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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

Discover Financial Management God's Way with our interactive videos. Learn biblical stewardship, budgeting, and investing God's way today! Financial Management God's Way Introduction Management of money on our relationship with God and God’s promises on our stewardship responsibilities. Financial Management God's Way Introduction 1 of 2 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Introduction 1 of 2 04:01 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Introduction 2 of 2 04:00 Play Video Introduction Financial Management God's Way Session 1 - 1 of 15 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Session 1 - 1 of 15 01:21 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Session 1 - 2 of 15 03:02 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Session 1- 3 of 15 02:08 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Session 1- 4 of 15 02:53 Play Video Session 1: Management of Money What are God’s “true riches” that are dependent upon one’s management of money? Session 1 Session 2: Christian Stewardships What is your understanding of Christian Stewardship or Biblical Stewardship? Financial Management God's Way Session 2 -1 of 15 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Session 2 -1 of 15 01:17 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Session 2 - 2 of 15 04:32 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Session 2 - 3 of 15 03:09 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management God's Way Session 2 - 4 of 15 04:33 Play Video Session 2 Financial Management Session 3 part 1 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Session 3 part 1 00:33 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 3 part 2 05:27 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 3 part 3 07:04 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 3 part 4 05:08 Play Video Session 3: Biblical Stewards Do you think there’s a difference between a secular perspective and a biblical perspective on managing money and material things? Session 3 Session 4: God's Perspective on Debt and the Importance of Saving Be careful, if you borrow money you may become a servant to the lender Financial Management Gods Way Session 4 - 1 of 3 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 4 - 1 of 3 20:46 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 4 - 2 of 3 07:07 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 4 - 3 of 3 11:31 Play Video Session 4 Financial Management Session 5 part 1 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Session 5 part 1 03:25 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 5 part 2 02:57 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 5 part 3 05:42 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 5 part 4 03:09 Play Video Session 5: Get Out of Debt Pray and ask God for His wisdom and His specific direction as to what you should do to become debt-free Session 5 Session 6: 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. Financial Management Session 6 part 1 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Session 6 part 1 03:02 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 6 part 2 04:33 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 6 part 3 01:57 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Session 6 part 4 01:30 Play Video Session 6 Financial Management Gods Way Session 7 - 1 of 12 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 7 - 1 of 12 06:59 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 7 - 2 of 12 02:51 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 7 - 3 of 12 01:55 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 7 - 4 of 12 05:51 Play Video Session 7: Obtaining Godly Counsel & Wisdom 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. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt. Session 7 Session 8: Giving Generously To learn to give generously to God’s work and experience the joy of giving Financial Management Gods Way Session 8 - 1 of 6 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 8 - 1 of 6 01:04 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 8 - 2 of 6 04:17 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 8 - 3 of 6 07:32 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 8 - 4 of 6 02:20 Play Video Session 8 Financial Management Gods Way Session 9 - 1 of 7 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 9 - 1 of 7 07:39 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 9 - 2 of 7 04:19 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 9 - 3 of 6 07:33 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 9 - 4 of 7 02:49 Play Video Session 9: Investing God's Way Invest money God’s way and God will meet your needs. Develop and implement a biblically-based investment strategy. Session 9 Session 10: Developing Godly Attitudes Toward Money Worldly Attitudes result in DEBT. Godly attitudes result in minimal debt or no debt. Financial Management Gods Way Session 10 - 1 of 12 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 10 - 1 of 12 01:47 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 10 - 2 of 12 04:43 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 10 - 3 of 12 03:57 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 10 - 4 of 12 05:30 Play Video Session 10 Financial Management Gods Way Session 11 - 1 of 12 Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 11 - 1 of 12 08:11 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 11 - 2 of 12; Smart People Use Other People’s Money 02:56 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 11 - 3 of 12 03:23 Play Video Now Playing Financial Management Gods Way Session 11 - 4 of 12 03:00 Play Video Session 11: Financial Deceptions Do you think living paycheck to paycheck is common? Jesus recommends that you save for future needs. Session 11

