Accounting News and Notes

VE DAY-MAY 8, 1945

I think most people pay little attention to this day, May 8, and what it represents to this country and most of the rest of the world. I believe that 68 years ago this date marked a magnificent victory of our Father in Heaven, Yahweh or if you prefer, God. Just to refresh all who read this, on May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered and the war in Europe ended. In my mind on that day one of Satan’s greatest demons was defeated by the grace of God.

In one the Bible study tools I receive on a daily basis a person by the name of Josh Moody had a commentary on Psalms 126 called “The Secret of Joy. As I was reading it I could not help but think of what this date should me to all of us. As he explained, the Psalm is actually in two parts the first, vs. 1-3 being compared to a dream and the second vs. 4-6 is a prayer. I am going to print it out for so you can see what I am talking about.

I am not going to write about the end of the war and how this Psalm relates to the Jews because I think it is obvious when you consider what was happening to them at this time. But there cannot be any doubt how this Psalm relates to them. But this Psalm relates also very deeply to us as a country, as individuals. Not many of us can relate personally as to how it was at the end of that war, but if you listened to the ones who would talk about it or have taken the time to see what it was like during that period of time via books or television, you would understand how fearful, angry, and depressed people would have been. Literally thousands of men and women were being wounded or killed daily. For most of us we cannot fathom how Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Husbands, Wives and Children withstood the possibility of getting that telegram saying your loved one was missing or killed in action. So it is no wonder how joyful people were when the news of the surrender finally came. I am sure it was like the best of dreams one could ever experience. The streets were filled with those who were laughing, crying with joy, and yes I am sure singing as loud as they could. We would not have been able to defeat the demon without the help of God Almighty. There were countless stories from those who were there who said so many battles absolutely could not have been won without some Higher Being looking over them. From the beaches of Normandy on, the Sword of God Almighty Himself was leading the charge and we were destined to defeat Satan again. I am not talking about happiness. I am talking about pure JOY of release of stress, strain, pain, and fear of now knowing your loved one is coming home. Take a deep breath and scream Hallelujah! Praise our Lord, God Almighty.(Yahweh)

The balance of the Psalm is a prayer asking the Lord to restore us to the great country we were meant to be; restore all the blessings He had in mind for us before the Great Depression. As we began to rebuild our country, we be mindful of all the tears that had been shed and we turn those tears of pain to tears of joy as He blesses us with the abilities to make this country even greater than before. Praying that we never forget not only the greatest generation of men and women, but more importantly we be ever thankful that it was and is He who is beside this great nation. We need to be shouting out to the Lord daily thanking Him for His love, always looking to Him for guidance.

Unfortunately, this great nation appears to be heading in the opposite direction. Fewer and fewer people are looking to Him. Even the ones who are, are becoming under greater attacks from within this country. Satan has got a foothold and he is gaining ground daily. Please pray for our country daily. Pray that our leaders would start to look to Him for the important decisions that need to be made. Don’t be afraid to reach out to all you know, believers and non-believers, and tell them we need to shout out to Him and ask Him to give the remnant here and now the enlightenment as to how to turn our country around. I personally look to His Sword of Truth and all His Power to lead us through the valley of the shadow that is over our country now.

Glory be to God Almighty (Yahweh), Love you all in the Name of Lord Jesus Christ,
Gary

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

Answering God’s Call to Ministry

About 2 years ago I began to get this overwhelming feeling that God was telling me to develop a ministry within a nursing home. I tried for over a year and a half to ignore it as just a figment of my imagination. The biggest reason was after visiting a grand elderly person at the nursing home after she had a stroke, I swore to myself I would never go to another. It was so very depressing. So since I did not want to go there I just knew God would not tell me to do this ministry.

At about the two year mark I gave in to Him and decided to go for it. Well I thought I would be able to just jump in and visit these people, no problem. It has not been that easy. I had to fill out applications, interview, go through background checks and wait, and wait. Well in the meantime I had just about given up and decided to begin serving at my church. I have been attending this church for over 15 years and did not know anybody there.. I mean, no one. Whose fault was that? Mine. My daughter also attended, from the age 12 to 17 and everyone knew her. She was involved in everything they would allow a teenager to do. I was just Chelsea’s dad. Anyway to make a long story short, I think God wanted me to learn how to be a Christian before I tried to go out in world in His name. I started reading and studying the Bible more and being more involved with other Christian people.

Finally, after a time I had almost forgotten about the nursing home ministry, I got a call from the hospital telling me I had been accepted and could begin the process of starting my ministry. I think for me God is letting me work within His time frame not mine. So my advice to you is to first look to your Pastor for direction. They always have people within the church at different levels of ministry.

