Debt, Freedom, and Financial Wisdom - Proverbs 22:7 | August 28, 2026

Welcome back to One Single Story! Pastor Stephen Mizell and Pastor Jay Rivenbark are joined by Pastor Alyssa Bream for a candid conversation about debt—how it shapes our decisions, restricts our freedom, and can quietly compromise our walk with God. Whether it's personal, institutional, or church debt, this episode digs into what Scripture really says about borrowing and lending. Scripture Focus: Proverbs 22:7 - "Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender." Solomon's blunt wisdom sets the stage for a deeper look at how debt can restrict a believer's—and a church's—ability to obey God freely. In This Episode: How carrying heavy personal or institutional debt can limit a leader's freedom and opportunities The difference between debt used as leverage versus debt that becomes a burden Why churches and organizations like the Association of Related Churches avoid consumer debt when planting new churches How debt can even become a national security liability, illustrated through a personal family story Balancing "necessary" growth and building expansion against the wisdom warning of this verse Practical, biblical steps for breaking free from consumer debt—budgeting, generosity, and realigning trust from money to God Why financial struggles are often a "practice problem, not an income problem" Key Quote: "Poor people borrow money to survive. Middle class people borrow money to impress. Rich people borrow money to make money—to leverage." One Single Story is a daily devotional podcast from Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina, walking through the One Year Bible reading plan. Each weekday, Pastor Stephen Mizell and rotating co-hosts unpack a passage from that day's reading, offering practical, Scripture-rooted insight for everyday faith and life. Open Door Church is located in Edenton, North Carolina. Learn more at visitopendoor.com and onesinglestory.com. Subscribe to One Single Story so you never miss a daily devotional, and join us Monday through Friday as we walk through God's Word together, one story at a time. Coming This Week: Join us for more daily conversations from the One Year Bible reading plan, as we continue exploring practical wisdom and biblical truth for everyday life—one passage, one story at a time. Hashtags: #OneYearBible #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #DailyDevotional #OpenDoorChurch #BiblicalEncouragement #ChristianLife #Scripture #Faith #Proverbs #BiblicalStewardship #DebtFreeLiving #FinancialWisdom #ChristianFinance