Many times in the past when I am teaching a financial training session for Pastors or church leaders, they are amazed that I list as my first Financial Best Practice “having a biblically-sound basis for giving”. I am a CPA and of course, the expectation is that I will focus on tax and financial methods and advise, but I’m a Believer first and foremost. As I am given opportunities across the U.S. to train church leaders, God has mandated that I first lift Him up and make clear that His way is still the only way. The Internal Revenue Service
It’s amazing when you start to actually study – I mean really seek Him through studying – the Word of God, how He will continue to reveal Himself to you. I’ve been a tither for many years and teach on it frequently but as I have delved into the Word more for a clear understanding of all the things that I speak to others, I have found that this tithing idea really needs a lot of further clarification. It is clear from the Word of God that we are no longer under The Law of Moses where tithing was commanded and
I spend quite a bit of time reviewing tax returns and advising as best I can on tax strategy and helping Pastors find new ways to conquer their various tax situations. I don’t believe this is a time to lose it! Tax planning is for real and understanding how to structure your income and expenses in a fashion that minimizes your tax burden, takes some time and effort. So, Pastor’s take full advantage of that housing allowance exclusion. No one in the country enjoys this benefit and therefore, because of the wonderful affect your work has on the community, you
I sometimes find it amazing how everything continues to change and evolve. Even though we don’t really like change, no one cares because life continually evolves and we are forced to change – whether we like it or not. This is a season of change for me and I’m trying not to buck against progress (smile) and embrace all of the wonderful things God has in store for me if I will just trust Him in this season. I can even sense the great blessing that is in store for me yet I find myself a bit hesitate to jump in
Each year, I approach Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season as a time of serious, character-building, soul-searching, come-to-Jesus-and-tell-it-all opportunity. Time just seems to fly by with all of the responsibiities of just living but each year I have become more and more determined to slow it down and reflect. This season has been really good for me because I’ve once again discovered a new reality that I can simply step into if I choose another path. There are so many things in my life that I can simply do without. As I fast from some things that I really love,