I do not know what you know about Pastor 7 and his ministry and I only know what John has told me. For me at the present time it is just too far away and there are plenty of areas I can serve the Lord here in Gainesville. You may know about his ministry and just do not feel comfortable with it, but I can tell you this, you will have to step out of your comfort zone at sometime. Some people can do in big leaps, some of us need to take baby steps. Listen to God, He will guide you. Pray, pray, pray!

God bless you,
Love in Jesus Christ,
Gary

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

Understanding the Differences Between Active & Passive Losses

It’s time to take another look at the rules for rental properties for your deduction and a few of the tax rules to ensure that you qualify. Generally since the mid to early 80′s the IRS has limited what one can deduct for rental properties based upon your level of participation.

Generally, the least stringent of the qualification rules is under the active participation standard. To qualify a taxpayer needs to participate in making management decisions such as qualifying new tenants, deciding rental terms and the approval of required expenditures while acting in a bona fide and significant sense. If you qualify under this standard then your real estate losses are generally ruled to be passive and to limited to a maximum of $25,000. Also to meet this requirement taxpayers (counting a spouses interests) are required to own at least 10% of the equity/ownership percentage in a given property. The $25,000 maximum is phased out starting at $100,000 of adjusted gross income and is totally phased out after adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000.

Certain real estate professionals, who qualify, can treat real estate activities as non-passive and therefore not subject to the above limitation. To qualify a taxpayer, or their spouse, must spend more than one-half of their personal services actively in the furtherance and performance and provide material participation in real estate activities. Also the taxpayer, or their spouse, must perform more than 500 hours of service during the tax year in the real estate activity in which they actively participate. Generally this exception is applied on a property by property basis, however a taxpayer may elect to this standard to all interests as a single activity for purposes of satisfying the material participation standards and requirements.

Carefully evaluate how you are treating your real estate properties and ensure that you are correctly applying these standards against your properties and to treat the deductions for them accordingly.

To learn more visit IRS Publication 925 at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p925/ar02.html

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

Are You Truly a Disciple?

Some time ago I wrote an article titled “A Disciple or a Christian”. I tried to convey how easy it is to be a Christian and how difficult it is to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that to be a disciple you may be confronted to either denounce Him or give up you life. Of course that is paraphrased but that was His point. I have often wondered if I could truly give up my life in the name Jesus Christ. Of course we all would like to think we could, but could we?

There is right now someone who is being put to that exact test. In Iran Pastor Saeed was organizing an orphanage and was arrested for trying to start a revolution in that country. All he was really doing was trying to get the people of Iran to be compassionate enough to save children from the streets and survive. Yes he was also spreading the Gospel. Pastor Saeed, a U.S. citizen, converted from Islam to Christianity and was compelled  to risk his life in the name of Jesus Christ. After his arrest he was tried and convicted as a revolutionary and sentenced to 8 years in prison this past January. He is in the most notorious prison in Iran, noted for its brutality of the inmates. He has so far endured relentless beatings to the point he has severe internal bleeding and the medical people will not treat him because the cannot touch unclean people and as a Christian he is deemed unclean. He has been told if he would denounce his faith in Jesus Christ the beatings would stop and even possibly be released from prison at which time he could return to his family here in the U.S. He refused to do so.

My fellow believers, THIS IS A DISCIPLE! I ask that all of you put Pastor Saeed on your prayer lists. Pray diligently that our Heavenly Father will continue to give him perseverance and the Lord will see to his release immediately.

Love in the name of Jesus Christ, Gary

www.HisCPA.com  A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs & Tucker as an Award Winning CPA

October 15th:  Final Deadline to file Personal Returns…This is the Last Safe Tax Haven

The 15th of October is the final deadline the IRS has for clients to file their personal returns. Often taxpayers fail to remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay, accordingly taxpayers frequently are surprised to discover that late penalties/interest are assessed/and due for late payment even though a tax return has been properly/timely extended and filed.

During the second World War, the U.S. government/IRS changed the rules of paying personal tax bill obligations so that all taxpayers became responsible to pay their taxes as they go rather than waiting until the end of the year filing to pay, which was allowed before this change. Therefore all taxpayers are now responsible to ensure that all taxes are paid as the monies/profits/taxable income is generated.

To avoid unnecessary payment of additional penalties and interest on top of the taxes, which may be due, taxpayers should be doing tax planning now for the 2011 tax year. At a minimum I suggest that this process/issue should be addressed at least twice annually and more often for situations which are subject to/incurring rapid and substantive change.

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

Should You Invest in a Second Home or Rental Property?

The below is a sample inquiry we might receive from an individual consering buying a second home or rental property.

