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

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. 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

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 14, 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

In this world, we are bombarded with all kinds of advertisements and advice that entice us to borrow money. As a result, many people believe the lie that it’s okay to “buy now and pay later” or that “smart people use other people’s money”. Back to Debt Principles God's Warning - Debt is Dangerous! By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 In this world, we are bombarded with all kinds of advertisements and advice that entice us to borrow money. As a result, many people believe the lie that it’s okay to “buy now and pay later” or that “smart people use other people’s money”. What many people don’t realize is that this advice is contrary to God’s Word, the Bible, as God warns in Proverbs 22:7 that if you borrow money, you will likely become a servant to the lender. “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender.” [NIV] “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender’s slave. [NASB] The biblical truth is that we are here on this earth to serve God, not a lender. When you borrow money, you are limiting your future options and legally committing yourself to service the debt. In the process of servicing the debt, you may become a servant to the lender and encounter one or more of the following detrimental consequences: Detrimental Consequences: 1. A spouse must work additional hours in order to repay debts, and as a result, family relationships suffer (I Timothy 5:8). 2. A wife does not have the option to stay at home with her children, as she must work in order to help her husband “service” their debt load. 3. A Bible college or seminary graduate is unable to accept a full-time job in ministry, as the salary is insufficient to enable him or her to repay student loans. 4. An older individual or couple cannot retire but must continue to work (regardless of health issues) in order to meet their financial obligations. 5. Many people experience anxiety and stress from their debt load because they have used credit cards and/or personal lines of credit to “live beyond their means”. 6. When debts accumulate, generally giving to God’s work decreases or disappears. 7. With a lot of debt, you could be forced into bankruptcy and lose everything. 8. Nasty calls from creditors and threats from lenders to repossess your home, car etc. will generate tension between a husband and wife, destroying their relationship and often resulting in divorce. 9. Many family businesses have been forced into receivership, because of their debt load. 10. Debt causes stress, which frequently results in health problems. 11. A Christian’s time and energy are consumed by money related problems, reducing your time with the Lord and His word, thus hindering their relationship with God (Mathew 6:24). In light of the above, it’s no wonder that every reference in the Bible to borrowing is negative! You won’t find one positive reference in Scripture with respect to borrowing. God loves us and he does not want us to become a servant to a lender and suffer the consequences outlined above. In summary, God warns of the dangers of debt and strongly discourages borrowing. In upcoming financial moments, I will expand on what the Bible says on debt and provide some practical steps to get out of debt. More Topics Stewardship Principle Read More The Joseph Principle Read More Financial Deceptions Read More

Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store PRIORITIES-TREASURES IN HEAVEN I believe that “treasures on earth” include money and material things. Back to Priorities Treasures in Heaven By: Tom Copland June 13, 2020 Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store PRIORITIES-TREASURES IN HEAVEN I believe that “treasures on earth” include money and material things. These are the things that we tend to prize during our lifetime but that will have no importance when we get to heaven. The apostle Paul made it clear: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). On the other hand, “treasures in heaven” include things that will be important to us when we get to heaven. I believe that “treasures in heaven” include salvation (as one’s salvation will last for eternity) and the rewards in heaven that God promises to his faithful stewards. The concept of rewards in heaven is difficult to grasp in concrete terms because we don’t really know what heaven will be like, and scripture does not explicitly describe heavenly rewards. However, it is important to realize that what we do here on earth does have an effect on what awaits us in heaven. 1 Timothy 4:7 tells us that “godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Godliness includes the way we handle our finances. We read about treasures in heaven again in 1 Timothy 6:18, 19: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” In the Parable of the Talents, the concept of rewards is specifically linked to faithful financial stewardship. To servants who have been faithful stewards, God has promised that he will put them “in charge of many things” and that they will enjoy happiness with their master. Jesus said, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21). As human beings, it is easy to get focused on money and material things that we can enjoy while we are here on earth. However, because money and material things are temporary, it is the wise Christian who focuses on “treasures in heaven.” Colossians 3:1, 2 states, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” May I encourage you to take a few minutes right now and pray, asking God to reveal to you how you need to adjust your focus from treasures on earth to treasures in heaven. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Investing Counsel & Wisdom Stewardship Principle Read More Read More Read More

Just watched your program on Vision TV ….and was so encouraged by your very Christ centred & biblical teaching . Back to Testimonials You truly a servant of God Just watched your program on Vision TV ….and was so encouraged by your very Christ centred & biblical teaching . You a truly a servant of God . I will pray for you as the Lord leads …for His protection , & guidance …in all He leads you to do . The Lord bless you and keep you ! In Christ Jesus our Lord. Janet, St. Catharines Ontario" Janet St. Catharines Ontario Previous Next

