Month: November 2024

Money Rule Number 8

Leave an Inheritance.

Proverbs 13:22.

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

This verse teaches us about the importance of planning ahead, particularly in how we care for our family. A financial inheritance is one way we can provide lasting security and opportunity for those we love. It’s not simply about wealth—it’s about creating a foundation that allows our children and grandchildren to build a future free from unnecessary burdens.

Leaving an inheritance isn’t reserved for the wealthy; rather, it’s about being a wise steward of what God has given us, no matter the amount. Whether it’s saving consistently, investing with care, or managing a modest retirement plan, these actions reflect love and foresight for others. 

But there’s more to inheritance than money. True wealth includes the values and wisdom we pass down. As one adage says, “The greatest inheritance you leave for your children is not what you leave for them, but what you leave in them.”

We want our children not just to enjoy comfort but to understand the value of what they receive—so they may use it to bless others. 

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Money Rule Number 7.

Proverbs 21:20.

“Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.”

This is a good translation of this verse, but I do enjoy the NIV here: “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” Read that again, “Fools gulp theirs down.”

This verse reminds us that true prosperity is not measured by what we have, but by how we manage what we are given. The wise person understands the importance of making thoughtful decisions to ensure resources are preserved and multiplied. In contrast, the foolish person lives impulsively, using up all they have without considering the future.

 The habit of saving and planning builds a foundation for stability, while careless spending leads to a constant cycle of lack and frustration.

Wisdom teaches us to value what we have and use it responsibly. By practicing self-control and resisting the urge for instant gratification, we set ourselves up for long-term blessings. Remember that true prosperity flows from wise choices, not from spending.

Let me close with these wise words from Warren Buffett, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Money Rule Number 6: Borrowing is Slavery

Proverbs 22: verse 7, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

None of us want to be a slave, yet when we borrow, we bind ourselves to someone else’s terms. The lender gains control over parts of our lives through the debts we owe. This verse doesn’t imply borrowing is a sin. Psalm 37:21 warns, “The wicked borrow and do not repay.” Sometimes borrowing is necessary, but integrity means repaying what we owe. Borrowing isn’t wicked; failing to repay is.

Americans have a love-hate relationship with debt. We must love it because we borrow so much. When the Bank of America introduced its first credit cards in 1958, Americans embraced them. By mid-2024, the average household had $8,689 in credit card debt alone, not to mention other debts.

Yet we also hate debt. We complain about it, strive to be rid of it, but continue buying on credit. This cycle burdens us, stealing our joy and peace.

Romans 13: verse 8 offers wise advice: “Owe no one anything, except to love each other.” Let love be our only debt, one that enriches everyone.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Today’s Scripture is Exodus 20: verses 8 through 10.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work.”

In this verse, many people focus on the idea of rest. Taking a day off is important, but what about the other six days? The answer is clear: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work.” The Sabbath reminds us of rest, but the rest of the week reminds us of our responsibility to work.

Work isn’t a punishment. God created us with a purpose, and that purpose includes work. Even in Genesis, before sin entered the world, Adam was tasked with tending the garden. Work was always part of God’s plan—a way to create, serve, and bring beauty into the world.

While we might grumble about work, let’s remember that it allows us to contribute, provide, and find fulfillment. Work reflects God’s image; He worked in creating the universe, and when we work with gratitude and purpose, it becomes an act of devotion..

One of the blessings of work is its financial reward. As Proverbs 10: verse 4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Hard work is key to financial well-being, while laziness leads to lack.

So, work is not just a duty—it’s a rule for managing life and resources well.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Money Rule #4 – Diversify

Ecclesiastes 11: verse 2

“Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land.”

This verse reminds us of the importance of not putting all our eggs in one basket. Life is unpredictable—job loss, health issues, or economic downturns can easily wipe out a single source of income. The solution? Diversify your income streams.

Most people already practice this principle to some extent. Many households rely on two incomes to make ends meet—one from each partner. Though it may feel burdensome, having multiple streams of income is a form of security. Solomon’s wisdom tells us to aim for seven or eight sources, but the main takeaway is clear: don’t rely on just one.

Millionaires know this well. According to the IRS, the average millionaire has seven income sources, such as a salary, rental income, dividends, interest, capital gains, royalties, and business profits. Diversifying income isn’t just about wealth; it’s about protecting yourself against the uncertainties of life.

So, how do you diversify? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It could mean starting a side business, investing, or finding other creative ways to generate extra income. The key is to start thinking beyond just one paycheck.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Money Rule #3: Live within a BUDGET

Let’s read Luke 14: verse 28.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?”  

Most people do not like budgets, and in that verse, you did not hear the word “budget,” but it certainly is there. Look at the words, “Sit down and estimate the cost.” That phrase means BUDGET.