John, I know today’s not a good day but I don’t want to forget. When you have a few minutes…

As I told you, we’re looking to buy a new house but because the way the market is, we don’t want to sell our current house but rather keep it as an investment (it’s almost paid for!). What are the pros / cons / pitfalls tax-wise for having a property with rental income? Would I be better off to drag out the remainder of my mortgage as long as is left so that I have mortgage expense to charge against income? Any other advice?   Many thanks!!!!

Below is my response:

My main advice would not center around the tax but the financial issues.

At this point in time I would suggest you be looking to eliminate rather than acquire debt.

Absent a large (half the purchase price of a new home) cash influx soon I would suggest you either:

-Stay in present home.

-Be able to put 1/3 to 1/2 down on new home and then with a plan to pay off the balance over the next five to seven years (though you might still do a longer amortization). This thought is mitigated if either you or your wife had a stop in income stream and you would still have enough with just one wage earner to easily be able to pay off the home/make the payments.

Absent those two being palatable I would suggest selling and moving rather than keeping as rental property.

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General thoughts towards having rental property.

-You would be able to handle many of the things that need to be done.

-How comfortable would you be with a tenant. Might want to work several things into the lease such as maintenance and upkeep so they know they are paying for and you know will be done.

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For some of the tax items surrounding rental property

Understanding the Tax & Legal Effects of Rental Properties http://www.hiscpa.com/blog/2010/11/14/duluth-ga-cpa-understanding-the-tax-legal-effects-of-rental-properties/

Deducting Real Estate Losses www.HisCPA.com http://www.hiscpa.com/blog/2009/03/15/atlanta-cpa-on-deducting-real-estate-losses-wwwhiscpacom/

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As you know we brought our lake home at the peak of the market and now it is worth MUCH less than before. I would never suggest keeping a mortgage payment as our faith and our cash flow tell us that not having a payment is always better. Keep in mind our motto that “Credit Means You Probably Cannot Afford It.”

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

Duluth/Suwanee CPA: Personal Tax Returns Are  Due Today…Don’t Subject Yourself to Unnecessary Penalties

Please be sure to hurry and file your personal returns by April 15th. Beyond that date you are unduly exposing yourself to unnecessary penalties due to not filing a return. Thus to avoid this additional expenditure I suggest you file your personal return as soon as possible or to be sure to file an extension form with the IRS (IRS Form 4868). Please be reminded that if you file an extension to file your return that it is NOT an extension to pay your return. Though the IRS will often work with those who are filing and paying their taxes even though they might need a payment/installment plan, the IRS takes a dim view for those who do not file; thus the additional penalty.

It is critical to also begin preparing for what your current year tax liability will be today so that you might avoid late penalties and accrued interest on these monies as well. Staying in touch and well connected with your CPA is the best path to ensuring that all of your tax filings and payments are timely. Staying the course and being consistent are often two of your best friends in keeping your tax obligations and liabilities current. By proper planning you can learn how to avoid unnecessary surprises at year’s end.

The careful study and scrutiny of your financial statements by yourself as well as your CPA is as important as the sales transaction itself. Absent a wise and judicious use of the knowledge afforded by the careful preparation and utilization of financial statements you are most apt to dramatically decrease your chance of short as well as long term survivability. By working with your CPA you can learn to use this strategic information and begin to understand the nuances of ratios, margins, and statistics you can use to the wise management of your business.

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

Duluth/Suwanee CPA on IRS Warning Against Using Unscrupulous Tax Return Preparers

The IRS is cracking down on Unscrupulous Tax Return Preparers and wants to be sure that America’s Taxpayers use only skilled, qualified, technically competent and legally licensed. This is even more important for business owners as their tax nuances, rules and regulations are even more complicated. At His CPA PC we suggest that all business owners:

• Stay away from tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than others.
• Use a Certified Duly Licensed CPA who has a track record of success and is widely recognized as a business leader in the community.
• Avoid tax preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund.
• Stay away from tax preparers who do not sign the tax return and provide you a copy.
• Be sure the CPA has track record of consistency, so you can be sure that the CPA will be around months/years after a return was filed to answer any questions that might arise from the IRS.
• Check the person’s credentials, references and grades. Be sure your CPA has a verifiable pursuing excellence.
• A CPA can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collection and appeals. Tax preparers, who are not duly authorized, cannot represent taxpayers for audits of returns.
• Be sure your CPA is affiliated with a professional organization (if you are seeking a Christian CPA, who is in good standing with their church body) and that your CPA’s continuing education is current and that your CPA complies with a code of ethics.

