How to be Rich by Andy Stanley

             There are some subjects that can stir up emotions and cause conflict in a home very quickly. One of those subjects is money. In western cultures, in particular, the pursuit of being rich can easily become a high priority in a person's life. But, as author Andy Stanley points out in the subtitle of his book "How to be Rich", it's not what you have. It's what you do with what you have.
             Andy Stanley is the Pastor at North Point Ministries in Alpharetta, Georgia. He is a seasoned leader and author. As a result, he has had the opportunity to observe the variety of ways people handle and view money in their lives. His book evolved out of a yearly series of messages he began to present in his church on the subject of money. And inside of it's pages, he offers Biblical wisdom regarding the proper attitudes towards the appropriation of wealth.
             He starts the selection with the understanding that we are already rich, based on the statistics of wealth from around the world. Then, following the encouragement of the scriptures, from passages such as 1 Timothy 6:17, he begins to instruct us on the attitudes we need to take toward money. What follows after that includes dealing with our assumptions about consumption, thoughts about gain and a proper understanding that God owns it all, among other truths.
              At first, I wasn't enthralled by the book. But, the longer I read it, the more I enjoyed it. It is very practical, simple and Biblical in it's scope. Although he does not focus on a lot of scripture verses, those that he does choose to insert are simple, practical and clear in their presentation. His illustrations are very vivid and he communicates the message well. I would recommend it as a good Bible study book for groups and it will remind you to keep the basic truths about money at the forefront of your thinking.
             I received this book for free as a part of the book review program for bloggers that is found at www.booklookbloggers.com. The views expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. No matter how much you make or have, we can all use the Bible's wisdom on how to use it well. And when we do, our wealth can be a tool that God will use to bless others and further the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  

Godonomics by Chad Hovind

               In the current economic and political environment in America today, it could be tempting to assume that there is no other alternative to our situation and that we have to face the inevitable troubles that could result from our excessive debt, taxes and inflation. Others might, on the opposite end, assume that nothing at all is wrong and that the abundance of possessions we are able to accumulate and enjoy are proof that everything is actually ok. However, in Godonomics by Chad Hovind, we can see both by economics and history that there not only is a different way of living, but  the way things are does not always guaranteed that they will stay that way and could be the beginning of much more challenging times ahead of us.
               This book is a good look at money, American history and political thinking. It does not propose supporting any particular political party. But instead, it exhorts the readers to examine the Biblical principles of wealth and poverty to return to the foundations which God said will cause a nation to prosper. It is a look that most people may normally not take at their money and the assumptions we often make on how it is spent.
               Perhaps you have forgotten, or don't remember names is history like John Meynard Keyes, and Adam Smith. Maybe a contemporary name like Allan Greenspan might strike a memory or two. But, the thinking of these and other individuals are challenged in comparison to the Biblical models of financial stewardship and prosperity. This book will challenge you and educate you in many ways.
                I received this book for free from "Water Brook/Multnomah Publishing Group" for this review. You can learn a lot from it though at times you may get a little confused by some of the finance lessons and history you may have missed along the way. If you want a preview, Click here to download chapter one of Godonomics. - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781601424778#sthash.DfqADoem.dpuf.

The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition by Dave Ramsey

               

                Dave Ramsey is no stranger to multitudes around the world, and his best selling book  "The Total Money Makeover" is not unknown to the masses who have read it previously. But, just because people talk it doesn't mean anyone listens, or more specifically applies what they hear. So the newest edition of 'The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition" is now available, and even though the book is conveying the same basic truths that were taught in earlier editions, it does include more detail and more testimonies of how life transformation is possible for those who read it.
                Many people talk about principles of getting out of debt and obtaining wealth but don't have either a plan to apply these principles or a plan that has been proven to work. The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition has both of these and includes the stories of many people who have tried the plan and made it work. And for each of the sections of the book with the stories of changed lives attached to them, it is not unlikely to conceive that the author could have included hundreds more of these stories that illustrate and prove that what he is saying works in the real world.
                The book is not a get rich quick scheme or a pay off your debt tomorrow method of financial achievement. But it is layered with time proven principles that will help you achieve financial freedom. If you are expecting a bunch of sermons you won't find them here. Dave is writing to all audiences who read  the book and these principles will work for anyone. To visit a financial planner might cost you a lot of the money that you are trying to protect. But The Total Money Makeover is like having a portable financial planner you can take with you for a fraction of the cost.
                  I received this book free from the publisher through the http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I highly recommend it to anyone who has never had a financial plan, needs help with their current financial situation or simply wants to learn more about how to manage their money. I believe that you'll be glad you read it.