5. Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for YAHWEH has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!”

6. So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, “YAHWEH is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5-6 (Amplified)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Increasing food prices, inflation, wars, rumors of wars, global food shortages, new pandemic fears, pending recessions, ridiculous gas prices, BRICS threatening the US dollar, US national debt at 32 trillion and climbing, and the list goes on and on when thinking about the world economy. For some time now, the US and the rest of the world have been in an artificial economic bubble propped up by the world’s central banks. In efforts to stave off the inevitable, the Federal Reserve and the other central banks of the world actively manipulate interest rates which in turn influences the stock market, consumer and business spending, inflation, recessions, and much more. Unfortunately, the bubble has begun to pop or has popped already, and the consequences are real and happening all around us and are likely to worsen. If any of this makes you mad, cringe, or worry, money might make your world go round.

So What Do We Do About It? — Do’s and Don’ts!

Don’ts

Don’t become enslaved by money, allowing the shackles of financial gain or the societal pressures surrounding it to control you. The unfortunate truth is that money or wealth is an Idol for many and has always been highly prized and a source for covetous. This idol worship of money has caused many individuals to engage in unethical and immoral practices in their pursuit of it. The Bible has a few examples of this behavior:

• Judas betrayed Yahshua for 30 pieces of silver – Matthew 26:14-16
• Joesph brother’s sold him for 20 pieces of silver – Gen 37:26-28
• Delilah betrays Samson for Thousands of silver coins  – Judges 16:5
• The rich man was not able to release his earthly riches for heavenly riches, including eternal life – Matthew 19:16-26 (Focus 21-22)

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve YAHWEH and mammon (deceitful riches, MONEY, possessions, or whatever is trusted in).

Matthew 6:24 (Amplified)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

The relentless pursuit of money often results in the forfeiture of critical aspects of our lives, including our Biblical beliefs (Sabbath), physical health, and meaningful relationships with loved ones. Blinded by money or the pursuit thereof, we fail to acknowledge that the sacrifices cannot be easily regained or replaced. Therefore, we must prioritize our values and maintain a healthy balance between our financial goals and the other critical aspects of our lives.

Don’t succumb to or allow negative emotions like fear, nervousness, anxiety, or doubt to control your actions. While it may be tempting to question ourselves and our beliefs, difficult situations ultimately reveal our true character and where we stand. By maintaining faith and trusting in YAHWEH and Yahshua, we can navigate the feelings and pressures of trying times gracefully and clearly.

Do’s

During this season of worldly uncertainty or any other time of financial difficulties, we need to:

1. Have Faith in YAHWEH: Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and brave. Do not fear them, or be afraid of them. For YAHWEH your Elohim is He who is going with you; He shall not fail you nor forsake you”.

2. Trust YAHWEH: Deuteronomy 8:17-18 – that you not say in your heart, My power and the might of my hand have made for me this wealth. But you shall remember YAHWEH your Elohim, for it is He who gives to you power to make wealth…

3. Depend on YAHWEH: Matthew 6:25-32 – Do not be anxious for your soul, what you eat and what you drink, nor for your body, what you put on. Is not life more than the food and the body than the clothing? 26 Observe the birds of the heaven, that they do not sow, nor do they reap, nor do they gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Do you not rather excel them? 27 But who of you by being anxious is able to add one cubit onto his stature? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not labor nor do they spin, 29 but I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed as one of these. 30 If YAHWEH so enrobes the grass of the field, which is today, and is thrown into a furnace tomorrow, will He not much rather you, little-faiths? 31 Then do not be anxious, saying, What may we eat? Or, what may we drink? Or, what may clothe us? 32 For after all these things the nations seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things.

4. Be Content in YAHWEH: Philippians 4:11-13 – for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. And I know what it is to be poor, And I know what it is to be rich; I have gone through many things and experienced many things, both to be filled and to hunger, both to have plenty, and to be in need. I can do all things through Messiah; the One giving me strength.

Imagine This!

…YAHWEH is faithful, who will not allow you to be tested above what you are able. But with the trial, He will also make the way out, so that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (HRB)

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In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.

Definition of Integrity:

1. The state of being whole and undivided
2. The condition of being unified, unimpaired, or sound in construction
3. Internal consistency or lack of corruption in electronic data

Definition of Solidify:

1. Make or become hard or solid.
2. Make stronger; reinforce.

Imagine you are a pipe undergoing a pressure test. The test involves filling you with water and colored dye, removing any air, and then pressurizing you to 1.5 times past your maximum threshold. An inspector closely monitors the sustained pressure for several hours. During the pressurization period, one of three outcomes is expected.

1. The pipe maintains integrity.
2. The pipe will lose some integrity, resulting in hairline cracks and holes that leak the dyed water.
3. The pipe loses all integrity and bursts.

Maintaining an unwavering trust in YAHWEH is what builds and solidifies your integrity. If your integrity is not founded on and integrated with trust in YAHWEH, the negative emotions of fear, anxiety, and doubt will overtake you. If these emotions go unchecked, the pressure will build up, ultimately leading to high stress levels, leaks, cracks, or a full eruption damaging your faith, life, and the lives around you. However, the comforting and reassuring message of 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that YAHWEH is always faithful and never allows us to be tested beyond our capabilities. He provides a way out, like a pressure release valve on a pipe, enabling us to overcome any challenge and emerge victorious. 

Entrusting ourselves to YAHWEH means that we can confidently rely on His guidance and unyielding support as He allows the perfect amount of pressure to help us achieve the desired outcome. Therefore, it is vital to maintain our trust and faith in YAHWEH to ensure that we remain steadfast and overcome any obstacles that may come our way.

Conclusion!

It is crucial to remember that the ultimate authority over the entire world lies with YAHWEH, and everything functions according to His divine will. However, it is important to note that this does not mean He will take control of you or manipulate your choices and actions. You have the power to make your own decisions, and you must prioritize seeking the Kingdom of YAHWEH and living a righteous life, YAH will do the rest (Matthew 6:33-34). So Does Money Make Your World Go Around, or Does YAHWEH?

By: David Edwards

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