More information about choosing a tax return preparer making sure you find the right CPA for your tax/IRS Representation needs see:

Finding a Good CPA

What To Look For When Selecting A CPA
Selecting a professional is a daunting task. This guide will enable you to be better able to select a professional whose talent, expertise, and style will best assist you long-term see http://www.hiscpa.com/article8.html

Top 10 Reasons to Contact Our Firm
Learn the key reasons why His CPA, P.C. cares about your business and how you can benefit from being served by a CPA whose ambition for you and your business matches that of your own visit http://www.hiscpa.com/top-ten.html

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

Duluth/Suwanee CPA: We are ALL Ordained Lay Ministers

Nehemiah, a layman, lived approximately 500 B.C. His story is told in the Old Testament which I have spent considerable time in studying as of late in writing two books. A Voice of One, Nehemiah’s Prayer and Overcoming Life’s 911′s, Job’s Journey. In reviewing these books especially I find many things about these stories I have been previously unaware of. Originally believing the God of the Old Testament to be harsh and judgmental, I have learned the error of my understanding and a God who loved his people offering grace, teaching faith, and an unyielding love.

In our frailty and left to our own devices we often will stray from the Word choosing a path which is not ordained by our heavenly creator. By leaning on God’s word, the Bible, we have a standard and benchmark in which to live our life by. In frequently going back to God’s word we are able to more aptly see his hand in our lives and the miracles which occur along its way. Some years ago I began to journal keeping a written account of events in my life, fears and troubles I faced, and prayer requests. By doing so I was more able to look back and begin to see God’s hand more clearly than ever before. My journal covers all aspects of my life including my wife and children and my walk with God detailing all aspects of the highs as well as the lows. In taking time to detail my concerns, toils, and tribulations I am able to begin to look back on these events with more clarity than ever before allowing me to see answered prayers more clearly. We are exhorted by Jesus to ask anything knowing if it is in accordance with God’s will that he will answer us. My prayers are sometimes not answered the way I would have preferred but with the added advantage of looking back I am able to gain perspective help me to be able to illuminate God’s hand. Being able to see the past, present, and future God knows what is best for me and my life. Just as diamond is polished to perfection so are we refined to be more like him.

By living our life in accordance with his precepts we come closer and face to face with who he truly made us be. Our God is one of order and not happenstance. In journeying through this life we are able to fulfill our God ordained appointments keeping those meetings he has for us along the way. Maybe there are those about us who are in need of our hearts, experiences, and helping hand to comfort those about us. Just as Nehemiah was able to look after those about him so are we called to help those about us who are in need and hurting. In our service to others we learn more about God’s love and grace growing deeper in our faith.

Leaning not on our own understanding but seeking after God’s wisdom we are more aptly to be able to accomplish great things in God’s name. By bringing God into our workplace our love of others is able to permeate through us sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. I have learned by being more bold in my faith it easier to be who God has always made me to be. Seeking after him daily I find father who loves me unconditionally. It was not until my daughter was born I was able to begin to get a grasp of how great his love is for his people. Though God will never violate the free will he has given us, he stands at the door of our heart gently knocking calling out our name.

Just as a runner trains to run the race set out before him so should we train our soul and spirit. By putting on the very armor of God we will find super natural strength lifting us in our direst time of need. I have learned to lean on God during those trials seeking after him with all my might. In 2003 we went on a family mission trip to Jamaica to reach out to those less fortunate. It was in the midst of this time my family came to claim Psalm 27 as our life verse to guide us along life’s way. My beautiful bride that year for Christmas framed  in calligraphy Psalm 27 where it is proudly displayed in our home. Reading these words reminds me of a creator who is aware of my fears, strengthens my spirit, while making me more steadfast in his ways. Read these verses slowly over and over letting each divinely ordained word permeate your very being teaching you of his majesty, love, and commitment to his people; you and I.

Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?   When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,  to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.  Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;  be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;  you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.  Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD;        be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Seek after God with all your heart. Seek his ways allowing him to guide your very steps along your journey. You heavenly father desires the very best for you and your life. Right now, today, God is drawing you ever closer to Him and his kingdom. Wherever you are, whatever is going on in your life, God cares. Call out to him and the Lion of Judah, the Great I Am will hear you. By beckoning to the great helper, the Holy Spirit, we are able to tap into the strength of the Lord, one which surpasses all understanding.

Written by John Dillard CPA of His CPA PC (A Christian CPA Firm)

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA

Are You Really A Christian?  Do You Openly Share Your Faith With Others?

