I heard a preacher on the radio a few days ago who was preaching on money. He said in Matthew, Mark and Luke one in every 5 verses deals with money and Jesus told 26 parables and 15 are about money. Money is an important subject in the life of most Americans. We just never seem to have enough of it.
The current series Perry is preaching is The Blessed Life. He has been speaking about money for two weeks because Jesus spoke a lot about money. I just love my pastor. He is so unapologetic in the messages he brings to us. Because of that God spoke to me loudly through Perry's message and that makes it a GREAT day!!
Several things Perry said made an impact on me but the one that really got to me was being told over and over I was dead and now I am alive...all because of Jesus and God's great love for me. How can I not give back what God has so generously given to me? One thing I need to do is constantly remind myself that it is God's money. If He wants it back, I should give it to Him. He has promised to provide for all my needs - which He has done extravagantly for years and years!
Perry said we're careful with our money and he didn't mean in a good way. Since retiring and taking a huge cut in pay, I need to be frugal BUT...I don't need to be too careful. When God puts a ministry or a need on my heart, I don't want to second guess God or make excuses for not giving. I already give to NewSpring my tithe and offerings and give to other organizations but today I was convicted that I may not be generous enough with the financial blessings God has given me. I want God to show me how I can be more generous.
Showing posts with label finances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finances. Show all posts
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Blessed Life
In yesterday's sermon from Perry at NewSpring, he was talking about the blessed life and how it is better to give than to receive. I believe that wholeheartedly. He also talked about not being able to out give God. I believe that wholeheartedly as well.
Perry told how he felt led to give someone $1000. He talked to his wife and then wrote the check. Later in the day he learned he had received a rebate check for $1348 so he made $348 off the deal. I know that happens but more money in my pocket may not be the end result of giving as God leads. Only in America do we equate blessing with cash. Getting more money back may or may not happen when I give as God directs.
I certainly don't believe that just because you are poor you will be more blessed by God. But in James we are told the those poor in the eyes of the world are often rich in faith. For those who love Jesus, being poor can be a blessing because they have to rely on Him rather than their money. One example of poverty in the Bible is the story of the widow's mite - she gave all that she had into the treasury of the church by giving two small coins. Jesus doesn't say she is more blessed than the rich people who gave lots of money but her story has been told for over 2000 years as an example of sacrificial giving. I have seen this lived out in Kenya!
By retiring I am taking a 42% cut in pay which actually puts me at poverty level - if I didn't have savings. I'm often asked if I have enough money in savings to live out my life and I always say I don't have a clue. I don't intend to get into my savings for daily expenses but I may give my savings away over time.
Even though I am at the poverty level financially, am I blessed? You betcha! I am breathing and walking around, I have friends, I have family, I have a home, I have food, I have a car, I have no debt except my house. God has given me opportunities to see life change in my family and in friends and acquaintances. My grandson has given his heart to Jesus. My son and his wife are becoming active in church. They are reading their Bibles and seeking to know God and how He would have them live. I wouldn't take a million bucks in exchange for those things. I truly am blessed beyond my wildest dreams!!
Perry told how he felt led to give someone $1000. He talked to his wife and then wrote the check. Later in the day he learned he had received a rebate check for $1348 so he made $348 off the deal. I know that happens but more money in my pocket may not be the end result of giving as God leads. Only in America do we equate blessing with cash. Getting more money back may or may not happen when I give as God directs.
I certainly don't believe that just because you are poor you will be more blessed by God. But in James we are told the those poor in the eyes of the world are often rich in faith. For those who love Jesus, being poor can be a blessing because they have to rely on Him rather than their money. One example of poverty in the Bible is the story of the widow's mite - she gave all that she had into the treasury of the church by giving two small coins. Jesus doesn't say she is more blessed than the rich people who gave lots of money but her story has been told for over 2000 years as an example of sacrificial giving. I have seen this lived out in Kenya!
By retiring I am taking a 42% cut in pay which actually puts me at poverty level - if I didn't have savings. I'm often asked if I have enough money in savings to live out my life and I always say I don't have a clue. I don't intend to get into my savings for daily expenses but I may give my savings away over time.
Even though I am at the poverty level financially, am I blessed? You betcha! I am breathing and walking around, I have friends, I have family, I have a home, I have food, I have a car, I have no debt except my house. God has given me opportunities to see life change in my family and in friends and acquaintances. My grandson has given his heart to Jesus. My son and his wife are becoming active in church. They are reading their Bibles and seeking to know God and how He would have them live. I wouldn't take a million bucks in exchange for those things. I truly am blessed beyond my wildest dreams!!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Can't Take It with You
I was looking at pictures of the children in the Segera mission area of Kenya. David Lazaro is the young man I have started to support each month. To think that $39 a month can help David realize his ambition to be a doctor is unbelievable to me.
