Good financial planning is a part of Wise Stewardship! To be a truly effective steward, you must believe Unequivocally that the Money being Managed is Someone Else’s Money – GOD’S! You do remember that the Bible says, ‘The earth and all its fullness is the Lord’s’ (Psalm 24:1, “The earth and everything it contains are the Lord’s. The world and all who live in it are His” GWT). Every resource, even money, is His, and you are simply stewards of His resources!
Having this perspective gives a person the freedom to use finances as a tool to accomplish God’s purposes, recognizing that no one comes into this world with any possessions, and certainly no one will leave with anything either (Ecclesiastes 5:15, “They came from their mother’s womb naked. They will leave as naked as they came. They won’t even be able to take a handful of their earnings with them from all their hard work” GWT). So be careful about trying to make yourself rich! Be careful about trying to increase your bank accounts for the sole purpose of saying “I have…” You cannot under any circumstances take one red cent with you when you go! Therefore, you have to save money, for the Right Motive!
God has entrusted each person with certain resources. And money is a resource that we must be trustworthy in managing. For instance, we cannot live in an apartment while driving a car that costs more than a mortgage! That’s Not Good Stewardship! We can’t have enough money to buy a new car, but have Nothing Saved For Our Children’s College Education! How do you expect them to reach higher education when you keep lowering the savings account that will help them attain it? You can’t have money to get your fingernails done, but have no food in the house! You have to Budget and Balance!
In addition, money is something that God uses to test your ability to handle properly the other gifts He desires to give you (Luke 16:11, “Therefore, if you can’t be trusted with wealth that is often used dishonestly, who will trust you with wealth that is real?” GWT). The Message Bible says it like this: “If you’re honest in small things, you’ll be honest in big things; If you’re a crook in small things, you’ll be a crook in big things. If you’re not honest in small jobs, who will put you in charge of the store? No worker can serve two bosses: He’ll either hate the first and love the second Or adore the first and despise the second. You can’t serve both God and the Bank”!
So if people were to look at your financial lifestyle, would they say you could be trusted with a full storehouse? Or would you be more likely to empty it out instead?
Listen, one day God will ask for an accounting of how you managed the resources He has given you. So, does your spending habits say you will pass the test or fail?
Luke 19:11-26, “While he had their attention, and because they were getting close to Jerusalem by this time and expectation was building that God’s kingdom would appear any minute, he told this story: “There was once a man descended from a royal house who needed to make a long trip back to headquarters to get authorization for his rule and then return. But first he called ten servants together, GAVE THEM EACH A SUM OF MONEY, and instructed them, ‘OPERATE WITH THIS UNTIL I RETURN.’ “But the citizens there hated him. So they sent a commission with a signed petition to oppose his rule: ‘We don’t want this man to rule us.’ “When he came back bringing the authorization of his rule, HE CALLED THOSE TEN SERVANTS TO WHOM HE HAD GIVEN THE MONEY TO FIND OUT HOW THEY HAD DONE”. “The first said, ‘Master, I doubled your money.’ “He said, ‘Good servant! Great work! Because you’ve been TRUSTWORTHY in this small job, I’m making you governor of ten towns.’ “The second said, ‘Master, I made a fifty percent profit on your money.’ “He said, ‘I’m putting you in charge of five towns.’ “The next servant said, ‘Master, here’s your money safe and sound. I kept it hidden in the cellar. To tell you the truth, I was a little afraid. I know you have high standards and hate sloppiness, and don’t suffer fools gladly.’ “He said, ‘You’re right that I don’t suffer fools gladly—AND YOU’VE ACTED THE FOOL! WHY DIDN’T YOU AT LEAST INVEST THE MONEY IN SECURITIES SO I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN A LITTLE INTEREST ON IT?’ “Then he said to those standing there, ‘TAKE THE MONEY FROM HIM AND GIVE IT TO THE SERVANT WHO DOUBLED MY STAKE.’ “They said, ‘But Master, he already has double . . .’ “He said, ‘That’s what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.” MSG).
So, where have you invested the money God has given you? Who have you invested in? How much have you invested?
God has given you enough resources, so have you put money away for your children’s education? Have you put money away for retirement? Have you reexamined your finances and rid your budget of non-essential expenditures? Have you been faithful to give your tithe and offering? Have you sown finances in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and foreign missions? Have you funded orphans and widows as the Bible charges us to do? Have you put a plan in place to get yourself out of debt? Do you know what you’re credit score is? When is the last time you checked your credit reports? If in debt, what steps have you taken to repair your credit? Are you wearing more than you’re saving? Do you even know what a stock, bond, 401k, IRA is?
Do you have a savings account for “just in case?” What’s that you ask? Well that’s money you put aside and save ‘just in case’ the car breaks down; the kids need braces; the plumbing has a leak; an unexpected lay-off takes place; you, your spouse or child becomes long-term sick, the rent goes up etc…You Need a “Just In Case” Fund!
