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Explore updates on how God is working through cfm services, reaching millions weekly with financial wisdom. Discover cfm services now. God is Bless ing! An update on how God is spreading His Word on finances Media Reach Radio The Financial Moments are on 155 radio facilities across Canada and northern United States. Tom's half-hour shows are on 15 radio stations across Canada, including WDCX radio in Buffalo. Praise God! TV Tom's half-hour programs and Financial Moments continue to be aired on Miracle Channel (Western Canada), Yes TV (Ontario, Calgary, and Edmonton), Vision TV (nationwide), Faith TV (based in Winnipeg), and Joy TV (based in Vancouver). Reach Between the financial moments and the one half hour radio and TV shows, we are reaching between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 people every week. That's the hand of the Lord! Financial Management God's Way Courses Although COVID 19 has created a number of challenges, it has also resulted in opportunities. For example, Tom led an 11-week webinar titled "Financial Management God's Way for Singles". We averaged between 75 and 100 people on each session, and the attendees were from coast-to-coast in Canada and some from the United States. Financial Ministry is growing Tom I'm glad to hear that the financial ministry is growing and changing people's lives all over the world. Taking your course actually broke a stronghold in my life, I really believe that. I also developed a new money mindset. I am learning to walk in God's ways of managing money. J.C. Waterloo, ON, Canada I wish I had learned these principles sooner My knowledge and understanding of God's financial principles has profoundly changed. The bible is a wealth of information on how we should wisely think and then manage our finances. I have been so culturally accustomed to secular thinking about finances that I was not even aware of the detrimental impact that it had on my relationship with God. My involvement in this study has benefitted my personal relationship with God. As mentioned in the workshop by Tom, 'if our hearts are dominated by money and related problems, how can we love God with all our heart?' I wish I had learned these principles sooner. I would encourage everyone to take this workshop. L.G. Toronto, ON, Canada Thank you for sharing your testimony Thank you Tom. The teaching session was really helpful and thank you for sharing your testimony. I really needed to hear many the things that were being taught and discussed. You're a great example of faithfulness to the Lord. R.S. Prince George, BC, Canada Biblical-Based Financial Counseling Between Tom and his small group leaders/financial coaches, we provided biblically-based financial advice on a ministry basis at no charge to over 1,000 people during the last year (that's up from 750 last year). Tom's New Book! God enabled Tom to write a new book. It's titled "Financial Moments: Biblical Principles That Will Transform How You Manage Money". Castle Quay is the publisher, and the book will be distributed to Canada & United States – 17 countries in total! If you are interested in a physical copy of this book, you can purchase it here . Half-Hour Programs We recorded several new half-hour radio and TV programs including: "The Dangers of Cosigning", "Management of Money Impacts Relationship with Spouse", and "Investing God's Way" along with numerous new Financial Moments. We continue with the half-hour TV shows on Vision TV (nationwide), Joy TV (based in Vancouver. BC), and Faith TV (based in Winnipeg. MB) as well as the half-hour shows on WDCX Radio (Buffalo/Toronto, ON), half-hour shows on Faith FM radio stations in London, Kitchener and Woodstock and 10 radio stations in Eastern Canada, as well as Focus on the Family on Wednesdays and weekends praise God! This year, God opened the door for the half-hour shows to go on YES TV Ontario, Calgary and Edmonton as well as Miracle Channel in Western Canada, thus reaching thousands of people in Western Canada. Consider Giving to Copland Financial Ministries As usual, Tom receives no remuneration whatsoever, and almost all the people involved in the ministry are volunteers, however, there are significant radio and TV costs, and so we would encourage you to prayerfully consider giving to this ministry. Of interest, we have a donor who will match all donations, so when you give your funds, they are immediately doubled. If you can, automatic monthly donations are best as it allows us to predict our cash flow better or if you prefer to do a one-time donation, all donations are appreciated. To give, go to our website or send a check to: Copland Financial Ministries 325 Renfrew Drive, Suite 301 Markham, ON L3R 9S8 Canada If you have questions, send an email to tcopland@zing-net.ca . We are registered with Canada Revenue Agency and will issue donation receipts. In Matthew 16:27, Jesus said, "For when the Son of Man returns in his father's glory with his Angels, he will reward each person according to what they have done". Thank you for your prayers and financial support! Copland Financial Ministries