When I see pictures of the stick and mud huts, the dirty, worn clothes, and the SMILES my heart breaks. Having been there and seen for myself and met the people, I am overwhelmed that God has put me in a position to help. I have sooo much! By American standards I'm on the lower end of the totem pole financially but by the world's standards I am RICH!
By God's standard, too, I am rich...and not just financially! But I am a daughter to THE King, the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who says, "the world is mine" so that makes me rich financially too.
Next week I'm sending my grandson to skateboard camp at a cost of $119. He's so excited and I'm glad to give him the opportunity to do something he loves and really wants to do. But that same money would support David, or someone like him, for 3 months with food and school supplies and teachers. I AM rich - to have money to spend on something like learning to ride a skateboard when most of the world would just like something to eat.
I want to make a difference in the lives of people, whether here or in Kenya. God has put me where I am for a reason. He has given me the resources He has for a reason. He has given me the desire "to do" for a reason. I don't want to disappoint Him or me by not being faithful to go where He leads and to spend my money as He directs. Psalm 49:16-17 is another "can't take it with you" message so I will look for opportunities to give as God directs. Nothing is mine anyway!!
When I see pictures of the stick and mud huts, the dirty, worn clothes, and the SMILES my heart breaks. Having been there and seen for myself and met the people, I am overwhelmed that God has put me in a position to help. I have sooo much! By American standards I'm on the lower end of the totem pole financially but by the world's standards I am RICH!
By God's standard, too, I am rich...and not just financially! But I am a daughter to THE King, the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who says, "the world is mine" so that makes me rich financially too.
Next week I'm sending my grandson to skateboard camp at a cost of $119. He's so excited and I'm glad to give him the opportunity to do something he loves and really wants to do. But that same money would support David, or someone like him, for 3 months with food and school supplies and teachers. I AM rich - to have money to spend on something like learning to ride a skateboard when most of the world would just like something to eat.
I want to make a difference in the lives of people, whether here or in Kenya. God has put me where I am for a reason. He has given me the resources He has for a reason. He has given me the desire "to do" for a reason. I don't want to disappoint Him or me by not being faithful to go where He leads and to spend my money as He directs. Psalm 49:16-17 is another "can't take it with you" message so I will look for opportunities to give as God directs. Nothing is mine anyway!!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
What Does My Wallet Say About My Worship
Perry preached HARD about money today at NewSpring. Based on things Perry says every time he preaches on money, lots of people really don't like for him to talk about money.
I do like it though. It is always a good reminder for me to refocus on my budget, on my giving, on my heart. After all, as Perry said, how I give and how I view money, is really a heart issue. It's all about my relationship with Jesus and whether or not I believe what the Bible says.
Perry gave us LOTS of verses today and pretty much, in my mind, demolished every excuse people use not to give. I am as generous as I know how to be and am praying for God to show me how to be more generous. Has my giving generously caused me to be on "easy street" financially? No, but God comes through again and again. He paid all my bills 6 years ago when I had no job. Then He got me a job - actually 3 of them in succession. I got a raise in the midst of a recession. I got a Christmas bonus to replace my Christmas gift to the Church. I have a home with food in the fridge, heat when it's cold and hot water to bathe in. I have gas in my car and clothes on my back. EVERYTHING that I NEED I have.
I do not have much "blow money" and do live on a pretty tight budget. Even with my raise I am not in Perry's 5% of the richest people in the world but I am certainly not poor! I would love to be able to give my grandchildren a lot of the stuff they want but I can't because I don't have "extra" money. But I have to ask would giving in to all - or even just many - of their wants be good for them anyway? And my answer is "No."
God IS faithful and He DOES pour out His blessings. Even though I don't have as much money as most people I know, I can say that I have enough money and enough stuff. In addition to having enough money, my blessings include good health and grandchildren who are close by and contentment and joy and friends and just knowing how much God loves me.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Equal Sacrifice Update
Seems my initial amount was an error and should have been $60k. The final total collected was over $73,000. The Greenville campus gave over $15,000. What generosity!!
The question still remains, though, do we - no, do I - give out of my wealth or out of my poverty?
The question still remains, though, do we - no, do I - give out of my wealth or out of my poverty?
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Money, Money, Money
Money is going out the door around here faster than I would like but I am just grateful I have the money to go out the door.
So far this year I have repaired my AC - had to run a new line for the coolant because the old one was cracked; my washer - new computer board; and now my roof - got leaks and I still have the original roof (20+ years old). The price is quoted and the roof will be replaced as soon as the roofer can get to it which may be mid January.
