Seminar: Armor/Sword
Q&A: OPM
Clark Howard: Grocery Prices
Minute with Maxwell: “thought”
(UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT)
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Financial Freedom God’s Way, where you are continuing to learn, apply, and pass on, Bible-based financial principles and applications so that you and your family will not only just survive, but thrive during these very uncertain times.
Hi and welcome everyone, this is Bob Louder from Christian Financial Ministries, and it is an absolute honor to have you with us again—it really is. What is on the schedule for our 30-minute time together today?
- Today,
- First, during our radio seminar time together, we will take a good close look at the sixth piece of God’s spiritual financial armor which is the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God and we’ll discover how this Word of God differs from the Logos, the belt of truth, which is the written Word of God.
- Then, during our Q&A time together today we will talk just a bit about using OPM—about using other people’s money.
- Clark Howard will share with us how to keep our grocery bills down.
- And finally, during our Minute with Maxwell, John Maxwell with share with us his thoughts, on the word, thought..
So stay tuned, won’t you. It is going to be a great time together. As we start, let me pray for us. Father, thank You for meeting with us again today. Please give us ears to hear all that it is you have planned for us, to Your glory, in Jesus’ mighty name, amen.
BODY
Radio Seminar
Now, recall that during our radio seminar segment times together we’ve been digging deep into what the Apostle Paul has to teach us about God’s Spiritual armor which can be directly applied to our finances.
- As we started out we saw that according to the Bible every financial problem you have ever had was actually symptom of a spiritual problem. When we deal with the problem the symptoms fly away. What’s one of the best ways to deal with spiritual problems that lead to financial issues in our lives? We need to learn to pick and put on God’s spiritual armor.
- Starting with the belt of truth which is the Bible. You see, when you put on God’s belt of truth, when you prayerfully determine to make the Bible a priority in your life, you are starting to get dressed for spiritual, for financial warfare.
- But Paul tells us there is more to God’s armor than just the Bible, it’s a great starting place but there is more. There is also God’s breastplate of righteousness. God helps prepare you for battle with the absolute assurance that you are “right” with Him because of who you are in Jesus Christ.
- Then you discovered you had better make sure you have on His shoes of peace. Recall that would be the peace OF God–the peace that surpasses all understanding that gives you great footing to both stand your ground AND to advance and take back ground previously lost.
- Next is His shield of faith which we discovered must be regularly soaked in the Word and anointed by the Holy Spirit.
- Then during our last time together we took a look at the fifty piece of His armor which is the helmet of salvation. Recall that when you wrap the knowledge of your salvation around your brain and let it protect your mind you will begin to be transformed.
- You will no longer think and talk as an individual who is constantly sick.
- You will no longer walk through life like an individual who is continually defeated.
- You will no longer think and talk as someone who is poor.
- This is the helmet of salvation.
- So, we have HIS belt of truth, HIS breastplate of righteousness, His shoes of peace, His shield of faith and HIS helmet of salvation..
- And recall, we need to remember two important facts about God’s spiritual armor:
- First, it is His armor, and secondly,
- each piece of His armor is a highly effective offensive and defensive weapon.
- So far we’ve covered the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and now Paul tells us to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The sword of the spirit.
- First, what do we know about the Roman sword?
- Actually, the Roman soldier had five swords.
- First was the Gladius: big, heavy, broad sword, sharpened on only one side.
- Shorter and narrower
- Shorter still—dagger
- Long and slender—cavalry
- Machaira (mac-he-ra)
- This is the sword we find in Eph 6:17, “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” 19 inches long, razor sharp on both sides with an upturned tip. A weapon of murder. Two inch penetration with a twist will kill. The Machaira had the potential to rip the enemy to shreds.
- Now, Paul calls this sword “…the word of God…” This Greek word Paul uses here for the “Word of God” is
- The first thing we need to know about the Rhema word of God is that it is not the Logos, it is not the physical, written Word of God. Recall Paul told us that the Logos Word of God is the Belt of truth—it’s the one piece of armor we can physically hold—it is the Bible.
- And just as the soldier’s loin belt served as an anchor to all that the Roman soldier carried into battle, so also God’s Word is the foundation for every other piece of God’s spiritual armor.
- So, the first things we need to know about the sword of truth, the Rhema Word of God, is that it is not the Logos Word of God, it is not the physical, written Word.
