2020 & Your Thoughts

2020 & Your Thoughts

          "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." (Romans 12:2)  As we enter a new year, a new decade, let's look at a pivotal area for our growth God intended us to be diligently aware of - our thoughts.

          As you can see in the illustration above, one hand is open and the other closed. In relation to our thoughts, God's Word has described our options as casting them or taking them. Let's include in this study how that looks for our finances.

          There's two ways to prepare and know the thoughts that are to be cast away, and those to be taken. 

Reading and meditating on God's Word regularly. This creates and refines how to "sift" our thoughts through God's wisdom, determining if they line up with Him or not.

          It is written in Isaiah 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts". But we can have His thoughts (Praise His Name) - as we read, pause and contemplate His Word.

          Believers in Christ at His time on earth only heard the Word from it being taught at the temple and being spoken among themselves, they did not own bibles. As a believer in Christ in 2020, bluntly we have it very easy to receive His Word. It is on the radio, TV and internet. It can be accessed in over 60 different versions on websites and we have printed copies in abundance.

          But even if you are not in front of a bible or broadcast, you have the ability to receive from God's Word anywhere anytime, just by thinking and meditating on it right where you are. In Psalms 119:15 David wrote "I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways".

Relying on the Holy Spirit. In John 16, Jesus spoke of how the coming Holy Spirit would be our Counselor and would demonstrate to us about righteousness and sin.

          When the thought comes that "I have to have this ________ because ________ ", that is when you sift it through God's Word and the Holy Spirit. If you do not have peace about it, that is the signal from the Holy Spirit convicting you to cast that thought away. We're instructed in 2 Corinthians 12:5 to "lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ". This is the casting away part. 

          If we give lots of time and thought towards what we want to buy (or did not receive for Christmas), that is what we will reap when given the choice at the store or in front of the computer, rather than if our preceding thoughts have been towards those right actions from God's Word - then we will be "tuned in" to what the Holy Spirit says about it.

          To summarize for our finances, how can we apply this? By first taking the right thoughts from God's Word - to keep out of debt and owe no man anything but love, to spend less than we make, that godliness with contentment is great gain, towards giving and being generous. Then by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit, who knows and promises to lead in the correct course to take.

          In closing, God has provided from Philippians 4:8 the way to receive peace from Him by how we think: "whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things."

God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,

Paul

Reading vs. Playing

Reading vs. Playing

"But be doers of the Word, and not merely listeners to it..." 

          We likely can recall this verse from James 1:22, and if we've thought about it, we know how penetrating those words are... challenging us inside and calling us to action. 

          Imagine going to a concert - the lights comes on, the performer comes out... and then just reads the sheet music. That sounds absurd, but consider it from God's perspective - if we receive these treasures of knowledge from Him without doing them.

          Look again at the illustration above. Think about the Word of God (and the wisdom it contains) as the sheet music on the left. We can read entire chapters or just one verse - but God always intended for His Word... as if it were music, to not only be read or listened to, but to be PLAYED by His people.

          With our finances we have "sheet music", written of tithing to the Lord, keeping out of debt and owing nothing except to love one another, learning contentment, spending less than we make, giving to those in need and being generous.

          See the baby above at the keyboard? Obviously it does not know how to create meaningful music yet, but by just pressing the keyboard... and hearing the sounds, that feedback will lead to learning how to play sweet music one day.

          In the areas that we're only reading or listening, we need to extend our hand like that baby. It matters not what it sounds like or the initial level of our success, just that we're reaching out in faith - and hearing the notes we're playing.

          Some of the response to the notes we play is promised to be delivered by the hand of the Lord. It's written in Malachi 3 that in response to our tithing, the Lord will pour out a blessing "that there shall not be room enough to receive it". In Proverbs 11:25 it says "A generous person will prosper, and anyone who gives water will receive a flood in return."

         So no matter where the area is within God's Word, be mindful of the life and the divine nature that it has - but only if it moves off the page and is PLAYED by you. Look at this renewed effort by yourself in how Psalms 98:1 begins "Sing to the Lord a new song..."

          Lastly, look to this reward in store from 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him."

