BREAKING OUT OF THE DEBT TRAP

Figuring Out Your Finances Part 2

Seecte!
"anuar# $%&$'( ')))( *A'%+&2
Ric, -arren
DANGER SIGNS. ENTERING THE DEBT TRAP/
'0 1I2ING ON 33333333333333333333 INSTEAD OF 33333333333333333333
Dont withhold repayment of your debts. Dont say `some other time, if you can pay now.
Pr. 3:27-28 (LB)
shows a lack of contentment (Lk. 3:14)
presmes on the ftre (Pr. 27:1)
20 DE1AYING 33333333333333333333 OR PAYING 33333333333333333333
Let no debt remain outstanding. !om. 13:8 ("#$)
$0 UNAB1E TO 33333333333333333333 OR 33333333333333333333
Will a man rob God !et you rob "e. #ut you as$, `%ow do we rob !ou &n tithes and
offerings. %al. 3:8 ("#$)
'he wise man sa(es for the future, but the foolish man spends whate(er he gets.
Pr. 21:2& (LB)
40 UNAB1E TO 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333
Gi(e to )aesar what is )aesars, and to God what is Gods. %att. 22:21 ("#$)
+0 E5TRA2AGANT 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333
&ndulging in lu*uries, wine, and food will ne(er ma$e you wealthy. Pr. 21:17 ('")
60 1OOKING FOR 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333 IDEAS0
+teady plodding brings prosperity, hasty speculation brings po(erty. Pr. 21:( (LB)
Dreaming instead of doing is foolishness. )ccl. (:7 (LB)
BREAKING OUT OF THE DEBT TRAP
Figuring Out Your Finances & Part 2
NINE STEPS OUT OF THE DEBT TRAP
'0 33333333333333333333 TO BE7O8ING DEBT FREE NOW!
'he wic$ed borrow and do not repay- Psalm 37:21 ("#$)
20 START PAYING 33333333333333333333 9 33333333333333333333 FIRST0
1&*1&*8& PL+"
%al. 3:8-11, Pr. 3:--1&, 1 .or. 1/:1-2, Pr. 21:(02& 1 23th3n4 5 6a73n4
'he purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your li(es.
8et. 14:23 (LB)
$0 1IST A11 I 33333333333333333333 9 A11 I 33333333333333333333 0
#y wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established. Pr. 24:3 ("#$)
40 HA2E A 33333333333333333333 /
Get rid of e(ery idol- )9ek. 2&:7 (LB)
+0 SET UP A 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333
Good planning and hard wor$ lead to prosperity- Pr. 21:( ("L2)
Get ad(ice if you want your plans to wor$. Pr. 2&:18 (".$)
60 DE7IDE TO DO IT IN 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333 /
What is impossible with men is possible with God. Lk. 18:27 ("#$)
:0 ADD NO 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333 /
#e content with what you ha(e- :e;. 13:( ("#$)
;0 SHARE 8Y P1AN -ITH 33333333333333333333333333333333333333330
When your ways please the Lord, %e will ma$e your enemies into friends. Pr. 1/:7 ('")
)0 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333 /
Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a har(est of
blessing if we dont get discouraged and gi(e up. 'al. /:- (LB)
2-2
BREAKING OUT OF THE DEBT TRAP
Figuring Out Your Finances & Part 2
We owed a debt because we bro$e Gods laws. 'hat debt listed all the rules we failed to
follow. #ut God forga(e us and too$ away that debt and nailed it to the cross. .ol. 2:14
(#B.)
2-3
BREAKING OUT OF THE DEBT TRAP
Figuring Out Your Finances Part 2
Seecte!
"anuar# $%&$'( ')))( *A'%+&2
Ric, -arren
<e l37e 3n a cltre ;ase= on 3nstant 4rat3f3cat3on. B> now 1 pa> later. ?f corse0 th3s cases
enormos pro;lems not onl> 3n cltre ;t also 3n or 3n=373=al fam3l3es an= l37es. .onsmer
=e;t 3n +mer3ca now stan=s at 1.4 tr3ll3on =ollars. 2hat@s not what the 4o7ernment owes. 2hat@s
what >o an= # owe.
2o=a> we@re concl=3n4 the ser3es AB34r3n4 ?t Cor B3nancesD. # want s to look at Break3n4
?t of the 8e;t 2rap.
Co sa>0 A<h> 3s =e;t a trapED #t@s a trap ;ecase 3t ensla7es >o. <hen >o 4o 3n =e;t0 >o
loose >or free=om. 2he B3;le tells s 3n Pro7er;s 22:7 'he borrower is the ser(ant to the
lender. +n> t3me >o take a loan0 an> t3me >o 4o 3n =e;t to someone or some compan>0 >o
are0 3n a sense0 ;ecom3n4 a ser7ant to them ;ecase >o@re o;l34ate= to those people. #t ;ecomes
a 7er> maFor trap that man> people can ne7er 4et ot of.
<e all 4et these th3n4s e7er> week. #t@s an offer for a new cre=3t car=. # starte= rea=3n4 3t an= 3t
hooke= me. #t starte= ot0 A8ear !3char=GD # knew th3s was a pro;lem ;ecase onl> m> mom
calle= me !3char=H AG .on4ratlat3onsH Co are amon4 the preferre= select few pre-appro7e=
for or most prest343os cre=3t car=.D #@m preferre=H #@m prest343osH #@m 3n the select fewH #
rea= on0 A2h3s 3s cstom39e= to meet all >or nee=s. )nFo> spen=3n4 all >o want. Co ha7e set
the stan=ar= h34her an= there@s onl> one $3sa Plat3nm that meets >or nee=s. Co =eser7e 3tHD
2he> want to 437e me a cre=3t l3ne of a hn=re= 4ran=H 2he> o;73osl> ha7e the wron4 !3ck
<arrenH
<hene7er >o rea= one of these a=s0 there@s one wor= >o@ll ne7er f3n= 3n an> cre=3t appl3cat3on
or cre=3t a=7ert3sement. #t a wor= that we =on@t l3ke 3n cre=3t a=s. #t@s the wor= A=e;tD.
Co@ll ne7er f3n= that wor= 3n the3r appl3cat3on. Bt that@s eIactl> what the>@re sell3n4. 2he>@re
sell3n4 >o debt. 2hat 3s an ncomforta;le wor=. #t@s an npleasant wor=. 6o the> =on@t want to
pt 3t 3n there. 2he>@= want to tell >o0 A<e@ll sell >o lo7e0 Fo>0 peace 1 the fr3t of the sp3r3t.D
Bt what the>@re sell3n4 3s =e;t.
# looke= p the wor= A=e;tD 3n !o4et@s 2hesars. :ere are the s>non>ms for =e;t: to owe0 to ;e
o;l34ate=0 l3a;le0 3n =ef3c3t0 3n =efalt0 3nsol7ent0 encm;ere=0 3n o7er one@s hea=0 t3e= p0
ot of pocket0 3n arrears0 3n=34ent0 papere=0 =est3tte0 penn3less0 nee=>0 lack3n40 =3stresse=0 3n
=3ff3clt>0 a =ea=;eat0 ha73n4 a wolf at >or =oor0 l373n4 han= to moth0 ;e44arl>0 empt3e=0
ha73n4 seen ;etter =a>s0 4one to the =o4s0 racke= an= r3ne=0 3mpo7er3she=0 ;a= off0 har= p0
;eaten =own0 re=ce= to r3n0 fleece=0 str3ppe=0 ;ereft0 ;erea7e=0 re=ce=0 na;le to make en=s
meet0 em;arrasse=0 ;roke0 ;ste=.