- So, that’s that the Sword of God is not, So exactly what is it, What is the Rhema Word, what is the sword of the spirit which is the Word of God?
- It’s a specific word or message that the Holy Spirit quickens in your spirit and mind at a specific time and for a special purpose.
- Rhema words are both given and supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit to enable you to fight the adversary’s spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical attacks.
- It’s something spoken clearly; spoken vividly; spoken in undeniable language; or spoken in unmistakable, unquestionable, certain, and definite terms.
- “Quickened” word, a “word from the Lord,” a scripture or promise that drops supernaturally into your mind.
- It’s powerful—when it happens you know that you know you have heard from the Lord.
- John 14:26 says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
- And how can we choose to use the Word the Holy Spirit brings to our memory? Heb 4:12 tells us: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
- Jesus gains the victory with this sword, and so can we. How? Well, we need that sharp sword going out of our mouths today. The quickened Word of God, the Rhema Word of God is a powerful, weapon.So, what is a Rhema Word of God, what is the sword of the Spirit. It is a specific Word for a specific time and for a special purpose.
- A couple of interesting thoughts about the sword of the Spirit
- First is the relationship between the sword and the loin belt. They are inseparable. For the Roman soldier, his shield was clipped on the right side of his loin belt and his sword on the left. And remember, the loin belt is the written Word of God (Bible) and the primary source for a Rhema from God. The Bible is the “gladius” sword. The rhema is the machaira.
- Second, it’s not necessary to know or memorize the entire Bible in order to have the “sword of the Spirit” at your disposal. Most great men and women of God who have earned a place in the pages of history have done so by obeying a single, simple word from God.
- And third, notice that the sword described by Paul as a Rhema is a “two-edged” sword. Does that sound familiar?
- Well it should. Remember Revelation 1:16? …and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword…
- A “two-edged sword came out of Jesus’ mouth. Greek word means “two-mouthed”
- One sharpened edge of this sword came into being when the Word of God initially proceeded from the mouth of God. The second edge of this sword is added when the Word of God proceeds out of Jesus’ mouth and out of your mouth. Don’t you begin to see? The vital work of studying, memorizing, meditating, and praying releases the Word to become a part of your own inner being.
- By the way, according to the Bible, how do you get to a position to hear from God?
- Your Rhema comes because you have the written Word at your disposal—in your heart. Remember, the loin belt and the sword are inseparable.
- When the Word of God gets in your heart and mind that Word begins to impart light and direction to you. It does not matter how dark the situation is that you are facing, when this sword of the Spirit comes up from YOUR spirit, it will show you the way to go.
- Your ability to walk in this kind of supernatural direction and revelation is completely determined by how much Word you have inside of you. To receive frequent Rhema words from the Lord you must have the logos, the written Word, as a central part of your life.
- You might as well get ready for your own testing.
- Why? Because when I begin to take new territory, or take back old territory, for the Kingdom the devil will try to stop you. You are to use the offensive weapons and defensive weapons God gives you.
- In order to guarantee that you have a “sword of the Spirit” in your hand to answer the devil’s mental assaults, begin today to attach the “loin belt of truth” firmly to your life. Study the written Word—pray over it, memorize it, and meditate on it continually—for it is the source from which your sword will be drawn.
This is the Rhema Word of God—this is God’s sword of the spirit.
Next time, well next time we’ll take a look at the seventh and final piece of God’s Spiritual Armor that He gives you to pick up and put on…but you say wait a minute Bob, I always thought there were only six pieces of spiritual armor. Well, you and I will challenge that thought next time.
Q&As
During our Q&A time together today, let’s continue to talk about borrowing and debt.
- Recall that we have already discovered that although the Bible clearly does not prohibit borrowing, it is clear that the Lord would have us adopt a debt-free mentality rather than a debt-first mentality.
- Here’s a great borrowing and debt question that I bet will hit home with you.
- Bob, I’m from a school of thought that says use other people’s ;money; in other words, borrow to do whatever you want. It’s a hard mentality to shake, even though I now understand it’s contrary to God’s Word. I was recently at a meeting in which fundraisers recommended that people in a congregation borrow to give to the church building program. That sounds more reasonable to me that the church itself borrowing. What do you think?
