Despite the uncertainty of the times, we can be encouraged that God has a great future planned for us. John Piper

Walking in God’s Favor: Moreover when God give any man wealth and possessions and enable him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19

Our definition of wealth is holistic and different than most people. We define wealth as things money cannot buy such as good health, loving relationships, peace of mind, creative abilities, knowledge and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Having a fat bank account,  strong investment portfolio, or family trust fund, doesn’t  necessary mean you are truly wealthy. If you have million dollars net worth and you are always worrying about losing it or someone trying to scam your money, you aren’t truly wealthy.  You have a scarcity mentality.

The first truly wealthy person I was able to observe over the years was my father-in-law the late Howard T. Williams. This barrel chest, quick to laugh man was always willing to share a smile and words of wisdom with anyone who crossed his path.

Mr. Williams was a productive employee for  Chrysler Corporation for 32 years and had one of those long-term relationships. He was married to the same woman for 42 years. He gave back to his community by serving as a member of the Detroit School Board for 13 years.

He saved money for a college fund for all (5) of his children.  Paid off his home mortgage early, avoided debt & credit cards, and had emergency fund for the unexpected. On the day of his death Mr. Williams had a will and his burial arrangements in place. He was man ahead of his times.

In the world’s economy it says wealth is measure primary by material possessions and the things money can buy. In God’s economy true wealth begins with things we cannot necessarily see and is measured with certain things money cannot buy.

Prayer of Blessings: Dear Father, thank You for your divine favor.

Michael Vance is a senior account executive  with Hundley Batts & Associates and the co-founder of stewardshipofwealth.com. Ardella Vance is  a gifted educator and  a Master Guide in the Pathfinders  Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people.  The Vance’s have been married well over 25 years and share their lives with four adult children and four grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog weekly from their financial workbook ” The Stewardship of Wealth“.