#f the> tol= >o that th3s 3s what the> were sell3n40 wol= >o th3nk tw3ce ;efore appl>3n4 for 3tE
2he> are sell3n4 =e;t. +n= the>@re sa>3n40 A<e want >o to ;e 3n =e;t to s.D
)7er> %on=a> n34ht0 the <arren fam3l> has fam3l> n34ht. <e take trns =ec3=3n4 who 4ets to
choose what we@re 4o3n4 to =o on that part3clar %on=a> n34ht. + few weeks a4o we =ec3=e=
we@= sta> home an= watch a 73=eo. 2here aren@t that man> P' an= P'-13 mo73es ot there so
we en=e= p watch3n4 the mo73e from th3s last >ear0 ALost 3n 6paceD. #t@s a prett> chees> mo73eH
+ total waste of spec3al effects. .3sco an= );ert rate= ALost 3n 6paceD one of the ten worst
mo73es of 1--8. #f >o =3=n@t see the mo73e >o pro;a;l> saw the 2$ show. ?ne of the ma3n
characters 3s th3s =ork> ro;ot who walks aron= 1 h3s 4oal 3n l3fe 1 sa>3n40 A8an4erH <3ll
!o;3nsonH 8an4erHD
2o=a>0 # want to ;e the =ork> ro;ot. # want to 437e >o s3I =an4er s34ns that >o are 3n o7er >or
hea=. 63I =an4er s34ns that >o nee= to take =rast3c measres 3n >or f3nances that >o@re e3ther
hea=e= 3nto the =e;t trap0 or >o@re alrea=> entrappe= 3n =e;t.
<hat =oes the B3;le sa>E 634ns of the =e;t trap:
'0 1I2ING ON 7REDIT INSTEAD OF PAYING 7ASH0
#f >o =epen= on cre=3t to ma3nta3n >or l3fest>le >o@re spen=3n4 too mch. #f >o ha7e to se
cre=3t car=s to ma3nta3n >or l3fest>le0 >o@re spen=3n4 too mch. Pro7er;s 3:27-28 Dont
withhold repayment of your debts. Dont say `some other time, if you can pay it now. #n other
wor=s0 3f >o ha7e cash to pa> 3t now0 pa> 3t now. 8on@t pt 3t off nt3l the ftre0 =on@t pt 3t on
some cre=3t accont.
:ow =o >o know 3f >o@re l373n4 on cre=3tE 63mple: the ;alance 3s 4o3n4 p. #f on >or cre=3t
car=s0 that ;alance keeps 4o3n4 p an= p0 all k3n=s of re= fla4s shol= ;e 4o3n4 off0 warn3n4
s34ns eIplo=3n4 3n >or m3n=.
2here are a cople of pro;lems w3th l373n4 on cre=3t:
#t shows a lack of contentment 3n >or l3fe. Co can@t wa3t. Co can@t ;e pat3ent. Co can@t
sa7e. Co ha7e to ha7e 3t now. #t shows a lack of contentment.
#t 3s a presmpt3on on the ftre. Co sa>0 A# can alwa>s pa> 3t off tomorrow.D :ow =o >o
th3nk soE Co m34ht ;e =3sa;le= tomorrow. Co m34ht ha7e a maFor acc3=ent neIt week. )7er>
t3me >o ;> someth3n4 on nsecre= cre=3t (l3ke a cre=3t car=0 a re7ol73n4 accont) >o are
;>3n4 someth3n4 that >o@re presm3n4 on the ftre that >o@ll ;e a;le to pa> 3t ;ack.
Pro7er;s 27:1 #oast not of tomorrow, for you dont $now what tomorrow will bring. 8e;t
alwa>s presmes pon the ftre.
6t=3es ha7e shown that 3f >o se a cre=3t car=0 >o@ll spen= 23J more mone> 3n a store than 3f
>o se cash. #t makes 3t a whole lot eas3er to ;> th3n4s >o =on@t nee= w3th mone> >o =on@t
ha7e. 6o 3t@s 7er> eas>. #t =oesn@t seem l3ke 3t@s real mone>. #t makes 3t eas> to ;>
nonessent3als.
Let@s a=m3t 3t r34ht p front: #t@s fn to spen= mone>. 2o spen= mone> >o =on@t ha7e 3s
a;soltel> eIh3larat3n4. 2here@s a rshH L3ke ma3nl3n3n4 some =r4H #@m spen=3n4 mone> #
=on@t ha7eH Bt >o@re hea=e= 3nto the =e;t trap.
20 DE1AYING PAY8ENTS OR PAYING THE 8INI8U8 DUE0
2hat@s a telltale s34n that >o@re 3n the =e;t trap. #f >o@re m3ss3n4 pa>ments. #f >o@re mak3n4
late pa>ments. #f >o@re pa>3n4 the m3n3mm =e on that cre=3t car= 3nstea= of pa>3n4 3t off
e7er> month. #f >o f3n= >orself constantl> n=er tens3on o7er mone>. #f >o f3n= >orself
;onc3n4 checks ;ecase of 3nsff3c3ent fn=s. #f >o f3n= >orself w3th=raw3n4 mone> ot of
>or reser7e accont 3n or=er to pa> to=a>@s ;3lls. +ll k3n=s of s34ns shol= ;e eIplo=3n4 3n >or
m3n= sa>3n40 A6ometh3n4 has to stop r34ht nowH #@m spen=3n4 too mch mone>H #@m spen=3n4
more than # makeHD
2he B3;le sa>s 3n !omans 13:8 .Let no debt remain outstanding. Co nee= to pa> 3t off. 8on@t
;once 3t o7er to neIt month an= neIt month. Let no debt remain outstanding.
$0 UNAB1E TO TITHE OR SA2E
#f >o@re not sa73n4 an> mone>0 3f >o@re not t3th3n40 >o@re spen=3n4 too mch mone>. <e
talke= a;ot these pr3nc3ples last week. 'o= takes th3s 7er> ser3osl>. %alach3 3:8 Will a man
rob God !et you rob "e. #ut you as$, `%ow do we rob !ou &n tithes and offerings. #f #@m
not t3th3n40 #@m ro;;3n4 'o=. #@m s3n4 'o=@s mone> to pa> m> ;3lls. +n= 'o= takes that 7er>
ser3osl>. :ow =o >o eIpect :3m to ;less >or f3nances 3f >o@re ro;;3n4 :3mE
2hen the B3;le tells s 'he wise man sa(es for the future, but the foolish man spends whate(er
he gets. #f >o@re not sa73n4 an> mone>0 3f >o@re not t3th3n40 >o@re spen=3n4 too mch. Co
nee= a ra=3cal o7erhal of >or l3fest>le. Co nee= a ra=3cal o7erhal of how >or ;=4et 3s
;e3n4 ;3lt. #t@s a warn3n4 s34n that >o@re 3n the =e;t trap 3f >o can@t =o those th3n4s.
+lon4 w3th thatG.
40 UNAB1E TO PAY TA5ES
Co 4et to +pr3l 1( an= >o =on@t ha7e the mone> to pa> >or taIes0 the B3;le sa>s 3n %atthew
22:21 Gi(e to )aesar what is )aesars and to God what is Gods. #f >o can@t pa> >or taIes
that means >o@re spen=3n4 too mch mone>. Co are 3n the =e;t trap.
+0 E5TRA2AGANT SPENDING
Pro7er;s 21:17 &ndulging in lu*uries, wine, and food will ne(er ma$e you wealthy. #f >o
want to 4et wealth>0 >o =on@t 3n=l4e 3n lIr3es0 w3ne an= foo=. 2o=a> we ha7e an ent3re
lIr> market that tar4ets ?ran4e .ont> w3th catalo4es. .atalo4es >o 4et at .hr3stmas an=
other t3mes of the >ear are f3lle= w3th th3n4s that are r3=3closl> nnecessar>0 nnee=e=. Bt 3t@s
for the person who has e7er>th3n4. Co@7e 4ot to spen=. 6o what =o >o =o when >o@7e 4ot
e7er>th3n4E Co@7e 4ot to f3n= someth3n4 the> nee= an= then make p stff. # rea= th3s
.hr3stmas a;ot a K2&& nose-ha3r remo7erH BolksH # col= show >o a mch cheaper wa> to =o
that ;t La>@s here so #@m not 4o3n4 to. # col= show >o how to =o that. <ho nee=s a K2&&
;44er-p3ckerHH
:ere@s the po3nt. <hen >o ;> th3n4s Fst ;ecase >o@7e 4ot the mone>0 that@s stp3=. <hen
>o ;> th3n4s Fst ;ecase >o can affor= 3t0 watch ot. Co are hea=e= sMare 3nto the =e;t
trapH <hen >o ;> th3n4s >o =on@t nee= w3th mone> >o reall> =on@t ha7e0 or e7en 3f >o =o
ha7e 3t 1 the B3;le sa>s that@s not how >o 4et wealth>0 ;> wast3n4 3t on sperflos 3tems.
