Make This Goal: Develop 8 Sources of Income

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Make This Goal: Develop 8 Sources of Income | by Jamie Rohrbaugh | FromHisPresence.com(R)

Do you hunger to experience the level of financial and material provision that God describes in the Bible? Would you love to be financially free, so that you never again have to suffer financially from the whims of people, the economy, or other factors out of your control?

So would I. And I believe I’ve found a Biblical secret–a nugget of wisdom–that we can all begin to implement today that will help us eventually reach that place.

The secret is in Ecclesiastes chapter 11, and I believe it’s a key to financial prosperity. It has to do with developing multiple sources of income.

By the way … As I’m writing this, I just noticed the “chapter 11” significance. In the United States, “chapter 11” is another word for a type of legal action that declares a person bankrupt. Hmmm… Maybe God’s Word is giving us the antidote to the devil’s version of “chapter 11” right here! You’ll see why below. Remember: the thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy–but JESUS came that we might have LIFE, and have it abundantly! John 10:10. 🙂

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    So do you want to know one of God’s secrets for living well, successfully, and prosperously? Let’s look at the passage from Ecclesiastes:

    Start-quote

    Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.

    Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth.

    If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth; and if a tree falls to the south or the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall lie.

    He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

    As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes everything.

    In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good” (Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, emphasis mine).

    What does this passage tell us about personal finance and developing multiple sources of income?

    Three things:

    1. Every family needs to develop 8 different sources of income.

    Yes, eight. (I get excited every time I think about this!)

    God says in Ecclesiastes 11:2 that we should “Give a serving to seven, and also to eight.” This phrase can also be translated “Divide a portion to seven,” “Make a portion to seven,” “Commit a portion to seven,” etc. This verse, and the verse before it, are referring to investing your sustenance into moving, flowing places in order to bring you a return when you need it.

    If you read further down the text–in Ecclesiastes 11:6, we can see clearly that this passage is about handling things that bring us harvest, income, and increase.

    You could apply this principle to a lot of places. It’s commonly taught by Christian financial advisors when they’re talking about diversification of someone’s investments.

    However, I’m convinced it applies to income too. God says diversification is good; and that when we diversify, we should diversify to 8. This includes our investments AND our income sources.

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    Can you imagine the level of freedom you would have with 8 sources of income?

    Eight different ways you get paid every week or month? For example, maybe you’re an office worker who:

    • Gets paid your regular office salary (source #1);
    • Has a spouse who also works (source #2);
    • Has an Etsy store that generates sales of your handcrafted products (source #3). (Like my friend Eva Conner, one of our Presence seekers. The Lord just told her to build out an Etsy store with her amazing cards, so she is. Check out what she’s doing here on Etsy–I’m in awe of her GORGEOUS designs.)
    • Builds a website that brings in income through ad revenue (source #4);
    • Writes an e-book that you sell the-full-armor-of-god-cover-300pxwidewebfor additional income (source #5) (like my friend Pastor John Jaques has done with his awesome ebook about the Armor of God, which I highly recommend);
    • Occasionally teaches a continuing education workshop about something in which you’re an expert (source #6);
    • Hosts yard sales a few times a year (source #7); and
    • Moved out of your house awhile back; and, instead of selling the house, you hired a property management company to rent it out for you at a profit (source #8).

    Or, maybe for extra income, you:

    • Babysit.
    • Make cakes.
    • Raise livestock that multiplies, and you sell the offspring. (The world’s oldest investment strategy. I wish I could do this, but my neighbors might not be as excited as I would be.) 😉
    • Sell cookies.
    • Mow lawns.
    • Build decks.
    • Preach on the side.
    • Do freelance web design.
    • Buy and sell antiques.
    • Do freelance editing or proofreading work.
    • Sell items on Amazon or eBay.
    • Help other people with interior design.
    • Coordinate weddings.
    • Do portrait photography.

    You could do anything; it’s whatever floats your boat. The point is …

    If all of those sources of income brought you money every month, wouldn’t you feel a lot more stable than you would feel with just a traditional job?

    Is your head nodding up and down with a big “yes”? I know mine is. 🙂

    Think about it: if you had 8 sources of income, and you lost your job, you wouldn’t panic. You might be concerned, but I think you’d actually have more drive and motivation than ever before. You’d just pick one of your other 7 sources of income, and you’d get to work on that one.

    Each source of income wouldn’t even have to be huge. However, all of them combined can add up to a nice income–an income that is STABLE; an income which you create–not an income that leaves you at the mercies of other people’s whims.

    Oh, I’m preaching good, now. 😉

    Okay. Moving on:

    Recommended resource: Crystal Paine, who blogs on MoneySavingMom.com, wrote one of the best books I’ve ever read about bringing in extra income. It’s called Money-Making Mom (affiliate link), and you can get it on Amazon here. (It would be perfectly fine for men to read too, by the way.) 😉

    2. You can’t let what could happen get in your way when you start diversifying your income.

    In the passage above, Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Beloveds, there will always be negative possibilities. There will always be risks. There will even usually be naysayers and even haters who want you to be miserable just like they are.

