Provisions for Abundance: A Christian's Guide to Money Management, Gratitude, and Giving Back

By Ryan Mack

Provisions for Abundance is a Christian’s one year financial guide to abundant living, complete with daily scripture readings to combine budgeting and financial stewardship guidance with the Word of God.

This 365-day book is loaded with interesting and empowering information for readers to achieve fiscal abundance within a year’s time. Each entry contains a tip for the reader to put into action, along with a Christian-based takeaway on which to reflect.

Renowned public speaker and financial expert Ryan Mack, also known as the “Financial Evangelist,” has a life mission to build a durable financial empire geared toward educating his community and beyond. With this timely book, he guides readers to reset their finances, dream bigger, and reflect on their spending while giving gratitude for all they have. He explains the benefits of paying attention to spending and focusing more on enriching our lives with purpose. The book also teaches that there is no greater blessing than to be a blessing to someone else.

Built on the unique premise of using the Bible’s principles for money management, this book offers monetary planning and tools for enriching our lives in all areas. It is perfect for group Bible studies, as well as individual reflection. With this book, you will:

 

• Learn about financial planning through the lens of Scriptures
• Create a budget based on your own financial needs
• Learn how to trust God with your financial success
• Reflect on your fiscal situation with a reinforced confidence in God

 
 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Health Communications Inc EB
• Release date: Sep 8, 2020
• ISBN: 9780757323652

Book preview

DAY THREE

A BLESSED NETWORK

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

You have embarked on a positive and blessed financial journey. You can expect to be attacked from every angle. As soon as you picked up this book, the Enemy started making plans against you. Some friends might tell you that using biblical principles for your finances is a hoax and family members might try to discourage you. It’s up to you to drown out the naysayers and keep your eye on the Lord at all times.

On this journey, focus on friends and family members who add value to your life. Focus on those who spend their time encouraging you to pursue your financial destiny. Refuse to listen to those who try to discourage you because they are too insecure to see others succeed. Be prepared: On this journey, you may have to leave some people behind. That’s okay. Pray for them. You can’t afford to let any negativity into your network. Do a serious evaluation of your circle!

People who are scared to receive their own blessings will discourage you from receiving yours.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.

Psalm 41:9 (NIV)

DAILY TIP

Tonight, before bed, pray for

Discernment within your network to see who wishes the best for you,

Clear and tangible signs from God of those who mean you harm, and

Positive connections with new people who will help you on your journey.

DAY FOUR

WISE COUNSEL

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Proverbs 12:15

One of the most special gifts you can give is wise counsel. The gift of good direction can be invaluable in your walk toward financial freedom. Some of this guidance may come freely from wise friends. But sometimes it comes from a qualified professional worthy of your payment. We might not know all things, but we can be smart enough to seek from others the blessings of wise counsel.

If you are the smartest person in your circle, it is time to find a new circle.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.

Proverbs 28:26

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

DAILY TIP

Tell a friend about your journey toward financial freedom and see if they would like to join you. Even if you go through Provisions for Abundance at a different pace, having an accountability partner could be a huge blessing.

Ask God for the spirit of discernment between wise counsel and foolish opinions. Your financial freedom is far too valuable to waste time talking to people who are not qualified to give good, godly guidance. As much as wise counsel is a blessing, poor counsel is a curse.

DAY FIVE

SELF-CONTROL

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

Proverbs 25:28

Have you noticed that it is becoming increasingly easier to spend money? If you have a smartphone, you can upload your credit card information and within minutes make any kind of purchase online. Online shopping has increased tremendously. We don’t have to leave the house to splurge on things we may not need or cannot afford. Now, more than ever before, we must grab hold of our spirits and curb our desire to spend money that could better be used to reach our financial goals. Next time you come across one of the countless daily opportunities to spend money, remember this:

If you can turn away from it, you have taken control of it. If you cannot turn away from it, it has taken control of you.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

DAILY TIP

Purchase or download a monthly calendar template, and place it where you will see it every day. Perhaps you can put in on your refrigerator, in your bathroom, or in your home office. For one month write down how much you spend daily. How much are you spending online, on lunches, on dinners with friends, on coffee in the morning, and so on? Say a prayer asking God to give you the spirit of control and power over the temptation to buy. The Lord can help you repair those bad spending habits.