60 1OOKING FOR GET RI7H <UI7K IDEAS
#f >o@re alwa>s look3n4 for 4et r3ch M3ck 3=eas 3t means >o@re e3ther 3n =e;t r34ht now an= so
>o@re tr>3n4 to 4et ot0 >o@re hea=e= 3nto =e;t an= those 4et r3ch M3ck 3=eas w3ll pt >o 3n
=e;t. 2he B3;le sa>s rn from 4et r3ch M3ck schemes. #t sa>s 3t o7er an= o7er a4a3n. Pro7er;s
21:( +teady plodding brings prosperity, hasty speculation brings po(erty. <hen >o@re 3n
=e;t0 >o@re r3pe for a r3p off. 6ome con art3st0 some ;s3ness scam 1 someone 3s 4o3n4 to come
alon4 an= 4et >o to plop =own har= earne=0 4oo= mone> on a 4et r3ch M3ck scheme that
prom3ses to =o;le or tr3ple >or mone> an= >o@re 4o3n4 to ;e foole= 3nto =o3n4 3t.
People often 4et 3n =e;t ;ecase the> l37e 3n a fantas> worl=. 2he>@re alwa>s fanat3c393n4 an=
=ream3n4 of some ;34 str3ke tomorrow that@s 4o3n4 to make the3r ftre0 rather that Fst 4ett3n4 a
ser3os Fo; an= plo==3n4 towar= wealth0 plo==3n4 towar= prosper3t> 1 l3ttle ;> l3ttle. 2he> =on@t
want to =o 3t the har= wa>. #n or entreprener3al cont>0 # can@t tell >o how man> people #@7e
talke= to who are alwa>s wa3t3n4 for the B34 8eal to come alon4. #n the meant3me0 the>@re
;arel> mak3n4 3t0 wa3t3n4 for the B34 8eal. 2he>@re alwa>s wa3t3n4 for the3r sh3p to come 3n. #
want to sa>0 A6w3m ot to 3tH #t@s com3n4 3n awfl slow0 so start pa==l3n4 ot 3n that =3rect3on.
8o someth3n4. 'et a normal Fo;.D
6ome people are alwa>s wa3t3n4 to w3n the Lotto. 2here@s a wor= for people who pla> the lotter>
1 loserH Co are more l3kel> to ;e h3t ;> a meteor than to w3n the lotter>. 2he o==s are more
l3kel> that >o w3ll 4o to the moon than >o w3ll w3n the lotter>. 8on@t 4et me starte= on the
stp3=3t> of 4am;l3n4H # cannot comprehen= how sem3-3ntell34ent people w3ll take har=-earne=
mone> an= Fst throw 3t awa> 4am;l3n4. <hat a wasteH 2he B3;le sa>s 3t@s fool3sh. #t@s l3ke
>o@7e taken >or ;ra3n ot an= set 3n on a shelf to take har=-earne= 4oo= mone> an= se 3t on
4am;l3n4. 8m;H 8m;H +n= the B3;le sa>s 8on@t =o 3tH 8on@t 4o to Lost <a4es for >or
7acat3on.
)ccles3astes (:7 Dreaming instead of doing is foolishness. #@7e talke= w3th man> people0 as a
pastor0 who@s f3nanc3al s3tat3on 1 coples an= 3n=373=als 1 when >o looke= at 3t la3= ot on a
p3ece of paper0 3t =3= look hmanl> 3mposs3;le. Co@= th3nk0 A2here@s no wa> the>@re 4o3n4 to
4et ot of =e;t0D from a hman stan=po3nt. 6ome of >o feel that wa>. +s we@7e 4one =own th3s
l3st #@m h3tt3n4 >o r34ht ;etween the e>esH Cor f3nanc3al s3tat3on 3s reall> 3mposs3;le from a
hman stan=po3nt.
Bt there 3s a wa> ot. #@m here to tell >o 1 2here 3s a wa> otH #f >o w3ll follow 'o=@s
f3nanc3al plan an= the steps to 4ett3n4 ot of =e;t0 >o can =o th3s. # can 437e >o man>0 man>
eIamples. #f # =3=n@t ;el3e7e there was an> hope of 4ett3n4 ot of =e;t0 # wol=n@t waste >or
t3me th3s morn3n4 look3n4 at the pr3nc3ples 3n 'o=@s wor=. Bt the> are there an= the> =o work.
NINE STEPS OUT OF THE DEBT TRAP
(6ome of >o ha7e alrea=> f34re= ot th3s 3s a 1(-po3nt sermon an= >o th3nk we@re ne7er 4o3n4
to 4et ot of here to=a>. # prom3se >o0 ;ecase we ha7e 1( po3nts th3s week0 neIt week@s
sermon w3ll ;e po3ntless.)
'0 7O88IT TO BE7O8ING DEBT FREE NOW!
"ot tomorrow0 not neIt week0 not neIt month 1 comm3t to ;e3n4 =e;t now. +lwa>s start w3th a
comm3tment. Psalm 37:21 'he wic$ed borrow and do not repay. 'o= sa>s 3f # =on@t pa> m>
=e;ts0 3t@s w3cke=. "ot Fst wron40 or ok0 or soc3all> accepta;le 1 3t@s w3cke=. 'o= sa>s when
>o make a prom3se >o@re eIpecte= to keep 3t. <hen >o make a f3nanc3al 7ow0 a f3nanc3al
prom3se an= >o =e;t >orself0 >o@re eIpecte= to keep 3t. 'o= takes 3t 7er> ser3osl> 3f # =on@t
pa> m> ;3lls. 'he wic$ed borrow and do not repay.
# know >o@re th3nk3n40 ABt #@m 3n so mch =e;t0 wh> =on@t # Fst f3le for ;ankrptc> an= start
o7er. #t@s le4al.D Ces 3t 3s le4al ;t 3t@s not moral. Bankrptc> 3s le4al 3n +mer3ca ;t 3t 3s not
moral. #t 3s wron4. #t 3s wron4 to st3ff other people for ;a= =ec3s3ons >o make. #t 3s wron4 to
make other people pa> for >or eIcess. #t 3s wron4 to =e;t >orself an= then Fst walk awa>
from 3t eIpect3n4 other people to p3ck p the p3eces an= hrt them. #t 3s le4al ;t 3t 3s wron4. #f
>o =ec3=e that >o@re 4o3n4 to ;ase >or moral3t> on the laws of the lan=0 >or moral3t> as a
person 3s not 4o3n4 to ;e h34h. 2here are a lot of th3n4s 3n +mer3ca that are le4al0 ;t are wron4.
2here are man> th3n4s 3n +mer3ca that are le4al ;t a .hr3st3an0 a ;el3e7er0 a follower of .hr3st0
someone who@s ser3osl> tr>3n4 to l37e w3th 3nte4r3t>0 shol=n@t =o. 8on@t =o 3t.
