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Many people believe the deception that money will bring happiness. Although additional income can relieve some financial pressures (if the individual or couple manage their money well), money in and of itself does not bring happiness. Money will definitely not provide joy and peace, which only comes from God. Back to Financial Deceptions If I Had More Money, I Would Be Happy By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 Many people believe the deception that money will bring happiness. Although additional income can relieve some financial pressures (if the individual or couple manage their money well), money in and of itself does not bring happiness. Money will definitely not provide joy and peace, which only comes from God. Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” Over the years, I’ve seen many couples with significant amounts of wealth who have no peace and joy. I think of one couple who started with nothing and accumulated about $40 million worth of assets. However, their unhappiness was evident to anyone who knew them. They were always arguing with each other and with their kids and employees, and they appeared “stressed out” all the time. Certainly, there was no “peace of God, which transcends all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Only God, through his Holy Spirit, can bring true peace and happiness. Jesus said: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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 14:26, 27, emphasis added). There are many people in North America who have significant amounts of wealth yet are frustrated, angry, weary, and unhappy. Frankly, some are even Christians who are not experiencing God’s joy and peace. Remember that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law (Galatians 5:22, 23, emphasis added). Jesus provides an invitation to everyone who is weary and burdened: “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” (Matthew 11:28–30, emphasis added). In summary, based upon God’s Word and 30 years’ experience of working with some very wealthy people, I’m convinced that the key to happiness is not more money but rather a close personal relationship with God. In the 15th chapter of John, Jesus called this “abiding,” which means to be connected to and in communication with God on an ongoing basis. For more information on “abiding in Christ,” I recommend the book titled Secrets of the Vine by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson (Multnomah Publishers, 2001). Previous Article Next Article More Topics The Joseph Principle Read More Co-Signing/Surety Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More

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. 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

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. Upcoming Radio Interview-provide your financial questions _______________ God has opened another door! On Friday, August 29, 2025 from 11 AM to 12 PM and again from 6 PM to 7 PM , I will be the guest speaker on Life 100.3 Radio [Barrie 100.3, Owen Sound 90.1, Huntsville 98.9, and Peterborough 89.3, all stations are located in Ontario, Canada]. However, the program will be pre-recorded. So we encourage you to email us your questions in advance (no later than August 5, 2025) to info@biblefinance.org . Also, we encourage people to ask their question by leaving a voicemail (30-90 seconds), by calling 1-866-735-3370 and then press extension 300 for Steve Jones, including providing your first name and what city you live in. Generally speaking the topic to be discussed will be: "GOD'S FINANCIAL WISDOM FOR GOVERNMENT LEADERS AND VOTERS" If you have a financial question on another topic, feel free to send that in, I will answer your question for sure by email, and if time permits, I will deal with that question during the radio interview. FYI - We will send an email with a link to the recorded show for everyone on our financial moment email list. Please pray that God will give me and Steve Jones his wisdom [James 1:5] and his specific direction [Psalms 32:8] with respect to this radio show interview. Thanks for your prayer support and your questions are appreciated! Tom Copland President Copland Financial Ministries www.coplandfinancialministries.org

The issue of surety (guaranteeing payment of a debt for another) arises when one takes on a financial obligation without a certain way to pay. When the owner of a company gives a personal guarantee in regard to the company’s debt, that person assumes that the company will be profitable enough and have sufficient cash flow to service the debt—without the debt falling back onto the personal guarantor. Back to Co-Signing/Surety Personal Guarantees for a Business Loan By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 The issue of surety (guaranteeing payment of a debt for another) arises when one takes on a financial obligation without a certain way to pay. When the owner of a company gives a personal guarantee in regard to the company’s debt, that person assumes that the company will be profitable enough and have sufficient cash flow to service the debt—without the debt falling back onto the personal guarantor. God warns us that we do not know what will happen tomorrow. James states, Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that. (James 4:13–15) Although it is commonplace for the owner of a company to provide a personal guarantee in respect of the company’s bank loans, the past 30 years have shown that many business people have lost their homes when their businesses incurred losses and the bank took legal action against them. God warns that if you sign surety for debts, then your “bed” (i.e., your home) may be taken from you. “Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; If you have nothing with which to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?” (Proverbs 22:26, 27 NKJV, emphasis added) I was finally able to convince that businessman I mentioned that signing personal guarantees is inconsistent with God’s Word. As a result, he negotiated a deal with his bank by which he did not have to provide personal guarantees. From 1990 until 1995, there was a severe recession. His business became insolvent, and the bank took legal action. However, because he had not provided any personal guarantees, his personal assets were protected, and today he enjoys a good retirement. On the other hand, if he had continued to give personal guarantees, he would have been forced into personal bankruptcy and lost everything, including his home, retirement fund, etc. Avoiding surety is a biblical principle. It is not a sin to sign surety. However, God warns that if you sign surety, you may very well suffer some negative consequences. Unfortunately, over the past 30 years or so, many business people (frequently including their spouses) have personally guaranteed their company’s bank loans and lost everything when the company got into financial difficulty. In summary, God warns of the dangers of signing surety, one form of which is for a business owner to give a personal guarantee in regard to the company’s bank loans. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Financial Deceptions Read More Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Investing Read More

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

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

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 15, 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

