Deut 15:1-11 is still meaningful today August 31, 2009
Posted by BDO in Debt is Slavery, Spiritual.Tags: beating, bible, christian, church, Debt, forgive, generous, God, government, Israel, Jesus, Jewish, old, Testament
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Deuteronomy 15:1 -11 is a hard passage to apply to our lives. Most of the discussion was meant for Israel many years ago. But is there any meaningful application for us today? Well…
1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. 3 You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you. — Deut 15:1-3
The first part we see God wanted loans to our fellow brothers to last only 7 years. God allowed His people to loan money to others for as long as it took, but to fellow brothers we were told to eventually forgive the debts of our brothers. However, how many Christians forgive debts to fellow Christians? If Jesus forgave so much, why can’t we forgive the debts from our fellow Christians? Secondly, if a fellow Christian does forgive our debts, how would that action motivate us to treat our fellow brothers/sisters? On the other hand, if a fellow Christian does not forgive our debts, how would that action motivate us to treat our fellow brothers/sisters?
6 For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you. – Deut 15:6
God did not intend for His people to be in debt. God understands that debt makes you a slave to someone else besides Him. So, He wanted His people to be a ruler of many nations through economic means, and not a slave. However, how many Christians today are slaves to other people, organizations, or nations and not to God, because of their debt? How can we cleanse ourselves of this debt and live up to God’s intent that would make us economic rulers?
Finally…
7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. — Deut 15: 7 – 11
Here is the biggest application we can take away from this passage. God did not intend for us to use our wealth to be greedy and acquire stuff. He intended us to be wealthy, to be rulers of nations, so we can show compassion to the needy around us. God intends to use our wealth to give generously to the poor, sick, and hurting. And God warns us that if we try to not give, because we think “we will be ripped off” that He will find us guilty. This is similar to the idea that we can give generously or pay more taxes, either way God will show His compassion “to the least of these”.
So as we review these principles that the Jewish nation had to uphold, we can apply many of these principles to our own lives and our church. We should forgive our brothers/sisters financial debts. We should stay away from debt for ourselves, but be willing to loan money to non-Christians. We should give generously to the poor, sick, and needy.
Let’s pray for revival within our churches that Christians renew their commitment to getting their finances in proper alignment with God’s intent; that Christians are known for staying away from debt, giving generously, and living humbly.
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Wisdom is a shelter November 17, 2008
Posted by BDO in Spiritual.Tags: beat, beating, bible, christian, Debt, education, finance, money, wisdom
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By guest blogger: kls
Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor. — Ecclesiastes 7:12
Ecclesiastes 7:12 tells us wisdom provides protection or a defense, just as money provides protection or a defense. The advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner or gives life to the one that has it.
What a wonderful comparison between wisdom and money in the same passage. Often, it seems like we cannot have one with the other. Here, money and wisdom have advantageous qualities; both serve as a shelter. It’s easy to see how money provides all kinds of shelter: a house, necessities, a savings account, life insurance, or a retirement fund. Money also insulates us from some of life’s uncomfortable moments like a broken down car or faltering air conditioner.
Despite all of money’s provision, we are called to value wisdom above money. Why? Money has its limitations to provide total safety, security and shelter. In contrast, wisdom which comes from knowing God and His principles provides a much safer and more reliable shelter; He is our ultimate source of security. In practical terms, wisdom is the ability to use the best means at the best time to accomplish the best ends. It is an astute outlook, plan or course of action.
We need wisdom when we start making monetary decisions. We need to obtain knowledge about where our money is going and where it needs to go. Then we need to use the best means at the best time to accomplish the best ends (read: the greater good for our financial situation). Whether we are trying to save for a down payment on a home, fund a college education, or get out of debt, a spending plan is necessary. We consider of all our resources and income and then decide when and where our money will be spent or saved to accomplish what needs to be done to get us to the goal we want to achieve. That takes wisdom.
Without wisdom, we make dumb mistakes with our money. We need to shop responsibly, beat debt, and allow wisdom to be our defense and give life to its owner. Wealth is an extension of God’s generous provision. Wisdom comes from Him too.
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BeatingDebt.org Keeps Pace With Accountability Group August 31, 2008
Posted by BDO in Organizational.Tags: accountability, beat, beating, bible, carolina, Debt, finance, group, jacksonville, keeping, nonprofit, north, pace, reduce, study
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Starting 7 September 2008, BeatingDebt.org will begin leading an accountability group called Keeping Pace, a 52-week course designed to teach participants practical tools of personal finance, biblical financial principles, and successful ways to beat debt. This first group will meet at Enon Chapel Baptist Church in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
As our consumer debt rises over $14 trillion, it becomes overwhelmingly clear there is a need for accountability within our finances. Consumerism without the balance of self-discipline creates a dangerous strain on our finances. Addiction to debt is plaguing our nation and leading us to poverty one interest payment at a time. The bad habits of undisciplined spending cannot be cured without true accountability and encouragement from committed individuals seeking similar goals.