#t@s not 4o3n4 to ;e eas>0 the steps #@m 4o3n4 to 437e >o. #t@s alwa>s eas3er to 4et 3n than to 4et
ot. #t@s eas3er to 4et 3n =e;t than to 4et ot of =e;t. #t@s 4o3n4 to take comm3tment to 4et ot of
=e;t. #t@s 4o3n4 to take cora4e to 4et ot of =e;t. #t@s 4o3n4 to take =3sc3pl3ne. #t@s 4o3n4 to take
=ela>e= 4rat3f3cat3on. Co can@t ha7e 3t all r34ht now to 4et ot of =e;t. #t@s 4o3n4 to take
en=rance0 pers3stence0 3nte4r3t>. Bt most of all0 to 4et ot of =e;t0 3t takes character. +n> fool
can 4o 3n =e;t. #t@s 7er> eas> to 4o 3n =e;t. #t takes character to 4et ot of =e;t. 6o how mch
character are >o 4o3n4 to showE +re >o Fst 4o3n4 to walk awa> from 3t A#@m not respons3;le.D
?r are >o 4o3n4 to show some character an= sa>0 A?k0 'o=0 # 4ot m>self 3nto th3s. :elp me 4et
ot.D #t@s not eas> ;t 3t can ;e =one. "o;o=> Fst =r3fts 3nto =e;t. Co =3=n@t Fst =r3ft 3nto 3t.
2here were cho3ces that >o ma=e. +n= >o@re not 4o3n4 to wake p one morn3n4 an= all >or
=e;t 3s 4o3n4 to ;e 4one. 2he onl> wa> >o@re 4o3n4 to 4et ot of =e;t 3s 3f >o plan to 4et ot of
=e;t. #ntent3onall> plan to 4et ot of =e;t. Co take the har=0 to4h steps of character. #t starts
w3th a comm3tment.
20 START PAYING GOD AND 8YSE1F FIRST
2hat means r34ht off the ;at. # 4et that pa>check an= the f3rst ten- percent 4oes ;ack to 'o= an=
the secon= ten- percent 4oes to me (m> sa73n4s accont). # can@t n=erstan= how people spen=
the3r l37es0 work3n4 har= to make mone> an= the> ne7er pa> themsel7es or the> ne7er pa> 'o= 1
the two ent3t3es most respons3;le for >or a;3l3t> to make wealth. <here =3= >or a;3l3t> to
make wealth come fromE 'o= an= >orself. Cet these are the last two ent3t3es we often pa>.
!34ht off the ;at0 3f >o want to 4et ot of =e;t.
Co sa>0 A# can@t affor= to t3the0 # can@t affor= to sa7e.D Co can@t affor= not to. #f >o want
'o=@s ;less3n4 on >or f3nances0 >o ha7e to =o 3t 'o=@s wa>. 2he B3;le sa>s that the prpose of
t3th3n4 3s to teach s to pt :3m f3rst place 3n or l37es. 2he B3;le sa>s that the w3se man sa7es
for the ftre. 6o when >o 4et that check0 ;efore an>one else 4ets pa3=0 the f3rst ten- percent
4oes ;ack to 'o=. 2he secon= ten- percent 4oes 3nto >or sa73n4s. 'o= :3mself 4ets pa3= f3rst.
<e talke= a;ot th3s last week what we calle= the 1&-1&-8& pr3nc3ple. 23the 1&J0 6a7e 1&J0
L37e on 8&J. #t@s to4h0 ;t 3t works.
)Iamples: Let@s sa> >o@re 2( >ears ol= an= let@s sa> >o make K1(0&&& a >ear. Co =on@t ha7e
an> eItra t3ps0 an> eItra ra3ses. Bor the neIt 2& >ears all >o ma=e was K1(0&&& a >ear. #f >o
stck to the 1&-1&-8& plan0 ;> a4e 4( 1 3n 2& >ears 1 >o w3ll ha7e 437en K3&0&&& to the Lor=@s
work an= an> .hr3st3an wol= ;e pro= of that. +n=0 at the same t3me0 >o pt 3t 3n an
3n7estment at 1&J wh3ch 3s eas3l> a7a3la;le to=a>0 that mone> w3th 3nterest that ha= 4rown 1 >o
wol= ha7e pa3= >orself K8(0-13.&& 6o 3n 2& >ears >o wol= ha7e 437en K3&0&&& to the
Lor=@s work an= sa7e= K8(0&&& 3n >or 3n7estment.
+nother: Let@s sa> >o@re 3( >ears ol=. Let@s sa> >o a=opt the 1&-1&-8& pr3nc3ple. Let@s sa>
>o make K3&0&&& a >ear for the neIt 2& >ears. B> a4e ((0 >o wol= ha7e 437en K/&0&&& to the
'reat .omman=ment an= the 'reat .omm3ss3on an= the Lor=@s work 3n the worl=. <hat an
eternal 3n7estment0 stor3n4 p treasre 3n hea7enH Cor 3n7estment fn= wol= ha7e 4rown to
K1710&&& Fst ;> follow3n4 the 1&-1&-8& pr3nc3ple. 2hat@s K1710&&& >o =on@t ha7e r34ht now
;t >o@= ha7e 3f >o@= start follow3n4 th3s.
Let@s sa> >o@re 4& an= >o =ec3=e= >o@re 4o3n4 to sw3tch to the 1&-1&-8& pr3nc3ple. Let@s sa>
>or fam3l> 3ncome 3s K/&0&&& 1 hs;an= an= w3fe. #n the neIt 2& >ears0 ;> the t3me >o@re /&0
>o wol= ha7e 437en K12&0&&& to the k3n4=om of 'o=0 help3n4 w3n people to .hr3st all aron=
the worl= an= st3ll ha7e K3430&&& set as3=e 3n an 3n7estment fn=.
Bolks0 th3s works. Co@7e Fst 4ot to work 3t. #t takes =3sc3pl3ne sa>3n40 A#@m not 4o3n4 to ;>
to=a>. #@m re=c3n4 m> eIpen=3tres now so # can t3the an= # can sa7e.D 'reat pa>off.
$0 1IST A11 I O-N AND A11 I O-E
Co@7e ma=e the comm3tment to ;ecom3n4 =e;t free. Co start pa>3n4 'o= an= >orself f3rst.
2hen >o start =o3n4 the 3n7entor>. <e talke= a l3ttle a;ot th3s last week. Pro7er;s 24:3 #y
wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established. #4norance of >or
f3nanc3al con=3t3on 3s a sre 4arantee or rec3pe for f3nanc3al =3saster. Co nee= to know where
>or mone> 3s com3n4 3n from an= how mch 3t 3s an= >o nee= to know where 3t@s all 4o3n4.
<e talke= a;ot 3t last week 1 keep3n4 4oo= recor=s. <hat >o own an= what >o owe.
Pro7er;s 18:13 (L373n4 B3;le) &ts stupid to decide before $nowing the facts. Co@7e 4ot to 4et
the facts on >or f3nanc3al setp. #f >o@re 3n =e;t an= >o nee= to 4et ot.
40 HA2E A SA1E0
#f >o are stck 3n the =e;t trap0 >o ha7e some th3n4s 3n >or home that >o nee= to 4et r3= of.
Co sa>0 ABt 3t@s alrea=> pa3= off.D )7en 3f 3t@s pa3= off0 3t st3ll costs >o mone> to 3nsre 3t0 3t
costs >o mone> to ma3nta3n 3t. +n= 3f >o sell 3t0 3t@s pro;a;l> 4ot some eM3t> 3n 3t an= >o
col= se that eM3t> to lower the pa>ments an= lower the =e;t that >o alrea=> ha7e. Co@7e
4ot to =ec3=e what@s more 3mportant 1 hol=3n4 on to that 439mo or ha73n4 the tens3on of ;e3n4 3n
f3nanc3al =e;t. #f >o can lower the tens3on >o@ll ;e a whole lot happ3er than >o are hol=3n4 on
to these th3n4s.
6ome of >o ;o4ht a car for the wron4 reason. Co p3cke= the car ot an= >o ;o4ht 3t for
stats. .ars are not meant for stats. .ars are meant for transportat3on. Co ma> nee= to 4o an=
sell that car an= ;> a more reasona;le0 secon= han= car0 someth3n4 that w3ll 4et >o to the same
place on t3me an= those pa>ments w3ll come =own =ramat3call>. 2hen >o@7e 4ot mone> for
t3th3n4 an= sa73n4 an= pa>3n4 off =e;ts.
