How do you define success and can one be poor and successful at the same time? Join us this week as we discuss Lesson 8, Planning for Success.

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Another phase of a “successful” life, the last phase, has the potential to be the most enjoyable — if the decisions of the earlier years have been wise and not ruined by unexpected events. In an ideal situation the parents have raised their children to become independent adults, the home is paid for, the transportation needs are met, there are no lingering debts, and there is a sufficient income stream to provide for the senior family’s needs.

God calls His children to a higher standard in work and life. That standard is God’s law written in our hearts (see Jeremiah 31:33) and reflected in our characters.

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As society erodes and Christian teaching is diluted and minimized, it will become even more important for the individual Christian to live and work on a level that is above reproach. The Bible says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1, NKJV).

The Bible records instances of employers who recognized that they were blessed because of having a godly employee. When Jacob desired to leave his father-in-law, Laban, and return with his family to his homeland, Laban entreated him not to leave, saying, “Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the LORD has blessed me for your sake” (Genesis 30:27, NKJV). And when Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt, his master, Potiphar, made a similar observation about Joseph’s work and rewarded him accordingly.

Read Genesis 39:2-5. Although the texts do not specifically tell us, what do you imagine Joseph had been doing that caused his master to look so favorably upon him?

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV). So in our work and financial management and whatever we do, we should do it all to the glory of God. He is the One who gives us the knowledge and strength to succeed in life. “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all” (1 Chronicles 29:11-12, , NKJV).

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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As we have seen, God intended for humans to work in one capacity or another. This part of our life (the working years) is usually about 40 years long. For many people this is the time when children are being brought up and educated and when the home and other major purchases are acquired. This can be a very intense time financially. It is a very sensitive time because the family is learning to work together, and its members are creating lifelong bonds. Financial stress can wreck the marriage at this point, and frequently does. Families in which both parties have a Christian commitment and are willing to follow biblical principles are much more stable.

Read 1 Timothy 5:8; Proverbs 14:23; and Colossians 3:23-24. What important points can we take away from these texts about finances in the home?

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In many cases, the husband is the main breadwinner, though often both spouses work. Of course, unexpected circumstances can arise — sickness, economic downturns, whatever — that make this ideal difficult. People need, then, to adjust accordingly.

The children who are brought into the world during this segment of life are called “a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3, NKJV). We must remember that children bring with them an awesome responsibility. The goal of Christian parents is to train their children to become independent adults in this life and to fit them for the life to come. Here are three points to help parents:

1. Provide a Christian home environment. This would include regular and interesting family worship, regular Sabbath School and church attendance, and faithfulness in tithes and offerings. These are great habits to form in early life.
2. Teach them a willingness to work and an appreciation for it. Children will discover that diligence and integrity at work are always noticed, appreciated, and rewarded. They will learn that money comes to us as a result of our giving time to others by performing tasks that are valuable to them.
3. Help with a good education. Education is expensive today — particularly private school Christian education. But to parents with plans for their children not only for this life but also for that which is to come, it is well worth the cost.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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“MANAGING FOR THE MASTER Till He Comes” will show us that 
God Is Working His Purpose Out – Hymn 225 in all our we do and say. May we be encouraged by this hymn for this quarter and that 
In Our Work And In Our Play – Hymn 591 we will work until Jesus comes. Hence, a choice of theme hymns for this quarter.

The overall study of this week shows us that a happy life comes from Jesus: 
Hymn 579 – Tis Love That Makes Us Happy when we 
Seek Ye First The Kingdom – Hymn 224.

Our work ethic giving us the blessings of work (Monday) is sung in 
Hymn 576 – Awake, Awake To Love And Work and 
Hymn 375 – Work For The Night Is Coming, each hymn giving us principles to follow. 
God In His Love For Us – Hymn 641 lent us this planet on which do work, as shown in the story of Adam and Eve.

On Tuesday we can ask 
Savior, Teach Me – Hymn 193.

As we work with integrity, it is clearly seen that we should do “all to the glory of God” (Wednesday): 
Hymn 341 – To God Be The Glory.

Seeking Godly Counsel (Thursday), we are encouraged to copy our God: 
God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending – Hymn 636.

The final advice given on Friday is “to commit our ways to God” Education, p. 267: 
Hymn 634 – Come, All Christians, Be Committed.

Today, and every day, we look forward to Jesus coming again. Oh, what a day that will be 
When We All Get To Heaven – Hymn 633 because 
That Glorious Day Is Coming – Hymn 209.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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Key Thought: There are practical steps that can help us avoid pitfalls and mistakes in stewardship and financial principles.
February 25, 2023

1. Have a volunteer read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. Why is this principle so important when looking for a life partner? Why would it help make the chances of a good marriage better?
3. Personal Application: How did you decide on a life partner? What traits or attributes drew you to them? What challenges do you see in marrying outside your faith and against your families wishes? Share your thoughts..
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Is this just talking about marriage, or does it have a greater application to business partners, friendships, and recreational activities?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Leviticus 2:15, 39:21-23.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What did Joseph do that made his master look upon him so favorably?
3. Personal Application: How conscientious, self-disciplined, and industrious are you in your work? Do others see you as one who is faithful in your efforts? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I’m just working a minimum wage job until I can get a better one. It doesn’t matter how hard I work or how well I do on my job because nobody notices anyway.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 14:23, Colossians 3:23,24.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this passage is.
2. What important points can we take away from considering finances in the home?
3. Personal Application: Why is it important that parents not blame themselves for the wrong choices their older children might make? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “What can I do to train my children to become independent adults in this life and fit them for heaven?” How would you respond to your relative?

   Note: 1. Provide a Christian home environment: family worship, church attendance, faithful tithe and offerings. 2. Teach them a willingness to work and an appreciation for it 3. Help with a good education. 4. Share other things you deem as important)

4. Have a volunteer read Proverbs 3:5-8.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How do we apply this principle in our basic financial matters?
   (Note: 1. Develop a spending plan 2. Spend less than you earn 3. Save a portion from every pay period 4. Avoid unnecessary debt 5. Be a diligent worker 6. Be financially faithful with God)
3. Personal Application: How do Christians determine what a successful life is? How close is the life you’re living to either of these things? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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