Participants:
Series Code: SSP
Program Code: SSP230008S
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00:01 You may have heard this saying,
00:02 "If you fail to plan... you plan to fail. " 00:04 We don't want that to happen to you 00:05 so, join us today on Sabbath School Panel 00:08 where we will be studying: Planning for Success. 00:12 If you do not have your Adult Bible Study Guide: 00:15 Managing for the Master Till He Comes, 00:18 you can go to 3abnsabbathschoolpanel. com 00:22 and download a copy. 00:23 Get your Bibles and your pens and papers and join us today. 00:27 Music... 00:58 Hello, I'm Shelley Quinn 00:59 and we are so glad that you're joining us today 01:02 for 3ABN Sabbath School Panel 01:05 because we do this for you 01:07 and we have fun doing it don't we? 01:09 We enjoy studying the Word of God. 01:12 Today, we're on Lesson 8: Planning for Success 01:15 but let me introduce the Panel to you... 01:17 I have here Ryan Day. 01:20 Ryan: Amen, I've got Monday's Lesson 01:22 entitled: The Blessing of Work... Ideally. 01:25 Shelley: Amen, and John Dinzey. 01:29 Dinzey: Thank you, I... 01:31 it's a blessing for me as well to be here 01:34 and I have Tuesday: The Earning Years. 01:36 Shelley: Ah... it's good... 01:37 my sister in Christ... Jill Morikone. 01:40 Jill: Thank you, Shelley, on Wednesday: 01:42 Working With Integrity. 01:44 Shelley: Amen... and finally my Pastor: John Lomacang. 01:47 Lomacang: I'm way down here at the end. 01:49 I have: Seeking Godly Counsel... 01:52 a powerful lesson. 01:53 Shelley: That is... it's all... 01:55 what I love about this particular Quarter... 01:58 it's very practical... 02:00 it's... it's getting us right at that place 02:03 where we need counsel the most 02:05 and John Dinzey, would you please have our opening prayer? 02:09 Dinzey: Sure, let us pray together. 02:11 "Our loving Heavenly Father, 02:14 blessed be Your holy name. 02:16 Thank You, Lord for the privilege to be used by You. 02:19 We ask that You will bless us with Your Holy Spirit. 02:23 Let us not speak our words but Your words. 02:25 We pray Lord for a blessing upon each and every person 02:28 that would join us... wherever they may be in this world, 02:32 we pray that Your Word will not return unto You void... 02:35 that it will bring fruit 02:36 that will bring You honor and glory. 02:37 Thank You for 3ABN 02:39 and what You are doing every day through this ministry 02:42 of divine origin. 02:44 Thank You, heavenly Father, 02:45 we pray for these things 02:47 in the holy and blessed name of Jesus, amen. " 02:50 Panel: Amen. 02:51 Shelley: We always love... 02:53 we believe that the Holy Spirit is the Teacher... 02:56 we're just being a mouthpiece here. 02:58 If you have your Bible, 02:59 please open to Colossians 3:23 03:02 and we are going to read together our Memory Text, 03:08 Colossians 3:23 and 24, 03:11 it says, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, 03:15 as to the Lord, and not to men; 03:18 knowing that from the Lord you will receive 03:22 the reward of the inheritance... " 03:24 that's what He has stored up in heaven for us. 03:27 "For you serve the Lord Jesus Christ. " 03:30 Do you want to live a happy successful life? 03:35 You know, in our fallen world, 03:37 sometimes that's hard to achieve 03:39 but it depends upon what your definition of success is. 03:44 We can look at Joseph in Egypt 03:47 and he went from a pit to a prison 03:51 to a palace 03:52 and say... he was successful. 03:54 Or we can look at John the Baptist 03:57 who went from preaching and making the way 04:02 for Jesus Christ 04:05 to being imprisoned and then beheaded. 04:10 But yet, he was a success. 04:13 So, it depends on how we define success. 04:16 But this week what we're going to do 04:18 is look at the idea of success 04:21 in the context of basic stewardship 04:26 and financial principles. 04:28 So, what we're going to do is look at these practical steps 04:32 that won't guarantee success 04:35 but I do guarantee... if you follow them, 04:38 you're going to be better off than if you did not. 04:42 So, Sunday's Lesson is: First Things First. 04:46 Ecclesiastes 12:1, Solomon writes, 04:50 "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, 04:55 before the difficult days come, 04:58 and the years draw near, 05:00 when you say, 'I have no pleasure in them. '" 05:03 I talked to a lot of Seniors who say, 05:05 this whole idea of the golden years is a joke. 05:09 Sometimes, as you're growing older, 05:11 you're in pain... 05:12 you are going through difficult times, 05:14 and we need to remember to look to the Lord 05:18 when we're young. 05:20 As youth begin to mature, 05:22 they take on responsibilities 05:24 for basic necessities of life... food and clothing and shelter 05:28 and there are so many things 05:31 that can complete with our attention 05:34 and distract us from serving the Lord 05:38 so, we need to learn how to prioritize... 05:42 first things first. 05:44 Jesus tells us what to do in Matthew 6:33, 05:49 He says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, 05:54 and His righteousness; 05:57 and all these other things will be added unto you. " 06:01 When you enter into a covenant relationship with the Lord... 06:05 when you are seeking His righteousness 06:09 which He gives us by faith 06:10 but then, we also continue to develop... 06:13 it is something to see 06:16 how God provides for His children... 06:19 I'll tell you. 06:20 Isaiah says this... 06:23 I'm going to tell you, 06:25 I pursue righteousness. 06:28 That is something every morning I say, 06:31 "Create in me a clean heart... 06:33 cleanse me of all unrighteousness... 06:35 Oh Lord, cause me to hunger and thirst for Your righteousness. " 06:39 And people say, "But why?" 06:41 Here's one of my favorite promises about righteousness. 06:46 Isaiah 32:17 says, 06:49 "The work of righteousness will be peace. " 06:53 When you are in right standing with God, 06:58 and you're in right doing with God, 07:00 you can count on God's peace 07:03 and the effect of righteousness... 07:06 quietness and assurance forever. 07:09 You can count on God to satisfy your needs. 07:13 But I always like to show people 07:16 that being made righteous by faith doesn't mean 07:21 that we don't walk in obedience 07:24 because the goal of righteousness by faith 07:27 is that we become like Jesus. 07:30 Romans 6:16, 07:32 Paul says this, 07:33 "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves 07:37 slaves to obey, 07:39 you are that one's slaves whom you obey... " 07:43 we're all a slave to one power or the other. 07:46 He says, "Whether of sin 07:49 leading to death, 07:51 or of obedience 07:55 leading to righteousness?" 07:58 God expects His children 08:01 to walk in loyalty to Him 08:05 and in love that motivates obedience. 08:09 Jesus said in Matthew 7:21 to 23, 08:13 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' 08:16 shall enter the kingdom of heaven, 08:17 but he who does the will of My Father... " 08:24 So, what we're going to look at in this Lesson, 08:27 is the story of Jacob in Genesis 28. 08:31 So, let me set this up, 08:33 we know that Jacob's mother was told by God... 08:39 the younger would serve the older 08:42 of the two twins that were in her belly. 08:44 So, she devices this scheme and Jacob participated in it. 08:50 Jacob means Deceiver. 08:51 And she tricks her husband, Isaac, 08:56 into giving the clan blessing... 09:01 the firstborn-clan blessing 09:03 that actually, Esau had sold for a bowl of lentils 09:08 but she disguises her son, Jacob, 09:12 and Isaac gives the firstborn-clan blessing 09:16 to Jacob. 