#f 'o= tol= >o to 437e someth3n4 awa> or to sell someth3n4 an= >o sa>0 A# col= ne7er =o that.
#@= ne7er sell that0 e7en 3f 'o= tol= me0 # col= ne7er sell that0D there@s a wor= for that 3tem. #t@s
calle= an 3=ol. 2he B3;le sa>s 3n )9ek3el 2&:7 Get rid of e(ery idol. 6ome of >o ha7e
3=ol39e= >or hose. Co@7e 3=ol39e= >or car. Co@7e 3=ol39e= a 7acat3on home or a ;oat or
whate7er. 2he B3;le sa>s 4et r3= of 3=ols. :a7e a sale.
+0 SET UP A REPAY8ENT P1AN
Co w3ll ne7er 4et ot of =e;t acc3=entall>. #t mst ;e 3ntent3onal an= >o mst ha7e a plan.
Pro7er;s 21:( Good planning and hard wor$ lead to prosperity. #f >o want to ;e prosperos0
>o ha7e to ha7e a 4oo= plan. 2o =o 3t r34ht0 >o pro;a;l> o4ht to 4et a f3nanc3al conselor
;ecase >o sa>0 A# =on@t know how to plan 3t r34ht.D 2he B3;le sa>s 3n Pro7er;s 28:18 Get
ad(ice if you want your plans to wor$. #f >o a= a maFor 3llness l3ke a cancer0 >o wol=n@t tr>
to cre >orself. Co@= 4o to a spec3al3st. Co@= 4o to an oncolo43st. Co@= 4et a =octor to help
>o 4et o7er >or 3llness.
#f >o are =eepl> 3n =e;t0 >o nee= a f3nanc3al eIpert. #@m not talk3n4 a;ot a salesman who
wants to sell >o some pro=ct. #@m talk3n4 a;ot some;o=> who0 from an o;Fect37e 73ewpo3nt0
can set =own0 look at >or f3nances an= help >o 4et them 3n or=er0 work ot a repa>ment plan0
w3thot ha73n4 to sell >o 1( pro=cts at the same t3me. 2here are f3nanc3al conselors 3n th3s
chrch. <e ha7e f3nanc3al conselors that work w3th or staff. 2here are man> places >o col=
=o th3s ;t >o nee= to 4et a conselor.
Co shol= ne7er make a maFor f3nanc3al prchase w3thot 4ett3n4 some 4oo= f3nanc3al a=73ce.
<h>E Becase when >o 4ot that ;34 =eal0 or that ;34 prchase0 >or emot3ons 4et 3n7ol7e=.
<hen >or emot3ons 4et 3n7ol7e= >o =on@t th3nk stra34ht. Co nee= the clear 7o3ce of reason0
an o;Fect37e 7o3ce that wol= sa>0 Co reall> can@t affor= th3s. ABt # lo7e th3s hose.D Co can@t
affor= 3t. A%a>;e 3f we Fst stretch a l3ttleHD Co can@t affor= 3t.
#@7e tol= man> people o7er the >ears that the> nee= to 4et a f3nanc3al conselor. #@7e s44este=
people for man> people 3n th3s chrch. 2he> har=l> e7er follow m> a=73ce. <h>E <h> =o we
res3st f3nanc3al consel3n4E
Becase # want what # want when # want 3t an= # =on@t want an>;o=> tell3n4 me # can@t ha7e 3tH
2hat@s the real reason. # =on@t want an>;o=> sa>3n40 ACo can@t affor= that. 6ell 3t. Co can@t
affor= that mo7e. Co can@t affor= that. Bor4et 3tH 8on@t e7en th3nk a;ot 3t.D Co nee=
oftent3mes some;o=> to sa> no 3n >or l3fe. Let them help >o set p a repa>ment plan.
60 DE7IDE TO DO IT IN HA1F THE TI8E/
?nce >o@7e =ec3=e= the plan >o@re 4o3n4 to =o0 Fst =o;le t3me 3t an= sa>0 ALet@s pa> th3s
th3n4 off M3ckHD 2h3nk of the 3nterest that >o@ll sa7e ;> pa>3n4 3t off earl>. 2he whole t3me
>o@re mak3n4 pa>ments that 3nterest 3s compon=3n4.
Bt some of >o are th3nk3n40 ABt >o =on@t know m> f3nances. # am so 3n =e;t 3t@s 3mposs3;le
to pa> 3t 3n half the t3me.D Lke 18:27 What is impossible with men is possible with God. Co
wol= ;e ama9e= at what >o col= =o 3f >o want to =o 3t an= >o ask for 'o=@s help an=
>o@re w3ll3n4 to =o 3t :3s wa>. #t@s not eas>. Bt 3t 3s poss3;le. 6o =on@t tell me 3t@s 3mposs3;le.
<3th 'o= all th3n4s are poss3;le.
Bt to 4et ot of =e;t >o ha7e to =o what # call a tr3ple f3nanc3al re7erse. 2o=a> 3n the 6per
Bowl >o ma> see a cople =o;le re7erse pla>s ;t # =o;t >o@ll see an> tr3ple re7erses nless
3t@s 3n the last m3nte of the 4ame an= 3t@s k3n= of a :a3l %ar> pass.
2o 4et ot of =e;t >o ha7e to =o three th3n4s:
1. Co ha7e to stop o7erspen=3n4. +n= that@s a har= ha;3t to ;reak 3f >o@7e ;een =o3n4 3t
for >ears an= >ears.
2. Co ha7e to repa> the pr3nc3ple an= the 3nterest an= that 3nterest clock 3s t3ck3n4 all alon4.
3. Co ha7e to learn to operate on a f3nanc3al mar43n. 2hat means >o spen= less than >o
make e7er> month. 2hat@s =3ff3clt ;t w3th 'o=@s help 3t 3s poss3;le.
:0 ADD NO NE- DEBT/
%ost of >o 4ot 3nto =e;t for one reason. Co spent more than >o ma=e. Co@7e 4ot to stop
that r34ht now. "ot tomorrow. !34ht now. Co w3ll ne7er 4et ot of =e;t 3f >o keep ptt3n4
th3n4s on the cre=3t car= wh3le >o@re tr>3n4 to pa> them off. #t@s not 4o3n4 to happen. 6o >o
ha7e to ;e rthless 3n th3s area.
#f >o 4ot 3nto =e;t ;> s3n4 cre=3t0 here@s m> proFect for >o th3s week. 'o home0 take ot all
>or cre=3t car=s an= pt them on a cook3e sheet. :eat >or o7en to 4(& =e4rees. ?pen the
=oor. 6t3ck 3t 3n an= watch them melt =own. +fter 3t@s o7er0 pll them ot0 let them cool. .t
them p a4a3n an= ma3l them ;ack to the compan> that sent them to >o an= sa>0 APlease0 ne7er
sen= me one of these th3n4s a4a3nHD + 4rop came to me after the ser73ce last n34ht an= sa3=0
A<e@re 4o3n4 to 4o home an= ha7e a melt3n4 part>.D
?ne of or f3nanc3al conselors0 Bert Leller0 has a ma>onna3se Far on h3s =esk. <hen he
consels people an= the> ha7e maFor =e;t0 he has a ma>onna3se Far r3tal where the> han= o7er
all the3r cre=3t car=s to h3m. :e takes a pa3r of sc3ssors0 cts them 3n half an= pts them 3n the
ma>onna3se Far.