Learn how to manage your money based on Biblical principles. If you have financial questions, let us know and Tom Copland or one of our trained financial coaches will advise you. Accountant/Bookkeeping Person Needed _______________ Responsibilities & Requirements: The job entails a mixture of bookkeeping, some reasonably straightforward public accounting work [including preparing financial statements corporate returns and personal returns], and an individual who is flexible enough to do some bookkeeping and some administration. Required a minimum of 3 years of accounting & bookkeeping experience, ideally working in a public accounting firm. Bookkeeping includes some bookkeeping for clients and preparation of some Excel schedules for our firm. Some of the administrative responsibilities would include Zoom meetings with clients from time to time, drop packages at the post office and some other duties. Must be proficient in MS Office including Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel and comfortable with computers. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of QuickBooks, Sage 50, and experience with Caseware, Caseview and profile T1 and T2 software. Must have access to a vehicle and a valid G2 drivers license in order to pick up things for the office from time to time. Must be flexible as there are other tasks that could be required. Remuneration will be based upon the candidates experience and knowledge and initially we may engage their services on an independent contractor basis, and at a later date as an employee. Working hours required minimum of 7 or 8 hours per day on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday ideally working from 12 noon to 7 PM or 8 PM. There is some flexibility here. And if the candidate can prepare financial statements, corporate tax returns, there would be 40 hours per week of work available. This role must be performed in-office, and cannot be done remotely so the successful candidate needs to be within reasonable driving distance of our Markham office. Copland CPA Professional Corporation provides accounting and tax services to private corporations and in addition, Tom Copland provides biblically-based financial advice to the clients. Our website is www.copland-ca.com

Workshops by Tom Copland Workshops Featured Workshop Featured Workshop Feb 15, 2021 webinar-Overview & Relationship With Spouse & God Play Video Feb 22, 2021-Session 2-God Wants Us To Discern His Will & Relationship With God Play Video March 1, 2021-Session 3- Learn to listen to God & Biblical Guidelines Play Video March 8 2021- Session 4-Challenges To Discerning God's Will & Tough Case Study Play Video Discerning God's Will In Managing Money Webinar Series (2021) Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close Discerning God's Will in Managing Money Webinar Series (2021) This webinar series covers the following topics: 1. Relationship with God & your spouse 2. God wants us to discern His Will 3. Learn to listen to God 4. Challenges to discerning God's Will Download the PDF course materials below. Download PDFs Oct. 19 and 26, 2025- Emmanuel Baptist Church Secular Person Versus Biblical Steward Watch Now June 8, 2024- Ajax Alliance Church This emphasize more on “Biblical Estate-Planning Russell and Eli Watch Now Sept. 30, 2023- Workshop This emphasize more on “Dealing with High Interest Rates and inflation from a Biblical Perspective”. Tom's Workshop at Parkway Watch Now July 19, 2023- Budgeting Tom's Zoom Webinar about Budgeting Watch Now Sept. 18- Oct. 9, 2022- Westney Baptist Church Dealing With Inflation, High Interest Rates From A Biblical Perspective And Eliminating Debt- Tom Copland and Pastor Don Symons Watch Now Oct. 31- Nov. 21, 2022 Workshop with Tom Copland Session of 1 of 4- What Can you Do to Deal with Inflation and High Interest Rates Watch Now Advanced Biblically-Based Estate Planning God's Word, the Bible, has phenomenal wisdom on finances. Watch Now Debt Reduction God's Way for Individuals God's promises and our stewardship responsibilities. Watch Now Biblical Instructions for Engaged Couples The Bible contains 500 verses on faith and 2,350 verses on money and material things. Watch Now Financial Management God's Way for Women The Bible contains about 500 verses on prayer, 500 verses on faith, and 2,350 verses that deal with money and material things. Clearly, God's Word has incredible wisdom for us in managing money! Watch Now Financial Management God's Way Webinar Are you experiencing God's peace in the area of finances? If not, you're probably not