Prayer: Father, open my eyes to see the world as You see it. Open my heart to embrace Your wisdom. Amen.
Reading: Deuteronomy 23 key: vs. 20-21
20 “You are not to charge excessive interest to your brother—on money, food or anything that may be loaned for interest. 21 To a foreigner you may charge interest, but to your brother you are not to charge interest, so that Adonai your God may bless you in every undertaking of your hand on the land you are going in to possess.
Attention: The act of borrowing and lending is not a western civilization thing. Credit cards had not been invented, but lending and borrowing is as old as man. Bartering, the act of exchanging goods for service, is also an old system. Along with lending and borrowing came usury or the act of charging interest. Interest which is compounded over time, is oppressive and it becomes onerous the longer it goes on. On major purchases like your home or automobile, the interest rate may cost you a time and a half or twice of your original contract sales price. Most people never consider the long-term ramifications, only the immediate gratification of possession.
If you are a young person or a young couple and you find yourself in debt over high interest credit cards and mortgage, consider taking a financial course like Financial Peace University. I have attended Dave Ramsey’s course and found it very helpful. I know a few who followed Dave’s plan and have taken control of their financial health, wealth and are debt free.
What an idea it would be, taken from scripture, to find a financial pro who would take on the establishment and revolutionize the financial world, not charging “excessive interest” to Christian brothers. Did you notice that there is a blessing attached to those who follow this command of Adonai’s? What is the blessing and incentive to not charge excessive interest to your brother? “So that Adonai your God may bless you in every undertaking of your hand on the land you are going in to possess.” Do we believe this principle? Do we believe God will bless us?
Action: I choose to follow the wisdom of Adonai and not charge excessive interest to a brother.
Yield: I choose to live a lifestyle designed by God.
Engage: I choose to engage in the action of financial integrity.
Relationship: I choose to live a holy lifestyle.
Prayer: Father, I choose to live in freedom from oppressive interest. Neither will I charge excessive interest, nor will I participate in being a slave to the lender. Amen.
Memory Verse: Proverbs 17:18
18 A man lacking judgment shakes hands on a deal
and puts up financial security for his neighbor.
Music Video: Community Music—Make Room https://youtu.be/u-fZR7olNYc
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”