09:18 Well, what happened? 09:20 Esau felt like he'd been supplanted again 09:24 even though he had sold his birthright 09:26 for a bowl of soup 09:28 and he thought his father was near death 09:31 and he planned to kill him as soon as... 09:35 kill his brother Jacob 09:37 as soon as the days of mourning were over. 09:39 So, Rebecca says, "Go to my... my... 09:43 your uncle Laban's house 09:45 and stay there for a few days... 09:47 a few days ended up to be 20 years. 09:49 But, I did some research in the Bible... 09:52 this is going to fascinate you. 09:53 Did you know that he... Jacob 09:57 was close to 77 years old... 10:00 he was beyond middle-aged 10:03 because he lived another 70 years 10:06 but he was 77 years old when he fled for Laban's house. 10:10 Now, he was weary because he was running from... 10:13 he believes his brother is going to kill him. 10:16 He stops for the night... 10:18 he wasn't looking for God... but God was looking for him 10:22 and God appeared to him in a divine dream 10:25 and there was a ladder with angels 10:27 that went from earth to heaven... 10:30 heaven to earth 10:31 and there were angels going up and down 10:33 and God stood at the top of the ladder 10:36 and He said, "I am the Lord your God... 10:40 the God of Abraham your father 10:42 and the God of Isaac... " 10:43 and in Genesis 28:18 through 22, 10:48 what we see is... Jacob has had a spiritual wake-up call. 10:53 He has had... he has seen the Lord 10:57 in the form of the vision. 10:58 He recognizes... God as his provider 11:01 and he is ready to submit and commit to the Lord 11:06 and he promises right there in Genesis 28 11:10 that he is going to return a tenth 11:14 of all that he receives to the Lord 11:17 and you know what happened? 11:19 God became known not just as the God of Abraham and Isaac 11:24 but the God of Jacob as well. 11:27 So, it shows us that even when we're older, 11:31 maybe we haven't always made the right choice for Jesus, 11:35 but it's never too late to wake up 11:39 and to enter into... I... I say it's never too late 11:43 as long as you've got a breath, 11:45 you've got time but we never know... 11:47 none of us are promised tomorrow. 11:49 So, Jacob makes some important life choices 11:53 both spiritual and financial 11:56 and as part of his vow, 11:59 he says in Genesis 28:21, 12:02 "The LORD shall be my God. " 12:05 Now, it's interesting because our... 12:09 the author of our Adult Bible Study Guide 12:13 says, "What is important about the timing of this event?" 12:17 After Jacob made his spiritual commitment 12:21 and his financial commitment to God, 12:24 you know what happened? 12:25 He arrives at Uncle Laban's house 12:28 and he sees Rebecca at the well 12:31 and he falls in love 12:33 and let me read directly from what the Quarterly says. 12:38 "It is fitting to make your spiritual decision 12:42 and your life-work decision 12:45 before commitment to marriage. " 12:48 Your future spouse should know what they're getting into. 12:52 Hey, if you're getting ready to get married, 12:55 know what you're getting into. 12:57 Is this person a committed Christian? 12:59 What type of work will they be involved in? 13:02 What kind of life are you committing to? 13:06 And then he says... other questions that need answers 13:09 before marriage 13:10 are what level of education have they completed? 13:14 What amount of debt will come into the marriage? 13:17 And, am I willing to accept this situation 13:21 as part of my responsibility? 13:23 I want to tell you, 13:24 the second most important decision you ever make... 13:28 the first being accepting Christ as your Savior, 13:32 the second most important decision is who you marry. 13:36 So, enter into that commitment very prayerfully. 13:40 Ryan: Hmmm... amen... thank you so much, Shelley 13:43 for that great foundation. 13:45 An introduction... my name is Ryan Day 13:47 and I have Monday's Lesson entitled: The Blessing of Work 13:51 and I found it interesting because in parenthesis, 13:53 Brother Reid put "Ideally". 13:56 Panel: Laughter. 13:58 Ryan: That's the idea, right? 13:59 Idea is that work is for sure a blessing 14:02 if we will allow it to be. 14:03 I'm going to actually... 14:05 the way I approach this lesson 14:06 even though there was some incredible things brought out. 14:08 As I begin to really develop this lesson 14:10 and really study it through 14:12 you know, I basically broke it up into a list. 14:15 I have... I have eight truths about work. 14:19 We know that it is a blessing... 14:22 we're going to see it, 14:23 the Bible brings out many different ways, 14:24 of course, it's not limited to just these eight. 14:27 But just to share a few of these things with you 14:29 as we go through. 14:30 Work... Number 1: 14:32 Work is meant to be a blessing even before sin. 14:35 Did you know that Genesis chapter 2 verse 15, 14:38 that perfect world that God had created for Adam and Eve 14:41 in placing them into the garden of paradise, 14:43 He told them... it says here in verse 15 of Genesis 2, 14:46 "Then the LORD God took the man 14:47 and put him in the garden of Eden 14:49 to tend and keep it. " 14:50 So, it was meant to be a blessing 14:52 even before sin... 14:53 a lot of people think work is... 14:55 is the result of sin... 14:56 no... God meant for it to be a blessing even before that. 14:58 Even in "Our High Calling" page 223, 15:01 the lesson brings out this... I'm quoting: Our High Calling, 15:04 page 223, 15:05 it says, "And to Adam was given the work of caring 15:07 for the garden. 15:09 The Creator knew that Adam could not be happy 15:11 without employment. 15:12 The beauty of the garden delighted him 15:14 but this was not enough. 15:16 He must have labor to call into exercise 15:19 the wonderful organs of the body. 15:20 Had happiness consisted in doing nothing, 15:23 man in his state of... of... of holy innocence 15:27 would have been left unemployed. 15:28 But He who created man 15:30 knew that what would be for his happiness 15:33 and no sooner had he created him 15:35 than He had given him an appointed work... 15:38 a promise of future glory and the decree that man must 15:41 toil for his daily bread came from the same throne. " 15:45 So, again, even before sin, 15:46 work was meant to be a blessing. 15:48 Number 2... point Number 2: 15:50 Work teaches us to give our best 15:52 and be disciplined to do things the right way. 15:55 Ecclesiastes chapter 9 verse 10 says, 15:58 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; 16:02 for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom 16:05 in the grave where you are going. " 16:06 You know this Scripture as well as many others 16:09 teach us that God not only wants us to be blessed 16:12 with the idea and the very reality of work 16:14 but that it teaches us... 16:15 it helps to discipline us in... 16:17 in doing things the right way, 16:19 there's nothing more irritating 16:20 than having to work with someone who does something, you know, 16:23 half-heartedly or give them a job and they do it half way. 16:26 When my dad sent me out as a young man 16:28 to start mowing the lawn at 9 years old, 16:31 I started at 9 years old 16:32 and I remember, he wasn't about to have a half-mowed lawn, 16:35 he said, "You're going to go out and do it the right way. 16:37 You're going to weed it... 16:38 you're going to pull the weeds... " 16:40 and he taught us how to do all of that 16:41 and so, no stranger to hard work in good.. good labor. 16:44 Point Number 3: 16:45 It's God's plan for us to work for our resources 16:48 and needs. 