managing money God's way. Watch Now Financial Management & Debt Reduction Presented at Muskoka Bible Centre. Featuring Financial Management Impacts Relationship with Spouse and Debt Reduction God's Way. Watch Now Financial Management God's Way for Singles Paying down debt, saving for future needs, and balancing one's cash flow are often more difficult for single people compared to married couples with two incomes. Although the biblical principles are the same, the practical application of the biblical principles can be different for singles. Watch Now April 10, 2022- Budgeting The purpose of budgeting is to ensure that you spend less than you earn so that you have a surplus to pay down debt and save for future needs. A proper budgeting system will provide the “financial facts” needed in order to make wise decisions. Guesswork and "gut feel" decisions are very dangerous Watch Now April 23, 2022- Financial Management God's Way For Women Clearly God’s Word has incredible wisdom for us in managing money! But unfortunately most Christians have limited knowledge of what the Bible says on finances. Watch Now Featured Workshop 2

Several years ago I received a phone call from a woman who indicated that the bank had just taken a significant portion of her and her husband’s retirement fund to pay off a loan for which they had cosigned with their son. Back to Co-Signing/Surety Co-Signing for Loans By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 Several years ago I received a phone call from a woman who indicated that the bank had just taken a significant portion of her and her husband’s retirement fund to pay off a loan for which they had cosigned with their son. Without understanding the implications, the parents had cosigned for a loan for their son and daughter-in-law. After the son and his wife had missed two or three payments, the bank lost patience, legally demanded the loan, and unilaterally used the cosigners’ money to pay it off. As well as losing a lot of money, Mom and Dad lost the good relationship they had had with their son and daughter-in-law, who felt guilty because of what happened. Invitations for dinner were turned down, and both parties at best found it awkward when they got together, because of the significant strain that cosigning had put on the relationship. In my experience, most Christians are not aware that God’s Word strongly advises against cosigning. The terminology for cosigning that is used in the book of Proverbs is to “strike hands in pledge.” It’s important to understand that at the time the book of Proverbs was written, they did not have lengthy legal documents for their agreements; a handshake was sufficient. “To strike hands in pledge” meant to shake hands in the process of making a pledge to pay a financial obligation. God warns that if you strike hands in pledge or cosign for a debt, something very negative could happen to you. Proverbs 22:26, 27 states, “Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you” (emphasis added). I believe that an appropriate contemporary analogy to having “your bed snatched out from under you” would be to lose something valuable to you, such as your home or part of your retirement fund. God’s Word in regard to cosigning is a principle, not a law. It is not a sin to cosign, but God warns that if you cosign, you may suffer negative consequences. Proverbs 17:18 is very clear regarding risks of co-signing: “A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbour.” The policy that my wife, Cathy, and I have established is to never co-sign for anyone, regardless of the circumstances. If a friend or relative has a real need, we will pray, and, if directed by God, we will give the person the money. I believe another option is to simply lend your own money to the individual for that need—with the mindset that you are prepared to forgive the loan if need be. (See Luke 6:35.) If you follow one of these two policies, you will have effectively advanced the funds to the friend or relative on a “free-will basis” rather than being forced to provide the money when the bank takes legal action against you as the cosigner because the borrower has defaulted on the loan. In short, if there is a real need, and if you give or lend the money (being willing to forgive the debt), then generally the relationship will remain intact. In addition, you will retain your own peace of mind, as you will not end up in a stressful situation where you are legally forced to pay off the debt. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Financial Deceptions Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Investing Read More