And it's time for the Christmas offering which I had agreed with God on an amount BEFORE the washer and the roof went out. But that will not nullify or lessen the amount I believe God wants me to give.
He is soooo good to me! Family, friends, church, job, health, His love and patience with me and I just trust Him. He will provide - He always has and I have no reason to doubt Him now!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Love of Money
Recently a man in SC won a huge lottery of $260,000,000. I kinda like seeing all those zeros - makes it harder for me to imagine it. The largest check I've ever seen had no more than 4 zeros.
This man, who seems to be a very nice, humble guy, a retired state employee was giving God the glory for his win. Brought up a conversation with a lady at my work about God and gambling. Maybe God did let this guy win so that God would get glory. Is gambling a sin? Is spending $2 on a couple of lottery tickets worse than spending $4 on a cup of coffee? Does it depend on your ability to pay the $2 or $4 or you motives? Does gambling mean you don't trust God to provide? This guy was saying God provided for him by the lottery.
What about all those who never win, who spend more than they should, pursuing a dream that never comes true. Perry mentioned in his sermon Sunday that if you make $50,000 a year (and many Americans do and consider themselves poor) you are in the top 1% of wage earners in the world.
Too much money can be a curse from the enemy. Look at a lot of young athletes who make huge amounts of money and end up in jail or even dead from the excesses all that money allows. The Bible doesn't say money itself is evil but it does say the LOVE of money leads to all sorts of problems.
But you don't have to have $260M to be in love with your money. People in America pursue money in all sorts of ways, not just gambling. Some work and let their time with family suffer so they can have lots of stuff. Some cheat and steal (like Madoff) so they can "have it all". In Mark 8:36 Jesus said "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Having money or stuff in and off itself is not a problem, it's where your heart is that matters. And the only place that matters about your heart is Jesus.
This man, who seems to be a very nice, humble guy, a retired state employee was giving God the glory for his win. Brought up a conversation with a lady at my work about God and gambling. Maybe God did let this guy win so that God would get glory. Is gambling a sin? Is spending $2 on a couple of lottery tickets worse than spending $4 on a cup of coffee? Does it depend on your ability to pay the $2 or $4 or you motives? Does gambling mean you don't trust God to provide? This guy was saying God provided for him by the lottery.
What about all those who never win, who spend more than they should, pursuing a dream that never comes true. Perry mentioned in his sermon Sunday that if you make $50,000 a year (and many Americans do and consider themselves poor) you are in the top 1% of wage earners in the world.
Too much money can be a curse from the enemy. Look at a lot of young athletes who make huge amounts of money and end up in jail or even dead from the excesses all that money allows. The Bible doesn't say money itself is evil but it does say the LOVE of money leads to all sorts of problems.
But you don't have to have $260M to be in love with your money. People in America pursue money in all sorts of ways, not just gambling. Some work and let their time with family suffer so they can have lots of stuff. Some cheat and steal (like Madoff) so they can "have it all". In Mark 8:36 Jesus said "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Having money or stuff in and off itself is not a problem, it's where your heart is that matters. And the only place that matters about your heart is Jesus.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Money Message
Perry preached a great message today about my finances. I always need to hear these messages. I don't have any debt except my home but it is so easy to get off the budget without a reminder of what my priorities should be.
As I've looked at my budget again I find that I am wasting money that could be going into savings or additional principal payment on the house. When I say wasting I mean buying lunch and/or sodas at the drive through. I make tea every week and can take that AND my lunch so I don't have to spend money. The reason I don't is usually laziness; I don't get started early enough to get the sandwich made or the tea poured.
I find that I THINK I remember how much spending money I am supposed to allow myself but then don't actually check to see if my rememberance is correct. Now that I have looked I find that I have been spending more than I should...getting off budget. Living on the budget gives me enough to save for the special meals out and other occasions that might come up. Living off the budget can get me in the red in a hurry.
As I've looked at my budget again I find that I am wasting money that could be going into savings or additional principal payment on the house. When I say wasting I mean buying lunch and/or sodas at the drive through. I make tea every week and can take that AND my lunch so I don't have to spend money. The reason I don't is usually laziness; I don't get started early enough to get the sandwich made or the tea poured.
I find that I THINK I remember how much spending money I am supposed to allow myself but then don't actually check to see if my rememberance is correct. Now that I have looked I find that I have been spending more than I should...getting off budget. Living on the budget gives me enough to save for the special meals out and other occasions that might come up. Living off the budget can get me in the red in a hurry.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Happy, Happy Birthday to Me!