16:50 And so, the Bible says in 2nd Thessalonians chapter 3 16:52 verses 8 to 10, 16:54 it says, "For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, 16:57 for we were not disorderly among you; 16:59 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, 17:02 but worked with labor and toil night and day, 17:05 that we might not be a burden to any of you, 17:09 not because we do not have authority, 17:11 but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. 17:15 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: 17:18 If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. " 17:22 We live in a world today where people... you know, this... 17:24 this modern culture and this modern time 17:27 where people have the idea that you know what? 17:29 Just... just to receive free handouts 17:31 and I'm not saying that's everyone 17:33 but there's certainly a mentality out there 17:34 that they're entitled to just receive things. 17:36 I saw an episode... and I wouldn't watch the whole episode 17:39 but I saw a clip that somebody had shared 17:41 on Social Media recently 17:42 of a young girl who appeared on Dr. Phil Show 17:44 and her mother had just showered her with Credit Cards 17:47 and she had maxed them all out 17:49 and she just wants to go shopping 17:50 and she wants free handouts 17:52 but then the mother... 17:53 Dr. Phil encouraged and brought the mother 17:54 to make the decision... 17:56 "Do you know what? 17:57 Make your... your 16-17-year old daughter 17:59 go out and get a job. " 18:00 And the girl just wept and cried 18:01 because she had no idea to work... 18:03 to actually go out and earn something for herself 18:06 and it was just sad to watch the state 18:08 of this young girl's mind. 18:09 Ephesians chapter 4 verse 28... it says, 18:11 "Let him who stole steal no longer, 18:13 but rather let him labor, 18:15 working with his hands what is good, 18:17 that he may have something to give him who has need. " 18:20 Point Number 4: 18:22 Work teaches us a sense of accomplishment. 18:24 It helps establish healthy goals 18:26 and a healthy mindset. 18:27 Oh, I love this... every time I read it I... 18:29 it just... just me read it, 18:31 Proverbs chapter 12 verse 11, 18:33 I'm going to read New King James Version, 18:34 it says, "He who tills the land, 18:36 will be satisfied with bread, 18:38 but he who follows frivolity 18:40 is devoid of understanding. " 18:42 But then, I read NIV and it says, 18:44 same... same text... 18:46 Proverbs 12:11, 18:47 "Those who work with their land will have abundant food, 18:50 but those who chase fantasies, have no sense. " 18:55 I mean, that's just the way it is. 18:56 If you chase fantasies, you have no sense. 18:59 How many people have some sense here today? 19:01 Let's... let's act like we have some sense. 19:02 The Lord has given us some clear... 19:04 clear counsel on this issue, 19:06 Proverbs 12:24 even says, 19:07 "The hand of the diligent will rule, 19:09 but the lazy man will be put to forced labor. " 19:12 All of these principles are made clear in the Word of God. 19:14 Point Number 5: 19:15 Work helps to prevent poverty. 19:17 Proverbs 14 verse 23, 19:19 "In all labor there is profit, 19:21 but idle chatter leads only to poverty. " 19:24 You know, we know not always... 19:26 we understand poverty sometimes comes in the form of misfortunes 19:29 and other things 19:30 but for the... for the... 19:32 for the sake of this particular lesson, 19:33 yes, talking about work... 19:35 if you choose not to work, it could lead to poverty. 19:37 Proverbs 6 verse 10 and 11, 19:39 "A little sleep, a little slumber, 19:40 a little folding of the hands to sleep... 19:43 so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, 19:46 and your need like an armed man. " 19:49 And so, again, God wants us to work... 19:52 it's His plan that we are to labor for those things 19:54 and... and... and to bring about a healthy situation 19:57 in our life. 19:59 Point Number 6: 20:00 Work helps us stay out of trouble. 20:02 Now, when I... when I... when I... 20:04 when I... when I thought of this one, 20:06 immediately there was a story that came to my mind. 20:08 I'm going to read it... 20:09 then we're going to talk about it just for a moment, 20:11 2nd Samuel 11 verses 1 and 2, 20:12 We know this chapter to say, 20:14 "It happened in the spring of the year, 20:16 at the time when kings go out to battle, 20:19 that David sent Joab and his servants with him, 20:21 and all of Israel; 20:22 and they destroyed the people of Ammon 20:24 and besieged Rabbah. 20:25 But David remained in Jerusalem. 20:28 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed 20:30 and walked on the roof of the king's house. 20:33 And from the roof, he saw a woman bathing, 20:35 and the woman was very beautiful to behold. " 20:37 You know the rest of that story. 20:39 David stayed home from work, 20:41 he didn't go to work when he should have been at work 20:43 and should have been attending 20:44 to what he should have been doing as the Leader of Israel, 20:47 setting the example, 20:48 he stayed home from work and it got him in trouble. 20:51 So, be careful not to stay home from work 20:52 when you ought to be at work 20:54 doing those things that the Lord even counsels us 20:56 that we should be doing. 20:58 Point Number 7: 20:59 We have a responsibility to work 21:01 and provide for those who cannot provide for themselves. 21:04 This is a big one. 21:06 1st Timothy chapter 5 verse 8, 21:07 notice what the Bible says, 21:09 it says, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, 21:11 and especially for those of his household, 21:14 he has denied the faith 21:16 and is worse than an unbeliever... " my Friends, 21:20 I mean that's a... that's a strong one 21:22 and we live... unfortunately, we live in a society 21:26 where it is the case that many men and women are neglecting 21:31 the needs of those within their control. 21:33 Maybe it's their children... 21:35 maybe it's their family... their wife... their mother... 21:36 their father who cannot provide for themselves. 21:39 I mean, we even live in a culture 21:40 and I'm certainly not kicking this down 21:42 because I recognize that in certain situations 21:44 you know, you cannot avoid 21:46 certain cases in which your own family members need to go 21:49 in Special-Care Homes or what not 21:51 but, you know, we certainly live in a society 21:52 and even this was condemned in Scripture 21:54 that people just forget about their loved ones, 21:56 they say, "Ah, I'm just going to live for me... 21:57 I'm going to do my thing... 21:59 Mom and Daddy, get out of my life... " 22:01 and then... it's... it's just a sad thing 22:03 that that is a reality in the world that we live in 22:05 where people live more for themselves 22:07 than to live up to the responsibility 22:08 that God has called them to do 22:10 and that is... work is not just a blessing, 22:12 it's a blessing not just for you and for your personal gain, 22:15 but also for the... for the sustaining of others... 22:18 and the helping of others 22:20 especially those within your control... 22:21 within your home... your household... 22:23 in your family... 22:25 so, remember that... 1st Timothy 5 verse 8. 22:27 Of course, the last one here I had to add 22:29 just came to my mind... I'm excited about it, you know, 22:32 a lot of times we think, 22:34 you know, I've heard people say, "Oh, I'm getting tired of work 22:36 and tired of labor... 22:37 I'm ready for Jesus to come back and deliver me 22:39 from all this hard, hard, hard labor and this life. " 22:41 Well, you know what? 22:43 Work is still a blessing even in the new earth to come 22:46 because in Isaiah chapter 65 verses 21 to 23, 22:49 it says, "They shall build... " 22:51 this is in the new earth, right? 