God Bless you may He show Himself greatly to you,

Paul

          

Seeds from A to Z

Seeds from A to Z

          "The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel (so that he may be able to steer his course rightly)." (Proverbs 1:5)

          You likely want to reduce and get out of debt, and you may be implementing some efforts to do so. This month I would like to trigger your brain-storming abilities with 26 ideas - seeds you can plant right now to either get you on the path or to provide additional leverage towards becoming debt-free.

Apps - from GasBuddy, ibotta, Grocery iQ, Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, SnipSnap to many more, there are convenient and fast ways to save on everyday purchases.

Bring - bring coffee, snacks and lunch with you to work a portion of the week. Bring soft drinks, water and snacks to events to avoid paying high prices there.

Coupons - it takes just a minute to flip through the ads and clip out savings to stretch your food budget each week.

Deductibles - consider raising your insurance deductibles for auto, homeowners and medical coverage. Do annual research to ensure you are receiving the best value.

End of season - leverage the retailers' need to remove seasonal merchandise, saving 25-50% or more. You cannot see that % level of return on any investment you make.

Frequency - repeated expenses should be looked at closely for areas to reduce or eliminate, for in doing so you will reap the benefits each week/month.

Generic - consider and try the store brand items. Most are made at the same factory as the national brands and also offer 100% guarantees of satisfaction, so there is nothing to lose.

Humility - our pride influences us to making unwise financial decisions. Worrying about others is a snare to avoid if we are going to advance towards becoming debt-free.

Install - putting in caulking, weather stripping, sealants, programmable thermostats, insulation and energy-efficient items will save money for us each month.

Joy - Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Think about the joy of experiencing each debt going away, it will encourage you through this process.

Keep - keep a running grocery list at home - it will help reduce extra trips, and when you are at the store stick to this list and avoid impulse purchases.

Library - in addition to books, for entertainment they have videos and music all for free. You've already paid for these items with your tax dollars, so go take advantage of them.

Monitor - your credit card spending. Go online and view your charges weekly, so you can stay within your budget and avoid a surprise when the bill arrives at the end of the month.

Needs - sit down and soberly assess what are your needs vs. your wants. Make quality decisions to prioritize your spending based on this and your goals to reduce debt.

Online - many national chains offer free and discounted meals by signing up with them online. Entertainment.com and Groupons can greatly reduce your dining and leisure expenses. View it as they are paying you to eat at their restaurants versus a competitor.

Pre-owned - before just automatically buying new, look on CraigsList and other sites to see if a suitable used one is available. It's very easy and can save you a bundle. 

Quit - look at what memberships or subscriptions you are not using or getting value for, quit them and use that monthly savings to pay down debt.

Research - for substantial purchases, go online for reviews and specifications, or to your library to see Consumer Reports recommendations - they will steer you to the right brands.

Set - set limits on gifts that work with your budget. It can be tempting to go overboard, but remember it is the thought that counts, and not necessarily being extravagant.

Tithes - our first priority is to honor the One who created us and keeps us. The Lord promises to pour out a bountiful blessing to those who are faithful to Him (Malachi 3:9-10).

Used Cars - consider going used and saving as much as 40% for a 3-year old model. Utilize Consumer Reports recommendations for the most reliable models.

Vending Machines - should be avoided along with convenience stores. Planning ahead to bring beverages and snacks can keep us from these very expensive alternatives.

Wait - before making a substantial or discretionary purchase... wait for at least a day or two. This will prove how much you really want it and helps prevent having regrets afterwards.

X-Ray - tracking and viewing every expense is what I call an X-Ray. As it illuminates all of the hidden areas of spending we lose sight of. This is the single most beneficial task you can complete - it will stun you in some areas and show you exactly where you can change.

Yourself - realize that YOU have the power to make the changes which will change your path towards financial victory. The smallest positive result will show that power to you.

Zero Balance - make a goal to focus on your smallest debt, and stay on that one debt until it is at a zero balance. Then take that payment and move towards the next smallest debt.

          Lastly, in considering these ideas as seeds you can plant, take this verse with you as an encouragement to stay the course: "And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint." (Galatians 6:9)

God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,

Paul

Building Blocks

Building Blocks

          The photo above is from the lobby of our church. Printed on the wood blocks are our Core Values as a body of Christ. I'd like to share how these values can help us to be obedient and become victorious in our finances.