    But look at the positive possibilities! Look at the rewards! Look at the fulfillment! And look at the PROVEN success that entrepreneurs all over the world, since the beginning of time, have experienced!

    Dear, precious readers, if you’re going to be financially free, you just have to ignore the “maybes,” “what ifs,” and doomsday haters, and build out your sources of income anyway. That means:

    • Make your plan and write some goals. Write the vision!
    • Get started with just one of your income sources. Work on just one for awhile, and the other sources will follow in due course as you work.
    • Plan for a safety net if your business involves risk.

    Just get started!

    Hint: Sometimes this is easier if your family and/or friends actually don’t know what you’re doing at first. There’s tremendous power in maintaining holy silence at the right times, instead of letting people always know what you’re doing. Check out this post for more about that.

    3. Things will occasionally happen, and sometimes you’ll have failures. Don’t sweat it; just try something else.

    Thomas Edison, the inventor of the electric light bulb, famously said that he had not failed 10,000 times–but rather had identified 10,000 things that didn’t work. Each time he found something that didn’t work, he just moved on to the next option. (Read this inspiring article on Smithsonian Magazine for more.)

    When you begin your journey of entrepreneurship, let that be your motto. If you find something that doesn’t work, don’t get upset. Just move on. 🙂

    I’ve failed a bunch of times. I’ve failed at selling makeup (I gave everything away and never made any money), portrait photography, gardening, and more. It doesn’t mean that those aren’t perfectly legitimate businesses. It just means they didn’t work for me.

    What’s right for you may not be right for someone else–but you may be a rock star at it. Doesn’t matter. Just find what you’re good at–what you love–and work on that. And keep doing that until you have 8 different sources of income coming in.

    Beloved, you and I can be financially free. I believe it’s time to start working on our freedom plans daily.

    Think of several different sources of income you’d like to develop. Write down some specific goals and tasks, and get started on one today. Then keep it up, in tiny increments, day in and day out.

    I believe you won’t recognize where you are in even a year; you’ll have come so far.

    Does this word resonate with you? If so, please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you!

    I’m praying earnestly for 1,000 partners who will help me in my work of being a domestic missionary. Is Papa calling you? Find out why, how, and what’s in it for you here.

    30 Comments

    1. Wow! Thank you Jamie, this word is timely. it’s a direct answer to prayers I literally prayed minutes before I read your blog post.

      It’s a direct confirmation that I should proceed with the business ideas I’ve been processing this week and not to be afraid of the what ifs.

      Thank you for allowing God to use you to be a blessing.

    2. Rebecca L Jones says:

      I think this is a great post. And I like the holy silence idea. There are some people you just can’t talk to about anything.

    3. Rafael Somma says:

      Hi Jamie, hope you’re doing fine. The post you’ve sent me is translated as requested. I just have to go through it again to see if everything is ok.

        1. Rafael Somma says:

          I’ll do it in the next few days.

    4. i liked how you said “im preaching good now” it felt good to read that and imagine you saying it.

      1. LOL, Michael! Wellll glory. Sometimes I can’t help myself, the “preach” is too strong. 🙂

    5. Ann Johnstone says:

      Meaning no disrespect, Jamie, but I prefer to take to heart the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:25-34. Solomon had much wealth, wisdom … and women, but towards the end of his life he allowed riches, women, and pagans to lead him astray. Jesus, on the other hand, told us that when we make God our sole focus, He is abundantly able, and willing, to provide all those things that we really need. As an overseas missions worker I found this to be absolutely true – even when the Indian government told us to leave suddenly, leaving all our worldly possessions behind! God has never, and will never, let me down, and I have learnt to see whatever happens through His eyes.

      When my nursing agency dismissed me because I refused to work on my own overnight administering drugs that, by law, require two people to check them, I realized that was God telling me, “You’ve done enough night duty. Your health is now a greater priority than any money you have been earning. I will provide.” And He has done so amazingly – in ways I could never have anticipated!

      And I’m certainly not saying we should sit there idly, waiting for things to fall into our laps! When we keep our focus on God, it’s amazing how He opens doors, and gives us creative ideas in line with His purposes.

      1. Your words are very true, Ann! I completely agree! I think they are simply two parallel truths. Not a matter of this OR that, but rather this AND that. The truth is definitely that God will provide, and He also said that the plans of the diligent will prosper. Just like how He tells us to rest in Him, but also tells us to occupy (meaning “do business” in the Greek) until He comes! Sometimes I laugh, because I get to thinking about these things and they make no sense to our logical minds if we try to rationalize them, but our spirit can receive them! <3 So I completely agree... with both truths! <3

        1. Ann Johnstone says:

          Well said, Jamie!

        2. Gbam! (Local exclamation in Nigeria for “Spot on”). It is a matter of “THIS AND THAT”… Jamie, Thanks for this post and and your entire blog. It’s blessing me tremendously.
          Shalom!

