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Back to Testimonials A good steward of the resources God has given us It has become very clear that what I thought was a biblical view towards money was somewhat off base. This course has taught me that…an intimate walk with God…is the only way to be a good steward of the resources God has given us. Anonymous Previous Next

Overview Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 The following steps should enable you to learn and implement God’s investment principles. 1. Pray and depend on God for his wisdom (James 1:5) and his direction (Psalm 32:8) when investing, because no human can consistently predict the direction of the markets (James 4:13–15). Listen for God’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12), because only God knows the future and God is in control (1 Chronicles 29:11, 12). 2. Develop and implement a biblically-based investment strategy that reflects God’s will for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Understanding God’s financial principles will enable you to avoid a lot of bad investments. 3. Diversify your investments in accordance with Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2. This requires allocation of your assets into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition, which will reduce the risk and volatility of your portfolio. (Note there are two Financial Moments on this topic.) 4. Use minimal—or ideally no—debt, because God’s Word strongly discourages the use of debt. People who use leverage aggressively will likely be forced by a lender to sell at the wrong time—when their investments have decreased in value (Proverbs 22:7). 5. Ensure that you understand the investment. Generally, people lose money when they invest in something they do not understand (Proverbs 19:2). 6. Assess your tolerance for risk, and invest accordingly. It is biblical to assume some investment risk; however, if you don’t feel comfortable with the volatility of your portfolio, then reduce your equities and increase Canada bonds. 7. Avoid “get rich quick investments” and hasty decisions. If you do not have enough time to pray and evaluate a particular investment, then do not invest. Hasty decisions are usually bad decisions (Proverbs 21:5). God recommends saving and accumulating assets over a long period of time (Proverbs 13:11). 8. Obtain biblical counsel from more than one source (Proverbs 15:22). Ensure that your investment advisers understand God’s financial principles because, unfortunately, many Christians do not, and they inadvertently give unbiblical advice (Psalm 1:1–3). 9. Ensure that your motives are godly and not worldly (Proverbs 16:2). 10. Follow God’s directives (e.g., planning, patience), not human tendencies like fear and greed. 11. Give to God’s work, as it produces eternal benefits! (Matthew 19:28, 29) 12. Keep a balanced perspective on investing (1 Timothy 6:6–8). It is appropriate to invest with the objective of saving for future needs; however, don’t overdo it—don’t spend excessive amounts of time and energy on investing, as this is not God’s will (Proverbs 23:4, 5). The above is intended to provide an overview of God’s principles with respect to investing. Further details are provided in my individual Financial Moments for each step. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

Back to Counsel & Wisdom From God's Word By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 Howard Dayton, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries completed an in-depth study of the Bible and found that God’s Word contains 2,350 references to money and material things. In addition, 16 of the 24 parables that Jesus Christ gave us deal with money and material things. Clearly, God’s Word, the Bible, has a tremendous wisdom to assist you in making any financial decision. The psalmist makes the following comments regarding God’s Word: “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counsellors” (Psalm 119:24) and “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word was considered to be so important that God instructed Joshua, “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). In my experience, when people have got into financial difficulty, frequently it was because they have unknowingly violated one or more of God’s financial principles. Some examples include 1. no savings for an emergency (Proverbs 21:20) 2. taking on too much debt (Proverbs 22:7). 3. cosigning a loan, for which the Bible uses the term “striking hands in pledge” (Proverbs 17:18; 22:26, 27) 4. getting involved in a financial transaction they did not understand (Proverbs 19:2) and that was not biblically diversified (Ecclesiastes 11:1,2) Many times the financial stress could have been avoided by simply following the counsel and wisdom from God’s Word, the Bible. God promises great blessings to the believer who meditates on and follows his Word. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prosper. (Psalm 1:1–3 emphasis added) Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.” (Psalm 119:2) Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. God gave him incredible wisdom and knowledge. At the end of his life, Solomon concluded, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). In the financial arena, the only way you can “keep God’s commandments” is to understand and implement God’s Word on finances. In summary, when faced with an important financial decision, it is absolutely necessary that you seek God’s counsel and wisdom by studying and implementing what his Word says on finances. If you would like to learn more about what God’s Word says on finances, I suggest that you visit the website of Crown Financial Ministries (Canadian site: crowncanada.ca, U.S. site: crown.org) and obtain some of the excellent materials available through this organization. In addition, if you are not already on my “Financial Moment” e-mail list, send an e-mail to thomas@copland-ca.com and I will send you, at no charge, a Financial Moment every two weeks. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Priorities Read More Stewardship Principle Read More Debt Principles Read More