Ness sa3=0 &f your right hand offends you, cut it off. #s he talk3n4 a;ot mt3lat3onE "o. :e@s
sa>3n4. Be rthless. 8eal ser3osl> w3th the th3n4s that mess p >or l37es. Co can 4o home
an= sa>0 APastor !3ck 3s encora43n4 plast3c sr4er>0D ;ecase # am. # am r43n4 >o to 4o home
an= =o plast3c sr4er>. #f >o 4ot 3n =e;t w3th cre=3t0 >o nee= to 4o home an= =estro> those
th3n4s an= ne7er se them a4a3n. .re=3t car=s are not ;a= as lon4 as >o =o three th3n4s: ?ne0
>o pa> 3t off e7er> month. 2wo0 >o =on@t e7er se them to ;> th3n4s that aren@t 3n >or
;=4et. 2hree0 >o an= >or spose make a 7ow that 3f >o e7er 4o one month w3thot pa>3n4 3t
off >o 3mme=3atel> =estro> the car= an= ne7er se 3t a4a3n. #f >o =o that0 >o@ll ne7er ha7e a
pro;lem w3th cre=3t car=s.
Bt some of >o nee= to 4o col= trke>. +n= >o nee= to =estro> them r34ht now 3n whate7er
creat37e wa> >o th3nk of.
2he ke> to a==3n4 no new =e;t 3s :e;. 13:( #e content with what you ha(e. .ontentment 3s
the s3n4le 4reatest ke> to sta>3n4 ot of =e;t. 83scontent 3s what 4ets >o 3nto =e;t. Ness 4a7e
the secret for sta>3n4 ot of =e;t 3n Lke 3:14. :e tol= a ;nch of 4>s0 #e content with your
pay. <hen >o@re char43n4 th3n4s w3th mone> >o =on@t ha7e0 >o are not content w3th >or
pa>. +n= that@s how >o 4ot 3nto =e;t. 2he m3nte >o spen= more than >o make0 >o hea=
r34ht 3nto the =e;t trap.
;0 SHARE 8Y P1AN -ITH 8Y 7REDITORS
B3rst0 #@= take the smallest =e;t >o owe an= pa> that one off. 2hen take the neIt one0 pa> that
one off. 6tart wh3ttl3n4 them =own0 one at a t3me. <r3te a letter to >or cre=3tors an= sa>0 O# am
a .hr3st3an an= # =onPt want to f3le for ;ankrptc>. # =onPt want to st3ff >o on what # owe >o
;t # can@t pa> 3t all off r34ht now. Bt # w3ll pa> 3t all off. :ere@s m> plan.D +n= >o tell them.
%a>;e >or pa>ment 3s sppose= to ;e K2( a month an= >o sa>0 A# can@t pa> >o K2( a month.
#@ll pa> >o K( a month. Bt 3f >o@ll ;e pat3ent w3th me0 # w3ll pa> 3t off.D Co m34ht e7en ;e4
for merc> an= sa> A#f >o keep compon=3n4 3nterest on th3s note #@m ne7er 4o3n4 to 4et ot of
=e;t an= >o@re ne7er 4o3n4 to 4et repa3=. Please. 6top the 3nterest from th3s po3nt on an= let me
Fst pa> 3t =own.D +sk them. %an> m34ht =o that. #f >o@ll ;e honest w3th >or cre=3tors
3nstea= of 34nor3n4 the ;3lls an= lett3n4 them keep p3l3n4 p 1 people hate 3t when >o 34nore
them 1 ;t 3f >o wr3te them a note an= sa>0 A# can@t pa> th3s ;t here@s what # can pa> an= #
3nten= to pa> 3t off. #@ll ;e 4oo= on m> loan.D
Look what 'o= sa>s. Pro7er;s 1/:7 When your ways please the Lord, %e will ma$e your
enemies into friends.
)0 STI7K -ITH IT/
6t3ck w3th the plan. 'alat3ans /:- Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while
we will reap a har(est of blessing if we dont get discouraged and gi(e up. 'ett3n4 ot of =e;t
takes =3sc3pl3ne0 effort0 sacr3f3ce an= t3me. 2hese pr3nc3ples work ;t >o mst work them.
# want >o to hear an eIample of a woman who ha= mass37e0 maFor =e;t an= appl3e= these
pr3nc3ples an= was a;le to o7ercome 3t. %ar> :nt:
%ar>:
Bor me0 3t starte= w3th a ch3l=hoo= prom3se. +s a k3=0 # 4rew p 3n a home where # ha= to
wear clothes from a thr3ft store. %> parents shoppe= there. # was em;arrasse=. +s a
>on4ster # ma=e a prom3se to m>self that when # 4rew p0 # was ne7er 4o3n4 to ;e poor. #
was 4o3n4 to ;e r3ch. %> ch3l=ren wol= ne7er wear clothes from a thr3ft store.
6o as # left home an= to come .al3forn3a to 4o to colle4e #@= tho4ht #@= =3e= an= 4one to
hea7en. 2he ;eat3fl weather0 the palm trees0 the fa;los c3t>0 the l34hts. #t was
won=erfl. +n= that was when m> =ream cease= ;e3n4 a fantas> an= 3t ;ecame a self-
flf3ll3n4 prophec>. # ha= work to =o. # ha= th3n4s that # nee= to ;>. # waste= no t3me
4ett3n4 a check3n4 accont. #t was a;ot as 3nsane an 3=ea as #@= e7er ha= as # stoo= there 3n
the mall an= tho4ht to m>self0 A<hat wol= 3t matter 3f # wrote a check0 e7en tho4h #
=on@t ha7e mone> 3n the ;ankE <ol= an>one knowED 6omehow # col= ma43call> 4et the
mone> later an= sneak 3t 3nto the accont an= 3t wol= pro;a;l> ;e ok. # pshe= that tho4ht
ot of m> m3n= ;ecase 3t reall> was a =3shonest th3n4. Bt 3t kept com3n4 ;ack. +n=
f3nall> # =ec3=e= to 437e 3nto 3t0 th3nk3n4 the clerk won@t know. "o one 3s reall> 4o3n4 to
know for sre. #@ll onl> =o 3t th3s once. #@ll ne7er =o 3t a4a3n.
Qnfortnatel> m> cra9> 3=ea worke= 7er> well. #t starte= a pattern 3n m> l3fe. 6hop on
<e=nes=a>0 4et m> pa>check on Br3=a>0 =epos3t 3t on %on=a> an= 3t wol= ha7e t3me to
co7er all the th3n4s #@= ;een wr3t3n4 all week lon4. ?ccas3onall>0 3t =3=n@t work ot so well
an= # ;once= a check here or there. Bt # was prett> eas> on m>self. # concl=e= that #
wasn@t reall> o7er=rawn. Nst n=er =epos3te=. Bor me 3t was alwa>s more mone> was the
answer. # =3=n@t ha7e eno4h so # ha= to f3n= a wa> to alwa>s 4et more an= more mone>.
%> check3n4 accont escapa=e allowe= me to ha7e th3s =estrct37e att3t=e ;3l= p 3ns3=e
of me. # sa3= th3s0 A+s lon4 as # col= 4et awa> w3th 3t0 3t was ok to ha7e th3n4s to=a> an=
pa> for them later at some more con7en3ent t3me.D
<hen # marr3e= after 4ra=at3on0 # ;reathe= a h4e s34h of rel3ef. Bor two reasons: + man 3s
sppose= to take care of h3s w3fe an= sppl> for her f3nanc3all>. 6econ=l>0 # marr3e= a
;anker. # ha= 3t co7ere=. # knew # wol= ne7er ha7e to worr> an> more a;ot ha73n4
eno4h mone>.
