Today on MoneyLife

Chuck tells listeners at the top of the broadcast today that the current economy has people scared. They're looking for helpand advice.

Chuck says we've been getting a lot more traffic on our Web site, especially the new HHI section. Chuck says that he wants people to face the future of our economy with faith instead of fear.

Our faith will distinguish us as Christians. All the bad economic news has created fear in America. Consumer confidence is at an all-time low. We need to do practical things to deal with a down economy because it will affect us all.

Our faith, however, shouldn’t be in what we can do, it should be in what God can do. Faith conquers fear. Fear-based decisions usually lead to mistakes. So we should be doing all the things God has told us to do:  get out of debt, save, work hard, etc. We should do those things with an attitude of faith instead of fear. Chuck says he will talk about how to do that today. See 2 Timothy 1:7.

After the break, Chuck reminds listeners that we must avoid fear-based decisions. Chuck uses the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to worship gold or false idols to save themselves.

Instead, they put their faith in God and God protected them. If your faith is in God, the first practical thing you have to do in facing a tough economy is give. People are looking for a safe place to put their money because they fear loss. The only safe place is God’s kingdom. God promises that when you give money to Him it won’t be lost, destroyed, or stolen. It will have an eternal return. Our highest priority in any economy should be giving to God’s work.

Now is when most churches and ministries receive a large portion of their funding for the coming year. Christians have to decide if they’re going to give without fear, fulfill their commitments, and be generous.

Generosity breaks through fear which keeps you from being generous. Most people have something to give but they’re afraid if they give, they won’t be able to take care of themselves.

Chuck gives examples of the widow’s mite and the Macedonians. When you give yourself first to God, you don’t have to be afraid for yourself. Trust God to be your provider. The litmus test is whether your trust/confidence is in God or your bank account.

God is always faithful. That doesn’t mean we won’t suffer. When people experience loss, they often worry about the future. When you do this, you reveal that you’re placing your trust in money instead of God.

One of the great things that’s happening through this down economy is the purifying of Christians from trusting money. We must affirm that God is in control, despite bad circumstances, and that there’s no need for Christians to be afraid. We must return to trusting God and not ourselves. Relevant verses:

• Daniel 3:16-18
• Matthew 6:20
• Mark 12
• 2 Corinthians 8
• 1 Corinthians 1:9
• James 4:13-17

Chuck talks about why God doesn’t always respond to our prayers the way we would like. Many people think when their prayer isn’t answered that the problem is with God, but the problem is always us.

There are reasons in Scripture about why God doesn’t answer our prayers:

• You may be asking with the wrong motive
• It may not be God’s time to answer that prayer
• It may not be God’s will for your life
• We’re called to serve God, He doesn’t serve us

God wants us to be patient, to wait on Him, and trust Him to be faithful even if we have to suffer. Here are some practical steps to conquer fear and fully trust God:

• Follow God’s direction/will for your life (obedience gives you confidence)
• Put into action what you believe (otherwise it’s just knowledge)
• Stop second-guessing God when He does something you don’t like
• Ask God to be involved, to do things you can’t do yourself

Relevant verses:

• James 4:3
• Luke 11:3-10
• Acts 21:13
• Job 41:11
• 1 Peter 3:7

Chuck says we should actively pray instead of actively worrying. Pray and wait and see what God will do when you trust Him. Chuck encourages listeners to check out all the resources at Crown.org.

The need to help people overcome their fears is great right now. Nearly a quarter of Crown’s annual income is received between now and December 31. Chuck says that the ministry needs a great outpouring of support from listeners. He asks them to pray about being part of the ministry. Important links:

• James 5:7
• Help, Hope and Insight
• Money Map Coaches
• Crown Seminars
• Donate Online

God Will Provide

For many people, the biggest obstacle to becoming a successful investor is the belief that investing is too difficult for them to handle.

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Silence the Trumpets

The hearts of would-be generous givers are enlarged as they pursue generosity before an audience of One.

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Attitudes that Identify Self-Control

When we turn our finances over to God we must be willing to accept His direction.

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Setting Goals

Success goals that are set to soothe our fears or feed our egos are doomed to failure. Be certain that goals are compatible with God’s Word.

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Other Resources:

• ABCs of Money Package
• Career Direct
• God's Principles for Operating a Business
• Business By the Book
• Crown Mvelopes