DAY SIX

BREAK BARRIERS

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 23:5 (NIV)

We serve an awesome God who doesn’t create anything less than awesome. That includes you! Often, we make the mistake of getting conditioned to our surroundings and thinking, This must be the way it needs to always be.

To train an elephant not to stray, when it’s a baby, a rope is tied around its leg. The other end of the rope is tied to a stump. The baby elephant repeatedly tries to escape, but it can’t break the rope. Soon, it stops trying. Years later, when the elephant matures and is much larger and stronger, a small string is all it takes to keep the elephant tied up. Why? The elephant has been conditioned to its surroundings.

You are wonderfully made by an awesome God, so don’t settle for mediocrity by adapting to your surroundings. You are strong, and you were born to be a conqueror. Don’t be like that elephant, allowing anything to bind you. Poverty, bad circumstances, losing your job, bad luck, poor health—none of these are as strong as the God we serve! Break through the barriers and claim your inheritance!

Through God, you don’t have to be limited to what life gives you. God’s supply is limitless!

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:16

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 28:2

DAILY TIP

Say a simple thank-you prayer today for God giving you the strength to break down barriers in your life. Declare it today!

DAY SEVEN

SOWING SEEDS

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

2 Corinthians 9:6

If you hold on to your possessions and don’t share with others, that’s all you’ll ever have. But if you release them, you’ll bless others with what you have been blessed with. It is like planting seeds in order to gain a greater harvest. Don’t think that what you have is too small to help others. God knows how much you have in your bank account. He knows how little you have in your hand. Whatever you have is enough seed to start your miracle. If you are good at cleaning homes, find others who would benefit from your donated services. If you have a gift for cooking, visit a homeless shelter and offer to cook for the residents one weekend. When that offering plate comes by at church, plant that seed in the plate, and do it cheerfully. The blessing is in obedience. So let’s give from our provisions to show God how much we love Him and sow a seed today!

That acorn in your hand will never become the oak tree God meant it to be unless you plant it.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.

1 Timothy 6:18

In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

Ecclesiastes 11:6

DAILY TIP

Bless someone today. Pray for discernment, and allow the Spirit to lead you in the right direction. Plant a seed to that homeless man you see frequently, set some money aside for an extra offering at church, call that family member who is having financial difficulties and help them pay rent. Donate time or services from your business. Whatever the Lord would have you do, make someone’s day better by giving them an unexpected blessing!

DAY EIGHT

FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

John 9:6–7

This verse tells the story of Jesus healing the man born blind. Jesus spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it in the man’s eyes. At that point, Jesus gave the blind man an instruction: Go wash in the pool of Siloam. The blind man had a choice. He could have easily said, Lord, I don’t feel like walking. Can’t you just heal me right here? However, he didn’t. It was obvious the blind man understood the power of following instructions.

Sometimes God gives you an instruction to justify the blessing. Through faith in God and His will, you will always find a blessing on the other side of obedience. If you believe that He is the Light of the world, you will follow His instructions to create a blessed future of sight.

The instruction you follow is the future you create.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 19:20

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8

DAILY TIP

Pray for God’s wisdom today. Pray that you can be quiet enough to allow God’s instruction to fill your spirit. What sign is God giving you? Pray for the focus and fortitude to walk when commanded so that you may receive your blessing!

When you purchase any product, read the instructions to know how to properly use it. Lots of money is wasted because people fail to learn how to properly use and take care of products.

DAY NINE

BUDGETING = HONOR

Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:10

The most important component of a financial plan is the budget, which is one of the most tangible ways you demonstrate respect for His resources. Think about the parable of the five talents in Matthew 25:14–30. Three servants received talents (possessions of their master) according to their own abilities. One received five, the other two, and the other one. The one who received five and the one who received two both doubled their talents by the time the master came back to take an account of what they had done. The third servant had buried his in the ground and didn’t do anything with it.

So now I ask you, what have you done with the resources God has given you? How will you know how much He has blessed you with, and how can you take an accurate accounting of what you have done with His resources unless you budget?

