We have been discussing being shackled by financial difficulties and how that can effect the family and the marriage. Now we come to the good part- the release from financial servitude! God‘s financial plan brings freedom and peace- the release from tension and worry caused by overdue bills, a clear conscinece and the sureness that God is in control once again!
For every promise that God makes to us, He has a prerequiste,and that is, that some action must be taken on our part. This action might praying, fasting , or simply believing, one or more of these actions will bring His power into focus in our lives. This action must be an act of our own free will. We must be willing to submit to God’s will and direction, we must keep in mind that God’s will is not always compatible with our desires. What are some of the steps we must take to become financially free in God’s will? Lets look and see!
- Transfer ownership to God (Proverbs 3:19, Proverbs 8:18
- Get out of debt
- Accept God’s direction Matt 6:31
- Refuse Quick Decisions Pro 21:5
- Excel in your work 1 Peter 4:11
- Confession/Restitution Luke 19:8
- Contentment Eph 5:5
- Provide for family needs
- Balanced Commitment Pro 23:4-5 James 1:11
- Sacrifice desires
We will look at these one at a time in detail but for now I want to jump ahead a little or maye it is take a step back for a moment , and talk about finanacial planning. The cornerstone of any financial plan for the family is the budget. This is the key that unlocks the door and is the map that shows you where you are at and what you need to get there. God is an orderly provider and expects the same attitude from us. The first thing to understand when setting up a budget- it is a guide- not a law set in stone- allow some flexibility in the budget. God’s wisdom may be exercised by redirecting our path. We have to have patience and be cautious in any finanacial endeaver. Avoid get rich quick schemes-stick to your plans and make no provison for hasty specualtion. Plans – we should have short range plans and long range plans. We look a bit more into the steps listed in the opening and tackle making short range plans next time and the next time too! The first step to making these plans is to write them down!This is the budget I have been hammering on! Once it is wriiten down it is a visible objective standard the sets a goal to work toward.
Read Proverbs 16:3-9
Proverbs 16:3-9
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Commit your actions to the LORD,
and your plans will succeed.
4 The LORD has made everything for his own purposes,
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests the proud;
they will surely be punished.
6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.
By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil.
7 When people’s lives please the LORD,
even their enemies are at peace with them.
8 Better to have little, with godliness,
than to be rich and dishonest.
9 We can make our plans,
but the LORD determines our steps.
Lets look at the first step to take to finanacial freedom:
- Transfer Ownership to God
There is no substitute or short cut for this step! Lets look at Proverbs 3:19
Proverbs 3:19 and Proverbs 8:18
New Living Translation (NLT)
19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens
Proverbs 8:18
King James Version (KJV)
18Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
- Get Out of Debt!
First, we need to define debt as I understand it from the Scriptures. A biblical condition of debt exists when ANY of the following is true:
Money, goods, or services are owed to other people with PAYMENTS PAST DUE.
The total of unsecured liablilities exceeds total assets.
Finanacial responsibilties produce ANXIETY. God will give a sense of peace when finances are handled in accordance with His will.
Evaluate every purchase BEFORE buying (Proverbs 18:15)
Proverbs 18:15
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge,
And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
Ask these questions before making a purchase:
- Does it enhance God’s work through you?
- Is it a necessity?
- Can you do without it?
- Is it the best possible buy?
- Does it add to your family relatinships?
- Will it depreciate quickly?
- Will it require costly upkeep?
AsI have stated before, and will again, use a written budget! And that is biblical!
Proverbs 16:9
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
Buy on a cash basis only!
Romans 13:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
Love Your Neighbor
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
And practice saving money on a regular basis- pay yourself first!
Proverbs 21:20
New King James Version (NKJV)
20 There is desirable treasure,
And oil in the dwelling of the wise,
But a foolish man squanders it.
Tune on Wednesday’s from 8-10 p.m. For My Prayer Closet with Bishop Andrew Manley hosting and for Dr. David’s Bible Boot Camp with, your,s truly hosting ! You can these programs and more here:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/universallifechurch
Bishop Andrew will be leading in prayer and covering specific prayer requests and giving very insightful lessons on the Rosary and how to say the Rosary and he makes the valid point that is not just a “Catholic” thing! I will be talking more about personal finances the biblical way and covering some news from our our persecuted brethern. Also call your local theaters and see if they will be playing Ocotber Baby that premiers on Mar 23. For more info on this go here:
https://www.facebook.com/OctoberBabyMovie