Learn how to manage your money based on Biblical principles. If you have financial questions, let us know and Tom Copland or one of our trained financial coaches will advise you. Handling Money God's Way Session 1: Stewardship Stewardship is acknowledging in your heart and mind that God owns everything Handling Money God's Way - Stewardship - 1 of 3 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - Stewardship - 1 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way -Stewardship - 2 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way -Stewardship - 3 of 3 28:02 Play Video Session 1 Handling Money God's Way - God's Wisdom On Debt & Saving - 1 of 3 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - God's Wisdom On Debt & Saving - 1 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - God's Wisdom On Debt & Saving - 2 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way 2 - God's Wisdom On Debt & Saving - 3 of 3 28:02 Play Video Session 2: God's Wisdom on Debt and Saving God warns of the dangers of debt and God admonishes us to save for future needs Session 2 Session 3: Steps to Get out of Debt Obtain a practical understanding of how to reduce your debt, with the long-term objective of becoming totally debt-free Handling Money God's Way - Steps To Get Out Of Debt - 1 of 3 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - Steps To Get Out Of Debt - 1 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - Steps To Get Out Of Debt - 2 of 3 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Handling Money God's Way - Steps To Get Out Of Debt - 3 of 3 28:02 Play Video Session 3 Session 4 Part 3 Biblical Principles of Investing Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Session 4 Part 3 Biblical Principles of Investing 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Session 4 Part 1of 4 - Budgeting 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Session 4 Part 5 Copland Budgeting System 28:02 Play Video Now Playing Session 4 Part 2 - Budgeting and Investing 23:24 Play Video Session 4: Budgeting Includes biblical principles of investing Session 4 Session 5: Financial Deceptions Beliefs that appear to be correct but are contrary to God’s principles and often tempt people to get into debt. Session 5 -Part 1 Financial deceptions Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Session 5 -Part 1 Financial deceptions 25:28 Play Video Now Playing Session 5- Part 2 Financial deceptions 26:19 Play Video Now Playing Session 5 -Part 3 Financial deceptions 27:00 Play Video Session 5 Session 6 - Part 1 of 3 Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Session 6 - Part 1 of 3 Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money 26:48 Play Video Now Playing Session 6 - part 2 of 3 Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money 26:53 Play Video Now Playing Session 6 - part 3 of 3 Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money 26:58 Play Video Session 6: Developing Godly Attitudes Towards Money Session 6

I would just like to say that what you are doing is amazing! I know it is helping many people! I first saw you in your commercial. I am so happy to see a Christian giving Godly based wisdom on finances. I am also glad that I have your messages as a 23-year-old now, that way the rest of my life could be set on the right track. Thank you for what you do, I hope that it never ceases. Your love for the Lord is admirable as well, and you are a fantastic role model. I can’t wait to tell people I know about you! cheers! Back to Testimonials I can't wait to tell people I know about you! I would just like to say that what you are doing is amazing! I know it is helping many people! I first saw you in your commercial. I am so happy to see a Christian giving Godly based wisdom on finances. I am also glad that I have your messages as a 23-year-old now, that way the rest of my life could be set on the right track. Thank you for what you do, I hope that it never ceases. Your love for the Lord is admirable as well, and you are a fantastic role model. I can’t wait to tell people I know about you! cheers! Anonymous Previous Next

Tom Copland teaches how to manage money based on Biblical principles. If you have financial questions, let us know and Tom or one of our trained financial coaches will advise you. https://www.coplandfinancialministries.org/ Tom Copland, Josh Grant and Jonathan Grant Video Workshop Emmanuel Baptist Church October 19 and 26, 2025 Orillia, Ontario, Canada Watch Here What We Do Tom Copland teaches how to manage your finances based on Biblical principles. God's Word, the Bible, has incredible wisdom in the area of finances. There are 2,350 references in the Bible to money and material things. God provides us with wisdom in all areas of finances including debt, budgeting, investing, counsel, stewardship, priorities, giving, cosigning, obtaining God's peace, and providing a distinction between worldly attitudes as opposed to godly attitudes with respect to money. If you have financial questions, let us know and Tom or one of our trained financial coaches will