One of the fears of the American people today is too much government interference in the personal affairs of the public.Several years ago, Bill Gates,chief executive officer (CEO) of Microsoft, Inc. was subpoenaed by the government in an attempt to stop his monopolization and to control his self-made billion-dollar empire.

Also, in the government’s attempt to revitalize the communities, reconstruct housing in desolate areas, rebuild our failing education system, reform wealth and health plans, rehabilitate our criminals and drug addicts, feed the poor, etc., we must understand that all of the efforts will inevitably require more taxes and possibly restrict and regulate religious freedoms.

The more people (especially Christians) that depend on the government or this world’s economic system, the greater the control. So what we call government improvement means personal detriment. The problem is if you have a government that does not acknowledge or fear God, the regulatory and compliance laws to these needy recipients can slowly edge their faith or God out.

Yet Jesus gives us the command, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” To render means to fulfill one’s duty to someone ;to give what is due; to give back, re-compensate, and restore. An earth state provides the welfare of its citizens who are obligated to support the government. But the citizens of God’s kingdom also owe allegiance to Him. In other words, we are only supposed to give Caesar what is due,not anything more. This is why a good tax accountant or strategist is important. As Christians, we have to honor God with our substance (Proverbs 3). Therefore when we pay taxes, good stewardship is required so that we give to the Lord’s work also.

God’s money does not belong in Caesar’s pockets. According to Deuteronomy 26:12–19, the tithe(10% of your money earnings) is holy and set apart for the Lord. Also, we are admonished by the Apostle Paul to give offerings to support ministry (II Corinthians 8:1–7).We are also encouraged in scripture to give to the poor and the needy. None of this can be done with God’s money in Caesar’s pockets. So what can we begin to do to keep God’s money out of Caesar’s pockets?

Here are some tips:

1) Make sure you are giving your employer an honest day’s work (Ephesians 4:28). Work to make a giving, not just a living. Your attitude toward work affects your ability to increase your salary and resources.(Ecclesiastes 5:19).

2) If employed, see your Human Resources Department and make sure you are claiming the proper exemptions. Sometimes you are getting an excess amount of taxes taken out early and you could be investing that money to increase your ability to give.

3) If a business owner or self-employed, sit down with someone who knows how to find the maximum deductions available to you. As clergy, you have manytax benefits like housing allowance and FICA exemptions if you qualify. This will help you keep God’s money out of Caesar’s pockets.

4) Be a tither! Don’t be a God robber. Whenever you give or render to God what is God’s and take care of his kingdom, He will take care of yours(Matthew 6:33; Malachi 3:8-12)

It is “Springtime.” If you recognize the season, the climatewill eventually catch up with the season. How does this relateto our fi nances as believers? Understand, our struggle is oftendepicted in scripture as our “wilderness experience.” The Church(the Body of Christ at large) has been in the wilderness fi nancially.Despite all of the monies and offerings, still we have very little toshow for it. Much of the Body of Christ is still renting, borrowing,and living from Sunday to Sunday.

This struggle is a direct refl ection of what’s taking placein the personal lives of many church parishioners. Many of ourparishioners are struggling from paycheck to paycheck, job to job,In the wilderness, we should learn howto obey God concerning our fi nancesand trust His Word despite our debt,lack, and need—and see His Wordprevail in our fi nancial challenges.The Struggleis Over!debt to debt, rent to rent, etc. They are truly in the wildernessfinancially. However, my questions to the church are: “How longwill we be in the wilderness? Did God prepare the wilderness forour permanent residence? Or, was it supposed to be our provingand testing ground for preparation of the Promised Land?”

Please understand—I believe in a wilderness experience.I even believe according to Deuteronomy, Chapter 8, that Goduses it to humble us, to test us, to see if we will not compromisekeeping His Commandments. I also believe, as Scripture reveals,that God can keep you and will provide for you miraculouslyin the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:1–4). However, what I don’tbelieve is that God intended for His children to live all of theirlives struggling in the wilderness.

The wilderness is a land of just enough; God wants to bringus to a place of more than enough. Also, I believe when youaccept this “forever struggling mentality” you will never leavethe wilderness. The promised financial blessings that come afterthe wilderness experience are for those who learn in and learnfrom their wilderness that “man does not live by bread alone butby every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Beloved,the wilderness was meant for preparation, not destination. Let’slook briefly at the Word in Deuteronomy 8:3–9 (NIV):

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and thenfeeding you with manna, which neither you nor yourfathers had known, to teach you that man does not liveon bread alone but on every word that comes from themouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear outand your feet did not swell during these forty years.Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines hisson, so the LORD your God disciplines you. Observethe commands of the LORD your God, walking in hisways and revering him. For the LORD your God isbringing you into a good land—a land with streamsand pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleysand hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines andfig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a landwhere bread will not be scarce and you will lacknothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you candig copper out of the hills.