    6. Well taken and so so timely

    7. Angela Bley says:

      Jamie, this is a very timely word for me. I’ve struggled with do I do this or that when my main job should all my attention however thats just crazy when diversifying is key to financial increase. I felt like I waa given a release and a blessing to go create other ways income. Why do we put ourselves in a box or a rut? And oh, the pointing of fingers toward me. Thanks Jamie! And oh btw, you are preaching some good stuff!

      1. Angela, you are such a creative person and I believe if the Lord is giving you ideas, there’s every reason in the world to steward them well and go after what He’s put in your heart! Jesus told us to “occupy” until He comes; and that word “occupy” means “do business!” in the Greek. So go for it sister–do business! It’s Father’s will for us to be ever-so-blessed and prosperous, and never to have to depend on the world’s systems.

        1. Angela Bley says:

          Thank you for sharing the Greek to “do business” I just love that! Sometimes we forget that we are to “do business” and that its ok to “do busines” until He comes! Wow! So simple and yet profound. Thanks so much for the nudge and reminder. I needed to hear this! Keep on sharing and teaching with us! I have learned so much fron you! Blessings to you!

          1. Amen. Thanks, friend. I’ve been praying for entrepreneurs a lot lately. Will remember to pray for you about this area also. 🙂

    8. This is great! As I have gotten involved with the “real food” /local food community I was introduced to the idea of multiple streams of income. My husband and I each have regular day jobs. I also teach a 2 to 4 classes each semester at a local university and have a growing doterra essential oil business that has really helped us tremendously.

      I feel the Lord wants me to write. I have a blog name in my heart, actually 2 blogs ideas. And a book I think I get to write with Him.

      A year ago God spoke about a baby and I found myself pregnant. Shortly after He dropped the perfect job in my lap, a legit work from home salary job that is incredibly flexible and allows me to teach at the university.

      I am confident He wants me to do all of these things..mommy, job, the teaching, and writing, and doterra. But I’m really struggling juggling it all but I know He will help me. I really think He wants to make my doterra biz bigger to bless our family and help us be debt free but I also think He wants to use it as a ministry. ..my dream is to be more bold and offer prayers for healing as I teach classes on the oils and do events. He is growing me in the prophetic and He has given me a heart (and I think a message) for the “new age” community that you often encounter in realms of natural health.

      I’m really struggling with fitting this in and writing so I question if the Lord really wants me doing all this or am I off on the timing? This was very encouraging to me.

      Even though i feel i hear God’s voice clearly on this I’m struggling being obedient here. I’m working on pressing in to diligence to conquer my procrastination but it is such a process subtracting things to make room for His best for me.

    9. Michelle Rockholt says:

      Jamie, Thank you for sharing this blog. I am not normally a blog reader but yours first caught my attention when a friend of mine shAred your President Elect Dream . . I have now downloaded the bookmark and will have a more strategic prayer focus for our president elect Donald Trump. This particular blog I went on to read has given more yet one more confirmation from the lord I know that I am to persue training to earn my license in real estate. I am not gonna lie it seems overwhelming in the moment. I believe God will see me through and he will walk with me each step of the way. This will be #5 Source of Income . Thank you again and God Bless !!!

      1. Hi Michelle! It’s great to meet you, and welcome to our Presence-seeking community. I’m so glad this post encouraged you. I know the real estate licensing process can be challenging, but if you’re called to it, it will be worth it! You can do it and our Jesus will be your strength.
        Many blessings to you, and thank you for helping pray for President-elect Trump! I so appreciate your reading!

    10. Elizabeth Roe says:

      Hi Jamie – this is such a timely word for me. I left my job I in July last year and have started a blog which I am experimenting with., I know I am meant to write but can’t seem to get going on that. Procrastination is a beeg problem of mine. I run a small sideline business that I have run for a few years now. I love your blog and have been inspired by so many of your teachings. May God continue use you in a mighty way.

    11. God Bless you Jamie! And congratulations on your miracle baby! Glory be to God1
      I have a question, can the streams of income be different rental properties for example? With my regular job, I ma now looking at doing my own business as well. Being single, it’s sometimes difficult to have several steams of income…M

    12. Very insightful indeed

    13. Quinnette Chattine says:

      Hello . Thank you so much for sharing. I lost my job on this day but I have considered other sources of income for a while, even more over the previous few months. In this day I realize I have to do something different for my finances. My next step is to use the research i’ve collected recently to begin my journey to create 8 holy sources of income. Thank you again. I pray God continues to use you continue in a way such as this to bless our lives with ideas such as this. Amen

    14. The Lord led me to your Blog; and this particular article , I have been cracking my head in whether to go ahead or not with a Business idea that I have ( having failed so many other times before ) I am encouraged; I will go ahead and dive in , holding on to His promise that He will never leave nor Forsake.
      The Lord bless you and your ministry.

    15. God bless you Jamie! I so needed to read this today. I have tried so many different things but I refuse to give up on becoming an entrepreneur. Thank you.

    16. Ebenezer Ajasa says:

      Thank you, Jamie.

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