The term "Black Friday" was formerly an inside term used by retail businesses. The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year. It has also become a "de facto" holiday since schools and many other establishments close the day after Thanksgiving.

On Black Friday, and the following holiday shopping season, retailers expect to make big sales, turn a profit and move their financial numbers from the "red" (loss) column to the "black" (profit) column. No longer an inside term, now consumers have embraced the concept of Black Friday with its discounts on goods and the overall giddy atmosphere that goes with shopping for things.

There is nothing wrong with shopping or finding gifts to give to others, so long as Black Friday does not lead to Red Monday. Consumer debt is a huge problem today, even among believers.

As Proverbs says, we should "rule over [our] own spirit" to avoid a broken condition financially. I remember hearing a statement that summarizes the condition to be avoided: "His income is less than his outgo, and his upkeep is his downfall."

Finally, don't neglect to bless the Lord in a special way during this Christmas season!