A budget is more than just numbers on paper—it is a roadmap to shared goals. Whether saving for a home, planning a vacation, or preparing for college expenses, a budget helps family members focus on their priorities. It can foster open discussions about needs versus wants, creating a sense of unity around shared financial goals.

Without a budget, families risk falling into debt, missing savings opportunities, and living paycheck to paycheck. I love the quote, “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” – Dave Ramsey

You cannot out-earn the need for budgeting. I know a man who lives in a neighborhood where a single lot for houses cost more than a million dollars. When the financial crisis of 2008 hit, foreclosure signs went up all over the area. If you want to have what you need when you need it, you must plan a budget and stick to it.

By the way, everyone does have a budget, either one they set or one the creditor set for them. Wise people set their own budget!

I’m Lonnie Davis and these are thoughts worth thinking.

Money Rule Number 2: Be Generous.

Generosity is not about how much you have, but about being willing to share what you have, whether little or much.

Let’s read Proverbs 11:24-25.

“One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

This verse reveals a powerful truth: the path to prosperity is not through hoarding but through giving. Here, we see a mystery that runs counter to common logic: by giving freely, we gain wealth, and by withholding, we lose wealth.

This truth challenges the notion that accumulating wealth requires solely a self-focused drive and ambition. Instead, scripture encourages us to view our resources as blessings meant to be shared, with the promise that in doing so, we too will be blessed. This is the meaning of the saying, “God blesses you so that you can be a blessing to others.”

To put things bluntly.

Never, never be stingy.
Be a good tipper.
Use your finances to assist others.
Sacrifice in your hospitality.
Cover expenses for others.

Generosity, then, is more than just an action—it’s an investment in our own future. By giving, we set a spiritual principle into motion. God’s economy is one of mutual exchange, where our own open hands lead to our abundance. 

I will leave you with the words of Jesus, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” 

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Rule Number 1 comes from Proverbs 6:6-8.

“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise. It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”

So what do ants teach us about dealing with wealth, finances, or money? Here it is: Take your time. The ant makes a consistent effort. It doesn’t wait for someone to tell it what to do. Instead, it works daily, bit by bit, gathering food and preparing for the future. This tiny creature shows us that big accomplishments often come from steady, consistent effort, not from sudden bursts of hard work.

We can learn from the ant by applying ourselves steadily, even when the task seems small or the results aren’t immediately visible. The power lies in being consistent and faithful in our efforts.

Consistent effort in managing our finances—saving a little at a time and spending wisely—builds a solid foundation for future security. It’s not about sudden windfalls or luck; it’s about the daily decisions we make. As Proverbs 21: verse 5 tells us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” Ben Franklin put it this way, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” 

It may not seem like it is, but that is the way of the ant.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.

Our text today is Hebrews 13: verse 5.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”  

Our verse today urges us to keep our lives free from the love of money. Let’s start by saying there is nothing wrong with money or in asking for a raise, but don’t make money the love of your life. Even with this warning, marriage counselors confirm that finances are one of the main reasons for divorce.

The American dream used to be to own your own home. Sometime in the past decades, that all changed. The American dream now seems to be to win the lottery, to get rich quick!

In America, we live in a land of plenty. Consider this fact: In 84% of the world, the top 1% earns an annual income of between $30,000 and $50,000. In America, a family of four is considered poor if they earn $31,200 a year. Indeed, God has been good to us. We were born into the richest economy and the richest time in the world’s history.

Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Obviously, since you don’t go to church and listen to me preach, I have no motive except to share with you what God said of this important subject.

Over the next ten days, I will share ten Bible teachings on money. 

I’m Lonnie Davis. See you tomorrow with Rule #1

Today’s Scripture is Psalms 103:13-14.  

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.”

We often think we need to be perfect for God to love us, but that is far from the truth. God knows our weaknesses and flaws. He created us, and He is well aware that we are made of dust—fragile, human, and prone to mistakes. Just as a loving father understands the limits of his child, God understands our limits and shows us compassion.

The takeaway today is that we do not need to be perfect for God to love us. God knows we struggle, and His love isn’t based on our perfection but on His great mercy and grace. 

David committed murder and adultery, but God loved him anyway.
Peter denied Jesus, but God loved him anyway.
Moses murdered and Egyptian, but God loved him anyway
Paul persecuted the church, but God loved him anyway.

Obviously this list could be expanded, but this is enough to remind us that God has compassion on us, because he knows that we are dust.

“God’s mercy is bigger than any mistake you’ve made.” Take heart, knowing God’s love reaches us even in our weakest moments.

I’m Lonnie Davis, and this is a thought worth thinking.