Your sincere honesty and sharing of true situations in your life, helped the rest of us to open up and share too. Back to Testimonials This brought healing knowledge and advice Hi Efrain [one of our small group leaders of the small groups series-Financial Management God's Way] Thank you so much for such a wonderful class. Your sincere honesty and sharing of true situations in your life, helped the rest of us to open up and share too. This brought healing knowledge and advice and help to all of us - from you and each other. I felt supported, cared for, and valued, as I trust others did too. BW North Vancouver Canada Previous Next

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. God's Financial Wisdom for churches and Church Leaders Session 1: God’s Wisdom on Debt & Saving Learn to Listen to God & Discerning God’s will. Sessions 1- God's wisdom on debt and saving for churches Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 1 Sessions 2 - God s wisdom on debt and saving for churches Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 2: Budgeting, Raising Funds Teaching Members God’s financial Wisdom and Questions before Borrowing Session 2 Sessions 3 God's wisdom on debt and saving for churches Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Session 3: Church Case Studies You've been faithful with a few things. I'll. I'll trust you, with you, with many things. Come and share your master's happiness. Session 2

Prayer and dependence upon God are required in order to develop a personalized and biblically-based investment strategy. It is well known that the past performance of investment provides no guarantee for its future performance. First, Pray and Depend on God for His Wisdom & Direction Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 Prayer and dependence upon God are required in order to develop a personalized and biblically-based investment strategy. It is well known that the past performance of investment provides no guarantee for its future performance. The best investment today depends on future events, and since no one can consistently predict the direction of any market, it is critical to acknowledge our dependence upon God for his wisdom and his direction in respect of investing. 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) Notwithstanding all the information available today, only about 15 percent of all professional money managers beat the relevant index (e.g., TSX 60 or S&P 500), and no one can consistently predict the future value of these indices. The same principle applies to real estate. For example, from 1985 until 1989, the value of Toronto real estate increased significantly. Many believed that it would never go down. However, from 1990 until 1995, the values dropped drastically anywhere from 25 percent to 70 percent. From a human perspective, this does not make sense, but God is not surprised. Proverbs 27:1 states, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” The good news is that our all-knowing God does know the future (Isaiah 46: 9,10), and he is willing to provide us with the wisdom that we need in investing 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.” God has provided us with numerous investment principles/guidelines in his Word, the Bible. Biblical diversification (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2) and minimal debt (Proverbs 22:7) are two examples. Please see my nine other Financial Moments regarding investing. In addition, I recommend Austin Pryor’s book Sound Mind Investing, available at soundmindinvesting.com. God will provide specific direction in respect of your investments. Psalms 32:8 states, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” About three or four times per year, in dependence upon God, I spend significant time in prayer seeking God’s direction to review and adjust my investment strategy. By meditating on God’s Word and listening to God’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:11), I find God’s will in respect of the investments he has entrusted to me. This brings God’s peace and good investment returns. I encourage you to do the same and document what you believe God is telling you. But take note that if it is in any way contrary to God’s principles, then you have not heard from the Lord. Never forget that God is in control, and all riches come from him. 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 honor come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind. (1 Chronicles 29:11, 12 TLB) In summary, it is critical to pray and depend on God for his wisdom and his direction in 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

Discover the perfect Accountant/Bookkeeping person needed for your finance needs. Ensure proper book keeping with our expert services today! 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

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

Discover engaging workshops about financial management with our Finance Tutor. Join our featured workshop to enhance your financial skills today! 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

Discover how God is Blessing! with cfm services. Explore financial management God's way through cfm services and support our growing ministry. 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

Discover the principles of Handling Money God's Way. Join our sessions on stewardship, debt, budgeting, and more to transform your finances today! 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