- John, the idea of using other people’s money has been greatly overplayed in our society. Plus, I do not believe God would direct anyone to borrow to accomplish His work, anyone to include the church. More specifically, borrowing should never play a part in giving. We should always give what belongs to us, not what belongs to somebody else. I would encourage you not to borrow needlessly, even to give to you church.
Clark Howard
If you have ever spent more than 30 seconds in the grocery store lately, I’m sure you know that over the past 12 months, food prices for major grocery items like meats, poultry, fish and eggs have really gone up.
What can you do? Well, Clark Howard, our consumer advocate from Atlanta gives us four ways to beat rising grocery prices.
- Buy the Store Brand
If you grew up in the 1970’s you probably recall that store brands were pitiful and pathetic. Not so much anymore.
As the matter of fact, quite a few supermarkets have invested in their own private labels. Store brands like Walmart’s Great Value Brand, and Costo’s Kirkland Signature have done much to improve the image of generic items.
My wife ensures me that not only has the quality of store brand items vastly improved, but the store brands are typically 20-30% cheaper.
- Stock Up on Sale Items
When non-perishable or semi-perishable items go on sale, buy several so that when the price goes back up, you’re covered because you got them at a low price.
- Abstain From Buying Expensive Items
When you get a good deal on one item, that doesn’t mean you should turn around and splurge on something you’ve always wanted.
It sounds simple, but one of the easiest ways to save money when you shop is to resist all the marketing designed to get you to buy something you really don’t need at a price you really can’t afford.
- Comparison Shop
Don’t be afraid to play one supermarket against the other. Pull out your phone and check prices while you’re in the store or shopping online. That’s the only way you’ll know you’re getting the best deal.
Here’s something you can do. According to my wife, and Clark Howard, Aldi’s has absolutely the lowest grocery prices—bar none. How do they do that? By primarily stocking its shelves with products from its private labels. So, when you travel to an area that has an Aldi’s, take a couple of coolers along.
Final Thoughts
With no relief in sight, we as consumers need to be savvy in finding ways to reduce our grocery bills. As a recap, here are some new ways to save:
- Opt for the Store Brand
- Stock Up on What’s on Sale
- Don’t Buy Expensive Items
- Comparison Shop (and Try Aldi!)
Minute with Maxwell
Now, let’s start to wrap up our time together today with one of the highlights of all of our times together. Let’s spend a Minute with Maxwell and John Maxwell gives us his thoughts on the word “thought.”
Wow, what a great teaching. What I hear John saying is It is so important for you to be aware of your thoughts—and to take control of them. Your financial thoughts can literally make or break your finances. Thoughts are incredibly powerful! So, if finances are an issue in your life, spend some time thinking about your finances—more specifically, why not go back and rethink on the two most important financial principles in all of God’s Word—remember, the principles of wealth and stewardship. Remember also, three of the most important keys to learning, to including learning what the Bible has to say about managing your money, the three keys to learning are to review, review, review. Why not take some time today and simply, prayerfully think.
CONCLUSION
Okkkkk, that just about wraps up our time together for today. Recall, .
- We started out by taking a look at the sixth financial spiritual armor which is the sword of the spirit. It is the “two-edged sword came out of Jesus’ mouth during His battle with the devil and it is the same 2-edged sword the Holy Spirit can use to come from your mouth if you prayerfully make sure your belt of truth is firmly in place. The Rhema Word is the Holy Spirit anointed Word, the saturated Word of God that you choose to make a priority in your life.
- During our Q&A time we recall that God always supplies all we need to do whatever He calls us to do. Nowhere in the Bible do we ever find that anyone had to borrow to accomplish God’s will.
- Clark Howard shared with us four things we can do to get the most from our grocery shopping dollar. What were they? Bug the store Brans, stock up on what is on sale as your budget allows, don’t buy expensive items of stuff you don’t need, and finally shop around—comparison shop AND check out Aldi’s.
- And finally, John Maxwell just reminded up how critically important it is for us to use the mind that God gives us—how important it is for us to take the time, to stop and prayerfully think before we take action.
My friend, thank you for being with us today. Remember to check out our website at www.christianfinancialministries.org. Now, well now it is time to close out in prayer. Father God, I thank you for bringing us together today and for each of the days to come to Your glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Have a blessed day, won’t you, and we’ll see you next time as we continue down your personal road to Financial Freedom God’s Way.