22:53 This is when we have a city home 22:54 and the Bible says we're going to have country homes, 22:56 we're going to work on these properties, 22:58 we're going to... we're going to build them... 22:59 we're going to care for them 23:01 and it's going to be a blessing. 23:02 Isaiah 65 verses 21 to 23, 23:04 "They shall build houses and inhabit them; 23:06 they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 23:09 They shall not build and another inhabit; 23:11 they shall not plant and another eat; 23:13 for as the days of a tree, 23:15 so shall be the days of My people, 23:17 and My elect... " notice, 23:19 "My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23:24 And they shall not labor in vain. " 23:27 When we... when we get to the new heaven and earth, 23:29 we'll never get tired... 23:30 we'll look at work as a blessing. 23:32 Not a single soul is going to complain 23:34 about labor or work when they get to the new earth. 23:36 It's going to be a blessing, 23:38 we're going to co-exist together... 23:39 we'll have a country home... a beautiful property, 23:42 a beautiful home 23:44 and a venue that we're going to tend and work 23:46 each and every day with a smile on our face 23:48 and so, work is for sure. 23:50 Ideally, a blessing according to Scripture. 23:53 Panel: Amen and amen. 23:54 Shelley: Amen and I just want to say... 23:56 Parents, your responsibility is to teach your children 23:59 to have a love relationship with the Lord 24:02 but the second-most important thing 24:04 is to instill a good work ethic in your child 24:07 and if you're getting ready to get married, 24:10 it's more important to me... 24:11 they've got a good work ethic than a Master's degree. 24:14 Okay, we're going to show you how you can share a link 24:18 and save a life for eternity. 24:20 Music... 24:27 Ever wish you could watch a 3ABN Sabbath School Panel again 24:30 or share it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter? 24:33 Well, you can by visiting 3abnsabbathschoolpanel. com 24:38 A clean design makes it easy 24:41 to find the Program you're looking for. 24:43 There are also links to the Adult Bible Study Guide 24:47 so you can follow along. 24:48 Sharing is easy. 24:50 Just click "Share" and choose your favorite Social Media. 24:53 Share a link... 24:54 Save a life for Eternity. 24:56 Shelley: And now we continue with Tuesday's Lesson 25:00 and Pastor John Dinzey. 25:01 Dinzey: Thank you, the blessing of Tuesday's Lesson is... 25:06 the title: The Earning Years. 25:08 And this takes us into what the family... 25:11 what their responsibility is... family unity 25:14 and the importance of work as well. 25:17 And according to the Lesson's ah... 25:20 we are supposed to understand... 25:23 teach the children that work is important 25:25 and it says here that the average individual 25:28 works about 40 years 25:29 and it says, "During the earning years, 25:33 this can be a very intense time financially. 25:36 It is a very sensitive time 25:38 because the family is learning to work together, 25:42 and its members are creating lifelong bonds. 25:45 Financial stress can wreck the marriage at this point, 25:48 and frequently does. " 25:50 And this is true. 25:51 You look at the statistics 25:53 and one of the top reasons why there is divorce 25:58 is because of financial difficulties. 26:01 So, it is important to learn to handle finances. 26:04 And that's why this... this whole Quarterly is 26:08 important for the Christian families. 26:11 And really, it is important for us to learn how to handle money. 26:15 We talked about putting the Credit Cards in the Freezer 26:18 and not getting them out 26:21 and so, let's go right to 1st Timothy chapter 5 verse 8, 26:26 notice this Scripture, 26:28 "But if anyone does not provide for his own, 26:31 and especially for those of his household, 26:34 he has denied the faith 26:36 and is worse than an unbeliever. " 26:39 And the King James Versions says, "an infidel. " 26:43 So, we see that the Bible really brings the importance of work 26:48 to a very high level. 26:50 So, we have to also understand that there are individuals, 26:55 there are families that have some difficulty... 26:57 maybe there's a family member that has a... 27:00 let us say, a life-long illness 27:02 and so, the family has to adjust. 27:05 At some time it could be that the father 27:08 which normally is the... what they call 27:11 "the breadwinner of the household. " 27:12 A disease comes or... has a heart attack 27:16 or a stroke 27:17 and now the family has to adjust. 27:18 Perhaps the wife that did not work 27:20 now has to work 27:21 and it creates a difficulty in the family. 27:24 So, we understand that there are some individuals 27:26 that cannot work 27:27 but those that can work and refuse to work... 27:30 this is why you have this Scripture 27:31 and if you don't provide for your own, 27:33 especially for those in your household, 27:35 you have denied the faith. 27:37 So, according to this, 27:38 it is part of the Christian faith 27:41 to be a worker 27:43 to provide for yourself and your family. 27:46 In Proverbs chapter 14 verse 23, 27:48 we have the following words, 27:50 "In all labor there is profit, 27:52 but idle chatter leads only to poverty. " 27:55 A very important point to understand 27:58 in order for us to have the things we need in our homes, 28:03 the food on our table, 28:04 electricity, water, 28:05 and the things that are necessary for life, 28:07 somebody has to work. 28:08 I have met some people 28:10 that... there are some societies like the United States, 28:14 that because somebody has some type of incapacity, 28:18 they have something called Welfare, 28:20 but there are people that try to find loopholes 28:23 and they say, "Oh, Man! I can... 28:25 I can live without work... 28:26 I just have to claim that I have some kind of incapacity. " 28:29 And so, unfortunately, there are those types of people. 28:33 So, the Bible says what we have just read. 28:35 You deny the faith if you refuse to work when you can. 28:40 Colossians chapter 3 verse 23 tells us how we should work 28:44 and I'll also read verse 24, 28:47 "And whatever you do, do it heartily... " 28:50 how? 28:51 as "to the Lord and not to men, 28:53 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward 28:57 of the inheritance; 28:58 for you serve the Lord Christ. " 29:00 Wherever you work... whatever your job is, 29:02 we should consider that we're working for the Lord... 29:06 not only that... 29:07 we are representing Jesus Christ 29:09 especially if you work in a place 29:12 where it's not a Christian company... 29:14 it's not a Christian environment... 29:16 you are representing the Lord 29:18 and people should look upon you as somebody that is dedicated... 29:23 somebody that does... is not a slacker. 29:26 Sometimes... sometimes the word "slacker" is used 29:28 and Christians should be the best example 29:30 and have the best reputation of doing a job well. 29:33 Not somebody that is looked upon as, 29:36 "Okay, he's gonna... he's not going to do the job right, 29:40 he's going to take his time 29:42 and also not somebody that you can count on. " 29:46 Here in the Lesson, 29:49 we have this thought that I like to read to you, 29:52 it says, "The Children who are brought into the world 29:55 during this segment of life... " 29:56 that's the earning years... 29:58 "are called a heritage from the LORD." Psalm 127 verse 3. 