Pacific Rim Christian College

Pacific Rim Christian College exists to disciple emerging Christian leaders by developing their theology, ministry skills, and character in order to win souls, plant fruitful churches, and lead as exemplary Ambassadors for Christ in the ministry and marketplace.

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Financial Contentment

Wayne Cordeiro

You might ask if financial contentment has anything to do with time management. You better believe it does. If you get over extended on your consumer credit cards, watch how much time it will steal from you. If you don't understand simplicity of life and how to just be content driving a used car, and having a simpler house in order for you to put your major eggs in the basket of ministry, it can destroy you. If you are okay with living a more modest lifestyle, you will add years to your life. If you don't have financial contentment you're going to say, "Man I've got to work more hours because I've got to pay off these bills." You've got to get your house in order.

In Hilo we were running around 1,500 people but because it was a smaller, somewhat poor community, we weren't paid that much. Anna and I were okay with having a little house and we drove used cars. With my pick-up truck, just to save money, I took my own rubbish to the dump. The little truck that I'd bought for $500 had holes in the floorboard. It was kind of cool 'cause I could see the road passing by through the floorboard. The door fell off because the hinge rusted out when you opened it, but I tied it with a rope and it was fine. My wife hated to drive it but we were content. That's a rather extreme example but it's a true one and we were okay with it.

In Phil 4:11 & 12 Paul talks about being content with abundance or scarcity. So when I travel, if those hosting me give me a really nice suite in a hotel I'm really happy. I love it. But if we get a little teeny one, were still happy and we still love it. Contentment is the key.

Does that mean you'll always be impoverished? No! But if you have to live in a cardboard box for a season be content.

There's a very successful, multi-millionaire, grand restaurateur who was asked in an interview, "When did you become successful?" I will never forget his answer. He said, "I was successful when I didn't have a penny in my pocket. I just needed time to get it all together, but I was successful when I didn't have a dime." Isn't that good. It's within us. I don't have a dime, but I'm fine: I'm very fruitful, I'm successful, I can still do a bunch of things. The potential is within us. Do you understand? It gives us a bright future.

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I,m not truly satisfied nor is my wife, however, every month that the bills come they are paid., by the grace of God. I been on unemployment benefits for the past year and a half. I was perhaps the first to file before the wave of the unemployed roll in. Today, I walked into the office to ask a question and when one of the clerks saw me she called me by name, "Mr. Alonzo come".It was all good, On Kauai we have the best unemployment staff. I have been blessed to be with the kids for the past year and a half, I pick them up from school, I have coached two years of Pop Warner football, this past year we are undefeated. I'm content to know that the Lord has a purpose for being unemployed. It's hard but I know that in an instant God can say today your going to hired. The lesson learned is to stay in Christ no matter the challenges. Yes, we are all unique in our personality and breaking points. But, God is always the same. He will never allow the righteous to perish. My benefits will run out at the end of February and perhaps it is true for some of you as well. Our hope is to stay content in what ever state we are in. Let's pray for one another especially for our wives who my be carrying the burden of the unemployed. "Jesus loves of this I know for the Bible tells us so" Stay in Him. Love you in Christ, thanks Pastor Wayne for the food for Faith. In Christ Michael Alonzo

Submitted by Michael Alonzo - February 11th, 2010

Pastor Wayne, you are so blessed to have a family to share and conqure all the setbacks. I read a couple of your books that were filled with the wisdom and witty examples. But I see most of the time the example involves in your family also. What if the person is going through a hardship alone? It is not fun at all. It is a pure torture. Contentment will never come to a person who is going through the financial hardship alone.

Submitted by Hitomi Ozawa - December 23rd, 2009