We show God honor when we write down and organize the resources He has blessed us with.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

Luke 14:28–30

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

1 Corinthians 4:2

DAILY TIP

Read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30.

Download a budget template from the internet and fill it out the best you can.

DAY TEN

EXPECT FAVOR

Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of Grace, grace to it!

Zechariah 4:7

We can speak to our mountains and not let them speak to us. We are the children of God, and we can expect His favor. With His favor, we can speak to our mountains, circumstances, and situations and turn them into plains. Whether it is a mountain of poverty, debt, unemployment, or a rough start at a new business, we must believe that all it takes is a small dose of the favor of God to turn things around. Sure, we can do many things by our wits and strength, but we must believe in the supernatural abilities of God to impact all things in our lives.

Favor isn’t fair, but it’s for you; expect it. Your mountains will turn into plains with the favor of God—only if you expect it!

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Psalm 90:17

And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

Isaiah 58:11

DAILY TIP

Throughout the day and forever, continually make this declaration: I am God’s child, and He will show me favor. Remember this especially when you feel the demon of worry creeping into your spirit!

DAY ELEVEN

DREAM BIG

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Survival is not a goal in God’s kingdom. God didn’t put you here to merely get by. He put you here to live life in abundance—overflowing fullness.

One of my favorite verses that shows the power of God is 2 Kings 4:6, which says, When all the jars were full, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another one.’ But he replied, ‘There is not a jar left.’ Then the oil stopped flowing. The widow started with only a small jar of olive oil. Elisha instructed the woman to gather as many jars as possible. Her son brought many jars, too. The oil was supernaturally multiplied, and the oil kept flowing into the many jars until there were no more jars to hold the oil! God’s supply didn’t run out; rather, the jars the woman gathered ran out. I believe if the woman had kept bringing jars, God would have kept the oil flowing. God will supply you with as much as your set limit.

So when we are asking for blessings of God, no more asking for mediocre blessings. Think big! God’s supply doesn’t have a limit, so stretch your thinking accordingly.

If God wants to deliver an ocean full of blessings, why are you coming to Him with a shot glass-sized mind-set?

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.

Ephesians 3:20

Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.

Isaiah 54:2

DAILY TIP

Read 2 Kings 4:1–7, then refer back to the financial goals you wrote down on day one. Rethink them with a God-sized mentality!

DAY TWELVE

A TANGIBLE WORD

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8

The Fair Credit Report Act (FCRA) reads as follows:

The 7-year [credit reporting] period… shall begin, with respect to any delinquent account that is placed for collection (internally or by referral to a third party, whichever is earlier), charged to profit and loss, or subjected to any similar action, upon the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the commencement of the delinquency which immediately preceded the collection activity, charge to profit and loss, or similar action.

The Bible states in Deuteronomy 15:1–2: At the end of every seven years you shall grant a release. And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release what he has lent to his neighbor. He shall not exact it of his neighbor, his brother, because the Lord’s release has been proclaimed.

You can see the influence of the Bible in many laws and policies all around the world. The Bible is the most tangible and applicable book ever written.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16–17

DAILY TIP

The best financial planning book ever written is the Bible. It covers not only financial concerns but also all areas of life. Think about your favorite scriptures and give a prayer of thanks today for such a tangible God!

DAY THIRTEEN

HOW MUCH?

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:6

Many people pray for more money. If you ask them how much they want, most would likely give you an arbitrary number. I was once presenting a workshop when a young woman said that she had been praying for more money. I reached into my pocket, pulled a dollar out of my wallet, gave it to her, and said, Here, your prayers have been answered!

By now you have written down your financial goals and determined a budget (see Day 9), so the answer to how much money you would like should be a little less arbitrary. It is time to start making specific requests with our prayers. How much do you owe your creditors? How much do you need to purchase that home? How much will it cost to start a business? How much savings do you need to send your child to school? Whatever the amount, be specific!

Give your faith a specific assignment so it can be most impactful!

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:7

You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.

James 4:2

DAILY TIP

In your prayers today, make them specific, using your budget and your financial goals as guidance. How much will it take to become debt free? How much do you need to send your child to college? How large a nest egg must you save for retirement?