And even things that may seem a little less important, but are not: Have you and your family gone on vacation together? Do you and your spouse have play money set aside for date night? Do you have change for the kids to go to summer camp instead of hanging out in front of the television all summer?
God has given you money, therefore He’s given you resource! How are you managing His Resources?
Also it’s important LADIES, to note, that a Wife who manages resources wisely is a blessing to her husband and family:
“A GOOD WOMAN is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. HER HUSBAND TRUSTS HER WITHOUT RESERVE, AND NEVER HAS REASON TO REGRET IT. Never spiteful, she treats him GENEROUSLY all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. SHE LOOKS OVER A FIELD AND BUYS IT, THEN, WITH MONEY SHE’S PUT ASIDE, PLANTS A GARDEN. First thing in the morning, she dresses for WORK, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. SHE’S QUICK TO ASSIST ANYONE IN NEED, REACHES OUT TO HELP THE POOR. She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and SELLS THEM, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!” Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!” Proverbs 31:10-31 MSG).
Ladies, did you catch some of those highlights? Her husband trusts her without reserve and has no regret! Why? Because she knows how to manage her household…and that includes Managing Money!
The Scripture says she “…shops around…” sounds like bargain hunting to me! A good woman who is a good steward shops around for the best bargain for her families budget!
She also “…looks for a field and buys it…with money she’s put aside…” Sounds like a savings account to me! For instance, you may come across a foreclosed house or a car for little of nothing, but if you’ve not put aside some money…someone else will enjoy that blessing!
Then she also “…plants a garden”…with the “…money she’s put aside” You take seed to plant, and then you wait, and then you reap, then you sow, then you wait, then you reap, then you sow, then you wait, then you reap…are you getting this?! She makes sure that her harvest always comes around again because she’s smart enough, diligent enough…to keep putting money aside!
And she’s not selfish either because “…She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor…” Would people agree or disagree that that’s your testimony?
Remember this: “And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]” 2 Corinthians 9:10 AMP) In other words, He Only Gives Seed To Those Who Have Sown! Maybe that explains why your barn is always empty!
Proverbs 3:5-12, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! HONOR GOD WITH EVERYTHING YOU OWN; GIVE HIM THE FIRST AND THE BEST. YOUR BARNS WILL BURST, YOUR WINE VATS WILL BRIM OVER. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under His loving correction. It’s the child He loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.” (MSG)
In conclusion, People of God, avoid an overly consumptive lifestyle! The Bible teaches us to be temperate in all things: (1 Corinthians 9:25, “Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself TEMPERATELY and RESTRICTS HIMSELF IN ALL THINGS…AMP). “Temperate” means “Showing Moderation or Self-Restraint”. Ladies, Good Stewards Exercise Moderation and Self-Restraint even when the shoes are buy one get one free; the dress is 50% off or the pocketbook is 2 for the price of 1! Listen, you don’t got to Like me, but make sure you Learn from me!
Good Stewards, even know how to pass up a good thing for a better one. For example: Yes you’ve saved enough for a new car, but your son graduates high school this year, so is this really the right time or not? Good stewards walk in wisdom and discernment!
And Whatever You Do, Avoid Debt! (Proverbs 22:7, “The poor are always ruled over by the rich, SO DON’T BORROW AND PUT YOURSELF UNDER THEIR POWER” (MSG); Romans 13:8, “DON’T RUN UP DEBTS, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other… MSG).
Grab hold of the Wisdom of the Proverbs: Proverbs 12:11, “Those who work their land will have plenty to eat, but those who engage in empty pursuits have no sense” CEB). Surely You Don’t Want To Be Known As A Saint With No Sense?
Personal Experience: One of the things I do all the time is drop lose change in a jar I keep at work and one I keep at home. Recently, both jars became too full to add anything else to them. So, I took a Saturday and just sat on the floor in my living-room rolling up the coins. All I kept saying was, ‘how much can this really be? It’s just a bunch of quarters, dimes, nickles and pennies.’ Well, once I was finished with my little weekend project, the total amounted to $540! I was amazed! Just saving a few coins amounted to that much of an unexpected blessing! Now, that may not be much to some, but that was a pretty penny in my book! In a nutshell, you don’t have to do anything drastic to start saving, you just need to start saving! It takes 100 pennies to get one dollar bill, so every penny is of value! Therefore, if you have to start with a penny, it’s a good place to start!
An Important Scripture I Want to Leave With You Is: Proverbs 13:22, “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just” The Amplified Bible says it like this: “A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up”
Two things I want you to take note of:
1) The Inheritance That’s Left Is “…moral stability and goodness…” the Inheritance that you leave them has nothing to do with money! Does that mean you shouldn’t have life insurance? No! Don’t be stupid! Take care of your family! But note that the Biblical Inheritance Is “…Moral Stability and Goodness” that’s Real Wealth! and;
2) You Don’t Have to be Wicked to Attain Wealth! You do not need schemes and under-handed tricks! The Bible says: “…the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous…” Why? Because it’s “…for whom it was laid up”. In other words, God already has a plan in place for your prosperity! No matter how much Wealth the Wicked has, it will eventually flow our way! It has no choice but to, because it was already intended for us to have! It was already laid up for us!