I have just celebrated another birthday! WooHoo!! As busy as I've been over the last several weeks I really do FEEL another year older.
It has been a GOOD birthday...lunch with my children and grandchildren on Thursday, lunch with the office ladies on Friday, lots of birthday wishes from facebook friends, some gift cards received, a birthday song from my home group and friends, and I got a raise! I also bought myself an HP netbook. I'd been contemplating a Kindle but I decided to get the mini computer because for the same price it's much more than a book reader. I went on Barnes and Nobles website and download their e-reader and some $4.99 books. Just gotta find a digital Bible.
I couldn't believe I got a raise. Just the day before my boss had called us all into the office to tell us "Time's are tough, but we're OK." He talked to us all about how our income is down and we don't know what a health care reform bill will do to our industry. Wasn't doom and gloom but it was a real times are tough speech. The next day he calls me into his office to say he's giving me a raise. It's not much but it will be more I can save for retirement!!
It has been a GOOD birthday...lunch with my children and grandchildren on Thursday, lunch with the office ladies on Friday, lots of birthday wishes from facebook friends, some gift cards received, a birthday song from my home group and friends, and I got a raise! I also bought myself an HP netbook. I'd been contemplating a Kindle but I decided to get the mini computer because for the same price it's much more than a book reader. I went on Barnes and Nobles website and download their e-reader and some $4.99 books. Just gotta find a digital Bible.
I couldn't believe I got a raise. Just the day before my boss had called us all into the office to tell us "Time's are tough, but we're OK." He talked to us all about how our income is down and we don't know what a health care reform bill will do to our industry. Wasn't doom and gloom but it was a real times are tough speech. The next day he calls me into his office to say he's giving me a raise. It's not much but it will be more I can save for retirement!!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Prayer and Action
In the book of Nehemiah we are told the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the exiles returned from Babylon and Persia. The Jews were taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who was later defeated by the Persians.
The people were allowed to go back home at 3 separate times. Nehemiah was in the last group to go. He was the cup bearer (aka wine taster/poison control) to King Artaxeres. Nehemiah had always been cheerful but one day he was really sad because he had gotten word that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins and the gates had been burned. When King Artaxeres noticed Nehemiah's distress he asked the cause and then allowed Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding project.
As the people were working there were those who opposed them fiercely. They tried to discourage the Jews every way they new how. When that didn't work, they planned to fight them. Nehemiah had been praying and telling the people to be courageous but when he learned of the planned battle the Bible tells us in Nehemiah 4:9 that they prayed and then set up a guard. Later we learn that half the men worked on the walls and half were dressed and ready for battle.
Too often when we pray we are inactive in our waiting on God. Waiting is actually an active thing not passive. Nehemiah prayed for God's protection but armed the men for battle. When I pray for God's intervention in my life, I should also be active. If I am in the midst of financial distress, I should be cutting my expenses and living on a budget as I wait for God to help. If I need a job, I should let people know I am looking and send out some resumes or go back to school. If I need physical healing, I should see the doctor and take his advice and the prescribed medications.
God expects our faith to be in Him but at the same time He expects us to use the resources He puts around us. I heard a funny/sad story one time of a man caught in a flood. The rescue team comes by to take the man to safety but the man wouldn't leave. He said I've prayed and God will save me. A little later when the man has to go to the 2nd story of his house because the water is rising, a motor boat comes by but again the man won't leave. Finally the man is on the roof of the house and a helicopter comes but again he refuses to leave and dies in the flood. When he gets to heaven, he tells St Peter I thought God would save me when I prayed. St Peter replied, God sent you the rescue team, the motorboat and the helicopter...what more did you want?
God's remedy for my finances will not be the lottery or money falling from heaven. A new job will hardly be offered if I don't let people know I want one. God is the Great Physician but He gives doctors wisdom to be His instruments in the process of healing. I should pray fervently but also take action to prepare for battle.
The people were allowed to go back home at 3 separate times. Nehemiah was in the last group to go. He was the cup bearer (aka wine taster/poison control) to King Artaxeres. Nehemiah had always been cheerful but one day he was really sad because he had gotten word that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins and the gates had been burned. When King Artaxeres noticed Nehemiah's distress he asked the cause and then allowed Nehemiah to go back to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding project.
As the people were working there were those who opposed them fiercely. They tried to discourage the Jews every way they new how. When that didn't work, they planned to fight them. Nehemiah had been praying and telling the people to be courageous but when he learned of the planned battle the Bible tells us in Nehemiah 4:9 that they prayed and then set up a guard. Later we learn that half the men worked on the walls and half were dressed and ready for battle.
