Many people believe that financial freedom will be obtained only when they have lots of money and material things. This is a deception from the world. God warns us: “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Back to Financial Deceptions Financial Freedom is Attained by Having Lots of Money By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 Many people believe that financial freedom will be obtained only when they have lots of money and material things. This is a deception from the world. God warns us: “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Over the past 30 years, I have seen many wealthy people who have no peace in the area of finances. They are not “financially free.” They are stressed out by money-related problems, such as, Where should I invest my money? or, What if I lose my money? Sometimes they are workaholics with an unquenchable desire to accumulate more and more. Worry and anxiety dominate their minds in regard to money-related issues. True financial freedom comes only from having God’s peace and joy in the area of finances. To obtain God’s peace and joy in respect of finances, I believe that the following steps would be appropriate: 1. Believe that it is God’s truth that will set you free from the deceptions of this world. “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31, 32, emphasis added). 2. Recognize God’s truth that we are stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Our responsibility is to apply God’s financial principles and do God’s will. God’s promise is that if we put him first, he will meet our needs (Matthew 6:31–33). Once you have fulfilled your responsibility, you can “cast your cares on the Lord” (Psalm 55:22) and trust God to meet your needs. This should enable you to enjoy God’s peace. 3. With God’s help, learn to be content with God’s provision. The apostle Paul said, I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11–13, emphasis added) 4. Acknowledge that the accumulation of money and material things are temporary and not of any eternal value. (See Matthew 6:19–21.) In short, from an eternal perspective, God’s truth is that a selfish desire to become wealthy has no value. 5. Experience the joy of giving. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Giving with a cheerful heart and out of your love for God enables you to be free from the love of money and to experience the joy of giving. In summary, one of the deceptions of this world is that financial freedom comes from having lots of money and material things. True financial freedom comes only from having God’s peace, joy, and contentment in the area of finances. Previous Article Next Article More Topics The Joseph Principle Read More Co-Signing/Surety Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More

Thank you personally for the teaching which was very transformative. Back to Testimonials Financial Management God's Way for Women I was in the seminar yesterday [Financial Management God's Way for Women] and would like to thank you personally for the teaching which was very transformative. IA Toronto, Canada Previous Next

Your ministry is a blessing to me & my family. I am very appreciative of your 'all wise' emails. DM, Chester Basin, Nova Scotia Canada. Back to Testimonials Your ministry is a blessing to me Your ministry is a blessing to me & my family. I am very appreciative of your 'all wise' emails. DM Chester Basin, Nova Scotia Canada. Previous Next

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to take this course. Thank you, Tom, for your ministry." Back to Testimonials The budgeting material (in particular) has been very helpful I’ve been an adult for several decades) and have committed to monthly giving for my charities and church. I had no idea, before taking this course, that God was so “invested” in the topic of finances. As I read my bible now, I notice references to money and regard them as actual financial advice and not just metaphors using money. The budgeting material (in particular) has been very helpful. (Thank you). I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to take this course. Thank you, Tom, for your ministry." P.K. Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada Previous Next

From spending to saving and from drowning in debt to paying off collections and re-establishing good credit. Giving, saving, and being debt free are my priorities and focusing on the work of God's kingdom instead of the love/hate relationship with money and debt. Back to Testimonials God's provision and answered prayers I have learned and applied Biblical financial principles that have drastically influenced my relationship with money. From spending to saving and from drowning in debt to paying off collections and re-establishing good credit. Giving, saving, and being debt free are my priorities and focusing on the work of God's kingdom instead of the love/hate relationship with money and debt. Paying off what has been in collections for years and learning not to depend on anyone else but God for my provision and answered prayer, trying to live within my means, trying not to be covetous and trusting God for direction that I am doing what's right. VJ 321 West Brooklyn MTN Rd, Wolfville, NS B4P 0N8 Previous Next

