How To Put Faith To Work For Your Finances
CHATSWORTH (CBS) — Michelle Alanis has a new job and a new home after her landlord's foreclosure forced her and her children out of their house. Alanis credits the positive outcome to the power of prayer.
"We all pulled together and prayed," says Alanis. "And a peace came over all of us. I remember after that prayer, my oldest son Christopher looked at me and said, 'Mom it's going to be all right. We'll find something.' That meant the world to me at the moment."
Pastor Fred Hodge of Living Praise Christian Center in Chatsworth believes that faith and finance form a powerful combination.
"If I believe I'm going to have a positive outcome, even in a negative situation," says Hodge, "I'll begin to pick up opportunities, and insights, and wisdom that's going to take me ahead."
Hodge says his formula applies to people of all faiths, and even non-believers.
"Working principle is working principle," says Hodge. "There are many, many principles in the Bible that just are for the human race. Just for us as a society. Such as sowing and reaping. Whatever you do for somebody else, that same thing will be done for you."
But Hodge believes God won't deliver if you're just resting on your laurels.
"When you say you're in faith, you must be proactive," says Hodge. "If you're believing God's going to bless you, and you need a job, then you need to be putting out resumes. How can he bless you without your participation?"
Spiritual investors like Alanis can testify that it pays to pray.
"If you can just believe a little bit," says Alanis, "God will take that little faith and do something big."
Pastor Hodge shares seven things not to do in an emotional crisis:
- Don't Panic
- Don't Worry
- Don't Be Scammed
- Don't Speak Negatively About Your Future
- Don't Waste Resources
- Don't Isolate Yourself
- Don't Wallow In Pity
For more from Pastor Hodge, visit Living Praise Christian Center online.
To keep up with Alanis' story, visit her blog.
