This past Sunday we talked about what it takes to get a grip on our money according to the bible.
It turns out to be very simple.
Five points to remember.*
Five steps to be followed in order.
Use your hand to remember these:
- EARN
- GIVE
- GET OUT OF DEBT
- SAVE
- SPEND
FIND OUT WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR INCOME YOU LIVE ON.
Is it 75%? 100%? 125%!!!!
You need to know what comes in and what goes out.
You need to know where, when and how much goes out.
This is the first step to get a grip.
Once you figure this out, you are half way to getting on a budget.
You will be motivated to take control, to get a grip, and to get on a workable plan.
So again, this is the challenge:
Find out what's coming in, and what's going out.
Write is down:
- Date
- What is was
- How much it cost
But if you've never lived this way before you will be amazed, AMAZED, at how this effects your relationship with God.
Let's start an online discussion.
Tell me your stories;
Tell me how it's going;
I'll be posting new articles, links and resources everyday.
Read the whole manuscript at http://connectionsmessages.blogspot.com/
Or just listen at the website.
I thought I'd add my own reflections on this, as it's a topic I've valued over the years. One of the biggest breakthroughs in my own understanding of money is the very truth that God owns it all; so because He owns it all, we are supposed to be stewards of His things. In order to be good stewards of His things, we need to be wise with the things that are given to us, and the things that we give to others.
ReplyDeleteStewardship in all areas of our lives, instead of ownership, is one of the biggest pieces of this "money puzzle" that puts things into better perspective. Are we happy with what we have, or are we constantly coveting things that bring no lasting joy into our lives?
I think the best preface to the five-pronged message you gave us is to remind ourselves that we don't "own" our money. Rather, we're called to be stewards of the things that we have.