          It's OK not to be OK - nearly everyone including myself has overspent, made mistakes and experienced significant debt along with the stress that accompanies it. Jesus said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

          If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got - this is graphically true in our finances, because we can measure it by our debt load, which will continue to increase - especially because of interest charges, until we have a change of heart. God will help bring that change if we sincerely ask Him to.

            We are not afraid to get out of the boat - it takes faith to take God at His Word. First to honor Him by giving our tithes and offerings to Him, and in return He promises in Malachi 3 to "rebuke the devourer" and to "pour out a blessing". God even says to "test Me now by this" in His supreme assurance that He will show Himself faithful back to us.

          We get off the sidelines - Next, by looking closely at our spending, making wise choices to reduce waste and overindulgence so we can pay down debt. This will move us towards being a lender and not a borrower (Deuteronomy 15:6) and for being obedient to the Lord it continues in chapter 28 to say "He will bless all the work of our hands".

          He gave extravagantly, so we give extravagantly - in our finances, and also our time and talents be sensitive to the Holy Spirit speaking to you to help others in need. 2 Corinthians 9 tells us that God loves and takes pleasure in a cheerful, joyous giver whose heart is in his or her giving.

          When you're green, you grow. When you're ripe you rot - as we yield to God's will in our finances, that agreement will flow towards obedience in other areas to the Lord. This aligns with Romans 8:29 that God destined those He foreknew to be conformed to the image of His Son.

          As a family, we go - it is key to have both spouses and families cooperating together towards eliminating debt, all rowing in the same direction. With all making some sacrifices towards this worthy goal. In our household, my father said he could see that God was blessing our efforts because of our unity together in the process. 

          We are serious about the discipline of joy - build into this debt-freedom effort rewards for accomplishments, like when paying off a smaller debt or a credit card. It will keep you and your family motivated, have them all provide input for the rewards. Plan for major celebrations when paying off a car or especially the mortgage!

          Just because you've handled your finances a certain way does not mean that has to continue. It is written in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that any person in Christ is a new creation, the old has passed away, and the fresh and new has come. See yourself as that new creation by God in every area... including your finances.

God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,

Paul

Gaining Ground

Gaining Ground

          In Luke 14:28, Jesus said "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?" Jesus frequently spoke in parables to convey His message in terms people could relate to - in this instance, the cost of discipleship.  With many looking to football starting again, I want to share some ways to view paying off debt and gaining ground in a similar manner.

          We may begin a month at 1st down and 10 yards to go, but if we spend more than we make we've been sacked - and now face more than 10 yards for the next month. Proverbs 21:20 illustrates that "precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it". It is simply saying the foolish man wasted and spent everything he earned, while the wise man spent less than he made.

          But it gets worse from there, since we've usually borrowed that excess amount on our credit cards, we get hit with a "penalty" on top of the loss of yardage in the form of interest (averaging 14%), so figuratively we may be looking at 2nd down and 20 yards (or more) for the next month.

          So how do we gain ground? Just like in the real game, we run the ball and take a modest gain - by going back to Proverbs 21:20 and spending less than we make the next month. The good news is we have more than four downs to make up the lost yardage, just "advance the ball" a portion each month. As you are encouraged by the results you will think of additional ways to curb overspending and will move forward even faster.

          Consider our credit cards and smaller debts like first downs on the field. In the bigger picture of getting debt-free, it is as we pay off those debts we move closer to the end zone, which would be like what is owed on your car(s). Paying off the smaller debts - and not charging them back up again, frees up the additional funds to allow you to retire your car debt(s) in a relatively short time... and punch it in the end zone.

          Having moved past the credit cards, smaller debts and car loans you now have the capacity to take your mortgage head on. It has worked like a snowball rolling downhill and at this point you can make double and even triple payments and on average pay off your mortgage in about 5 years. I can tell you from experience that major accomplishment is like winning the game - even the Super Bowl!

          The great players and teams do not just show up on game day, they've put in the time preparing in the weight room, studying the playbook and practicing to carry out the coaches' plays. 

          It's not much different for us in this effort. Spending time in God's Word having our mind renewed, seeking His face and listening to Him will help prepare us to make wise choices. We also have the Holy Spirit, who can assist much like how the coaches speak to the players' receivers in their helmets in an instant. It's promised that if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

          Lastly, be encouraged that our "play caller", God Almighty, has promised this... "I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten... and you shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord, your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you".