advise you. Contact Us Upcoming Events Efrain Soto and Tom Leonard- Financial Management God's Way- Tuesday, 7:30pm to 9:30pm Sep 16, 2025, 7:30 p.m. EDT – Dec 02, 2025, 9:30 p.m. EST Zoom More info More Details Randy Ziegenhagel and Al McClaney - Financial Management God’s Way- Thursday evenings Oct 30, 2025, 7:30 p.m. – Feb 05, 2026, 9:30 p.m. Zoom More info More Details Eli and Tony Financial Management God's Way Small Group-Tuesday 7:00pm-9:00pm Jan 13, 2026, 7:00 p.m. EST – Feb 24, 2026, 9:00 p.m. EST Zoom More info More Details Events Featured Tom's New Book Management of Money Impacts Relationship with God, Spouse and Eternity Tom's Daily Devotional Book Financial M oments: Biblical Principles that Will Transform How You Manage Money Featured New Resources Sept. 30, 2023- Dealing with Inflation and Interest Rate- Parkway Watch Series May 3, 2023- Dealing with Inflation and Interest Rate- Zoom Watch Series Managing Money Difficult Times Watch Series God's Financial Wisdom for Young People Watch Series Discerning God's Will in Managing Money Webinar Series (2021) Watch Series Testimonials We thank you for your ministry "My husband and I have greatly benefited from the Debt Reduction CDs and DVDs for Businesses and Individuals. We thank you for your ministry and the impact it has had on our lives, our family, and the people around us. We would like to make monthly donations to Copland Financial Ministries." Anonymous See More Testimonials About the Author and Founder Tom Copland is a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ who has been called to teach God’s Word on finances since 1982. Tom is the founder and president of Copland Financial Ministries and the author of his book Financial Management God’s Way including many other CDs and DVDs. Tom is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) who operates his own public accounting practice in Toronto, Canada (www.copland-ca.com ). About Author

Thank you Tom for your faithfulness in teaching through God's word, and many hours on your own time, for our benefit and God's call. It has been great and very much appreciated by me and I am sending a donation for your ministry, by mail today. I will continue to pray for your ministry, too. Thank you again for all you do. Back to Testimonials Thank you Tom for your faithfulness Thank you Tom for your faithfulness in teaching through God's word, and many hours on your own time, for our benefit and God's call. It has been great and very much appreciated by me and I am sending a donation for your ministry, by mail today. I will continue to pray for your ministry, too. Thank you again for all you do. L.M. Stouffville, ON, Canada Previous Next

When people get into financial difficulty, many believe that declaring bankruptcy will solve their financial problems. Unfortunately, bankruptcy just treats the symptom. Back to Financial Deceptions Bankruptcy Will Solve My Financial Problems By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 When people get into financial difficulty, many believe that declaring bankruptcy will solve their financial problems. Unfortunately, bankruptcy just treats the symptom. Statistics show that approximately 80 percent of people who go bankrupt, do so again within 10 years. This is generally because the real problem is the violation of God’s financial principles, which often continues even if current debts are eliminated by bankruptcy. The Bible is clear that it is not God’s will for anyone to go bankrupt. “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously” (Psalm 37:21). In other words, it is a sin to declare bankruptcy. On the other hand, a righteous person pays what is owed (which is implied) and goes “the extra mile” by giving generously even where there is no financial obligation. In addition, it is not a good testimony when a Christian declares bankruptcy. Hence, I believe that it is not God’s will for a Christian to go bankrupt. If you are in financial difficulty, I recommend that you learn and implement God’s financial principles in conjunction with a budget. If you do this, God has promised that he will meet your needs (Matthew 6:31–33), but not necessarily your wants and desires. Since 1982, I have had the privilege of counselling more than 300 Christians who have been in financial difficulty. In those situations where the Christian learned and implemented God’s financial principles, God blessed in unusual ways, and no one declared bankruptcy. If you have declared bankruptcy already, then may I encourage you in several ways. 1. God loves you, and God will forgive the act of bankruptcy if you confess that sin to the Lord: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 2. In dependence upon the Holy Spirit and God’s wisdom from his Word, ask God to reveal to you the real cause(s) of your bankruptcy. Even Christians can unknowingly violate God’s financial principles. Or it may be an ungodly attitude or mindset about money that you need to change. It is critical that you study and meditate on God’s Word with respect to finances so that you have “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) in managing the money that God has entrusted you with. Excellent materials can be obtained from Crown Financial Ministries (www.crown.org ). 