As we have discussed, a talent was a measure of the currency of the time, and this parable specifically addresses how we handle the money we are entrusted with, which is a primary test of our character and spiritual wisdom. However, it is about more than money, rather all of the resources we have been entrusted with, including the spiritual and natural gifts. If we are going to be good, effective managers, we must begin with prioritizing our lives so that most of our time and effort is devoted to the things that are the most important. Let's look...

As we addressed last week, we tend to think of righteousness in moral terms, not lying, cheating, committing adultery, etc. A large portion of the biblical teachings on righteousness is about managing what we have been entrusted with right. All Christians should be living to hear the words on that great judgment day, "Well done good and faithful servant!" As we are told in The Parable of the Talents, the ones who heard those words were the servants who managed what they were entrusted with well. The one who heard, "Depart you wicked, evil slave," was the one who...

We want to address some very basic and practical kingdom financial management principles. First, we need to go over a couple of principles that can help keep us on the right path.

There is a difference between wealth and riches. Riches come quickly and usually leave quickly. Riches are gained easily and quickly, while wealth is the result of endurance, hard work, and faithfulness. In principle, anything that happens too fast or too easily is usually insignificant. Riches that come fast usually leave fast because those who receive them do not know how to manage them. However, the...

One of the most often repeated teachings in recent times has been centered on the biblical prophecies which state that the wealth of the wicked will be given to the righteous. The prophecies actually go further than this and state that the wealth of the nations will be brought to the righteous. Because these are biblical prophecies, we know that they will come to pass. This is about to begin, and we must be ready for it.

I realize that this may sound like just another reciting of the prosperity teachings, which is a good thing to many,...

The year 2007 will be a significant year, and 2008 will be even more so. We can expect each year to ratchet up in intensity and significance. This means that the consequences of our choices will continue to increase in importance. This is why asking God for wisdom should be one of our highest priorities. Therefore, we have a great promise and warning in James 1:5-8:

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will...