Debt was so easy to get into. But I am trusting God to find the way out of debt and we learned guidelines on how to manage money better, biblically through the workshop. Back to Testimonials Debt Was So Easy To Get Into Going through financial management God's way has helped me to see how many worldly financial deceptions that have trapped me and my husband. I can see why I was so confused. Debt was so easy to get into. But I am trusting God to find the way out of debt and we learned guidelines on how to manage money better, biblically through the workshop. Cleared up many things that had me confused before. I believe God guided us to this workshop. CC Orillia Ontario Previous Next

Over the past 28 years, I have had the privilege of working with 300 to 400 business people. In my experience, generally when they invest in something that they understand, and within biblical principles, they earn a profit. However, when they invest in something that they don’t understand, frequently they lose money. Ensure that you Understand the Investment Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 Over the past 28 years, I have had the privilege of working with 300 to 400 business people. In my experience, generally when they invest in something that they understand, and within biblical principles, they earn a profit. However, when they invest in something that they don’t understand, frequently they lose money. God warns us of this in Proverbs 19:2: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” As applied to investing, this proverb warns us that it is not good to be excited about a particular investment without having a thorough knowledge and understanding of it. If you have been asked to commit to an investment without having sufficient time to obtain an understanding of it and to pray about it, then I strongly recommend that you not invest. Whether you plan to build a house, an investment portfolio, or a retirement fund, God’s Word emphasizes the importance of understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. (Proverbs 24:3, 4) In my view, the level of knowledge that you need to obtain before acquiring a particular investment is to understand the nature of the investment, what has to occur for the investment to be profitable, and what could occur that would make the investment a loser. Historical returns and historical volatility are helpful. However, they provide no guarantee of future returns. For example, in regard to a mutual fund, you need to understand the objective of the fund, the track record of the fund manager, and have knowledge and understanding of the 10 largest holdings within that fund. Knowledge and understanding of the markets in general as well as the economy, on a “macro basis,” is important as well. Generally speaking, the more you understand about a particular investment and the more experience that you have, the better. However, remember that on average only about 15 percent of all professional money managers beat the relevant index, notwithstanding their extensive knowledge of the stocks in their portfolio. The truth is, the best investment today depends on what happens in the future. Since no human can consistently predict the direction of any stock or any market (James 4:13–15), it is critical to rely on God, who is the key source of wisdom and understanding. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have a good understanding. (Psalm 111:10) In other words, as you consider a particular investment and develop your investment strategy, you must “follow God’s precepts,” which requires that you understand and apply God’s investment principles. Clearly, if you do not understand God’s investment principles, you won’t apply them. Secondly, you need to acknowledge that only God knows the future (Isaiah 46:9, 10), and therefore only God knows which investments will do well. Therefore, in prayer, ask God to direct you according to his will. 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) Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

God admonishes us to obtain counsel. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel” (NASB), and Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Back to Counsel & Wisdom From Godly Financial Advisers By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 God admonishes us to obtain counsel. Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel” (NASB), and Proverbs 15:22 states, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Unfortunately, sometimes Christians refuse to seek counsel because of pride. Proverbs 13:10 states, “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Nevertheless, God indicates that your probability of success is greater with many advisers. Proverbs 24:6 states, “For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” God recommends that we obtain biblical counsel from godly financial advisers. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment. (1 Corinthians 2:14, 15) Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. (Psalm 1:1) I have met some non-Christian financial advisers who do give good practical advice. However, if you want advice from a biblical perspective, which I believe is God’s will for every Christian, then you can get godly advice only from a godly financial adviser. For example, a nonbeliever is simply not going to understand the desire in the believer’s heart for giving a significant portion of one’s income to God’s work. The believer has an eternal perspective, wanting to build up “treasures in heaven” rather than “treasures on earth.” (Matthew 6:19–21) In addition, a godly adviser would counsel you to use minimal debt (Proverbs 22:7), while many worldly advisers would encourage the use of a lot of debt, based on the belief that “smart people use other people’s money” or “buy now and pay later.” Therefore, before making any major financial decision, I recommend that you seek the advice of two or three godly financial advisers. In my view, an appropriate definition for such a person would be as follows: a spiritually mature Christian who understands and applies God’s financial principles (Psalm 111:10), has a close personal relationship with God (John 15), has the necessary practical financial knowledge (Proverbs 24:3, 4), and habitually puts the interests of clients first (Philippians 2:3, 4). I believe that one of your financial counsellors should be your spouse (Genesis 2:24), even if she or he has limited financial knowledge. God, through his Holy Spirit, can give his peace or lack of peace to an objective spouse who is not emotionally excited about or biased against a particular financial decision. After obtaining the counsel outlined above, it is your responsibility, to pray and ask God to give you his wisdom (James 1:5) in weighing the advice you have received. Proverbs 14:15 states, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” In summary, before making any major financial decision, seek counsel from two or three godly financial advisers and from your spouse. Proceed only after you and your spouse have spent considerable time in prayer, and God has given you his peace and his wisdom. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Priorities Read More Stewardship Principle Read More Debt Principles Read More