One key to obtaining God’s peace in respect of finances is to understand and fulfill your responsibilities as a steward. Stewardship requires that we acknowledge that God owns everything and that we act accordingly. Back to Freedom from Financial Anxiety Our Responsibilities and God's Promises By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 One key to obtaining God’s peace in respect of finances is to understand and fulfill your responsibilities as a steward. Stewardship requires that we acknowledge that God owns everything and that we act accordingly. That is, we need to learn and implement God’s principles in managing the money that God has entrusted to us in accordance with his will and not our own will. (Please see my financial moment titled “Biblical Stewardship Is Temporary Management” for more information on stewardship.) Fulfilling stewardship responsibilities requires the following: 1. On a regular basis, spend quality time in prayer with God, asking God for his wisdom with respect to the money that he has entrusted to you. God has promised, “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” (James 1:5). 2. Study and meditate on God’s Word with regard to finances regularly. “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” (Josh. 1:8). With more than 2,000 references to money, the Bible offers plenty of wisdom from God on finances. 3. Demonstrate your faith in God by trusting God to provide for your needs and 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 will make your paths straight.” (Prov. 3: 5, 6) On the other hand, God’s responsibilities and promises include the following: 1. God has promised that he will meet our needs if we put him first: So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6: 31–33) Please note that God has promised to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants and desires. 2. God has promised to direct us—including our financial decisions—according to his will: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Ps. 32:8) In summary, as a steward, it is important to focus on God, his Word, and his will. If you fulfill your responsibilities, then, regardless of your financial circumstances, you can know for certain that God will fulfill his promises and you will have God’s peace in regard to your finances. 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). Previous Article Next Article More Topics Co-Signing/Surety Read More Investing Read More Priorities Read More

God had me take your Zoom class right on time. This was a big debt and because of what I learned in your classes concerning the Word of God I decided not to take any offers to pay less of my debt but instead I desired to pay it all. I could not have actually done so without God helping me each step each day each week each month. Back to Testimonials GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!!!!! Hello Tom . It is with a heart of praise and thanksgiving to God that I write you this night. I paid off a roughly $5000+ creditor account today!!!!!! GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!!!!! Truly the Lord has helped me so so so so so so much and has been merciful towards me. I began paying $500 biweekly since October 2021. God had me take your Zoom class right on time. This was a big debt and because of what I learned in your classes concerning the Word of God I decided not to take any offers to pay less of my debt but instead I desired to pay it all. I could not have actually done so without God helping me each step each day each week each month. I currently have several other loans that I am now going to begin paying off. PRAISE GOD, Tom! Your ministry has been a great blessing to me and your email responses helped me avoid taking another loan of about 40% interest just to pay off the other debt. …I need to thank you and those who labour with you in your ministry. NF Brampton ON, Canada Previous Next

I just wanted to tell you what a blessing you have been in my life. You have taught me to study scripture, always ensuring that my thoughts match scripture. As people, we are prone to seek an answer to match our opinion as opposed to finding out what scripture has to say first. Ever since taking Financial Management I have tried to make sure that I have scripture backing before I make an opinion on a matter. It has changed many relationships for the better. Thank you! Back to Testimonials You are a blessing I just wanted to tell you what a blessing you have been in my life. You have taught me to study scripture, always ensuring that my thoughts match scripture. As people, we are prone to seek an answer to match our opinion as opposed to finding out what scripture has to say first. Ever since taking Financial Management I have tried to make sure that I have scripture backing before I make an opinion on a matter. It has changed many relationships for the better. Thank you! L.S. ON, Canada Previous Next

1. God owns all the money. “‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:8). Back to Stewardship Principle God Owns Everything By: Tom Copland June 15, 2020 1. God owns all the money. “‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty” (Haggai 2:8). At the time this verse was written, silver and gold were used as a means of exchange (i.e., like money), so I believe a modern-day interpretation of this verse would be that God owns all the money. 2. God owns all the livestock. “Hear, O my people, and I will speak O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God. I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Psalm 50:7–10, emphasis added) At the time this verse was written, many people retained material wealth in their livestock, and this was frequently a measure of one’s material resources. 3. God created everything and therefore owns everything: “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” (Psalm 24:1, 2) 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 might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength. (1 Chronicles 29: 11, 12 TLB) For Christians, I think the most important thing is to acknowledge, in heart and in mind, that God owns everything. In order to do this practically, is important to learn and implement God’s principles as outlined in his Word and utilize the material resources that God has given us according to God’s will and not our own will. Previous Article Next Article More Topics The Joseph Principle Read More Debt Principles Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

Dear Tom, Just watched you again on Vision TV. As a Christian widow, I truly appreciated your insight and biblical wisdom. Thank you for your spiritual wisdom, prayers, and encouragement to store up treasures in heaven. People need to stay in the scriptures for their source of truth and I sense this in your ministry!! May the Lord bless you in your ministry. Back to Testimonials Thank you for your spiritual wisdom and prayers Dear Tom, Just watched you again on Vision TV. As a Christian widow, I truly appreciated your insight and biblical wisdom. Thank you for your spiritual wisdom, prayers, and encouragement to store up treasures in heaven. People need to stay in the scriptures for their source of truth and I sense this in your ministry!! May the Lord bless you in your ministry. J.E. St. Catherine's, ON, Canada Previous Next