30:02 "We must remember that that children bring 30:05 with them an awesome responsibility. " 30:07 And while we have to work, 30:10 we have to balance these things 30:11 because society... 30:14 you know you have that thing that's still around: 30:17 Keeping up with the Joneses... 30:19 "Oh, they have a car... we'd better get a car 30:22 because the Joneses have a car 30:23 and whatever they get, we have to get. " 30:25 We have to be careful with those things 30:27 and use money wisely. 30:30 And I want to bring some points out 30:32 that are brought out in the Lesson 30:34 which are very important... they... they did a good job. 30:36 Keeping this in mind... 30:39 in the last part of Hebrews chapter 2 verse 13 30:42 because we're talking about bringing up children as well. 30:44 "And again: 'I will put My trust in Him. ' 30:47 And again: 'Behold, 30:48 I and the children which God hath given Me. '" 30:52 So, if God has given you children, 30:55 you have the awesome responsibility... 30:57 the great responsibility 30:59 to show them the way of the Lord. 31:00 To let them know that there is a God in heaven. 31:03 He created us and there's a plan of salvation. 31:07 It's a great responsibility 31:10 and we have to set an example. 31:11 Children see us just being lazy 31:15 when there are things to do in the home 31:17 that are necessary 31:20 but the... the thing they see from day to day, 31:24 week to week is that, 31:25 "Okay, Honey, when are you going to take the garbage out?" 31:28 Because according to most families, 31:30 the husband is supposed to take the garbage out. 31:32 "When are you going to take the garbage out?" 31:34 And if you see this thing kind of taking place... 31:36 the children are learning... they are sponges 31:39 and I've learned a lot from our Samuel and Caleb, 31:41 it's very interesting 31:43 and one of these things that we're going to share is 31:45 as we go along... 31:46 here it says in... Number 1... 31:49 there are three points brought out in the Lesson: 31:50 Provide a Christian Home Environment. 31:53 This would include regular and interesting family worship. 31:56 Regular Sabbath School and Church Attendance, 31:59 and faithfulness in tithes and offerings. 32:02 Children need to learn to see you faithful 32:05 in tithes and offerings. 32:06 It's not that you just prepare it and drop it in the envelope 32:10 because kids are watching you 32:11 and they want to drop it in the envelope. 32:13 Tell them why you are preparing your tithe envelope. 32:17 Why you are preparing offering 32:20 and let them know that they too from what they receive 32:24 because children receive gifts, 32:26 they too can set aside offerings 32:28 and of their increase, 32:30 we taught our children that whenever they receive something, 32:34 they should save a tithe to give it to... 32:37 to return it to the Lord. 32:38 And this is an interesting quote from Adventist Home, page 32, 32:43 "The greatest evidence of the power of Christianity, 32:48 that can be presented to the world 32:51 is a well-ordered, well-disciplined family. 32:54 This will recommend the truth as nothing else can 32:58 for it is a living witness 33:00 of its practical power upon the heart. " 33:04 So, provide a Christian environment for the home. 33:08 This is something that children need 33:09 and teach them. 33:11 As it says in Proverbs 9:10-11, 33:13 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, 33:17 and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding. 33:20 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, 33:23 and the years of thy life shall be increased. " 33:26 Let's go to Point Number 2: 33:28 Teach them a willingness to work 33:30 and an appreciation for it. 33:32 Children will discover that diligence and integrity at work 33:35 are always noticed, appreciated and rewarded. 33:38 So, it was very interesting teaching our children to work. 33:42 You know, we... one of the things I would tell the kids... 33:45 "It's good to work... 33:47 but it's better to work smart 33:49 so, you know, if you're doing a job around, 33:51 if there's a better way to do it, 33:53 try... it's not... don't just be a robot, 33:55 try to figure out a better way to do it. " 33:57 I also told them 33:58 because sometimes, you know, "Do this... " 34:00 and I found them... they started playing 34:03 and I said, "Hey, wait a minute, 34:05 do what you're supposed to do 34:08 and when you're done, 34:09 you can do what you like to do. " 34:11 And so, these are very simple things 34:12 to bring to children's attention so that they can understand 34:15 there's a time to work... 34:16 there's also a time that you can play. 34:18 In Proverbs chapter 6 verse 6 and onward, it says, 34:24 "Go to the ant, you sluggard! 34:26 consider her ways and be wise, 34:28 which have no captain, Overseer, or ruler, 34:30 provides her supplies in the summer, 34:32 and gathers her food in the harvest. 34:34 How long will you slumber, O sluggard? 34:37 When will you rise from your sleep? 34:39 A little sleep, a little slumber, 34:41 a little folding of the hands to sleep... 34:43 so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, 34:46 and your need like an armed man. " 34:49 So, the Bible stresses the importance of work. 34:53 And, of course, it says here, 34:55 Number 3: Help with a good education. 34:58 Children need to be educated. 35:00 They need to understand that they have to study 35:03 to learn some type of career 35:05 that will be a... a benefit to them... 35:07 a blessing to them 35:09 and their families if they choose to have families. 35:12 So, time is gone and so, consider these things. 35:15 Jill: Amen, thank you so much Pastor Johnny. 35:19 We know Samuel and Caleb well 35:21 and you and Idalia did a great job with your sons. 35:23 I'm Jill Morikone, I have Wednesday's Lesson: 35:26 Working With Integrity. 35:29 Now, I've renamed it: Living a Life of Integrity 35:33 because, you know, Integrity counts in your workplace 35:35 absolutely 35:37 but it also matters in your home. 35:38 Integrity matters at the school. 35:40 Integrity matters in the church and in the community. 35:45 So, first, we'll just look at: What is integrity? 35:47 And then we have five Biblical keys 35:50 to living a life of integrity. 35:53 But what is integrity? 35:55 The dictionary says... it's the quality of being honest 35:58 and having strong moral principles. 36:02 Another site says, "Integrity implies trustworthiness 36:06 and incorruptibility 36:09 to a degree that one is incapable 36:12 of being false to a trust, responsibility or a pledge. " 36:17 This is Jill's definition of integrity. 36:20 A person with integrity is a person who is honest. 36:23 They always tell the truth. 36:25 Incapable of being deceptive or dishonest. 36:29 A person of integrity is a person who is trustworthy. 36:33 They're reliable. 36:34 They accomplish what they say they will do. 36:36 They meet you at the time they say they will 36:39 or they let you know if they can't make it at that time. 36:41 I remember we had an employee... this was several years ago 36:44 that... she possessed reliability and trustworthiness. 36:49 She possessed integrity. 36:50 If she would take a paper clip by accident from 3ABN 36:53 and she would get home 36:55 and discover that the paper clip was at home, 36:57 you know what she did? 36:58 She got in her car... she drove back to 3ABN 37:01 and she would return the paper clip after hours. 37:05 Now, if it was me... 37:06 sometimes, I'd bring a pen home by accident... 37:08 I'd just say, "I'd bring it in the morning. " 37:09 You know, I'll return it in the morning 37:12 but she would get in her car that night... 