Money - We talked about stewardship at church last Sunday morning.
Here are some of the key verses, followed by a summary of points that I find helpful in budgeting...
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19
“Historically it seems that spiritual revivals have been accompanied by a clear bold response to the issues of sex, money and power. This is true whether we think of the Benedictine movement, the Reformation, the Methodist movement, the modern missionary movement, or any number of other groups. When these revivals occur in a culture, there is a renewal of both devotional experience and ethical moral life. We need a modern day renewal of spiritual experience that is ethically potent.” (Richard Foster)
“…. about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” Acts 2
“8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ... 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 1 Corinthians 9
“26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.” Matthew 6
PRINCIPLES THAT GUIDE ME:
ONE: We’re all God’s – our total destiny and possessions are his.
seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13
TWO: We are called to be on total mission – regardless of we you are!
But you are a chosen people ... 2 pet 2:9-10
THREE: We are called to be careful stewards not owners of all God loans us - hold it lightly, be prepared to give it up!
We are servants who have simply done our duty. Luke 17:6-10
FOUR: Life will take turns we wouldn’t understand at the time – sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes not, perseverance means adjusting, and being content
I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. ... Phil 4:10-12
FIVE: Faith living means day by day bringing everything to God – the closer to edge you live the better you will see God in action
Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need Mat 6: 31-32
SIX: We prepare an annual budget – faith doesn’t mean a lack of planning.
“Be very careful, then, how you live ... do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.” Eph 5: 15-18
BUDGET: Before anything else we budget a tithe of our gross income (Mal 3)
➢ Tithe usually means 10% as a practise (can be more)
➢ To the local church - not our favourite ministry
➢ Out of our control – we give up control of how it is used
BUDGET: Then work out what other offerings to God to make (different to tithe)
➢ These are free choices to missions, charities whatever
➢ Ask: Are they to be regular or once offs gifts?
➢ Ongoing giving MUST be regular and consistent, not just as ‘As Ifeel this week’
BUDGET: Work out our regular household living expenses
➢ Estimate a year’s worth of utilities and expenses to get an average (Keep receipts)
➢ Add in hidden items such as school, health, holidays, Christmas, birthdays etc
➢ Ask: Can we really live this way- does it balance?
➢ Are the budget items and amounts God things or just good things?
BUDGET: What do we need to trim or add?
➢ Can we do anything about those extra items?
➢ We don’t usually buy on credit
➢ We don’t quickly get ‘extras’ – (Eg. mobiles for all the family would add $$)
➢ Pay big bills first (Eg. Rent), small bills last
➢ Will second hand items or lower quality items do?
➢ Can we slowly save via another account?
➢ What are we intentionally looking for God to provide outside our capacity?
➢ Don’t judge other people’s frugality or spending!
