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Our text for today is Matthew 6:33.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”

If you listen to some preachers, it may seem like all you have to do to get more money is send them a contribution, which they often refer to as a “seed.” Interestingly, when it’s time to plant this so-called seed, they always seem to provide you with their own address.

That said, the Bible does provide us with wisdom about how to handle money. Scholars estimate that there are over 2,000 verses about earthly possessions and wealth. Recently, we have explored a few of these biblical principles. For your review, here are the passages and the principles we studied:

Number 1 – Grow Your Wealth Little by Little  
“Go to the ant… consider its ways and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6)

Number 2 – Be Generous  
“A generous soul will prosper…” (Proverbs 11:24)

Number 3 – Live Within a Budget  
“Sit down and estimate the cost…” (Luke 14:28)

Number 4 – Diversify  
“Divide your portion among seven…” (Ecclesiastes 11:2)

Number 5 – Work Hard  
“Six days you shall labor…” (Exodus 20:8-10)

Number 6 – Borrowing is Slavery  
“The borrower is slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)

Number 7 – Save Money  
“A foolish man devours all he has.” (Proverbs 21:20)

Number 8 – Leave an Inheritance  

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” (Proverbs 13:22)

Number 9 – Include God  
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

Live by these principles, and your finances will improve. Even in financial matters, Your Father knows best.

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

Money Rule 9.

Always Include God

Psalm 24:1.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

It is not possible to have a complete understanding of Christian finances without remembering to include God. In today’s verse we see that everything we have belongs to God. We are not owners but stewards. 

Jesus illustrated this truth in Luke 12 and the parable of the rich man who built bigger barns for his wealth, only to lose it all in a moment. God calls him a fool, saying, “This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” 

The message is clear: earthly possessions are fleeting, and clinging to them is ultimately futile.

We are called to recognize that everything we have is on loan from God, and we should use it for His glory. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” When we remember this, our approach to finances shifts from ownership to stewardship, and from giving to gratitude. 

I leave you with the quote from Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

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

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.