Too often when we pray we are inactive in our waiting on God. Waiting is actually an active thing not passive. Nehemiah prayed for God's protection but armed the men for battle. When I pray for God's intervention in my life, I should also be active. If I am in the midst of financial distress, I should be cutting my expenses and living on a budget as I wait for God to help. If I need a job, I should let people know I am looking and send out some resumes or go back to school. If I need physical healing, I should see the doctor and take his advice and the prescribed medications.
God expects our faith to be in Him but at the same time He expects us to use the resources He puts around us. I heard a funny/sad story one time of a man caught in a flood. The rescue team comes by to take the man to safety but the man wouldn't leave. He said I've prayed and God will save me. A little later when the man has to go to the 2nd story of his house because the water is rising, a motor boat comes by but again the man won't leave. Finally the man is on the roof of the house and a helicopter comes but again he refuses to leave and dies in the flood. When he gets to heaven, he tells St Peter I thought God would save me when I prayed. St Peter replied, God sent you the rescue team, the motorboat and the helicopter...what more did you want?
God's remedy for my finances will not be the lottery or money falling from heaven. A new job will hardly be offered if I don't let people know I want one. God is the Great Physician but He gives doctors wisdom to be His instruments in the process of healing. I should pray fervently but also take action to prepare for battle.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Financial Upheavel
Yesterday, I fired my financial advisor. Several times in the many months that my investments lost traction and lots of money, I went to my advisor for input and to talk about what I wanted to do. Basically I was told that he knew best and leave it to him. I certainly don't know enough about stocks and bonds and mutual funds to want to go to a "do it yourself" trading position but I did know some things I wanted but didn't get.
So yesterday I found a new guy who is with Edward Jones and for the first time in almost a year have renewed confidence in the guy handling my money. And I am sure this is a God thing. Last December I was sure I should pull a considerable portion out of the market and, at least temporarily, increase my cash position. My old advisor didn't agree and I lost more money. As a 60 year old grandma, it made sense to me to limit my exposure to the market for a while.
This time around - although it is really late in the game and the market rally was starting - I heeded the call to pull my money out. I really didn't have a clue what I was going to do with it but I did find a 12 month CD at a local bank paying 3.5% so my plan was to drop it in there. This was on Monday.
Now, back up to last fall and the Financial Learning Experience at NewSpring Church taught by our financial pastor Joe Sangle. He mentioned investing with Edward Jones and how much he likes them cause they are all over the country. Since he travels a lot this is convenient for him. At the time I thought - I know someone at Edward Jones - but couldn't remember his name. I hadn't thought about it again.
Fast forward now to yesterday, Tuesday, morning. I wake up and I know the Edward Jones guy's name, Thomas McCarver. We used to go to church together and both served on the media team but I had not seen him in 2 years or so, and have not been in that church for almost a year. So, who put his name in my head overnight? God! Ya reckon??
I called Thomas on Tuesday morning got an appointment and spent 3 hours talking about my goals and the best way to achieve them. I actually now have an advisor who seems to care about my comfort level and my security and my financial future. Thank you, God, for being EVER faithful if I will just do what you say; if I will follow those inclinations you put in my heart.
So yesterday I found a new guy who is with Edward Jones and for the first time in almost a year have renewed confidence in the guy handling my money. And I am sure this is a God thing. Last December I was sure I should pull a considerable portion out of the market and, at least temporarily, increase my cash position. My old advisor didn't agree and I lost more money. As a 60 year old grandma, it made sense to me to limit my exposure to the market for a while.
This time around - although it is really late in the game and the market rally was starting - I heeded the call to pull my money out. I really didn't have a clue what I was going to do with it but I did find a 12 month CD at a local bank paying 3.5% so my plan was to drop it in there. This was on Monday.
Now, back up to last fall and the Financial Learning Experience at NewSpring Church taught by our financial pastor Joe Sangle. He mentioned investing with Edward Jones and how much he likes them cause they are all over the country. Since he travels a lot this is convenient for him. At the time I thought - I know someone at Edward Jones - but couldn't remember his name. I hadn't thought about it again.
Fast forward now to yesterday, Tuesday, morning. I wake up and I know the Edward Jones guy's name, Thomas McCarver. We used to go to church together and both served on the media team but I had not seen him in 2 years or so, and have not been in that church for almost a year. So, who put his name in my head overnight? God! Ya reckon??
I called Thomas on Tuesday morning got an appointment and spent 3 hours talking about my goals and the best way to achieve them. I actually now have an advisor who seems to care about my comfort level and my security and my financial future. Thank you, God, for being EVER faithful if I will just do what you say; if I will follow those inclinations you put in my heart.
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