3. Develop and implement a budget to ensure that you are spending less than you are earning on a monthly basis so that you have a surplus for non-monthly and unexpected expenditures. A budget is simply a tool that can be used in a practical way to do short-term and long-term financial planning. In summary, the deception of this world is that bankruptcy will solve one’s financial problems. Bankruptcy only treats the symptom. Generally, the true cause of the problem is the violation of one or more biblical principles. I recommend that, in dependence on God, you learn and apply God’s financial principles in conjunction with implementing a budget. Previous Article Next Article More Topics The Joseph Principle Read More Co-Signing/Surety Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More

Many people believe it is good to try to get rich quickly. Some of the common methods utilized to obtain “Financial Freedom” are as follows: Back to Financial Deceptions You Should Try to Obtain Financial Freedom (ASAP) By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 Many people believe it is good to try to get rich quickly. Some of the common methods utilized to obtain “Financial Freedom” are as follows: 1. lottery tickets—sometimes promoted as “Imagine the freedom” 2. aggressive investing—usually with a lot of debt 3. excessive hard work, which is out of balance God’s directive is different. The emphasis in Scripture is to plan and save for future needs slowly over a period of time. “Steady plotting brings prosperity, hasty speculation brings poverty” (Proverbs 21:20 TLB) “He who gathers money little by little makes it grow” (Proverbs 13:11 NIV). “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5) Over the past 30 years, I’ve seen many cases in which people who wanted to get rich quickly ended up losing everything. God warns that hasty decisions frequently lead to poverty. In my experience, individuals who have accumulated significant wealth—and retained it—have done so over many years (20 years or longer). At the time the Book of Proverbs was written, most people made their living off the land as farmers. God provides the following admonition: He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 28:19, 20 ) In short, God is saying that you should focus on earning your income from your occupation or business. When people invest or get involved in areas that they don’t understand, generally they lose money. (See Proverbs 19:2.) God warns of the dangers of trying to get rich: 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) The Apostle Paul also outlined significant “spiritual risks” of trying to get rich: People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) In summary, the emphasis in scripture is to plan and save for needs over a period of time, without the attitude of trying to get rich quickly. God has promised that if we put him first, then he will meet our needs (Matthew 6:31–33). Previous Article Next Article More Topics The Joseph Principle Read More Co-Signing/Surety Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More

Jesus said, “If you have not been trustworthy in the handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? (Luke 16:11). I believe that many Christians assume that there is no connection between their spirituality and how they handle money. Back to Priorities Are you Pursuing God's True Riches? By: Tom Copland June 13, 2020 Jesus said, “If you have not been trustworthy in the handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? (Luke 16:11). I believe that many Christians assume that there is no connection between their spirituality and how they handle money. But in this verse, Jesus Christ is communicating that our faithfulness (or the lack thereof) in regard to money will significantly affect the extent to which God entrusts us with His “true riches.” I believe that God’s “true riches”—that is, the things that are really important to God—include the following: 1. A Close Personal Relationship with God. There is nothing more important in this life than our relationship with God. The Apostle Paul considered a relationship with Christ more valuable than everything else (Philippians 3:8). 2. God’s Peace. God has promised his peace when we are directed by His Spirit: “But the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). 