BeatingDebt.org created a 52 week accountability study that will prepare participants to beat the debt that is keeping their finances in bondage. Most studies quickly teach participants about the need to reduce debt, but do not deliver lasting effects due to the bad habits that were never changed. BeatingDebt.org’s long term study intends to break long standing habits by continually providing accountability and knowledge for participants to stay committed to beating debt.
The first Keeping Pace group will meet at Enon Chapel Baptist Church in Jacksonville, North Carolina on 7 September 2008 at 6:00pm. If you are interested in joining in this group, please email the Executive Director for more information or go to http://www.beatingdebt.org/KeepingPace.htm
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Be Encouraged. Shop Responsibly.
BeatingDebt.org is dedicated to educating individuals on the joy and freedom experienced from beating debt using Biblical principles.
Jacksonville Mom Fest features BeatingDebt.org August 19, 2008
Posted by BDO in Organizational.Tags: beat, bible, church, conference, contest, Debt, donate, education, event, gift, jacksonville, market, mom, mother, north carolina, pray, preschool
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BeatingDebt.org will be participating in its first community event on August 23, 2008 for the Jacksonville Mom Fest. Mom Fest is a festival designed for moms of children ages 0-5 to learn about activities, businesses, and services in Jacksonville. BeatingDebt.org will be joining with other local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies in celebrating and educating mothers of young children.
BeatingDebt.org will be attending Mom Fest at Jacksonville Bible Church from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will be talking with parents and educating them on the importance of using Biblical principles in beating debt. We hope to raise awareness of the growing addiction of consumer debt in our nation and how they can contribute to the solution. We will also be giving away two $25 gift cards to Wal Mart and a BDO T-shirt from CafePress.com.
If you are in Jacksonville, North Carolina on Saturday, August 23 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, please stop by to sign up for the contest, talk with others about your commitment to beating debt, and help us raise awareness of the negative effects of consumer debt.
In addition, we will be handing out about $400 worth of educational and marketing material to raise awareness of our nation’s debt addiction and remind consumers to stay away from debt. This expense will have a big impact on our financials. Please help us in the following way:
- Pray for good weather.
- Pray that we represent BDO professionally.
- Pray that we are able to reach many consumers to change their spending habits.
- Donate a tax-deductible gift to BDO to offset these expenses.
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Be Encouraged. Shop Responsibly.
BeatingDebt.org is dedicated to educating individuals on the joy and freedom experienced from beating debt using Biblical principles.
What if a mortgage was not a debt? July 24, 2008
Posted by BDO in Budgeting Concepts, Organizational.Tags: beat, beating, bible, bill, Debt, investment, loan, mortgage, real estate, reduce
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“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” – Romans 13:8
By definition, mortgage is debt. However, can it be viewed as a bill? Is it similar to a grocery bill, water bill, or day care bill?
Realizing that the median household income (before taxes) in America is $43,000 a year and the average house costs $214,000 (July 2008), how does that balance? How could the average American afford a $214,000 house? The only way is through a mortgage loan. Furthermore, looking at the Federal Reserve’s chart book, we see that even at the highest percentile category, the median income is still only about $145,000 a year, which will not buy the $214,000 house.
What happened to the price of a house? Do we remember a time in the 1800s when everyone had a house? Everyone got together to build the “Little House on the Prairie.” It might take a long time and might not be the trendiest house on the block, but everyone had a house.
According to today’s numbers, no one can have a house…unless they commit to 30 years of payments. Through the ease of loans and small payments, the market inflated the price of a home. There is no one to really blame because in our open market, buyers and sellers agreed to raise the price of the home to its current valuation.
I am a realist, and this simply is what it is. But what does a person fighting to beat debt do with this 30 year loan hanging over their heads? Can we reclassify this loan as a bill, even if it is a bill we will have for the next 30 years? What other choices do we have based on the Federal Reserves numbers? Can we rent so we don’t incur more debt? The answer is yes, we can rent, but isn’t that really a bill for living under someone else’s roof?
The way I see it, we can rent or have a mortgage. Either way, we are paying a bill to live under a roof for the next 30 years. Just like we have bills for electricity, taxes, and water, we have a housing expense.
By classifying our mortgage as bill, we create a couple issues. If we classify a mortgage loan as a bill, what happens to the investment aspect of the real estate? If we classify a mortgage loan as a bill, do we need to try to pay down the “bill” as soon as possible?
The only reason I want us to classify this loan as a bill is so we can earn our freedom. Looking at the numbers the Federal Reserve provided, it will take 30 years to earn the title of “Debt Free.” Who has the patience for that?