Bt as # look ;ack # won=er 3f # reall> trste= m> hs;an= that mch to ;e a;le to take care
of h3s =t3es ;ecase # s44este= 7er> earl> on that we nee=e= a cre=3t car=. .learl>0 he
nee= m> 3nter7ent3on. 6o w3th the arr37al of the f3rst set of cre=3t car=s0 3t was as 3f soc3et>
ha= pt a stamp of appro7al on what ha= ;een m> own secret mone> mana4ement
ph3losoph>. "ow that@s the wa> >o were sppose= to =o 3t. Co were sppose= to ha7e
4asol3ne to=a> an= pa> for 3t later. +n= of corse 3f >o ha7e a hs;an=0 >o ne7er ha7e to
worr> a;ot pa>3n4 for 3t ;ecase that@s h3s Fo;. %> att3t=e kept 4row3n4 3ns3=e of me that
# was ent3tle= to ha7e free 4as whene7er # wante= 3t. 634n3n4 m> name was s34n3f3cant. #
felt =34n3f3e=. # felt won=erfl. # felt r3ch 3n some s3ll> wa>. +n= # lo7e= repeat3n4 that
feel3n4 as often as # col=.
<3th one set of cre=3t car=s we nee=e= another set an= another set. +n= at the t3me # starte=
collect3n4 them0 almost as 3f the> were ;ase;all car=s. # ne7er reall> eIpecte= to se them.
2he> were Fst to ;e there 3n case of emer4enc3es. 2o me0 cre=3t car=s were l3ke seat ;elts0 a
f3rst a3=e k3t0 oat ;ran0 Fmper ca;les all rolle= 3nto one neat l3ttle packa4e. 2he> wol= take
care of me0 the> wol= protect me0 the> wol= comfort an= cre. 2hat re7ol73n4 ;alance0
that featre where >o onl> pa3= part of the ;alance on some of the =epartment store cre=3t
car=s0 was won=erfl. 6o a K2&& prchase was no lon4er that at all. #t was a K1& or K1(
pa>ment. 6ome of >o ha7e tho4ht that >orselfH #t@s eas> to 4et scke= p 3nto that k3n=
of th3nk3n4. 6o th3s att3t=e that starte= 3n m> colle4e >ears 4rew an= 4rew. )nt3tlement. #
felt so ent3tle=. 2he cre=3t l3nes on or cre=3t car=s were part of or 3ncome. 2h3s was all
that # ha= to work w3th to work on th3s l3fest>le that # so =esperatel> wante= to ha7e.
<3th the a=7ent of the ;ankcar= came an a==3t3onal featre that won=erfl cash a=7ance
wh3ch ma=e 3t e7en more =el34htfl 3n m> m3n=. # col= ;> stff pls # col= 4et mone>
too. :ow cool 3s thatHEH Becase or cre=3t was prett> clean0 :arol= an= # were a;le to ;>
a home here 3n ?ran4e .ont>. +fter or ch3l=ren were ;orn an= =r3n4 those earl> >ears #
tho4ht0 A<e@7e ma=e 3t nowHD 2he 7ale was apprec3at3n4 an= # knew that ;> the t3me we
wol= ret3re or home wol= ;e worth f37e0 ten m3ll3on =ollarsE +n= we wol= sell 3t. +n=
we wol= 4o off 3nto ret3rement an= ne7er0 e7er ha7e to worr> a4a3n. 6o wh> sa7e for the
ftre. 2hat wol= ;e a;soltel> s3ll> to sa7e or present =a> mone> for the ftre ;ecase
we were propert> owners 3n ?ran4e .ont>H
+s th3n4s went on0 3t 4ot a l3ttle st3ck> aron= or home. #t wol= not ;e nsal for m>
hs;an= to 4o to pa> the ;3lls at the ;e43nn3n4 of the month an= to learn that # ha= fa3le= to
recor= so man> checks # ha= wr3tten that ;> the t3me he 4ot 3t all stra34htene= ot there was
noth3n4 left 3n the accont. 6o 3t was th3s k3n= of l373n4 that pshe= m> spen=3n4 3nto a
=3mens3on of secrec>. # ha= acconts that he =3=n@t know a;ot. # was =o3n4 th3n4s he ha=
no 3=ea. # 4ot ca4ht p 3n th3s whole th3n4 alwa>s fantas393n4 that someth3n4 wol= happen
an= sall> 3t =3=. <e wol= ref3nance the hose. 2h3s was alwa>s the last =3tch. <hen he
wol= come to me: A<e can@t =o th3s an> moreHD +n= # wol= prom3se # was ne7er 4o3n4
to =o th3s a4a3n. 6o we wol= pll th3s prec3os eM3t> ot of or home an= se 3t to 4et
ca4ht p on the ;3lls. Bt that onl> pln4e= s =eeper an= =eeper 3nto =e;t. 2hen we@=
take a =e;t consol3=at3on loan ot where a new loan wol= pa> off all the ol= ones an= then
that wol= f3I e7er>th3n4. <hat a h4e m3stake that wasH
<hen we@= ;een marr3e= for a;ot twel7e >ears the m3n3mm pa>ment on all of or =e;ts
was com3n4 =an4erosl> close to m> hs;an=@s take home pa>. # was con73nce= that h3s
;ank3n4 career was ne7er 4o3n4 to ct 3t. #t was ne7er 4o3n4 to pro73=e for s the le7el of
3ncome that we nee=e= for th3s l3fe that we ha= now esta;l3she= for orsel7es an= that #
wante= so mch. #t was thro4h th3s =3scontent that m> e>es were open to the 3=ea of self-
emplo>ment. <e were eas3l> scke= 3n to a self-emplo>ment opportn3t>. #t was a mlt3-
le7el market3n4 ;s3ness that we knew noth3n4 a;ot. <e went 3nto 3t w3th or e>es close=
an= w3th all ;orrowe= fn=s. :arol= sa3= 4oo= ;>e to h3s career0 to re4lar pa>checks an=
we took th3s horr3;le f3nanc3al pln4e. <3th3n Fst for months we lost e7er>th3n4G the
;s3ness... <e walke= awa> from 3t. 2hat =a> or ;s3ness =3e= # th3nk someth3n4 3ns3=e s
=3= as well. #t was pro;a;l> the most horr3;le0 pa3nfl t3me of m> l3fe as # real39e= we were
at the en= of the l3ne. <3th all m> plans pre73osl> # was alwa>s a;le to come p w3th
another plan 1 Plan B 1 an alternat37e0 some wa> that we were 4o3n4 to 4et ot of th3s. Bt
there was noth3n4 left. <e ha= ;3lls on top of ;3lls. <e ha= =e;ts to the ce3l3n4. .re=3tors
were hon=3n4 s. +n= most ser3osl>0 we were 3n =an4er of los3n4 or home.
#t was a 6atr=a> afternoon 3n 1-82 3n 6eptem;er0 # nee=e= to 4et awa> to th3nk th3n4s
thro4h. # hea=e= off to m> 3n-laws home. # th3nk part of me wante= that comfort that
parents can 437e0 that assrance that e7er>th3n4@s 4o3n4 to ;e ok. Bt the> weren@t home.
"ow # know wh>. 'o= nee=e= to ha7e a l3ttle talk w3th me. # went 3nto the hose. #t was as
3f 'o= trne= on the floo=l34hts of hea7en an= shown the r34ht 3nto the =ark ca7erns of m>
l3fe. 2he f3rst t3me # was a;le to see what # ha= =one to m>self0 to m> hs;an=0 to m> fam3l>
1 the =ece3t0 the man3plat3on0 the l3es0 the cheat3n4. )7er>th3n4 that # ha= =one that ;ro4ht
s to the po3nt that we were. # was a;soltel> o7ercome ;> shame.
#t@s not that # ha= ne7er ha= fa3th 3n 'o=. # accepte= .hr3st as m> 6a73or as a 7er> ch3l=. #
col= Mote B3;le 7erses. Bt # ha= ne7er allowe= 'o=@s power to 3n7a=e m> l3fe. :e was
con7en3ent on 6n=a>s ;t the rest of the t3me # ha= 3t f34re= ot. +s # fell on m> face
;efore 'o= that =a> # was o7ercome ;> shame. A:ow can Co e7er for437e me for what
#@7e =oneE :ow can # 4o onE 2here@s no wa> ot.D +ll of those 7erses that # ha=
memor39e= as a ch3l= came floo=3n4 3nto m> m3n= that 'o= w3ll for437e s0 that :e =el34hts
3n ha73n4 :3s ch3l=ren come to :3m an= to trst :3m.