3. God’s joy. God has promised us his joy when we are in His presence. Psalm 16:11 states, “In your presence is the fullness of joy” (NKJV). At first, it may be difficult to believe that faithful stewardship (or the lack thereof) with money would affect one’s relationship with God and one’s peace and joy. However, in Matthew 6:24, Jesus made it clear that money can be a serious competitor in our relationship with God: “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” Let me give you one common example of how our relationship with money affects our relationship with God. If an individual or couple are spending more than they earn on a monthly basis, then in due course, they will experience financial problems. Generally, people under significant financial stress will be focused on those problems, which will take up a lot of their time and energy. This will inadvertently affect their relationship with God. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). In addition, the anxiety that comes from financial problems and excessive debt will generally result in a lack of peace and joy in one’s life. I’ve never met anyone who was happy about missing a mortgage payment or car loan payment. In summary, your faithful stewardship of the money that God has trusted to you will enable you to enjoy God’s “true riches”—which include a close personal relationship with God, God’s peace, and God’s joy. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Investing Counsel & Wisdom Stewardship Principle Read More Read More Read More

Over the past 28 years, I have met many investment advisers who have instructed their clients to use debt in order to increase their investment returns. Use Minimal Debt - Or Better, No Debt Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 Over the past 28 years, I have met many investment advisers who have instructed their clients to use debt in order to increase their investment returns. When the market goes up, additional returns can be obtained through the use of debt. However, when the market goes down, the results can be disastrous. I remember one woman who borrowed against her home and invested in mutual funds only to discover four years later that the funds had decreased in value by 50 percent. Being upset with what occurred, she immediately sold her investments and paid off as much of the loan as she could. Several years later, she is still servicing the remaining debt. The deception from the world is that “smart people use other people’s money.” This is contrary to God’s Word. Every reference in scripture to borrowing is negative, and nowhere in the Bible does God ever direct anyone to borrow money in order for God to bless. Our all-powerful God is able to meet every need without the assistance of the bank. Philippians 4:19 states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” It is not a sin to borrow money, but it is a sin to borrow and not repay. Psalms 37:21 states, “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” The implication is that the righteous person not only repays all debts but goes “the second mile” and gives generously. Experience has shown that people who use a lot of debt when investing will generally encounter one of the following problems: 1. When the markets are down, borrowers are forced by the lender to sell at the wrong time. In Proverbs 22:7b, God warns that “the borrower is a servant to the lender.” 2. Psychologically and emotionally, it is much more difficult to survive a “bear market,” because debt increases the volatility of your portfolio. For example, if you borrow 50 percent of what you invest, and if the market decreases 20 percent in value, then the loss of your personal capital is 40 percent. 3. If the investment decreases significantly in value, you can lose more than your original capital and end up with a deficit that may take years to repay. In Deuteronomy 28, God promised the people of Israel that, if they fully obeyed him, he would bless them so much that they be would lenders and not borrowers. In other words, God can bless your investments without the use of debt. I have seen more than 100 individual cases in which God has done this. Before you borrow to invest, be sure to ask God to reveal your motives. Frequently, people use debt in order to “get rich quick” because of covetousness or greed—both of which are contrary to God’s Word. On the other hand, saving and investing carefully over a long period of time, with the objective of meeting future needs, is a very biblical attitude. Proverbs 13:11 states, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow” (emphasis added). Saving and investing to provide for future needs is biblical. However, God strongly discourages the use of debt. I recommend that you save and invest whatever funds God has provided, and trust God to meet your needs, which he has promised as you put him first. (See Matthew 6:31–33.) Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More