This is the beginning of a series that focuses on debt. Personal financial debt.

I remember late July 2011 - many unanswered questions on what was going to happen to our US economy.  Many words on raising the debt ceiling...threats to shutdown the federal government... 

What do you think is the overall theme to us that is being expressed by the Christian biblical scriptures when it comes to money?

Do you think that it is expected that you give all your earnings to the poor?  

Focus on giving your money to the church so that you can go to heaven?  

Do you think that you should not desire nice things, live a humble life and fear the Lord?  

What about not being able to get into heaven as a rich man?

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I want to share with you that the Lord wants you to prosper!  

Despite what you’ve heard, what you’ve been told or what you’ve believed in the past, The Lord wants you to prosper!  Let’s reVerse…

Deuteronomy 5:33  “Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”

Deuteronomy 30:2, 9  “and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today…

Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors “

Proverbs 21:21 “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.”

Acts 13:17 “The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country;”

Notice a common necessary requirement?  In these and other scriptures that provide instructions or report on instances of prosperity, complete obedience to God’s will is noted as a main ingredient.

The Lord wants you to prosper!  “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom”  (Luke 12:32)  He lets us know that we are the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14).  How much of an influence would we be if we are poor and unable to help others?

Know that the Christian biblical scriptures are the truth.  Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right… think about such things!  (Phil 4:8)

Think back...did your parents, elders, teachers, coach or mentor want you to do well?  Does this introduce an opportunity for a new way of thinking for you?

Take the time...

As a takeaway from this subject, write down your honest answer to the following question:  "I've always thought that the overall "money" message to me from the bible said..."

See if you can find scripture references to validate this bible "money" message that you've always believed.

In early December, I read a short article on Marketwatch.com that stated that US household debt decreased for the 13th consecutive quarter. I read another story on that same day that stated that US household debt was almost equal to the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP)! In pulling together the single message that I got from reading both articles I reasoned that in the US, individuals like you and me collectively have a high amount of debt but we’ve been working since November 2008 to decrease this debt and actually pay some of it off.

While I don't know Michael Snyder personally, from reading some of his works, I'm finding that we can be deemed kindred spirits when it comes to our views on debt. Michael's recent post on http://endoftheamericandream.com/ entitled America's Addiction to Debt - 30 Facts About Debt in America That Will Blow Your Mind provides some unfavorable yet verifiable facts on consumer debt in America that are eye opening. If you curently are in debt or living debt free, I'd encourage you to be informed by this reading and be aware of what's happening to us, by us as a result of our own pen strokes.

Reign Makers

Business Women's Power Luncheon 

Guest Speaker - Carolyn Williams  

Friday, Nov 4th | 11:15 - 1:00 pm | Bent Tree Country Club

5201 Westgrove Drive  Dallas, TX  75248

Join us for a powerful time of networking, inspiration and impartation during our Business Women's Power Luncheon. Connect with other great women of God including business owners, executives, professionals, working mothers and homemakers who are Reign Makers! Glean great insights from guest speaker, Carolyn Williams as she shares wisdom and strategies on God's plan for wealth transfers and how we can prepare.

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You will also hear her incredible story of miraculous healing from a brain tumor and how God used this season in her life to teach her about Kingdom finances and the power of "giving" that transformed her and launched her into great financial success and tremendous business influence. As a top management executive for a global retailer, God is using her to train, equip and release others in financial and professional success. 

Don't miss this exciting time! Luncheon is $25. Visit covenantchurch.org for more information.  Register early to double your opportunity to win!

YOUR REGISTRATION GIVES YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!

Each attendee with their registration will receive the opportunity to win the newest light-weight Kindle with Wi Fi and the ultimate Bible Study Suite. Also, everyone who registers by October 31st will receive 2 entries for the Kindle giveaway!

Bring a friend and remember registration ends Wednesday, November 2nd.

I am convinced that our guiding principles for handling money and possessions are already established in God's word.  Some Wonder why this blog is named Money-Reverse?  Good question.  Let me explain...

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General categories of these guiding principles are as follows:

1. The Lord wants us to prosper
2. Recognizing God as the true owner of everything
3. Managing what is personally entrusted to us
4. Working to earn a living
5. Taking care of family
6. Avoiding debt
7. Giving to the building of God's kingdom
8. Giving to the poor
9. Being a generous giver
10. Paying what we owe...on time
11. Saving and investing
12. Preparing for your demise
13. Leaving a legacy

Scriptures support basic instructions on these topics.  These instructions are as valid for us today as they were for the early followers of Christ.  

I'd like to encourage all readers to join me in examining the bible verses that support these instructions.  I promise you that there have been no new verses inserted or appended to God's word to guide us in these days that could prove to be financially challenging.  The prefix re means "again" when you pair it with the root word that immediately follows.  Because it is likely that you've studied these scriptures before, I'd like for us to re-read these verses and look at them as if you're seeking God's instructions on managing money and possessions.  Let's call this a re-verse exercise with the goal of reversing all non-biblical, unfavorable individual and global financial conditions.

Are you in?  Let me know and stay tuned! 

Yesterday and today will prove to be eventful in our worldwide financial markets - and not in a good way.  CNBC had a special program on TV entitled "Markets in Turmoil".  At the close of yesterday's US stock market, the Dow was down 635 points, closing at 10,810, Nasdaq down 6.9% to close at 2,358 and the S&P down 80 points ending the day at 1,119.   Sentiments continued in the European and Middle Eastern markets.  Expecting more of the same with today's market opening at 8:30 central time.