By realizing this situation, we re-classify the mortgage as a bill and then we can emphasize getting out of debt with more realistic goals like our credit cards, car loans, and education loans. These loans are not usually as large as a mortgage and can be reduced in a shorter period. In addition, mortgages do have investment and tax incentives that are not inherit in most other loans, so there are more advantages to paying off other loans first. Paying off all other debts first will help us experience the freedom away from debt and to choose our own destiny.
Use this knowledge to challenge yourself to beat debt, to live frugally, and to evaluate your family income in relation to how much house you really need.
Discussion Questions:
- How much is your mortgage loan? How many more years will you be in that loan?
- If you classified your mortgage as a bill, when will you now be “Debt Free”?
- Do you have too much stuff? What can we do to get rid of the stuff we have so we can live in a smaller valued house?
“Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find somebody in need, and help that person. To overcome discouragement, don’t focus on yourself, get involved in the lives of other people.” – Karl Menninger
Photo by: GottShotts & DougWard
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of Thine hand to do it.” Proverbs 3:27 KJV
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Relieving Financial Stress July 3, 2008
Posted by BDO in Spiritual.Tags: beating, bible, christian, Debt, feelings, financial, proverbs, rich, slavery, stress, worry
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Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.
We read many stories of people racing after riches and ending up poor. For example, many lottery winners are expecting all dreams to come true. However, in reality, most are worse off than before their 15 minutes of fame.[1] Research also shows that over half of all employees are dissatisfied with their personal financial situation. [2] This dissatisfaction causes stress that can lead to loss of sleep, less money for self-care, and unhealthy emotions.[3]
Why do we do it? Why do we lose sleep over getting wealthy? Two answers: GREED and SELFISHNESS. These two reasons are exactly why the Bible pleads with us to have the wisdom to not wear ourselves out in trying to get rich. The Bible also states,
“But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:9
Now don’t misunderstand the Bible; it is not only addressing those of us who seek riches through the lottery, buying/selling stocks, or working hard at their job to make a buck. Proverbs 23:4 also talks to those who wear themselves out trying to look rich.[4]
“One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.” Proverbs 13:7
This verse looks at the hypocrisy of man. It shows us how we try to deceive others, and maybe ourselves, to gain honor. Sadly, this honor is only in the sight of man. This drive to reach the title of “rich” in man’s eyes is not the goal of one who is working to beat debt. Remember,
“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” Proverbs 22:2
Since God is in control of the rich and the poor, don’t worry about who He chooses to be rich or poor. Stop wearing yourself out trying to be or look “rich.” Commit to beating debt and live life within your means, being satisfied with how the Lord blesses you.
Discussion Questions:
1. Have you tried to purchase something to make you look better or richer than what you really are?
2. How did that purchase make you feel? How do you feel about that purchase now?
3. What things in our lives are making us look rich, when in reality we are deep in debt?
4. What action steps can we take to lessen the financial stress we have in our lives?
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When beggars and shoeshine boys, barbers and beauticians can tell you how to get rich it is time to remind yourself that there is no more dangerous illusion than the belief that one can get something for nothing.
-Bernard Baruch, 1929
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“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of Thine hand to do it.” Proverbs 3:27 KJV
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Giving up your Life[style] June 7, 2008
Posted by BDO in Descriptions, Money Spent, Spiritual.Tags: bible, Debt, give, hands, help, helping, life, lifestyle, style
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Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
When have you seen on the nightly news in America that a person gives up his life for a friend or cause? Not too often. Americans have a certain sense of “safety” and “control” over their lives, which causes them, in general, not to have to face such a situation. In our day to day living, we are not given the choice of life or death. Though we go to movies and watch actors struggle against good and evil against all odds and most times take their lives in their own hands to save another for some great cause, we don’t experience this kind of “adventure” in our personal lives. John 15:13 does not relate much in our cultural today when you take the words literally.
However, if we insert a few letters that cause the meaning of the sentence to change, will it hit home? How about we add the word “style” to the word “life”?
Now the verse would read…
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life[style] for his friends.
For some, this small change makes the verse very personal. In America, we have a very fancy personal lifestyle and standard of living. You can tell how much we love our lifestyle by what receives most of our spending money as a nation: lattés, movies, clothes, and cars. We are given the choice everyday to lay down our lifestyles by the choices that are presented to us to spend our money. Would you be willing to give up your life[style] to help fund a great cause or to assist a friend/stranger in need?
In our “safe” America, Americans should read this verse as a call to be willing to give up their life[style] to help their fellow brother/sister. Every time we choose to purchase something, we should ask ourselves whether the purchase is necessary and whether it is reasonably priced. If we honestly answer no to those questions, then we should give up that purchase in an act of love to our brother/sister.