Diversification (2 of 2) Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 As explained in my previous Financial Moment, God’s Word recommends the diversification of one’s portfolio into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition. By the way, if you have absolutely no peace in investing in equities because of the related risks, then perhaps God is directing you to invest solely in very safe categories, such as the government of Canada bonds, GICs, etc. The return on “a very safe portfolio” will be very modest, and therefore you will likely have to save considerably more money to meet future needs, compared to an investor who assumes a reasonable amount of risk within biblical guidelines. There is no “perfect portfolio allocation” for all Christians. God’s Word provides general principles—not specific details. That’s why there is absolutely no substitute for spending quality time with the Lord in prayer, asking God for His wisdom (James 1:5) and His specific direction with respect to investing the money that God has entrusted to you. God has promised to direct us [Psalms 32:8, John 10:3, 4, 27]. Subject to God’s specific direction, and under normal market and economic conditions, the following asset allocation could be appropriate in order to achieve diversification. Cash, T-bills, MMFs, 10% GICs, bonds-short, medium, long–incl some real return bonds 40% Canadian equities (several sectors incl Cdn banks & resource stocks.) 20% U.S. equities (several sectors) 10% Real estate, REITs and related equities 5% International equities incl Emerging Markets & Europe 15% Total 100% Note the above is not intended to be a specific recommendation for anyone – just an example of a diversified portfolio. Be sure to obtain investment advice from a trusted advisor. Of interest, as of the date of updating this financial moment [March 27, 2010], my own personal portfolio allocation is predominately in cash. God has specifically directed me to take a very conservative position as I sense from the Lord that the economic “recovery” in the USA and Canada will be weak and short-lived. Again, the biblical principle is that we should generally diversify our portfolios in a manner that is consistent with Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2. However, since only God knows the future (Isaiah 46: 9, 10), then the only possible way to “time the market” with any consistency is in total dependence upon God for his specific direction (see John 15:5, John 10:3, 4, 27, Psalm 32:8). Over the years, I have seen a few situations where God has revealed the direction of markets to his children, but this is rare. God may not reveal the direction of the markets to you, but I do believe, based upon God’s Word [e.g.Psalms 32:8, James 1:5, John 10:3, 4, 27 etc.], that God will direct you as to how he wants you to invest the money that he has entrusted to you. In summary, God’s Word generally recommends diversification of one’s portfolio into different types of investments that will likely react differently to any particular market condition. Since no human knows the future (James 4:13–15), in order to obey God with respect to investing, it is necessary to pray and listen [John 10:3, 4, 27] for God’s specific Will with respect to investing the money that God has entrusted to you. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

Back to Counsel & Wisdom From God By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 When dealing with an important financial decision, it is critical to obtain counsel from God. Why? “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.” (Job 12:13) Too often we believe that we have to figure things out on our own, but this is not God’s will. God wants us to seek his counsel on any important decision: “But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, ‘First seek the counsel of the LORD’” (1 Kings 22:5). Isaiah described God as “wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom” (Isaiah 28:29). God’s wisdom will be invaluable in making any financial decision. “The LORD gave Solomon wisdom, just as he had promised him.” (1 Kings 5:12) Similarly, today God will provide his wisdom if we ask in faith. James 1:5 states: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” If you want true financial wisdom, the starting point is to have the utmost respect for God—that is “the fear of God.” Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” If you do not have a personal relationship with God (“knowledge of the holy one”), you will never be able to access true financial wisdom. If you do have a personal relationship with God (Revelation 3:20), it is critical that you study God’s Word for his financial principles and spend quality time with God in prayer listening to his voice. God instructed Job, “Listen to me, be silent, and I will teach you wisdom” (Job 33:33). Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Many times God will speak to us by providing verses from his Word that clearly indicate his wisdom and his direction in a particular situation. For example, God’s admonition to plan ahead (Luke 14:28–30), the dangers of debt (Proverbs 22:7), and the importance of giving to God’s work (Proverbs 3:9, 10) can all provide specific direction in certain situations. However, sometimes there are no verses that specifically apply to your financial decision. Then the only option is to spend quality time with God in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and direction. God has promised that he will direct us (Psalm 32:8) and provide his wisdom (James 1:5). A committed Christian who has a close personal relationship with God and who spends quality time with God on a regular basis can hear God’s gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12) and discern God’s will for his life. Whenever I am faced with any important decision, I spend quality time with the Lord, seeking God’s wisdom and direction. I use a spiritual journal to document my prayer requests and what I believe the Lord is saying to me. Specifically, I ask God to speak to my heart and mind and protect me from the enemy and my own selfish desires. I regularly review my journal, and if there is consistency in terms of what God has been saying to me, in faith I accept that as being God’s will for my life and act accordingly. When I have listened and implemented God’s wisdom and God’s specific direction in any financial decision, history has shown that it was the best decision. In summary, whenever you face an important financial decision, you need to “first seek the counsel of the Lord” through prayer and listen to God’s directive for you. God has promised that he will provide his wisdom and his direction to us when we sincerely seek to do his will. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Priorities Read More Stewardship Principle Read More Debt Principles Read More

Back to Testimonials I agree 100% with the principles and messages from Copland Ministries "I agree 100% with the principles and messages from Copland Ministries. Through the Financial Management process, you can fine tune your finances so that you are on the way to good financial health." T. S. Cebu, Philippines Previous Next