As you can see here, the wilderness was only a place andtime of preparation for what was to come. In the wilderness, welearn that we need more than just a salary, paycheck, or business,but we need the Word of God. Many in the church are strugglingfinancially because they don’t know the purpose of the wilderness.In the wilderness, we should learn how to obey God concerningour finances and trust His Word despite our debt, lack, andneed—and see His Word prevail in our financial challenges.If you are still not obeying God’s Word concerning your tithes,offerings, giving to the needy, spending, saving, supporting Hismissions, and diligently working, then you will remain in thewilderness—always talking and singing about your struggle.

I believe the Lord is saying to the church, especially to theAfrican-American church, the wilderness season of struggle isover. Even though the climate in your lives may not yet reflect it,in the spirit realm, the season has changed. If you begin to changeyour thinking and align your personal finances in obedience toHis Word, God can bring you into your wealthy place right hereon the earth (Psalms 66:12).

Jesus emphatically proclaims, “I am come that theymight have life, and that they might have it more abundantly”(John 10:10). Right now God wants to bless you financially tobe a blessing to others. At the time you decide to denounce thestruggle mentality and begin to believe your God is a deliverer,even in your finances, you will begin to see His grace andfavor work in this area of your life. Declare boldly that despitethe climate in your life, “the struggle is over,” “my season haschanged”—and watch new doors of opportunity swing open forprosperity and God begin to send the right people in your lifeto help take your finances to the next level. For remember, it isHe that gives us power to get wealth so we might establish Hiscovenant in the earth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Three major factors that will determine your financial success in the next five years are

1) The choices you make

2) The books you read and

3) The people you meet.

Let’s take a look at the last factor, “The people you meet.”

Throughout my years of studying financial success stories, I have discovered that developing proper relationships is an important key to financial success that is often overlooked.  As Phyllis Cunningham stated, “Everything happens in your life at the speed of relationships.”  This is especially true in the financial arena.  I have found in finances that people are like elevators; they can either take you up or down.  Les Brown once stated in one of his seminars, “that your personal salary is within the range of $5000 of your five closet friends.  You see God has so designed it that people carry and possess within them the financial blessing you need.  Whether it is a gift, their gifting, or their power or influence those closet to you may very well possess what you are in need of most.

According to the Abrahamic Covenant, “We are blessed to be a blessing.”  In my life, I can see that at each season of financial increase, there was usually some person who inspired me to make the necessary adjustments or steps to get to the next level.  I remember when my family was in so much debt, how connecting with Bob Harrison, financial speaker and expert, changed my whole perspective on debt and through his influence and informative seminars we got out of debt.  When God wants to bless you financially, he sends a person in your life.  This person’s testimony and wisdom will be the key to your financial breakthrough.  On the contrary, whenever your life is adversely affected financially, you will also be able to trace it to someone’s bad advice or influence.  Sometimes it is just the company of close friends you keep.  Maybe they are nice people, but very limited in their vision for higher financial achievement consequently they can have a negative impact on your vision for your financial future.  I have found that there is a common thread that runs through the fabric of all financially successful people, and that is that they are very intentional about their financial success.  These financially successfully people plan to have financial success.  In other words, they understand that financial success is not accidental, but intentional.  One of the areas they are very intentional about is their relationships.  Financially successful people understand that possessing good relationships long-term are your greatest assets.  They work hard to develop the proper relationships that will outlast the highs and lows of the business world.  This is the same philosophy Jesus spoke of concerning our finances in Luke 16:9(CEV) “My disciples, I tell you to use wicked wealth to make friends for yourself.  Then when it is gone, you will be welcomed into an eternal home.”

Let me give you a few tips that will help you develop the proper relationships for financial success.

1. Never be intimidated by financially successful people.

Oftentimes people let their inner fears and insecurities rob them of the opportunities to connect with someone who holds the key to their financial problems.  When you surround yourself with financially successful people, don’t be afraid to ask them questions that may be the very solution to all your financial problems.  You will find that many of them are ready and willing to help.  Remember that successful people always leave clues.

2. Find a financial mentor.

Every financially successful person can point you to their mentor.  You must locate the person that has the financial success you want and commit to learning from them.  Sometimes it might not be a person you can reach physically, but you can be mentored through their books, CDs, or DVDs.

3. Develop Your Wealthy Man’s Table
You must become acquainted with certain people in your life that affect your finances daily.  These people’s relationships will provide the leverage you need to access the resources you need to reach certain financial goals.  To name a few your Pastor, CPA/Accountant, Financial Advisors, Attorney, Investment Broker, Banker, Contractors, Millionaires, Store Owner/Managers, Business Men/Women.  Make a list of these people, their names and contact information and use it to make your initial and ongoing contact with them.