Here are some ways you can give up your life[style]:
- 1) Get a smaller car.
- 2) Get a smaller house.
- 3) Reduce the amount of times you go out to eat.
- 4) Reduce phone bill costs.
- 5) Plan or budget your shopping and entertainment trips before making them instead of splurging on them at the last minute.
Some of these ideas are very small, and some are very large. But each of these things will reduce the kind of life[style] you are living currently. With the savings you receive from giving up your life[style], please use that money wisely by giving it to your local church or to a national tax-exempt organization or use it to help you beat debt.
What are some other ways you can give up you life[style]?
How can you show love towards your fellow brother/sister?
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” – Proverbs 3:27 KJV
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New BDO Mission Verse June 1, 2008
Posted by BDO in Descriptions, Spiritual.Tags: bible, commitment, community, Debt, encouragement, fellowship, finance, financial, focus, hebrews, perseverance, race, running, sin, verse
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The Directors have chosen a new Bible verse to exemplify our mission. We would like to share this verse with you to encourage you to adopt this verse as your mission verse on your journey to beat debt.
Hebrews 12:1–
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Our core ideas of:
– Fellowship.
– Community.
– Turning from sin of selfishness in our budget.
– Focus on releasing the burdens of debt, and
– Running to beat debt.
are all introduced in the above verse.
“Surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” — At BeatingDebt.org, we are trying to create a sense of community for families that are committed to beating debt in their own financial race. We are creating a community that is based on respect and encouragement.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders” — Let us commit to beating debt. With this commitment comes a very difficult budgeting decision. The necessity of things like digital cable, lattés at Starbucks, or other small delights must be carefully questioned.
“The Sin that so easily entangles” — Many times, it is our own sin of selfishness that caused our debt to outpace our finances. This same sin of selfishness continues to break our will/commitment to beating debt.
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” — Let us use the community of the internet, prayer, focus, and perseverance to help us run this financial race and beat debt.
How can this verse help you stay focused on your commitment?
What other verses help you stay focused on your goals?
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Psalm 37:21 March 8, 2008
Posted by BDO in Spiritual.Tags: back, bible, Debt, finance, give, honest, honor, liar, pay, principle, right, ultimate
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“The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously” Psalm 37:21
There are many reasons why we should pay off our debts.
1) It is honorable to pay back what we owe. Honor sometimes feels like a lost concept in this world. However, there are some organizations like the United States military that holds to a sense of honor. They instill in their Armed Forces a sense of duty and honor that binds them to a code of ethics. This motivates them to never tarnish themselves or the organization they represent.
We need to conform to a sense of honor. We need to be bound to a set of rules that motivates us to never tarnish ourselves or our family. When we can say that we are honorable people, we will know that honorable people honor contracts. Therefore, we are honor-bound to pay back what we owe.
2) It is the honest thing to pay back what we owe. Who we are is largely determined by our actions. It has been said that actions speak louder than words. If we tell someone that we will pay them back, then to remain honest, we must act in the way our lips just committed us to. Otherwise, we are known as a hypocrite and a liar for saying that we would pay back but did not fulfill our vow. When people find out that you are a liar, they are less likely to trust you in other things. It has also been said that honesty is the best policy. Let’s do the honest thing and pay back what we said we would.
3) It is the right thing to pay back what we owe. As in the Bible verse above, the wicked borrow but do not repay. The righteous, however, not only pay back, they give generously. After giving tithes, giving from our excess is the ultimate expression of stewardship, honesty, righteousness, and love. We should strive to correct our selfish ways by paying off our debts. We must then take the ultimate step and start giving from excess.
I hope you can take this biblical perspective on board as we strive to pay off our debts.
How do you interpret this verse?
Proverbs 22:7 February 18, 2008
Posted by BDO in Spiritual.Tags: beating, bible, commitment, Debt, happy, loans, verse
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“Just as the rich rule over the poor, so the borrower becomes the lender’s servant.” Pvbs 22:7
This verse describes the need for beating debt. As the verse says, when we accept a loan, we are accepting to be someone else’s slave until that debt is repaid. Have you noticed how much we work to pay off what we owe? We will work harder, longer, strain relationships, and give up our happiness and freedom until we have paid the debt off.
We are not taught this Biblical lesson when we are young, especially since credit card and loan companies are advertised in every place we look. However, we must throw off their persuasions, race to beat the debt we have, and get back to a state of freedom where we can enjoy our financial success.
Committing to beating debt will lead to less stress, feelings of fulfillment in work, happiness in relationships, and confidence in life.
We need to beat debt in order to live a more free and happy life.
Have you committed to beating debt?
A Kid's Guide to Managing Money (Ready-Set-Grow Series)