God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,

Paul

          

           

The Opening

The Opening

          Isaiah 61:1 says "He has sent me to bind up and heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound."

          In the area of debt, we may not think of being bound or in prison, but the Word of God and Jesus both spoke to illuminate things that are visible only from the Father's perspective - which is much higher than ours and knows every aspect of the condition of humanity from the beginning to the end.

          In Proverbs 22:7 it is written "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." As so much of our paycheck can be promised before we've even awoke each morning and worked hard all week to earn it, is that not just like slavery?

          The good news is we can regain our freedom.

          The first step, is to honor The One who will lead us out of captivity. There are some who "honor" their creditors first and withhold the tithe from the Lord as a result. God plainly describes this in Malachi 3:8 as robbing from Him, but He also promises to "open the windows of heaven" for those who are obedient. 

          Next, is to allow humility. Much of our indebtedness is brought on by discretionary spending - either on things not needed or exorbitant in stature, or from excessive in quantity. Psalm 25:9 says "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." 

          By allowing humility, we will find ourselves more content. in 1 Timothy 6, Paul wrote "with food and clothing we shall be content". He also revealed that his inward strength came from Christ, enabling him to live under all circumstances. By this reliance we'll receive patience, enabling us to turn away from spending money we do not have on optional things.

          By starting with the foundation of the first two steps above, decide that over the next 30 days you will not spend more than you make. Begin by writing down the total amount of each debt. The main culprit to hold in line will be your credit card. To help, write down every charge as it is made on a log and keep it in view every day - that way there will not be a surprise when the statement arrives and you'll be more able to stay on target.

          If you can achieve this pivotal step of spending less than you make over the next 30 days, your momentum will have been established and you'll realize just how much control YOU have to not overspend. Then you can work towards paying the smallest debt off first and moving onto the larger debts - more detail on this process is in the December 2016 Blog Archive titled "Moving Forward".

          In closing, remember these words from Romans 13:8 which provide simple instruction and will protect us from being bound: "Keep out of debt and owe no man anything, except to love one another."

God Bless you and may he show Himself greatly to you,

Paul

________ For Others

________ For Others

          "Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others".  (Philippians 2:4). This brief, powerful instruction from Paul bursts out in how to fulfill the needs of the church body, reach out to a hurting world, solidify a healthy marriage and family, contribute to a winning work environment, and experience happiness inside.

          This past week, a Vice President of our corporation moved on to a new company.  There's no one I've respected more in my working career than her, from how she handled difficult circumstances, maintained a positive attitude, had excellent business knowledge and sense, and always had the right thing to say.

          In leaving, she shared personally with me that her focus was always on the team and the people there... which reopened my eyes to that beginning verse above. Let's look at what we can do to live out this scripture in our finances and other efforts.

          Starting with our vocation, in working unto the Lord (from Colossians 3:23) we should naturally also be thoughtful of the work and communication going to our coworkers, so they can do their best. We can be careful listeners when they share of personal needs, which may be opening a door to pray for or with them and to share about Jesus. Being a considerate and diligent worker will also make you valuable, returning to bless you.

          With our wages we first bring our tithes to the Lord, as directed in Malachi 3:10 that "there may be food in My house". This is unto the Lord, but its flow goes towards reaching the lost in the community, nurturing the church body including our precious youth, and spanning across the country and continents through missions. 1 Peter 4:10 states you've been given gifts by God to serve others, look for areas to serve at your church.

          In giving beyond the church, there may be specific organizations that are serving to fulfill a need that is close to your heart. Review the March 2019 post titled "In My Name", which covers how to locate these ministries. Be mindful of the Holy Spirit prompting you to give towards individuals in need, or you may sense something through a normal conversation where God's will is to use you to help their situation.

          Beyond utilizing money or your gifts given to you by God for others, look to share their burdens in prayer - either alongside them in agreement or lifting their needs to the Lord in your personal prayer time.

          What also takes place as we help others while walking in love, is our flesh is quieted... because we are walking by the Spirit and not gratifying the flesh. That will help our walk in so many other areas.  Lastly, be encouraged to know there is a promise towards those who help others from Hebrews 6:10.

          "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them".

God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,

Paul