37:14 that is a person who is trustworthy. 37:16 A person who is trustworthy 37:17 keeps your information in confidence... 37:20 does not spill secrets... 37:22 a person who is loyal... has your back... 37:24 does not discuss you with others... 37:26 never cheats. 37:28 A person with integrity is a person with morality. 37:32 They take the highest road. 37:34 They don't lie... they don't cheat... 37:35 true to their word... 37:36 they avoid even the appearance of fraud, 37:39 deception or immorality. 37:42 A person of integrity is a person who is accountable 37:46 to God and to other people... 37:49 who accepts responsibility for their own actions 37:52 and does not, Shelley, as Molly used to say, 37:55 blame, shift and justify their actions. 37:58 A person with integrity is a person who is ethical... 38:01 who chooses to do the right thing 38:04 regardless of the consequences. 38:07 Now, I don't know about you but when I hear that list, 38:09 wow! that's a high list. 38:12 How are we even supposed to live lives of integrity? 38:16 The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, 38:19 who can know it? 38:20 We can think, "Oh yes, I live in integrity... " 38:22 and then the next moment, you realize, 38:24 "I didn't even know what was in my heart. " 38:26 So, how do we live lives of integrity 38:30 as men and women of God? 38:32 Here are five keys to help you on that journey. 38:34 Number 1: Choose God and His Law. 38:38 We're going to Jeremiah 31. 38:40 Jeremiah 31 verse 33, 38:43 "Choose God and His law... " 38:46 this key is foundational 38:48 to developing a life of integrity. 38:51 "But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel; 38:54 after those days, says the LORD, 38:56 I will put my law in their minds, 38:58 and write it on their hearts; 39:00 and I will be their God, 39:01 and they shall be my people. " 39:04 You cannot be a person of integrity without God. 39:08 You know, Pastor John, people say, "Oh, I'm a good person, 39:10 I can live a moral life... 39:12 I can live an upstanding life. " 39:14 The truth is, you cannot be a person of integrity without God. 39:19 The principles of integrity are Biblical principles. 39:23 So, the first key... if you want to live a life of integrity, 39:25 is just choose God. 39:27 Say, "God, I'm choosing to give You my life 39:30 and will You write Your law in my heart. " 39:33 Key Number 2: 39:34 You have to make a choice to walk in integrity. 39:39 Proverbs 22 verse 1, 39:41 "A good name is to be chosen 39:44 rather than great riches. " 39:47 You have to make a choice. 39:49 I want to walk in integrity. 39:52 "Loving favor rather than silver or gold. " 39:55 You know, integrity... it doesn't just happen by accident. 39:58 You just don't roll out of bed and say, "Oh yeah, 40:00 I'm a person of integrity. " 40:02 It is a choice to take the high road 40:05 and to take the difficult road sometimes. 40:09 There's a quote I like... 40:10 this has to do with integrity in business. 40:12 Integrity alone will not make you a great business leader. 40:15 But if you act without integrity, 40:17 you will eventually erode your opportunity 40:21 to influence other people. 40:23 There are three forms of integrity 40:26 I would submit to you. 40:27 We have internal integrity. 40:29 That's doing the right thing 40:30 even when nobody else is looking. 40:32 I'm going to do the right thing. 40:35 We also have external integrity. 40:37 That's doing what you promised to other people. 40:40 This is external integrity. 40:42 But we also have... and we don't often consider this, 40:45 the image of integrity. 40:47 What does that mean? 40:49 How do you even protect the image of integrity? 40:54 Here's an example, 40:55 say you have a business Corporate Card, 40:58 and you charge something personal on that card 41:00 and then you say, "It won't matter, 41:02 I can repay it later... " 41:04 and you repay it later. 41:05 There was nothing morally wrong with that 41:07 because it's paid... nothing ethically wrong with it 41:09 but if someone sees you make that charge... 41:12 this is the "image of integrity... " 41:14 if someone knows 41:15 and doesn't know that it was actually paid back, 41:17 that that could be tarnish 41:20 on that image of integrity. 41:23 If you say... you'll do something 41:25 to do it. 41:27 Live a life in private that possesses just as much integrity 41:32 as the life in public. 41:35 Key Number 3 to living a life of integrity: 41:40 Choose Biblical principles 41:42 and God's law over your personal feelings and preference. 41:47 You know, so many times... 41:49 I'm a feeling-based person 41:51 and so, that's how I tend to operate 41:53 but that's not how God's Word says it. 41:56 We need to choose to operate by principle 41:59 not by how we feel at that moment. 42:03 You know, I think about the story of Joseph. 42:06 You know, Genesis 39... 42:08 he was in Potiphar's house... he was a slave 42:10 and what does the Bible say in verse 6? 42:12 Potiphar... Genesis 39:6, 42:15 Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph's hand. 42:18 Why? 42:19 Joseph was a person of integrity. 42:20 He did not know what he had 42:22 except for the bread which he ate. 42:24 Potiphar... he trusted Joseph 42:26 and yet in verse 9... if you follow the story, 42:30 you see that Potiphar's wife attempted to seduce Joseph 42:33 and... well how does he respond? 42:35 He says, "There is no one greater in this house than I; 42:38 nor has he kept back any thing from me but you, 42:42 because you are his wife: 42:43 how then can I do this great wickedness, 42:47 and sin against God?" 42:49 You see, we see that Joseph chose the approbation of God 42:53 over the approval of men. 42:56 Joseph chose principle over preference. 42:58 He chose decision over desire. 43:01 He chose faith over feeling. 43:05 Integrity might not always be easy 43:07 but it is always worth it. 43:09 When we make the choice to choose principle 43:13 and the principles of God's Word 43:15 over how we feel 43:16 or our personal preference. 43:18 Key Number 4 to living a life of integrity: 43:22 Choose to live with eternity in view. 43:26 1st Corinthians 10 verse 31... 43:29 1st Corinthians 10 verse 31, 43:31 "Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, 43:35 do all to the glory of God. " 43:39 Everything should be filtered 43:41 through the lens of God 43:43 and what is pleasing to God. 43:45 Not what I want to do... 43:47 not what I feel like doing 43:49 but what is pleasing to God? 43:51 We should make decisions in light of eternity. 43:55 Integrity... it focuses on the end goal 43:57 not the here and now. 43:59 We can say... Pastor John, 44:01 integrity practices delayed gratification 44:04 in some of those things. 44:05 Finally, Key Number 5... 44:07 Last key... 44:08 Choose to trust everything with God. 44:12 A person of integrity will trust the results with God. 44:15 It's not our job to try to gain favor, 44:18 it's not our job to try to get a promotion 44:21 or any of that. 44:22 We leave the results with God. 44:25 We trust Him. 44:27 We choose to praise and exalt His name. 44:30 Proverbs 21 verse 1, 44:32 I love this verse because it says that 44:35 truly we can trust God with everything. 44:38 "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD. 44:41 Like the rivers of water; 44:43 and He turns it wherever He wishes. " 44:46 What does that tell us? 44:48 That says that God's in charge of everything. 44:49 We think we have to worry about stuff... 44:51 we think we have to be concerned? 44:53 No, God sees the government... 44:56 God sees the kings and rulers... 44:59 God sees the church... 