Back to Testimonials Please keep doing this I was on your zoom call last evening I truly am thankful for clear biblical empathize on money. I have and at times continue to struggle with treating God’s money God’s way but by His grace, the battle is being won. Please keep doing this. Daniel Dakin ON, Canada Previous Next

Keep a Balanced Perspective Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 We are bombarded with information on investments. Every day hundreds of individuals give their opinion as to where you should invest your money. It is easy to spend excessive amounts of time and energy on investing. This is not God’s will: “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:4, 5). It is appropriate for a Christian to spend time learning and applying God’s investment principles, but once this has been accomplished, we should take a long-term perspective and trust God for the results. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NKJV) I review the portfolio that God has entrusted to me about four times per year. I ignore what is happening in the markets and in the media on a daily and weekly because excessive time and energy are required in order to absorb the mammoth amount of information that is available. During these “quarterly reviews,” I spend several hours with the Lord, seeking God’s wisdom (James 1:5) and God’s direction for my life, which God has promised to provide (Psalm 32:8). Since no individual can consistently predict the direction of the markets or any investment (James 4:13–15), I purposely listen for God’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12), because I realize that only God knows the future and God is in control (1 Chronicles 29:11, 12). During this time with the Lord, I meditate on scripture verses that deal with investment principles to ensure that I have developed a biblically-based investment strategy. I review the portfolio and make adjustments according to God’s investment principles and God’s specific direction for me. I wait patiently for the Lord (Psalm 37:7) to provide his specific direction, and when I sense I’ve heard it, I pray and ask God to confirm it. Once it is clarified, in faith, I implement God’s plan for my investments. At all times, I ensure that the plan is within God’s investment principles because I know that God would not provide any directive that is contrary to his Word. If you “connect with the Lord” (John 15) on a regular basis and follow his wisdom and his direction, then you will have fulfilled your stewardship responsibility and you can leave the results (the return on your investments) to God. God has promised that he will meet your needs (Matthew 6:31–33). God instructs us not to worry (Luke 12:22–31) and not to be fearful (Isaiah 41:10), but rather trust him and be content with his provision. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Timothy 6:6–8) Be sure to give God “the first fruits” (Proverbs 3:9) of your profits, as this demonstrates your faith and commitment to him. God promises that he will bless the generous giver: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). Giving generously is the best way I know of to avoid hoarding and to deal with any potential greediness (Luke 12:15). In summary, it is appropriate to spend a reasonable amount of time learning and implementing God’s investment principles as well as seeking God’s specific direction for your life. However, it is not God’s will for you to spend excessive amounts of time and energy on investing. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

Back to Testimonials The expressions of my gratitude are many Where do I begin? The Lord our God, my Heavenly Father, brought me to Copland Financial Ministries. I have been both convicted and encouraged. Since taking Financial Management God’s Way for Singles, I have made two or three major financial decisions that I believe please God. Knowing and understanding and then implementing the Word of God in my finances are a great blessing bringing peace and joy. I have begun budgeting using the excel budget spreadsheet from the ministry. I have also decided to pay my debts in full by the grace of God. I have corresponded with Tom via email to ask specific financial questions. He has been used by God to help me make the wise decision to forego a “shark-like” high-interest charge. Tom also let me know that my credit card is not for everyday use and that the balance ought to be paid in full each month. The expressions of my gratitude are many. God reveals His love for me in countless ways, and I know this is one of them. Over the years, I have experienced pain because of the management of my finances. I thank God abundantly for His care to help me learn, grow, and mature in specific matters of my finances. Thank you so very much to Tom for his leadership and heart to see people managing their finances God’s way. Far more than the value of any currency is the wealth of life, peace, and gratitude that springs from following and obeying God. I love pleasing Jesus, and although I do fall short, He encourages me forward. The Lord Himself is my strength and help. N.F. Brampton, ON, Canada Previous Next

Back to Testimonials Very high quality and essential Your program is very high quality and essential for today’s Canadian families. We are pleased to have posted it on our website. God bless. Anonymous Previous Next

Back to Testimonials Thank you for your advice Thanks so much for your advice and all your resources. Your support, advice, validation and sincere heart have been such an encouragement and blessing to us. We left our time with you feeling great peace and clarity, even though all our financial problems are not instantly solved. God used you to speak into our lives and we are so thankful for that. R.G. Toronto, ON, Canada Previous Next

Back to Testimonials Sincerest thanks and may the Lord continue to bless you, your family and Copland financial ministries. Dear Tom, I couldn't express enough how grateful I am to have Christine, and now Ton, helping us. Christine is incredibly skilled, creative and the most amazing blessing in so many ways! I'm not exaggerating, in any way, that my life is so much fuller with her in it. Her help and wonderful person she is are a miracle in motion. I am/we are so incredibly blessed to have made this connection through you. I was near to giving up, in my own affairs, but feel so much hope moving forward. And, especially relieved and thankful for help with Paul's affairs. Sincerest thanks and may the Lord continue to bless you, your family and Copland financial ministries. SR & PN Stouffville Ontario Canada Previous Next