A message from Howard...



I am so thankful that you have decided to participate in the Building Your Finances God's Way financial discipleship study. The Lord has used the principles you are about to learn in the lives of millions of people around the world, and we are excited about what He will teach you through these six chapters.

This financial discipleship study is designed to be taught in several ways:

As a one-on-one study

In a group of 3-4 people

In a small group of 12 people or less


We recommend these group sizes based on the ways Jesus taught and spent time with his disciples.


Warning - it’s going to be different!

What you learn in this study will often seem radical and revolutionary because it’s so different from the way most people view their finances. But what you learn will transform your relationship and your financial statement – for the better. I can guarantee that, because you will be learning what the Lord of the universe knows is best for you.

God expressed it this way in Isaiah 55:8-9: “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways’” (NIV).

God has His ways, and they are the best ways. But they’re not always the commonly accepted ways in our culture. God has paths for us to walk, and they are very good paths. But they’re not always the paths that most people follow.

God’s ways of having stable finances are very different from the way most people think and act. But they are so much higher – so much better – than most people can even imagine.

As you look at what God has to say about finances, my prayer for you is that you will enjoy a growing intimacy with Jesus and with one another!


Study Requirements

Through years of practice and experience, we have learned that people benefit most from this study when they are faithful to complete the following steps.

1. Homework. The homework will take about 20-30 minutes each day to complete. Space is provided in the workbook to answer the questions. A married couple will use separate workbooks.

2. Scripture memory. Memorize an assigned verse from the Bible for each chapter and individually recite the verse at the beginning of your group meeting. This will help you remember the most important principles – not just for a few weeks but for years to come.

3. Application worksheets. Complete a practical exercise, such as a debt list or setting-goals worksheet.

4. Prayer. Everyone prays for the other group members each day. Answers to prayers are one of the most encouraging parts of the small group experience.

If an individual is unable to complete the requirements for a particular chapter, we recommend that he or she attend but refrain from participating in the discussion. This accountability helps us to be faithful. And the more faithful we are, the more benefits we receive from the study.

Attendance. Everyone should attend at least 5 of the 6 meetings. Please notify one of the group leaders in advance if you anticipate missing a meeting or arriving late. The meetings are designed to begin and end on time.


Modified Inductive Study Method

This study uses a modified inductive study method to engage people in God’s word. This method includes making observations on a passage of Scripture and then drawing conclusions based on those observations. Compass financial discipleship studies utilize four key components: prayer, observation, interpretation, and application.

Prayer – Ask for Guidance. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you begin reading passages of Scripture. Ask for clarity and insight as you engage in God’s word.

Observation – What Does the Text Say? Pay close attention to what the text actually says. Gather facts like an investigative reporter. Answer questions to help you observe the facts: Who? What? When? Where? How? Why? Take note of any key words or phrases that stick out to you.

Interpretation – What Does the Text Mean? What is the author’s intent in this passage? What is one principle or lesson God is communicating through these words? What does the author seem to want you to wrestle with or learn? What are your life experiences related to the meaning of the passage?

Application – How Do I Apply the Text? How can I apply the heart of this message to my life and finances?

Compass Commentaries. At the end of each day's homework are the Compass Commentaries. These commentaries are there to give you additional insight into the scripture passage(s) for that particular day's homework.


Please note – The daily Scripture verses used in this study are taken from the ESV version of the Bible unless otherwise noted. Please feel free to use a different Bible version if you desire.


Again, we are very grateful you are going to participate in the Building Your Finances God's Way financial discipleship study. I pray that the Lord will bless you in every way as you learn His way of handling money.


Howard Dayton

Founder, Compass—finances God’s way


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