DAY FOURTEEN

SUPPORT WHERE YOU LIVE

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

In your community are many businesses. If supported, they will bring respectable traffic into your community. They are all a reflection of the upkeep and character of the area where you live. Outsiders often get a sense of the community by the quality of service, experience, and ambiance within the local community businesses. The physical upkeep of these businesses is often examined by drive-through visitors.

The time and money that flow through these institutions will always be reflected in the property values and ultimately the quality of life for the community’s residents. So be sure to pay full price when you dine at your friend’s establishment, pay full price for services from your close buddy, and even go so far as not to accept a free book from your good friend who is a struggling author. These are the investments that matter most to your network and community. If you can circulate your money for quality services, you will see the makings of a true economic health that is beneficial to all.

We must be concerned with the financial well-being of all in our communities.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

Romans 4:4

You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.

Leviticus 19:13

DAILY TIP

Sow a seed in a local community restaurant by purchasing four gift certificates (or whatever you can afford) and giving them to four people you know who haven’t been to that restaurant yet.

DAY FIFTEEN

WISDOM IS GREATER THAN MONEY

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5

Money isn’t the answer to our problems. Knowledge and wisdom unlock any door you choose. God has promised us an infinite supply of wisdom in return for our trust in Him. If we ask for anything in accordance with His will, we should be asking for wisdom, especially in the area of our finances.

Wisdom is more valuable than silver and gold.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:15–17

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.

Luke 21:15

DAILY TIP

Pray today for wisdom. It might seem natural to pray for money, a new job, a house, or something tangible; however, pray today for the knowledge of Christ to be able to wisely use all of those things your heart desires.

DAY SIXTEEN

DISTRACTIONS

And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

Mark 4:18–19

Every day, if you are to be a truly successful financial steward of His resources, stay focused on God’s assignment for you. You will find wealth and happiness in the lane God has crafted for you to travel. If you find yourself debating on social media, scrolling the internet watching videos of cats, playing video games on your phone, or gossiping when you could be studying, working on another certification for your trade, or writing a book that would help others, you are missing out on a blessing. Make it a point to stop feeding your distractions, which are stifling your achievements.

If what you spend time on can’t be used for your purpose, it’s a distraction.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Proverbs 4:25–27

I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:35

DAILY TIP

Go through your phone and remove all the apps that take you away from what the Lord wants you to accomplish.

Make a mental log of all the conversations you have had in the past couple of days. Which ones were distractions from your purpose? Which ones added value to your purpose?

Pray for focus today. Pray that God keeps you strong to steer clear of temptation.

DAY SEVENTEEN

RESPONSIBLE DEBT

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

To many, debt is a license to pretend. People pretend to own that car in their garage but struggle to make the payments. People pretend to own the homes they live in but struggle to keep out of foreclosure. Debt is like a mountain of ice: easy to slide down into it but hard to climb up and get out. Before taking on any debt, carefully and thoughtfully consider the wisdom of doing so.

The fastest way to get into debt is to try to catch up with others who are already there.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

DAILY TIP

Oftentimes we are consumed by temptations of the flesh, which take us away from God’s promises. Before each purchase that puts you into debt, ask yourself this question: Is this born of the promise of God or of the flesh? No matter what the purchase is, this question applies. Whether you are buying a house, a car, or simply a shirt from the mall, this question is significant.

DAY EIGHTEEN

PREPARE YOUR INHERITANCE

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.

Proverbs 13:22

True financial stewardship is the proper planning of His resources for the benefit of your life, your children’s lives, and the lives of your children’s children. Estate planning is a critical component of a financial strategy. No matter the size of your estate, plan to ensure the right parties inherit the assets God has given you to responsibly manage.

When we pass away, we shouldn’t leave a bill. We should have a will.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.

2 Kings 20:1

Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Colossians 1:12

DAILY TIP

If you don’t have a will, set a date when you will research attorneys in your area who can assist you in putting one together. You should probably be able to get a will, a living will, and a durable springing financial power of attorney for less than $500, depending on the size of your estate. If you already have a will, set a date to review your will at least once every two years.

