Two Oklahoma Authors Secret To 'Gaining Wealth God's Way'

A couple of Oklahoma authors have written a book called, “Gaining Wealth God's Way”. In the Bible, there are more than 2,000 verses about money. More than the number of references to faith, or prayer, money is mentioned more than any other single topic.

"He wants us to be wealthy, but humble at the same time," said author Nicole Ford.

Oklahoma authors and sisters Nicole Ford and Erica Russell have written a book called, “Gaining Wealth God's Way”. The book includes budgeting forms, testimony about their beliefs, but also the message about how important money matters can be to faith.

"God never intended us to be poor," Ford said.

Many of the principles were taught to both of them by their grandmother, but both at some point got tired of living paycheck to paycheck. So, they turned to scripture.

Ford and Russell are quick to say true wealth is in their faith. But their book shares principles they learned through scripture about finances and debt. They say gaining wealth God's way begins with prioritizing needs over wants.

"First you have to learn how to become a good steward of what God has already provided you with," said Nicole Ford, one of the authors of Gaining Wealth God's Way.

They say a budget is a must. The book of Proverbs chapter 21, verse 5 says: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

"Without a budget, it's just like you're shooting at a moving target. It's going to be impossible for you to reach those goals that you have set for your family," said Erica Russell, co-author.

The authors say a budget, and setting at least some money aside, helps you to avoid debt. Scripture doesn't prohibit debt but does say it should be avoided. Proverbs 22:7: "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

"Once we experienced getting out of debt and how it felt, we just wanted to share that with others," said Russell.

Avoiding debt can help you to build more wealth, which the authors say isn't a bad thing, as long as God is the main focus in your life, not money.

"You read about Solomon, you read about David, these were children of God.  He didn't frown upon them because they had plenty," Erica Russell said.

But they say generosity must come along with prosperity and that tithing and giving are critical.

"God wants us to prosper so that we can be a blessing to others," Russell said.

"God wants us to be wealthy. Tangible - financially wealthy.  So that we can help others," Ford said.

Proverbs 3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it."

Ford and Russell say their book is not a get rich quick book. It's more about contentment, encouragement, knowledge, and discipline. They say gaining control of finances can help you prosper spiritually.