Book Review: Your Money God's Way

The most recent book that I received from Thomas Nelson (complimentary for review) was Your Money God's Way: Overcoming the 7 Money Myths That Keep Christians Broke by Amie Streater. Given our current journey through Financial Peace I was thrilled that this book was a selection for review. It did not disappoint. While it is similar to the Dave Ramsey materials that I have read, the book takes on a different format that may be easier for some to relate to.

Book Description (via Thomas Nelson)
“Amie Streater…delivers a powerful message of common sense and biblical wisdom that today’s churchgoers desperately need.” - Dave Ramsey
Readers discover the seven "counterfeit convictions" that keep them broke and encounter proven plans for getting out of debt, building wealth, and finding financial peace.

Money habits. Where do they come from? Can you pinpoint when you started shopping to feel better, why you can’t usher grown children into financial independence, or why saving for the future is a priority in theory but not in practice?

Amie Streater, associate pastor of financial stewardship for the 10,000-member New Life Church in Colorado Springs, has been there. From her own experience, she knows what it’s like to look at an impossible pile of bills and a pile of toddlers wrestling in the next room. In Your Money God's Way, empowered by her own incredible journey to financial freedom, she leads readers to the dream of mastering their finances. She also expertly uncovers seven “counterfeit convictions” Christians believe that hinder their personal finance success.

Some of the statements Streater makes in the introduction kept me glued right away, because they are things that I struggle with and can identify with:

...We have to break free from our bad habits if we want to walk in freedom. How true, not only of financial habits, but so many other areas of life.

Referring to those in financial distress... A tendency to blame God for our own impulsive behavior. Have you ever done that? No? Oh yeah, me neither.

And going along with everything we learned in FPU, Your wealth - or lack thereof - is a direct result of the decisions you have made regarding every dollar that has passed through your hands. [my emphasis]

Streater tackles many of the "counterfeit convictions" that we believe, as Christians and combats them with "Timeless Truth". I need scripture to back up what authors say about money. Streater does just that with the "Timeless Truth". She also warns against misunderstanding and misapplication of scripture. In my opinion, also very important. She says not taking the time to read and understand the Bible, to pray its promises over your life and your family, and to seize the power that lies within it is like walking to work when you have a Porsche in the driveway. You may eventually get to your office, but when you do, you will be tired, dirty and too strung out to get any real work done.

She spends a great deal of time on giving back. Streater seems a credible source on this topic, given that her own path to conquering debt lead her to become the associate pastor of financial stewardship for a 10,000 member church. She gives so many real life examples and feel that no matter where you are at in life and your current situation you can find a way to relate.

I'd love to give my copy away... but I underlined, starred, circled, took notes, dog-eared pages, you name it. This one's a keeper! Keep your eye out though, maybe there will be a give away coming up soon!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <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 am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”