45:00 God sees Organizations. 45:02 We can trust all that with Him. 45:05 So, I just want to challenge you if right now, 45:08 you're not living a life of integrity, 45:11 you can make a choice, 45:12 a choice for God and His Word. 45:15 You can seek to practice the principles of integrity 45:19 and watch as God can change your life for the better. 45:23 Lomacang: Wow! Thank you, Jill, 45:25 wonderful... wonderful... praise the Lord. 45:27 Wonderfully said and wonderfully communicated 45:30 which leads in a beautiful way right into Seeking Godly Counsel. 45:34 That's the foundation from which integrity can continue. 45:37 You know, the writer... and I appreciate the approach 45:40 to the Lesson 45:42 as I mentioned, knowing you personally knows that 45:43 this is a man whose heart has been consumed 45:46 in understanding finances 45:47 in the context of Godly application 45:50 and Godly living. 45:52 This talks about seeking Godly counsel 45:54 and he points out that there are many 45:56 money-management companies today... 45:58 many money-management gurus... 46:01 many get-rich-quick schemes 46:04 and people are anxious to counsel you 46:06 as to how to handle your money. 46:08 You know, you hear people say... 46:09 and they may have good intentions... 46:11 "I could help your money grow, 46:12 I could invest it aggressively 46:14 but be willing to take the risk. " 46:15 One person once says, 46:17 "Don't be willing to invest more than you are willing to lose. " 46:20 When it comes to handling God's money, 46:22 God doesn't want you to put your life at risk. 46:25 God doesn't want you to put your hard-earned monies... 46:28 your hard-earned possessions 46:31 in the hand of someone who is promising you something 46:32 that he cannot predict or she cannot predict 46:35 and cannot honestly deliver. 46:36 That's why the Bible says in Proverbs 24 and verse 6, 46:39 "For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, 46:43 and in a multitude of counselors there is... " what? 46:46 Jill: safety... Lomacang: "there is safety. " 46:48 God sent off the people that have experience 46:50 and I say that... people have experience in finances 46:53 like... people like G. Edward Reid 46:56 appreciate him so much. 46:57 People that have been there... 46:59 have seen the money markets go up... 47:00 sometimes even those of us who have retirements, 47:03 the market may shift 47:04 or there may be an earthquake in the financial world, 47:06 don't get nervous and, you know, damage your entire future 47:10 by pulling your money out or... 47:12 those are plans you have to make with counsel... 47:15 people that understand how things operate 47:16 and so, when we think about that, 47:19 you almost always have to include God in those decisions 47:22 and so, don't put your money 47:27 in the hand of a secular-minded person 47:28 who doesn't use Godly principles. 47:30 Psalm 1 verses 1 to 3 makes this point very clear, 47:32 "Blessed is the man 47:34 who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly... " 47:36 That means, people who don't have any Godly commitment. 47:39 They say, "I can make your money grow... who is God?" 47:42 Don't put your money in that person's hand. 47:45 "Nor stand in the path of sinners... " 47:47 Sometimes, we like to meander in the maze of mediocrity... 47:50 be around people that are financially savvy... 47:52 people that have lot of money... 47:53 but what's their relationship to God 47:55 is more important than how much they possess 47:57 because many people that possess much 47:58 are possessed by much. 48:00 "Nor sits in the seat of the scornful... " 48:02 but watch this... 48:04 "But his delight is in the law of the LORD, 48:06 and in His law, he meditates day and night. " 48:08 People that have a... an accountability factor, 48:11 I like the way you said that Jill, 48:12 and that accountability factor is not based on public 48:15 but public and private life. 48:17 They're not saying, "How can I swindle this person?" 48:20 Life the Bernie Madoffs 48:22 and the individual that... 48:23 there was somebody that was recently arrested 48:25 had, you know, this Ponzi Scheme and this... 48:28 you know the digital currency... 48:29 all these things that are just... 48:31 for the most part a "Get-rich-quick" movement 48:34 and people say, "I promise you... 48:36 I could make your money grow exponentially. " 48:38 No... you are standing in this... 48:42 you are standing in the path of sinners 48:44 and you may be sitting at the seat of the scornful. 48:46 But if they delight in God's law, 48:48 and watch this... 48:50 they meditate on that principle day and night. 48:52 What will happen to you? 48:54 "You shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, 48:56 that brings forth its fruit in its season... 48:59 Your investments will come to pass 49:01 when you follow Godly principles 49:03 "whose leaf also shall not wither; 49:05 and whatever he does shall prosper. " 49:08 But you must delight in the Lord. 49:10 How do you delight in the Lord? 49:12 Proverbs 3 verses 5 and 6, 49:13 "Trust in the LORD your God with all your heart... " 49:17 and whether you can't see the future or you can, 49:20 "lean not on your own understanding... " 49:22 when you write your checks, when you pay your bills, 49:24 "in all of your ways acknowledge Him, 49:27 and He promises to direct our paths. " 49:29 So, Jill, what I loved about my day is, 49:32 I like to put points together but He put them together for me. 49:35 So, let's go through this seven points of how you can apply 49:39 Godly principles to have... 49:41 to have a life of... of integrity 49:44 and financial feasibility. 49:46 First one... 49:48 Get organized. 49:49 Say it with me... 49:50 Panel: Get organized. 49:52 Lomacang: Devise a plan... 49:53 Proverbs 27 verses 23 to 24, 49:55 "Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, 49:59 and attend to your herds... " 50:01 that means... understand your bank balance. 50:03 Understand how you're spending money, 50:05 look at that in reality. 50:07 Some people are afraid to look at money 50:09 but it tells a story about their heart. 50:12 He says in verse 24, 50:14 "For riches are not forever, 50:16 now does a crown endure to all generations. " 50:19 You might be at the top today but at the bottom tomorrow. 50:23 You might be basking in that corner office 50:25 overlooking the ocean 50:27 but one false move... 50:28 you're in the basement sweeping the floors. 50:30 Be careful not to glory in the position you're in 50:33 but to use principles guided by Godly counsel. 50:37 The other one... Number 2: 50:38 Spend less than you earn. 50:39 Determine to live within your means. 50:41 Don't covet other people's possessions 50:44 or don't even covet your own possessions 50:46 saying, "I need more. " 50:47 Proverbs 15 verse 16, 50:49 "Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, 50:52 than great treasure with trouble. " 50:55 Wow! Isn't that nice? 50:56 You know, if you could have a heart at peace at night 50:58 and not worry about... "I heard a siren... 51:00 are they coming to arrest me?" 51:02 No, be able to walk down the street 51:03 and not fear going to jail 51:05 or go to the store 51:06 and be honest when you purchase something 51:07 that you're not using someone else's Credit Card 51:09 without their permission. 51:11 Believe me... that happens today. 51:13 That's why my wife and I when we throw out 51:15 things like bills or Credit Card offers, 51:17 we shred it 51:19 because people take that. 51:20 I lost my identity once 51:21 and it took me six months to get it back 51:23 to prove I am who I am. 51:24 So, I speak from experience. 