Recession-Proof Living: Practical Life Principles for Thriving in Uncertain Times

Table of Contents

Chapter One—Rise Early for a Special Guest

I share one of the most important truths to live a successful life. I found that a key for success was rising early to pray. There is a promise in the Bible that God visits man every morning, and His desire is to bless him. If I hadn’t risen early, I would have missed hearing His instruction for that day and would have missed the sale. (Job 1:5; 7:18; Ps. 57:8; 63:1; Prov. 8:17–18; 10:22; Jer. 32:33; Mark 1:35)

(The following stories I share clearly support this truth.)

Chapter Two—Schooling Never Prepared Me for This

Learning to tune into God’s voice early caused me to hear Him in the noise of the day. Thankfully, God spoke one word to me in the midst of a stressful and challenging situation—which I heard. That word was the key to hold an important deal together. If that one word was missed, the sale would have fallen apart. Story shared. (Prov. 16:1; Luke 12:12)

Chapter Three—Strife Avoided; Success Achieved

Strife should always be avoided, even if a lot of money is involved. Following that principal always brings success. This story reflects this principal. (Prov. 20:3, 28:25)

Chapter Four—Spending Dollars to Save Integrity

Keeping your word, even if it cost you money, is always the right thing to do. Was it the right thing to do in this next business transaction? (Ps. 15:4)

Chapter Five—A Gift in Secret

Instead of responding with words of retaliation, even if deserved, a gift given would attain better results. Appeasing strife will bring with it a better end result rather than the present self-gratification of speaking out unpleasant words. This was a sale made ONLY because I obeyed this verse. (Prov. 21:14)

Chapter Six—$10 Buys More Than $100

People always want a good return on their money. I have found there is no better way than being a consistent tither. I share five stories that prove this clearly. (Deut. 14:23; Mal. 3:10)

Chapter Seven—More Honesty, Less Flattery

Sometimes we find ourselves in a position that to flatter someone is easier than telling the truth. However, if the truth is told with a loving manner and attitude, people will receive it. You will earn their respect and the sale. (Prov. 28:23; Eph. 4:15)

Chapter Eight—Determined, Not Desperate

An impossible situation can turn around if our attitude is strong in faith instead of desperate and fearing. (Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 12:9)

Chapter Nine—Committed Not Compromised

A wealthy, very opinionated and influential man tried to get me to back off of my Christian beliefs when interviewing me to list his home. I didn’t. He said, “Since you stood up to me with the chance of losing the listing, I know you will fight to get me the price I want.” (Prov. 12:17; 15:2; 16:20

Chapter Ten—The Only Guarantee Against Failure

Stories shared that reflect showing the love of God toward unruly people, who later on trust you with their business or side with you. (1 Cor. 13:8)

Chapter Eleven—The Power of Humility

Speaking the truth to a potential client trumped the competition. Disclosing your own weakness would normally cost you the deal. But did it? (Prov. 8:7; Eph. 4:25; Luke 14:10–11)

Chapter Twelve—Wisdom: How Do We Obtain It?

I share true stories showing the need for God’s wisdom to solve the problem. I also share scriptures outlining the difference of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. How do we obtain these? (Prov. 4:5–8; 8:1–3; 16:16; 24:3–4; 25:12)

Chapter Thirteen—A Pilot’s Checklist

A list of verses that we can examine ourselves against to see if we are either not doing what is necessary or doing something that hinders our prospering. (Prov. 5:13; Ps. 26:2; Eccles. 7:14; Hag. 1:5)

Chapter Fourteen—Life and Death: Within Your Power

Many do not realize the power of words. Their own tongue causes their problems for the most part, and they blame just about everything else, including God. I list the many verses supporting this truth. (Prov. 12:14; 18:21; Pet. 3:10)

Chapter Fifteen—The God Many Don’t Know

How can I have the God of the universe as my business partner? Religion and broken father relationships have painted God as anything but a caring, relational partner of any kind. Dispel the lies and gain a friend who will never let you down. (Luke 12:32)