Back to Testimonials Thank you! You made a huge positive difference in my life "Hello Tom I've enjoyed your Sunday morning television ministry education and also the radio ads on the Calgary radio station. Thank you! You made a huge positive difference in my life of understanding better basic good money management. [I have taught] my two sons and four grandchildren ages 3 to 9 will will all benefit from grandmas involvement in your seminars. God bless! [DS Calgary Alberta] DS Calgary Alberta Previous Next

Regardless of how difficult your financial problems are, it’s important to remember that God is in control. He is the all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present God. Back to Freedom from Financial Anxiety God is in Control By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 Regardless of how difficult your financial problems are, it’s important to remember that God is in control. He is the all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present God. After God miraculously provided all the materials and labor that were needed to build the temple, David acknowledged God’s sovereignty and power by praising God as follows: Everything in the heavens and earth is yours O Lord and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything. Riches and honour come from you alone, and you are the ruler of all mankind: your hand controls power and that might and it is at your discretion that men are making great and given strength. (1 Chron. 29: 11, 12 TLB) Even if you find that the financial pressures are overwhelming and you are “at the end of your rope,” God is still in control: “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all” (Ps. 103:19 NASB). God is aware of your financial problems as he watches over you: “The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy” (Ps. 145:20). God is aware of every detail of your financial problems (Ps. 139:1–4 ). Although God did not cause your financial problems, he has allowed them to occur in your life. He has a purpose for any trials that his children encounter. Perhaps you have unknowingly violated one or more of his principles, in which case the purpose would be to teach you something. Or perhaps your financial problems may simply be the result of God “pruning” you with the objective of you “bearing more spiritual fruit”(John 15:2). Either way, God is still in control. In Isaiah 46:9–11 God says, I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Because God is in control, we need to trust him completely and depend solely upon him for the direction and strength that we need in dealing with all of our financial problems. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Co-Signing/Surety Read More Investing Read More Priorities Read More

I just want to let you know that I was listening to your message years ago when we were working together. You have changed my life. I sold my larger house and minimized my lifestyle and set new financial goals because of the time you spent talking with me and the CD’s you gave me. I wanted you to know that I was listening. I’ve made saving a priority. Thank goodness! I know it won’t be an easy time here, but boy I’m glad I’ve been saving. Back to Testimonials You have changed my life I just want to let you know that I was listening to your message years ago when we were working together. You have changed my life. I sold my larger house and minimized my lifestyle and set new financial goals because of the time you spent talking with me and the CD’s you gave me. I wanted you to know that I was listening. I’ve made saving a priority. Thank goodness! I know it won’t be an easy time here, but boy I’m glad I’ve been saving. B.P. South Carolina, USA Previous Next

Thank You Tom for all you do. I hope you know you are breaking chains and setting people free because that is exactly what you are faithfully doing. Back to Testimonials Thank You Tom for all you do. I can see in the Spirit that Jesus will be Present and He is holding rewards in His both hands for He rewards those who diligently seek him, as you and your team do on a daily basis. Jesus declares that there will be no lack. He will abundantly supply all that is needed. Thank You Tom for all you do. I hope you know you are breaking chains and setting people free because that is exactly what you are faithfully doing. W.P. Shawville Quebec, Canada Previous Next