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Scripture: Jeremiah 16:6- This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Devotion: I need to make sure that Jeremiah wasn’t a financial advisor. Lol. Just kidding. This scripture is Jeremiah basically pleading with the people of Jerusalem to turn back from their wicked ways. They had become corrupt and turned away from the laws that God had given them. Even when the Babylonian army was coming, and he was warning them of the dangers... they didn’t listen.
He is literally crying out to them to seek the ways of those who came before them and reassuring them that there will be peace and their souls can finally rest.
But what did they say. “nah…we are good…no thank you…we like sinning.”
Maybe not in those exact words, but something like that.
I’ll quote the scripture for convenience, “we will NOT walk in it.”
This means that they knew the old ways. It wasn’t like they were ignorant. They consciously decided that they were NOT going to walk in the ancient ways, no matter what promises God was going to give them.
And they paid the price.
Concerning our finances, what ancient ways are refusing to walk in because we like the way we do things now, even though it is causing us more pain?
I had a client that use to take his money and put it in an envelope. He would mark which one was for bills, entertainment, food, gas, savings etc. And every paycheck, he would divide his money up.
So he knew no matter what, he had money to take care of his essentials. He didn’t just dump it all on a credit card payment and go back to spending.
He was conscious of what he had, where it was going, and what he was willing to spend. So if the light bill went up $2, he knew it.
What is that old saying? “If you take care of the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.” This generation is losing the pennies. Whether through carelessness, debt interest, or neglect. What we use to lose by misplacing or dropping coins as we travelled, we are losing those same dollars through transaction fees, and unnecessary subscriptions.
We have to get back our core values of patience. Saving up to purchase things we desire, or the modern day Babylonians will be knocking down your door, ready to take over what you own.
Even with investments. We want to be aware of what we have and practice good solid principles. Jumping at the next big thing is not the best way to invest for the long term. I understand cryptocurrency is the new thing but it is just like the 1920 market crash.
When you combine hard sell techniques of advertisers, selling optimism, ignore risk, easy access to credit, and high public opinion, it is a recipe for disaster and that is what it is. Also, in the early stages, during that time, many investment instruments, without regulation caused many people to lose their life savings.
I encourage you all to understand your own personal risk, seek the help of an advisor, and make choices for your own best interest, and not the interest of the general public.
So today, I want you to take heed to the warnings of those who have traveled the road before you and pray to God for discernment. It is great to blaze new trails and be innovative, but to know where you are going, you have to what? Know where you have been.
Prayer: Lord, protect us from misinformation. Allow us to look back on the ways that were successful. Listen to those that were prudent, disciplined, and sought to manifest your vision for them.
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As Christians, we were taught to be good stewards over our tithing and giving to the less fortunate. But when it came to our personal finances and investing we were left clueless on what the Bible says. What does the Bible say about managing debt, leaving a legacy, investing, and planning for your retirement? Mr. Christian Finance answers these and many other questions because we want to teach you how to become rich and righteous!
Meet A.B. Ridgeway:
A.B. Ridgeway, MBA, CPWA®️ (info@abrwealthmanagement.com) is the owner and Christian Financial Advisor with A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management. With a decade in the finance industry, his goal is to give believers clarity around the most confusing topic in the Bible, money, and tithing. A.B. Ridgeway helps tithing Christians become cheerful givers but unlocking their money-making potential, so they can prosper and be the great stewards of the wealth God has entrusted them with.
*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.
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