So bear in mind: you need to get out of debt, save, budget and balance wisely and most important leave an inheritance to your future family generations of moral stability and goodness and get rid of your stress because the wealth of the wicked has to eventually be deposited in your bank account!
Today, determine to start putting a plan in place so your financial stability can stop staggering and stagnating! Your present and future self (and generations) will thank you for it!
“Without a rich heart, wealth is an ugly beggar.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” (Warren Buffett)
“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” (Dave Ramsey)
“Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I’m not there, I go to work.” (Robert Orben)
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.” (Benjamin Franklin)
“Don’t go broke trying to look rich, act your wage.” (Author Unknown)
“Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.” (Albert Einstein)
“The goal isn’t more money. The goal is living life on your terms.” (Will Rogers)
“If you don’t value your time, neither will others. Stop giving away your time and talents. Value what you know and start charging for it.” (Kim Garst)
“Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell you what you value.” (Joe Biden)
“The safe way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket.” (Frank Hubbard)
“Budgeting has only one rule: Do Not Go Over Budget!” (Leslie Tayne)
“Never spend your money before you’ve earned it.” (Thomas Jefferson)
“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” (Robert Kioysaki)
“Wealth is not about having a lot of money it is about having a lot of options.” (Chris Rock)
“When you’re having money problems the first thing to do is quit spending it on all the things that don’t produce money.” (Author Unknown)
“If you want to reap financial blessings, you have to sow financially.” (Joel Osteen)
“Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time.” (Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe)
“You might get 85 years on this planet – don’t spend 65 of them paying off a lifestyle you can’t afford.” (Cait Flanders)
“Money Looks Better in the Bank Than On Your Back!” (Author Unknown)
“Only a fool invests all his money into debt!” (Author Unknown)
“Realize that you’ll go broke trying to fix everyone else’s financial problems.” (Sonya Parker)
“Too Many Have Residual Bills, Too Few Have Residual Income.” (Author Unknown)
“Hope is not a financial plan.” (Author Unknown)
“Money without brains is always dangerous.” (Napoleon Hill)
“I am not satisfied in making money for myself. I endeavor to provide employment for hundreds of the women of my race.” (Madam C.J. Walker)
“One of the greatest gifts you can give your kids is to prepare them to be responsible, empowered adults around money.” (Author Unknown)
“Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.” (Andrew Carnegie)
“Love is worth so much more than money. There are so many people who are filthy rich, but have nobody to genuinely love them. Unconditional love is priceless.” (Suzy Kassem)
“To understand someone, find out how he spends his money.” (Author Unknown)
“The best thing money can buy is financial freedom.” (Author Unknown)
“It’s good to have money and the things that money Can buy. But it’s good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money Can’t buy.” (George Lorimer)
“Money can buy some things to create happiness, but it can never buy happiness.” (Ellen J. Barrier)
“By definition, saving for anything – requires us to not get things Now, so we can get bigger ones Later.” (Jean Chatzsky)
“It is better to be a Lender than a Spender.” (Jim Rohn)
“Too many people spend money that they haven’t earned to buy things they don’t want to impress people that they don’t like.” (Will Rogers)
“The number one problem in today’s generation and economy is the lack of financial literacy.” (Alan Greespan)
“No one’s ever achieved financial fitness with a January resolution that’s abandoned by February.” (Suze Orman)
“Never work just for money or for power. They won’t save your soul or help you sleep at night.” (Marian Wright Edelman)
“You must gain control over money, or the lack of it will forever control you.” (Dave Ramsey)
“Money is usually attracted, not pursued.” (Jim Rohn)
“Being in control of your finances is a great stress reliever.” (Author Unknown)
“If you are born poor it’s not your fault. But if you die poor it’s your fault.” (Bill Gates)
“Money speaks only one language. If you save me today, I will save your tomorrow.” (Author Unknown)
“Every time you borrow money, you’re robbing your future self.” (Nathan W. Morris)
“Hustle isn’t just working on the things you like. It means doing the things you don’t enjoy so you can do the things you love.” (Author Unknown)
"I am prepared NOT to be broke." (Bishop James R. Chambers)
“How important are money management and finances in marriage and family affairs? Tremendously. The American Bar Association recently indicated that 89% of all divorces could be traced to quarrels and accusations over money. Another study estimated that 75% of all divorces result from clashes over finances. Some professional counselors indicated that four out of every five families wrestle with serious money problems.” (Jeffrey R. Holland)
Much Love, Dr. Shermaine
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