Every spending decision is a Spiritual decision
THE PROBLEM:
a. Generational – look to how your parents handled money
b. Unprepared for retirement
c. Too wise in our own eyes
d. Want in three years what it took our parents a lifetime to acquire
e. Instant gratification
THE SOLUTION:
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto
God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by
the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
a. Our attitude must be right before God
b. Don’t conform to the patterns of the world
1. debt and no savings
2. credit card debt
3. buy now pay later
Isaiah 55: 8-9
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways
my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Deuteronomy 8:18
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Proverb 13:4
4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Psalm 50: 10, 12
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
BUDGET:
A budget is NOT : a ball and chain
A budget is: a Plan
A budget is: a means to achieve our prayerfully considered goals.
A budget is: a necessity
TIPS ON SETTING A BUDGET:
Numbers 30:2
2 If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
1. Gather info; set goals
2. Keep a spending diary
3. Set up a budget
a. Envelope method (cash for groceries, fuel, etc.)
b. Cash spending instead of checks or credit
4. Budget review
SIX CATEGORIES INTO WHICH ALL MONIES FALL:
1. INCOME : God’s provision for our lives
Deuteronomy 8:18
18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
2. GIVING: Put first - God’s things and He will provide
Matthew 6:1-4, also 5-34
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
Further scripture readings:
Haggai 1:2-11
Malachi 3:6-12
Proverb 3:9-10
3. TAXES - must be paid - no if ands or buts
Matthew 22:17-21
17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.
4. SAVINGS - Margin
Proverb 21:20
There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Proverb 13:11b
… but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.
5. DEBT REPAYMENT
Proverb 22:7
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
6. LIFE STYLE: - living expenses (the only negotiable item)
A. Rent or Mortgage
B. Grocery
a. loss leaders – discount stores, damaged freight
b. coupons
c. rebates
d. determine your costly items and find ways to cut down on these costs
1. breakfast cereals
2. baby foods
3. diapers & baby wipes
4. juice boxes
5. salad dressings
6. cookies
7. milk
8. pizza – especially take out
9. cleaning supplies
C. Gifts
D. Christmas
E. Children’s clothing and toys – shop at garage sales, Goodwill,
Salvation Army, DAV
F. Gym – if unaffordable, don’t forget, exercise can be free
G. Hair –consider a lower maintenance style, i.e. skip the chemical treatments.
H. Auto Insurance –shop around. Consider a higher deductible.
I. Bartering –exchange services, or even do toy or video swap with friends.
If you have debt, ACT like it. Don’t pretend that its not there. God doesn’t want his people to be in debt.
Read Deuteronomy 15:6 (lend and not borrow)
TYPICAL CREDIT CARD DEBT:
Purchased: Sofa
Price: $1000
Interest: 18%
Payment: approximately $20 per month minimum
The above debt on one piece of furniture will take 8 years to pay in full, if minimum payments are made, costing a total of $1809. And this is assuming that during that eight years you do not buy anything else on credit!
NEVER MAKE MINIMUM PAYMENT ON DEBT!!!
Singles & Couples: live a lifestyle that requires a budget!
A Message From Buffy:
