not lined up with His Word in the realm of money, possessions, and financial matters. Seek Him daily about contentment and pursue a thankful attitude in all things.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

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<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Money Matters Main

Everything Belongs to God. NOTHING is mine!

The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine, says the Lord of hosts. - Haggai 2:8

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; - Psalm 24:1 (NIV)

Once we grasp this fact, we will have the ability to learn God’s principles of money and we can learn to be content with whatever He chooses to bless us with.

Money possessions and the pursuit…love…want of them greatly impacts our fellowship and relationship with the Lord.

How?

If our focus is money and “stuff,” our closeness with the Lord will be hindered. We will focus on what we do not have, what we want to have, and what WE think WE SHOULD have. We will become jealous, envious, and covetous…all which are sinful.

On the flip side; If we focus on the Lord. Trusting Him. Obeying Him. Then and only then will contentment come and with it peace and right relationship.

I mean think about it…money is important. Money is a prominent focus in everyone’s life…for both good and bad reasons…

1. We need it to eat.
2. We need it to live.
3. We work for it.
4. We crave it.
5. We want it.
6. We want more of it.
7. We covet it.
8. We envy other with more of it.
9. We give it.
10. We think about it.
11. We pray for it.
12. In many cases, we spend more time earning, thinking, and pursuing money than we do our time with the Lord and His Will and purpose for our lives..

I could go on and on…

Unfortunately, many of us are not lined up with God’s Word about money…even though we think we are, and even though we are givers.

I am going to end this week’s lesson with that. I want you to do your homework, memorize this week’s Scripture, pray about your heart and ask God to prepare it, and begin to understand and accept that NOTHING you own…and I mean NOTHING is yours.

Some of what we will learn in this series;

• what God thinks of money
• how God wants us to handle our money
• tithing
• giving
• budgeting
• getting out of debt
• contentment
• authority
• stewardship
• and more

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, thank You for Your life-giving Word. Thank You for giving me all that I need to know and making it available to me through Your Word. Thank You for Your wisdom and Love. Lord, help prepare me for this series and dealing with finances. Help me to understand Your ways and what Your plan is for my money and life. Help me to learn. Help me to receive. Help me to change. Help me to line my finances and how I think and see money with Your Word. I love You, Daddy. Thank You for all that I will learn and thank You for all that You will do in me during this very important study. In Jesus Mighty Name.

Our Homework:

Memorize this Scripture:

Therefore if you have been unfaithful in the use of worldly wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? - Luke 16:11

Study the Following Scriptures:

(Each week I will give you 7 different passages…one for every day of the week until we meet again.)

1. Leviticus 25:23
2. Psalm 24
3. Psalm 50:10
4. Isaiah 55:8-9
5. Matthew 6:24
6. Philippians 4:11-13
7. Colossians 1:17

Pray daily for God to show you where you are not lined up with His Word in the realm of money, possessions, and financial matters.

In closing, this will be a tough study. It is certainly a challenge to me and MANY others I am sure. I STRONGLY encourage you to do the homework, pray, memorize the weekly verse, and meditate on one of the Scripture passages I give you each day of the week, so that you can get the most out of this. And, so you can really learn and understand all that god wants for you!

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Money Matters Main

You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. - Leviticus 19:11

OK, I want to make sure you are reading this honesty lesson with your eyes open…we have ALL lied or dealt falsely at SOME point in our lives. So, do not think you are “above” this. We are ALL capable of doing stupid stuff. We all have a flesh!

Honesty is hard. Temptation can be very difficult to overcome. However, every time that we CHOOSE to do what we KNOW God wants us to do it gets a little easier. However, it is never completely easy!

Let me share something recent from my own life…

Currently, my family is going through an extremely difficult time financially. We are not even making our rent on time. It is very stressful, as I am sure you can imagine.

I am also a web designer. It helps us financially. However, business has been VERY slow over the past few months…

I had a lady that wanted me to make one of my premade blog templates into what we at first thought was a two column template into a three column one. I told her the fee was $25. So, she sent me the money via Pay Pal.

I went to the file to make the changes, and discovered that it was already three columns. Now, I wish I could tell you that my FIRST thought was, refund her money. However, that would be a lie. There was a moment when the enemy whispered in my ear and I listened for a moment and thought about how we could use that $25 for some food….

THANK GOD, I did the right thing and listened to the OTHER voice that reminded me…God will not bless me OR my business if it is founded on dishonesty.

I refunded her money.

Again, I wish I could tell you that doing the right thing brought some great blessing. Unfortunately, I can not.

We need to make the right choices because GOD SAID SO, regardless of whether or not we “get” something for doing the right thing. We need to be careful not to have a mentality of “hey, God, I was honest, now bring me a blessing.” We need to make sure that our hearts are right in our obedience.

We obey because we LOVE Him.

We do NOT obey to “get” or “gain” something.

Period.

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, thank You for the hard lessons we must learn. Thank You for loving me enough to allow me to go THROUGH difficult times in life. Thank You for taking the time to teach me to be more like You and to be a better tool for You to use. I love You, Lord. Help me to be honest in all that I do. Help me to keep my business, money, and financial matters upright in Your eyes. Help me to be honest in ALL that I do…not just financial matters. Thank You for Your love, guidance, and provision! In Jesus MIGHTY Name, Amen.