4. Always Be Teachable
Financially successful people know one important truth; that they don’t know it all.  They are constantly learning and improving themselves for the next financial level.  They always ask themselves empowering questions versus disempowering questions.  Empowering questions are ones such as, “What kind of person do I want to be?”  “How do I become that person?”  They believe the more money you spend on financial knowledge, the more money you make.  They understand that you must invest in knowledge with people who have achieved the financial successes you desire for yourself.

If you implement these tips, you will begin to develop the proper relationships you need for the successful financial future you want or desire.

Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson II

www.twitter.com/drkenrobinson

Living your dream in life requires that you have a winning attitude.   Attitude is that little thing that means everything.  Many today have allowed the economic condition of our country to dictate their financial success.  However, there are also many who are experiencing financial increase despite the economic climate of our day.  Each day I encounter people who have either a winning or negative attitude regarding the economy.  I am convinced that we have the ability to win, to live our dream, despite the economy.  When we observe the scripture, it is very clear that God has no plan of financial defeat for His people in the famine.  In fact, it was in these difficult seasons, He challenged them to trust His provision.  God’s economic plan is so clear, He simply wants to BLESS us. You see I believe what God makes happen for one, He can make happen for another. So was it with Isaac; Abraham’s son, he took bold action despite the economic climate of his day.  If you plan to live your dream, you cannot let anything, even the recession stop you.

Let’s look at what we can begin to do in order to win in the financial game so we can live our dream, despite the economic challenges of our day.

1. You  must  walk by faith and NOT  BY  SIGHT. (2 Cor. 5:7)

The economic pressure of our day demands our FAITH to rise to a new level financially.  Today, every creditor wants their money NOW.  Everywhere you turn, there are bills, financial challenges and obligations.  These financial pressures have an adverse effect on your family, health, and relationships. They can overwhelm you.  Faith gives us another set of eyes, which allows us to see beyond what’s before us and empowers us to reach a desired dream or vision.  In a recession, faith is the key to winning because it unlocks the possibilities in our lives.

1. Refute the spirit of poverty. (Genesis 45:11)

One of the dangers of an economic recession is that it forces families into a state of poverty.  Many individuals lose jobs or businesses, which result in the loss of personal assets such as homes, cars, stocks, insurance, and other investments.  Unfortunately, these losses have an adverse effect on families.   Poverty is not just babies suffering hunger in a Third World country, but is a state of living without the necessary resources to meet basic physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter.  Poverty is also a state of mind.  Many people have what I call a poverty mind-set.  Even though they have a job, they do not have any initiative or self-motivation, therefore once the job is gone they lack the discipline or even skill set to overcome the financial problems.  In a recession, one must have mental toughness concerning their financial destiny.  In Genesis 45:11, Joseph’s greatest fear for his family in the famine (recession) was that they would come to poverty.

“And there I will nourish thee: for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.” Genesis 45:11

To win in a recession and live your dream, you must refute the spirit of poverty.

1. Catch the entrepreneurial spirit. (Genesis 26:12)

In a recession, it is so easy to just go with the flow.  Everyone is talking recession, complaining about their situation and just waiting and hoping that things will get better.  This is precisely what you don’t want to do.  In Genesis 26:12, it reads that Isaac sowed during the famine (recession).  This is what is required to win in a recession.  You must TAKE CONTROL of your own financial destiny.  Experts say that our economy is in a “jobless recovery” state.  This means that the economy will recover, but not the same as we have known it.  Many of the millions of jobs lost will never be recovered! Corporations are not concerned about the unemployment rate.  They will not be hiring as many employees as they have before.  The up rise of technology and industry specialists will now perform the work.  What does this mean to the average worker?  It simply means that they will have to find another way of creating income.  It means this is the best time for you to live your dream. Economic experts say that by 2012, 50% of the available jobs will be through Multi-Level Marketing companies.  Why?  Through these companies, you are not employed, but operate your own business.  You must catch the entrepreneurial spirit and get in business for yourself and control your own financial destiny.  I have personal friends who have started their businesses in these challenging economic times and have made more money than they have ever made.  Why?  They took personal responsibility for their own economy through entrepreneurialism.

Today, you also can win in a recession and live your dream, if you are willing to adopt a winning attitude, exercise your faith, refuse poverty, and become an entrepreneur.  These are the ingredients of a winner despite the economy climate of the day.  In closing, I believe you are destined for change in your finances. Just remember these words, “If you want something you’ve never had, you must do something you’ve never done.” Michael Chitwood.