The Bible is very clear that God does not want His children to become responsible for the debt obligations of others. In the book of Proverbs, the Lord has warned us against surety — that is, cosigning or being guarantor for another person. Read Proverbs 6:1-5, Proverbs 17:18, and Proverbs 22:26. What is the message here? Surety usually … Continue reading –>
Read Proverbs 22:7. In what sense are we under bondage to the lender? What can be done to escape from this unfortunate phenomenon? If you are in debt, the following outline will help you begin a debt-elimination process. The plan is simple. It has a premise and three steps. The premise is a commitment to God to be … Continue reading –>
We are material beings, and we live in a material world, a world that, at times, can be very alluring. You’d have to be made out of steel and synthetic oil, not flesh and blood, not to feel, at times, the lure of material possessions and the desire for wealth. At one time or another, … Continue reading –>
Read Deuteronomy 28:1-2, Deuteronomy 28:12. What is God’s ideal for His children regarding debt? How can they attain this ideal? And though this context is very different from ours, what principles can we take away from this context and apply to our own now? Studies show that there are three primary reasons that people get into … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Deuteronomy 28:1-2, Deuteronomy 28:12; Matthew 6:24; 1 John 2:15; Proverbs 22:7; Proverbs 6:1-5; Deuteronomy 15:1-5. Memory Text: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7, NKJV). One definition of debt is “living today on what you expect to earn in the future.” Today debt seems to be a … Continue reading –>
Aspiring Artist’s Gift By Sachiko Obara My 14-year-old son, Eichiro, had a special plan for his summer vacation in Japan. He loved to draw, and he decided to save money to purchase a professional tablet and software that he could use to create his art. Eichiro did careful preliminary online research to find out which … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: The heavenly record book of remembrance also notes the financial faithfulness of God’s family members. “The recording angel makes a faithful record of every offering dedicated to God and put into the treasury, and also of the final result of the means thus bestowed. The eye of God takes cognizance of every farthing … Continue reading –>
Research has shown that only about 9 percent of people’s assets are liquid and could be contributed as an offering on a moment’s notice. Cash, checking, savings, money market funds, etc., are generally considered liquid assets, at least for those possessing things like this. Most of our assets, about 91 percent, are “invested” in real … Continue reading –>
Read Mark 12:41-44. Whether we are rich or not rich, what message can we take from this story? What’s the principle that this teaches us, and how can we apply it to our own worship experience? Jesus and His disciples were in the temple courtyard where the treasury chests were located, and He watched those who … Continue reading –>
The Bible does not give us an order of service for worship. But it appears that at least four things are present in worship services. In the New Testament this list includes study/preaching, prayer, music, and tithes and offerings. Three times each year the men (and families) of Israel were all to appear before the … Continue reading –>