Our Homework:

Memorize this Scripture:

You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. - Leviticus 19:11

Study the Following Scriptures:

(Each week I will give you 7 different passages or groups of Scriptures…Each bullet equals one for every day of the week until we meet again.)

1. Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Ephesians 4:25; 1 Peter 1:15-16
2. Exodus 18:21-22; Proverbs 28:16; 29:12
3. Proverbs 14:2; 26:28; Romans 13:9-10
4. Psalm 15:1-5; Proverbs 12:22; 20:7; Isaiah 33:15-16
5. Proverbs 3:32; 13:11; 21:6
6. Exodus 22:1-4; Numbers 5:5-8; Luke 19:8
7. Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 15:27; 29:4

Pray daily for God to show you where you are not lined up with His Word in the realm of money, possessions, and financial matters. Seek Him daily about contentment and pursue a thankful and HONEST attitude in all things.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<–back to Money Matters Main

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. - Proverbs 22:7

Let’s look at a couple of words more closely.

Rule comes from the Hebrew word mashal – maw-shal’ – have dominion, reign. I also looked up dominion in the dictionary. It means the power to govern, domination, master, owner.

Servant comes from the Hebrew word ‘ebed – eh’-bed - bondage. I also looked bondage up in the dictionary and found words like; slavery, involuntary servitude, enslavement, captivity, and chains.

Yikes! That is my first thoughts! What about you? Did you ever look at debt the way God does? The Word is very clear. Debt is slavery and the person you owe is your master. That was a real eye opener for me. I do not want to be enslaved to anyone except Jesus Christ!

What causes debt?

OK, I think that having certain debt is OK. If you buy a home that you can afford and you have THAT debt, then that is OK. Homes increase in value. However, if you are in debt for a car, you should prayerfully consider paying it off as quickly as possible and pay for your next car in cash or at least a VERY large down payment! Cars lose their value the moment you drive off the lot.

Below are just a FEW debts that you do NOT want and are NOT good for you, your family, or your future:

• credit cards. Chop them up!
• clothing, furniture, and appliances on credit
• cars
• boats
• jewelry

We live in an extremely materialistic world. You cannot even drive down the street without seeing a sign that tells you that you will be happier IF you buy that diamond bracelet.

The worst is the unrealistic thoughts it puts in a woman’s mind. We begin to WANT that diamond and recite that “diamonds are a girls best friend” cliché. Jesus is a girl’s best friend! Period!

I want to encourage you to pray about the debt you have. Ask God to help you get your debts in order and begin to make a plan to pay the debt off as quickly as possible!

Debt is slavery.

DO you want to be a slave? God does NOT want His children to be slaves to debt. He wants us to be free and live prosperously.

Let go of your materialistic wants and seek God about HIS will for your life and accept whatever HE wants you to have in life…whether a lot or a little. Have a THANKFUL heart.

Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is Your Kingdom. We adore You as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from You alone, and You are the Ruler of ALL mankind; Your Hand controls power and might, and it is at Your discretion that men are made great and given strength. - 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Seriously, sisters, you cannot take ANY of it with you into eternity!

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, I love You. Thank You for the many blessing I have in my life…all given by You. Help me to find contentment in YOU and not stuff. Help me to let go of any and all desires that do not line up with YOUR Will for MY life. I love You, Daddy and I accept whatever YOUR Will is for my life. Period. In Jesus Mighty Name.

Our Homework:

Memorize this Scripture:

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
- Proverbs 22:7

Study the Following Scriptures:

(Each week I will give you 7 different passages…one for every day of the week until we meet again.)

1. Deuteronomy 15:4-6; 28:1, 2, 12; 28:15, 43-45
2. Romans 13:8
3. Proverbs 22:7
4. 1 Corinthians 7:23
5. Psalm 37:21
6. 2 Kings 4:1-7
7. James 4:13-15

Pray daily for God to show you where you are not lined up with His Word in the realm of money, possessions, and financial matters. Seek Him daily about contentment and pursue a thankful attitude in all things.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---

<– Back to Main Devotional Section

Before you begin reading the Money Matters series, I would like to encourage you to get the book; Your Money Counts, by Howard Dayton. It is the book that I read before I began a VERY rigorous class at church called Crown Ministries. It digs deep into the world of finances and opens the eyes of ALL who read it to the world of money and it’s impact on our relationship with the Lord.

Introduction

Money, possessions, and how to handle money is mentioned more than 2,350 times in the Word…more than FOUR times the mention of prayer and faith! Jesus said more about money than almost any other topic.

Why? Because money is EXTREMELY important to our walk, relationship to the Lord, impact on the lost, and SO much more!

Money Matters Series Devotional at a Glance:

This is a CURRENT Series, so check back often for updates.

Last Updated: April 21, 2009 - more coming soon!

• It’s All His
• Debt is Slavery
• Seeking Good Counsel
• Honesty

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, thank You for ALL the many blessing You have given me. Help me to be thankful and a good steward with what You have chosen to give me, Lord. Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is Your Kingdom. We adore You as being in control of everything. Riches and honor come from You alone, and You are the Ruler of ALL mankind; Your Hand controls power and might, and it is at Your discretion that men are made great and given strength. I love You and want to do nothing more than ALL that YOU created me to do! In Jesus Might Name, Amen!

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

---

A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.

---

<-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.

---