Atlanta Christian Speaker/Author on Determining to be a Christian Business Owner

As a Christian CPA, Determining to be a Christian Business Owner is not something you can just decide once and for all and then you are done. It is a process much the same is our walk with Jesus in our daily lives and the sanctification process thereof. Becoming a Christian Business Owner requires more than changing your firm name or developing a “catchy” mission statement. In reality it is based upon not only the way you live your personal life but also by the way your conduct your day-to-day business operations. For whether you are dealing with your customers, vendors or employees “walking the walk” and “talking the talk” requires you to make certain business habits and practices indeed an integral part of your every day thinking. These precepts will do much to help you along the way and to guide you in serving God as you work.

Be Informed

No one can master a profession without first its careful study, reflection and practice. Just as knowledge is the beginning to understanding, and then knowledge the pathway to wisdom, so should we be ever studious in the learned application and knowledge of God’s word; the Bible. By being informed we are most apt to know what God has to say about a particular subject rather than leaving our decision making to our own whims, desires or guessing. Similarly we are exhorted to teach our children in all of our comings and goings and in order to do so we must know the truth and the good news of Christ just as we are encouraged to act our faith in the workplace.

Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Be Single Minded

Often our emotions are tossed to and fro like the waves on a ocean, but a Christian Business Owner is one who is not easily swayed but one who remains steadfast and true to his convictions and to God’s teachings. If we are not surefooted in our knowledge then we are apt to fall for perils that lay ahead. For when the storms of controversy arrive and business obstacles arrive in our way, we need to be true to our beliefs allowing us to look ahead to the end goal. A “sure-fire” way to accomplish this is to align our thoughts and paths with God’s while not being afraid to stand for all that we, as Believers, have been taught.

Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Be Profitable

God does not desire for us to be destitute for indeed he desires to lavish great gifts on us ( Matthew 7:11).Though we are not to worship money and the possessions that they allow us, it is fair and just for us to make a reasonable profit. Indeed making a profit is the only way that we will ever be allowed to continue to stay in business and to continue to tell others, we interact with daily, the good news of Jesus Christ. As Christian Business Owners we need to be sure that we pay all of our bills on a timely basis while maintaining fairness in all of our business dealings and contracts. Indeed, we are exhorted to be extra sensitive not to take advantage of those who are less fortunate. Profits do not come easy, nor will they fall like manna from Heaven, but they are the end result of substantive “sweat equity” that a business owner will need to achieve success in their endeavors.

Proverbs 14:23
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Be Proactive

In the book of Genesis we are able to learn of the story of Joseph and how he planned during Egypt’s seven abundant years for the seven lean years of famine that followed. Joseph because of his diligence, insight and administrative skill was able to help the country’s citizenry survive during a protracted down economic time. Just as we worship a God of order so are we to organize our work lives and business to be both efficient and productive. If we plan our business affairs on a proactive rather than reactive basis we are most apt to achieve our goals, make a profit and be a Godly example to others.

Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

Be Fair

Our business practices should always be centered and grounded first and foremost in fairness. Though there will often be times when we are in the “driver’s seat” when negotiating with vendors, customers and employees, we should always seek to do what is right rather than what is convenient or to our undue advantage. Doing what is right, by taking the “high road”, will often require both extra effort and expenditures of funds, but it is always the best way as we will remain able to look positively forward rather than fearfully backwards. Whenever possible the Bible states we should show favoritism to those who need it the most by offering friendlier terms and conditions when situations and circumstances warrant.

Isaiah 1:17
learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Be Consistent

Perhaps there is no greater challenge in our Christian walk that consistency. As the devil roars to and fro in the world looking to whom he can devour and lead astray, so should we be ever diligent not to give evil a foothold. Leaning not on our own understanding but that of our Lord is the only way we can remain strong for it is only in our weakness and our meekness that we are able to draw on the strength of the almighty to order and measure our every step. Living in the present, acting out our faith before others and growing in our knowledge of the Word are our best guarantees to business and spiritual success.

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

The ultimate goal of being a Christian Business Owner is to make disciples and to fulfill the Great Commission. In order to do this we have to first be known as Followers of Christ and then to act in accordance with God’s precepts. By being a good steward and example for others we are able to be used in many various circumstances as the very hands and feet of Jesus Christ. As God desires success for us and our lives, we in turn are asked by Him to be seen as a light of the Gospel evangelizing to all that we might, as we transact the daily affairs of our business. Living out your Christian faith before others allows us to reach many who will otherwise not know the Lord and to make an eternal and positive difference for the Kingdom.

“Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!”

www.HisCPA.com A Christian CPA Firm in Duluth GA Proudly Serving Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville, Lilburn, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Atlanta, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Roswell, Forsyth, Flowery Branch, Buford, Dunwoody, Grayson, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs & Tucker as a Faith Based CPA