DAY NINETEEN

DELAYED GRATIFICATION

For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

Genesis 3:5 (NIV)

Just because it feels good doesn’t mean it is good. When the serpent tempted Eve in Genesis 3:4, he told her a blatant lie when he said that she wouldn’t die. He appealed to her senses when he said her eyes would be opened and she would be like God. This is how the Enemy gets you to purchase things you don’t need. He tempts your senses to purchase food, even though you may not be hungry. He tempts your ego to purchase cars and jewelry you can’t afford or are not in God’s will because you have other pressing issues you should be using His resources to purchase. You succumb to instant gratification because you believe, as Eve did, that your image will be enhanced and you will be like God. But it is all a lie.

Delaying pleasure is a sign of maturity.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:2

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:14

DAILY TIP

Commit these two questions to memory the next time you are about to make an unplanned and unbudgeted purchase:

If someone were to give me a gift, would I rather have this item as a gift or the cash used to purchase it?

Is there anything more pressing in my budget I can use this cash for?

After you have asked these questions, give yourself three days to think about it. If you still want that item after three days, you can’t think of a more important use for the funds, and it won’t hurt your monthly budget, go ahead and make the purchase.

DAY TWENTY

THE PURPOSE OF WORK

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

What is the purpose of work? Many people believe they are working to earn a living so they can meet basic needs. They only want to make it to their next paycheck with all of their bills paid. Others believe the purpose of work is to get rich beyond measure. Both are wrong. The purpose of work is to serve Christ! Remember this as you run your business or report to your workplace. You are a vessel of the Lord, and your employment is one avenue to fulfill His will.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

Colossians 3:23

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

DAILY TIP

Your work is an opportunity to glorify God.

Do you feel stifled? Do you feel as if this is not the position God has in store for you? If this is the case, praise God for blessing you with income but pray for discernment for what He wants for you. We serve a God of more than enough, so if you are struggling, there is more He has in store for you. You may have to leave your comfort zone to enter a place of promotion.

If you make a decent living, income isn’t an issue, and you are happy with your employment, praise God for blessing you. Is there something more you can do for the community? Do you know any youth you can bring to work to show them your profession? What else can you do at work to honor God?

DAY TWENTY-ONE

AVOID FINANCIAL PREDATORS

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Matthew 7:15

If you were walking down the street and you saw a check cashing store, a corner store loaded with prepaid debit cards for sale, a rent-to-own store with exorbitant interest rates, a payday loan facility, or a tax shop pushing high-interest refund anticipation loan, would you think you were in an affluent area? Of course not! There is a positive correlation between the presence of these types of financial predators and the amount of low-income families in the community. A financial predator is a business that uses greed to exploit what a community doesn’t know to make a profit. Nothing is wrong with being ignorant. We all can use more knowledge about many things in life. However, as long as we remain ignorant about the important matters of financial stewardship, there will be others who try to capitalize on our ignorance. In short, simply being ignorant isn’t the problem; staying ignorant is. Financial predators would not exist if all community members were educated about proper financial management. Education and avoidance are the best ways to put these financial predators out of business. Don’t get mad at them. Take action. Learn the proper routes to financial stewardship. All of us will benefit!

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

2 Timothy 3:5

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.

2 John 1:7

DAILY TIP

It’s not enough to say that you are wise to financial predators. Sound the alarm against these establishments who take away the financial blessings our communities should be receiving. Peppered throughout this book are specific solutions to respond to financial predators in our communities. Your task, when you come across one, is to let at least one person know about these businesses. Say a prayer that you can successfully eliminate this huge demon on the back of your community.

DAY TWENTY-TWO

PREDATORY LENDING

Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household, but he who hates bribes will live.

Proverbs 15:27

In many societies, we see evidence of greed and despicable actions in the quest for money. Why then are we surprised when we discover that some mortgage lenders care more about their bottom line than about your financial well-being? Not everyone we do business with follows the principles of the Word, even some who call themselves Christian.

Guard against corruption by educating yourself in each transaction.

SCRIPTURES OF THE DAY

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.

Proverbs 11:1

And if you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.

Leviticus 25:14

DAILY TIP

Predatory lending is detestable and should not be condoned. However, ignorance should