61–80 results of 84
MY ANSWER
We took out one of those sub prime mortgages to buy our house, and now we can't make the payments. Will God help us get out of this somehow?
Billy Graham writes, "From what I've read, thousands of families are facing the same situation you are. ... I wish I could promise that God will somehow take this problem away for you—but I can't."
MY ANSWER
Shouldn't we have purer motives for our giving than getting a big deduction on our income tax?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, our greatest desire in our giving should be to serve God, not to gain some advantage for ourselves."
MY ANSWER
My husband says that tithing (i.e., giving one-tenth of their income to the church) is just something rich people do. Is he right?
Billy Graham writes, "Tithing is a commendable goal and is a worthy standard for our giving—and no, it isn't just for rich people."
MY ANSWER
We're over our heads in debt, but my spouse won't stop spending money. I'm about to give up.
Billy Graham writes, "Too much debt is often a sign of something deeper: greed. The Bible says greed is a sin, and it inevitably causes problems and conflicts ..."
MY ANSWER
I've read somewhere that money causes more fights in a marriage than anything else, and it sure is true with us. To put it simply, I'm a saver and my husband is a spender. Our credit card debt is about to swallow us but he doesn't seem to see the problem. I know this isn't a spiritual issue, but do you have any advice?
I'm afraid you're right: Money is a source of great conflict in many marriages. And this isn't just a practical problem - it's a spiritual issue as well, because God is concerned about every area of our lives.
MY ANSWER
I run a small business with about a dozen employees. I became a Christian about two years ago and I want to run my business according to Christian principles but I'm not sure exactly what that means. Any suggestions?
"Use honest scales and honest weights," the Old Testament law declared (Leviticus 19:36). In addition, treat your employees the same way you would want to be treated.
MY ANSWER
I'm very scared about the future, especially after all the economic turmoil we've seen in recent months. Are these signs that Jesus is about to return? I understand that things will get worse and worse just before He comes, and it looks like this is what's happening.
The Bible does indicate that life will become very difficult before Christ comes again: "For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now" (Matthew 24:21).
MY ANSWER
We've been married for three years, and the only thing we ever argue about is money. Now with the economy getting worse and my husband's job in danger we're arguing even more. How can we avoid this? It upsets us to argue, but it's becoming a real habit.
Disagreements over money can easily spiral out of control, and unfortunately studies show that arguments over money are responsible for a high percentage of divorces.
MY ANSWER
My husband and I just lost our home. We got talked into buying it with nothing down and low payments the first two years, and we just didn't think about what would happen later. Now we're back in a rented trailer. We're so discouraged we don't know what to do. Maybe you'll have some encouraging words.
My heart goes out to you, and to all who are facing hardship during these tough economic times.
MY ANSWER
Toward the end of last year we got dozens of letters from charities and religious organizations asking us for money. But with the economy so bad we decided not to give very much this year, because we might need the money if one of us loses our job. Were we wrong?
What you did was understandable, and I'm sure many readers of this column feel the same way you do.
MY ANSWER
I'm on a committee to nominate new officers for our church, and I'm concerned because we're considering a couple of people whose only qualification seems to be that they have a lot of money to give. I know we need the money, but shouldn't we be looking for more than this?
When the first Christians needed to find leaders who could take care of practical matters, they were told to seek individuals "who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom" (Acts 6:3).
MY ANSWER
About this time of year, I just stop going to church for a few weeks because all they talk about is the church budget and how we need to give more. It'll be even worse this year since people aren't giving as much because of the recession. I don't think preachers ought to talk about money, do you?
It isn't wrong for your church's leaders to inform the members about their church's financial needs.
MY ANSWER
I lost my job a few weeks ago, and I can't decide what to do next. My choices are to take a job that's been offered to me (at less pay), or else dip into my savings and take some job training at our local community college. What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Almost every day I receive at least one letter from someone who's lost their job and has little hope of finding another one.
DECISION MAGAZINE
Breaking Through the Obstacles to Life
Billy Graham discusses the obstacles that keep us from coming to God for salvation, based on the story of Zacchaeus.
DECISION MAGAZINE
When Having It All Isn't Enough
We may have wealth, success and prestige—but we also have a problem that only God can fix.
DECISION MAGAZINE
What the Left Hand Is Doing
The people who bless others most are seldom aware of it.
DECISION MAGAZINE
Are You Getting What You Want?
God freely offers us life to the fullest. Are you still trying to buy your way to a satisfying life?
DECISION MAGAZINE
Do You Want to Be Wealthy?
The only true security comes through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
PRIVACY