#t was on that =a> that # ma=e a new prom3se0 that # wol= =o whate7er 3t took to stop m>
otra4eos spen=3n40 that # wol= trst 3n 'o=0 that # wol= pa> e7er> s3n4le =3me ;ack. +t
the t3me 3t was a total m>ster> to me, # =3=n@t know how mch 3t was. # 4ot p that =a> an=
felt as m3sera;le as when #@= fallen on m> face. "oth3n4 chan4e=. 2he =e;ts were st3ll there
;t 'o= for4a7e me.
# spent the neIt =eca=e work3n4 reall> har=. 'o= mar7elosl> pro73=e= a Fo; for me an= a
4oo= th3n4. :arol= an= # sw3tche= rolls for a cople of >ears. :e sta>e= home w3th the k3=s
an= # ;ecame the ;rea=w3nner. # =3=n@t know how =3ff3clt 3t was to earn a l373n4. # col=
4o on for the neIt cople of hors an= tell >o all the th3n4s that happene= to s. Bt #@ll
sm 3t p to sa> that we ha= to a=opt a new l3fest>le. Bt as # was w3ll3n4 to chan4e0 'o=
ma=e those chan4es poss3;le. :e ;ro4ht the opportn3t3es. Br4al3t> an= thr3ft were
fore34n terms to me. # =3=n@t want to hear a;ot that. Bt someth3n4 happene= that =a>
when # confesse= m> s3n to 'o= an= # knew that :e ha= for437en me. # knew that # no
lon4er ha= to pro7e to an>one 3ncl=3n4 m>self that # wasn@t poor. #t =3=n@t matter an>more.
6o for the neIt 13 >ears0 we completel> chan4e= or l3fest>les. Bnn> th3n4 3s or sons0 the
people aron= s0 =3=n@t e7en not3ce. 2hat Fst 4oes to pro7e how mch or art3f3c3al
l3fest>les reall> =on@t 3mpress people as mch as we th3nk the> shol=. 2o4ether :arol= an=
# ma=e a Q-trn on that roa= to f3nanc3al r3n. ?ne step at a t3me we came ;ack to4ether.
+n= 3n almost 13 >ears we pa3= ;ack more than K1&&0&&& 3n nsecre= =e;ts. <e =3=n@t w3n
the lotter>. <e =3=n@t 4et an> 3nher3tances. "oth3n4 nsal happene= that wol= ha7e h3t
the hea=l3nes. Bt s3n4 the pr3nc3ples that Pastor !3ck has talke= a;ot l3ttle ;> l3ttle we
ct or eIpenses =own0 3ncrease= or pa>ment on or =e;ts. <e came p w3th a plan an=
that 3s what happene=.
#f all of th3s son=s too eas> let me assre >o0 >o@re 4ett3n4 the con=ense= 7ers3on.
"oth3n4 happene= o7ern34ht. #t was a lon4 wa> ;ack ;t 3t@s ;een a won=erfl Forne>.
+n= #@7e 4ot to tell >o: 'o= has ;lesse= s 3mmensel>. #n those >ears s3nce 1-820 ;oth of
or ;o>s ha7e 4rown p to ;ecome f3nanc3all> conf3=ent a=lts. # 4ess the> 4ot a f3nanc3al
l3fe alon4 w3th me. :arol= an= # w3ll soon cele;rate 2- >ears of marr3a4e an= :e
has ;lesse= s w3th a ;s3ness that we ha7e alwa>s =reame= of own3n4. # want >o to know
that #@m learn3n4 e7er> =a> the tre wa> of o;e=3ence to 'o=. #t reall> works. 2he peace of
m3n= from a =a3l> relat3onsh3p w3th Ness .hr3st 3s 3n=escr3;a;le. +n= # am so thankfl
to=a> ;ecase 'o= has for437en me an= :e lo7es me.
:arol= an= %ar> 4ot ot of a K1&&0&&& =e;t p3t. Co can =o th3sH <3th character0 >o can =o
th3sH Co can 4et ot of =e;t. #t@s >or cho3ce. # want to help >o as >or pastor. .ome
<e=nes=a> n34ht to a ;=4et-plann3n4 workshop. <e@re 4o3n4 to 4et 3nto the =eta3ls th3s week.
Co can s34n p to ;e a part of a .rown m3n3str> 4rop0 a st=> of f3nanc3al pr3nc3ples. Co can
rea= %ar>@s ;ook. 6he wrote a ;ook calle= 2he .omplete .heapskate an= 3t@s a terr3f3c ;ook on
4ett3n4 ot of =e;t.
#t starts to comm3tt3n4 to 'o=@s f3nanc3al pr3nc3ples. 2hosan=s of >o ma=e that comm3tment
last week. 2hosan=s. Co =on@t ha7e to make that a4a3n 3f >o ma=e 3t last week an= >o@re
ser3os a;ot follow3n4 'o=@s f3nanc3al plan. 6ome of >o nee= to make that comm3tment th3s
morn3n4.
#n clos3n40 let me sa> one th3n4. 2here 3s a =e;t that >o w3ll ne7er ;e a;le to repa>. #t 3s the
=e;t of >or s3n. 2he B3;le sa>s that all of s ha7e ;roken 'o=@s laws. "ot Fst f3nanc3al laws0
;t others too. <e@7e all ;lown 3t an= the B3;le sa>s there 3s a penalt> for s3n. 2he penalt> 3s
=eath. 2hat 3s a =e;t >o w3ll ne7er0 e7er ;e a;le to repa>. 6o 'o= assme= >or =e;t an= Ness
.hr3st came to earth0 stretche= ot :3s arms on the cross an= pa3= for >or =e;t that >o w3ll
ne7er0 e7er ;e a;le to pa>. 6o >o 4et to 4o scott freeH
<hat a =ealH <hat a 'o=H
We owed a debt because we bro$e Gods laws. 'hat debt listed all the rules that we failed to
follow. #ut God forga(e us and too$ away that debt and nailed it to the cross.. #tPs as 3f :e took
a p3ece of paper an= wrote e7er>th3n4 we@7e e7er =one wron4 an= then :e na3le= 3t to the cross.
Co sa>0 ACo mean # =on@t ha7e to pa> for m> s3nED "o. A# 4et to 4o scott freeED Ces. A#@m
completel> for437en for an>th3n4 #@7e =one wron4 3f # accept 'o=@s 4raceED Ces.
<hat a =ealH
Co nee= to 4et >or f3nanc3al plan 3n or=er ;t ;efore >o =o that >o nee= to resol7e th3s
sp3r3tal =e;t 3sse. #f >o@7e ne7er accepte= 'o=@s for437eness an= 4race an= trne= >or l3fe
o7er to .hr3st0 >o nee= to =o 3t ;efore >o lea7e th3s room th3s morn3n4.
Pra>er:
<ol= >o pra> th3s: ANess .hr3st # accept Cor free 43ft of for437eness to pa> for m> s3ns.
#t@s almost too 4oo= to ;e tre that Co wol= lo7e me that mch0 that Co wol= =3e on the
cross for me an= w3pe ot a =e;t that # ha= no hope of repa>3n4. 2hank Co0 2hank CoHD
"ow wh> =on@t >o talk to 'o= a;ot >or f3nancesE <h> =on@t >o pra> th3s pra>er A8ear
'o=0 #@m =3scora4e= a;ot m> f3nances. Bt # =o ;el3e7e that What is impossible with
men is possible with God 2o=a>0 # want to 437e Co m> f3nanc3al mess. # want to =o 3t
Cor wa>. # want to follow 'o=@s f3nanc3al plan. # am w3ll3n4 to =o0 Bather0 whate7er Co
an= 'o=l> consel tell me to =o to 4et ot of th3s =e;t trap. # ask for Cor help. #n Ness@
name. +men.D