51:26 Many people in the Western world... 51:27 they live above their means. 51:29 They spend more than they earn 51:31 and they make it impossible 51:32 to live a life where children could look forward 51:36 with a great heart of, 51:37 "My Mom and Dad are taking care of me... 51:39 my Mom and Dad are making wise plans. " 51:41 Which brings me to the third point: 51:43 Save a portion from every paycheck. 51:45 John Dinzey used this passage, Proverbs 6 verses 6 to 8, 51:50 "Go to the ant, you sluggard; 51:52 consider her ways, and be wise: 51:54 which having no captain, Overseer, or ruler, 51:56 provides her supplies in the summer, 51:58 and gathers her food at the harvest. " 52:01 So, look at the ants... 52:02 I mean, really, you can try and get rid of ants 52:05 but there are so many of them 52:07 because you know why you can't get rid of them? 52:08 They have a plan 52:10 and that plan is way deeper than you think. 52:12 Those ants are working their hearts out 52:15 because they know the cold weather is coming 52:17 and I'm not going to be out there freezing. 52:18 While you're trying to get rid of them, 52:20 they're planning for the seasons ahead. 52:22 What does that say to us? 52:24 Plan for the seasons where 52:25 all the circumstances may not be in your favor 52:29 but if you look down the road, 52:30 I would say, "You got to perspire... 52:33 perspire now and be at ease later. " 52:35 Number 4: 52:36 I love the way he said this, 52:38 Avoid debt like COVID-19. 52:39 Panel: Laughter. 52:42 Lomacang: Wonderful Elder Reid. 52:44 Proverbs 22 verse 7, 52:46 "The rich rule over the poor, 52:48 and the borrower is servant to the lender. " 52:51 You know some people have just come out of the holiday season 52:54 out of the season, they were spending 52:57 and they are sitting there... 52:58 the gifts no longer look as appealing as they did 53:00 at the beginning 53:02 because the bills are coming in now 53:04 and they cutting on all the edges. 53:06 What do I pay? What do I not pay? 53:08 Did I really need that television 53:10 because it's like 25 dollars more than I could afford 53:12 per month. 53:14 Watch out... the slave that you have made yourself 53:17 is not one that you can easily extricate yourself from. 53:21 Watch out... and even interest payments. 53:23 Those things may look good, 53:25 "Hey, zero interest for six months... 53:27 after that, 31 percent interest. " 53:29 Don't go for it... be a diligent worker 53:32 which brings me to Point Number 5: 53:33 Be a diligent worker. 53:35 Proverbs 13 verse 4, 53:37 Proverbs is a powerful book. 53:40 If you want to be wise, 53:41 get some of these Proverbs in your heart 53:43 so they can guide your life. 53:45 Proverbs 13 verse 4, 53:46 "The soul of the lazy man desires, and has nothing: 53:50 but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. " 53:53 And that doesn't necessarily mean 53:55 you're going to have a lot of money, 53:56 but that means you are going to be financially soluble. 53:59 You're going to be able to cover your needs 54:01 and there's another passage, 54:03 "The lazy man says, 'There's lion in the streets, 54:05 if I go out he's going to devour me. '" 54:07 There are some people who won't find a job 54:09 because they want the job to come to them. 54:11 I asked a young man once, I said, 54:13 "Are you looking for a job?" 54:14 every day... "Have you left the house yet?" 54:16 "Nah... " 54:18 "What are you doing?" 54:19 "Playing video games but I put some applications in online. " 54:21 That's laziness. 54:22 Don't be a lazy person. 54:24 Money, you know, even if somebody mailed a check to you, 54:27 you got to go to the Post Office to get it. 54:29 You got to walk across the floor to the mailbox to get it... 54:32 don't be lazy... be careful... 54:33 be a diligent worker and let me tell you something, 54:36 nobody ever died from being a diligent and honest worker. 54:40 Number 6: 54:42 Be financially faithful to God. 54:44 Deuteronomy 28 verse 10, 54:46 it's a very long one all the way to verse 14, 54:49 but it points out very carefully 54:51 that all the people of the earth shall see that you are called 54:53 by the name of the LORD, 54:55 and they shall be afraid of you. " 54:57 Why? Because God is prospering you, 54:59 God is blessing you 55:00 and when you follow those principles, 55:02 it's not that their fear of you is 55:04 because you're going to hurt them 55:05 but they say, "Wait a minute, don't touch that individual, 55:08 that person is under God's guidance and God's blessings. " 55:10 When you are faithful to God, 55:12 God will be more than faithful to you 55:14 and Point Number 7, 55:16 Remember that this earth is not our real home. 55:19 Matthew 25:21, 55:21 "His lord said to him, 55:22 'Well done, good and faithful servant; 55:24 you were faithful over a few things, 55:27 I will make you ruler over many things. 55:29 Enter into the joy of your Lord. '" 55:31 Yes, seek Godly counsel 55:34 and God will bless you. 55:36 Panel: Amen. 55:37 Shelley: Ah, thank you, each and every one of you, 55:40 I just so appreciate the opportunity 55:43 to sit and learn from what you all have studied. 55:47 We have a few moments for closing thoughts. 55:50 Ryan: Amen, we learned on Monday's Lesson 55:52 that work is a blessing. 55:54 In Ecclesiastes 9:10 which we read, 55:56 let me read it again, 55:57 "Whatever your hand finds to do, 55:58 do it with your might; 56:00 for there is no work nor device or knowledge 56:02 or wisdom in the grave where you are going. " 56:05 Dinzey: Amen, thank you so much 56:07 and for those who have family members... those parents... 56:11 I would like to encourage you 56:13 to let your light so shine before men 56:15 and your children and your family 56:17 that they may see your good works 56:19 and glorify your Father in heaven. 56:21 Shelley: Amen, thank you. 56:22 I had Wednesday which is living a life of integrity 56:24 and if you've not lived a life of integrity, 56:27 maybe you've been dishonest or not always told the truth 56:29 and maybe you're not even sure 56:31 if there's any hope for you, 56:32 I want to tell you... there is hope for you. 56:35 1st John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, 56:37 He is faithful and just 56:39 to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. " 56:42 From today, you can begin that life of integrity. 56:44 Lomacang: That's right in Proverbs 24 verse 6, 56:47 "In a multitude of counselors there is safety. " 56:50 Here's the point, 56:51 When your mind is guided by God, 56:53 your life will not be deceived by man. 56:55 Trust the safety of a multitude of counselors. 56:59 Shelley: Amen and amen, 57:00 thank you Ryan... John Dinzey... 57:04 Jill... John Lomacang. 57:06 Thank you so much for your input 57:08 and we're so grateful that you've watched. 57:10 Remember, if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. 57:16 We want you to plan for success 57:18 and it begins with your priorities. 57:21 Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God 57:24 and His righteousness 57:26 and all this will be added unto you. " 57:30 Seek to do God's will... 57:35 to do it His way. 57:37 He wants you to be successful. 57:40 Now, we are so glad that you are with us this week 57:45 but be sure and join us next week 57:48 for Lesson Number 9: Beware of Covetousness. 57:53 Our prayer for you 57:54 is that the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... 57:57 the love of the Father 57:59 and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit 58:01 is with you today and always. |
Revised 2023-04-13