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.” Obtain Biblical Counsel Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 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.” God recommends that we obtain biblical counsel from a godly investment adviser and God’s Word. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prosper. (Psalm 1:1–3) I believe that the following are excellent sources of godly biblical counsel. 1. First, and foremost, spend quality time with the Lord in prayer and ask God to reveal his counsel to you through the Holy Spirit. “But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, ‘First seek the counsel of the LORD.’” (1 Kings 22:5) God has promised that he will provide his counsel and direction in all matters, including investing. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8) 2. Meditate on God’s Word to ensure that any proposed investment is within biblical guidelines. “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counsellors.” (Psalm 119:24) For example, use minimal debt, or ideally no debt, as God’s Word discourages the use of debt (Proverbs 22:7). The use of debt increases the risk and the volatility of your portfolio. 3. In addition, before making any major decision, seek the advice of two or three godly investment counsellors/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 investment principles (Psalm 111:10), has a close personal relationship with God (John 15), has the necessary practical investment knowledge (Proverbs 24:3, 4) and habitually puts the interests of clients first (Philippians 2:3, 4. I believe that one of your investment counsellors should be your spouse (Genesis 2:24), even if he or she has limited investment 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 investment. 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 that advice. Proverbs 14:15 states, “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” In summary, before making any major investment decision, I recommend that you seek counsel, from God and his Word, two or three godly investment advisers, and from your spouse. Proceed only after God has given you his peace and his wisdom in respect to that particular investment decision. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More

In my experience, I’ve seen too many cases where an individual has invested the majority of retirement funds in one company or in one sector. Diversification (1 of 2) Back to Investing By: Tom Copland October 19, 2021 In my experience, I’ve seen too many cases where an individual has invested the majority of retirement funds in one company or in one sector. For “a season” these investments may do well, but inevitably every company and sector falls on bad times. This results in significant losses because the portfolio was not diversified in a manner that was consistent with God’s Word. Because no human can consistently predict the direction of any market (see James 4:13–15), it is important to diversify your assets into different categories of investments that will likely react differently to any given market condition. The Bible recommends this type of diversification. “Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2) At the time this was written, “Cast your bread upon the waters” was a metaphorical expression used in the grain trade that illustrated the potential successful prospects of a business investment (per Dr. Charles Ryrie’s study bible). In short, it is biblical to take some risk within one’s portfolio, however, verse 2 recommends diversifying your investments into 7 or 8 categories, because you do not know what disaster may come upon any particular company or sector. In 1999, I met with a client who had invested most of his money in 25 technology stocks. I recommended biblical diversification of his portfolio. He believed he was diversified because he owned 25 different stocks. I explained to him that generally, all stocks in any particular sector will react the same under the same market conditions. He made no changes and as a result, during the bear market (2000-2004), his portfolio decreased 70% in value! Biblical diversification is obtained by allocating one’s assets into different types of investments that will probably react differently to any particular market condition. Here are some examples: 1. During inflationary times (e.g. the 1970s), natural resource equities, commodities and real return bonds increase in value, while medium and long-term bonds do very poorly. 2. In a period of deflation (e.g. 1991-1995), medium and long-term bonds generally increase in value, while natural resource equities, commodities and real return bonds usually do poorly. Further, diversify your assets among several sectors of the economy and to appropriate countries, as generally, this will reduce the risk and volatility of your total portfolio. Many investors try to “time the market”—that is, they buy when they believe that the market is headed higher and sell when they believe the market is going lower. God says (and history shows) that no human can consistently predict the future value of any investment (Prov 27:1). Therefore, unless God specifically directs you otherwise [John 10:3, 4, 27], there is a need for biblical diversification in one’s portfolio because, under normal market conditions, if one category of investment decreases in value, generally another category will likely be increasing, thus reducing the volatility of your total portfolio. Over the long run, a well-thought-out biblically based portfolio should provide reasonable returns. In summary, it is biblical to take on a reasonable amount of risk within one’s investment portfolio. However, God recommends diversification. This will reduce the risk and volatility of your portfolio. See my next Financial Moment for suggested asset allocations. Previous Article Next Article More Topics Freedom from Financial Anxiety Read More Priorities Read More Counsel & Wisdom Read More