Thanks again for your time and effort, prayers, and encouragement. Since starting the Copland Budgeting System both my wife and I feel as if a great weight has been lifted, we feel closer to God and closer to each other. My wife says it feels as if the waters have parted and the way has been made clear. Thank you so much for pointing us to God’s wisdom for finances. We are looking forward to working through “Financial Management – God’s Way” Praying for you and your ministry, in Jesus’ precious name. Back to Testimonials Praying for you and your ministry Thanks again for your time and effort, prayers, and encouragement. Since starting the Copland Budgeting System both my wife and I feel as if a great weight has been lifted, we feel closer to God and closer to each other. My wife says it feels as if the waters have parted and the way has been made clear. Thank you so much for pointing us to God’s wisdom for finances. We are looking forward to working through “Financial Management – God’s Way” Praying for you and your ministry, in Jesus’ precious name. Anonymous Previous Next

I am very impressed with your view on finances as it appears to me to be the most godly perspective all based on scripture. I can also sense your sincere love and devotion to the Lord and your desire to bring Him glory. You are seeking Him first and His kingdom and His righteousness by seeking the Holy Spirit’s individual direction through spending time in the Word and His presence. My spirit feels with your advice. Back to Testimonials My spirit feels with your advice I am very impressed with your view on finances as it appears to me to be the most godly perspective all based on scripture. I can also sense your sincere love and devotion to the Lord and your desire to bring Him glory. You are seeking Him first and His kingdom and His righteousness by seeking the Holy Spirit’s individual direction through spending time in the Word and His presence. My spirit feels with your advice. Anonymous Previous Next

People are still commenting about the significant blessing your seminar series “Handling Money God’s Way” was. We had over 200 individuals sign up for this – and about one-third of those were from outside our church – praise God!! In one session, you shared how to have a personal relationship with Christ and we offered new testaments to anyone who wanted one, and over 30 people took one. Back to Testimonials God's Word on finances more effectively People are still commenting about the significant blessing your seminar series “Handling Money God’s Way” was. We had over 200 individuals sign up for this – and about one-third of those were from outside our church – praise God!! In one session, you shared how to have a personal relationship with Christ and we offered new testaments to anyone who wanted one, and over 30 people took one. I have been using your resources with couples who ask me to marry them….This has been such a blessing to know that couples are being prepared for marriage in such a biblical and practical way. Tom, we are very grateful for the way you have served, by equipping, that is enabling us to teach God’s Word on finances more effectively. Anonymous Previous Next

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) 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

Financial problems frequently cause significant stress and anxiety, but God can provide his peace, no matter how difficult your financial problems. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Back to Freedom from Financial Anxiety God Gives Peace in Regard to Finances By: Tom Copland June 14, 2020 Financial problems frequently cause significant stress and anxiety, but God can provide his peace, no matter how difficult your financial problems. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). The first step to obtaining God’s peace in the midst of financial difficulties is prayer. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:4–7) God promises that if we ask him, with a thankful heart, then he will give us a peace that is beyond our understanding. By the way, I do not believe that this is something that we can figure out or earn. It is fundamentally a gift from God: “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance” (2 Thess. 3:16 NASB). When under financial pressure, it is extremely important that you focus your attention on God, not on the financial problem. Isaiah 26:3 states, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You” (NKJV). In other words, God promises us his peace if we focus on him and trust him to enable us to deal with our financial problems. As well as focusing on God for his peace when you are under financial pressure, it is also extremely important to focus on God and his Word to learn his principles with regard to finances. Sometimes, the reason for your financial problems is that you have violated one or more biblical principles, perhaps unknowingly. In this regard, I recommend the 10-week small-group study developed by Crown Financial Ministries. If it is not currently available through your church, you can contact Crown Financial Ministries of Canada at 519-637-0626. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Co-Signing/Surety Read More Investing Read More Priorities Read More

Do you feel burdened and worried about your finances? Do you feel overwhelmed by financial problems? Back to Freedom from Financial Anxiety Are You Overwhelmed by Financial Problems? By: Tom Copland January 4, 2021 Do you feel burdened and worried about your finances? Do you feel overwhelmed by financial problems? Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt, 11: 28–30). Jesus gently encourages us to come to him humbly, first asking for his help and then “yoking” with him—that is, depending on God to carry the heavy part of the load. God has promised that he will sustain us, no matter how difficult the circumstances. "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (Isa. 46:3, 4) In order to relieve some of the financial pressures, as a practical matter, I recommend you consider some of the following suggestions: 1. Track your expenditures for two or three months to determine where your money is going. Most people don’t know where their money is being spent. 2. Develop a budget—my firm has developed an Excel-based budgeting system that is available at no charge. Call us if you would like a copy (905-477-1300). 3. In the process of developing and following a budget, ensure that you are spending less than you are making in order to provide a monthly surplus. 4. Use that surplus to pay down debt with the highest interest cost first, which is generally credit cards. 5. Next, pay down your other debts, and save some money for emergencies. (See Proverbs 21:20.) Be sure to spend quality time with God daily, asking him for specific direction about your finances. God has promised that if we ask him for wisdom, he will give it to us (James 1:5) and if we ask him for his specific direction, then he will provide direction to us (Prov. 3:5, 6). Previous Article Next Article More Topics Co-Signing/Surety Read More Investing Read More Priorities Read More