Money Matters

It is a blessing to finally announce the publication of my first devotional.  Turn North: A 30-Day Devotional and Journal is now available. If you would like to order a copy today you will find it on your favorite online booksellers’ website.  I am still waiting for my box of books to arrive, but I will get the requested autographed copies out as soon as I can.  If you order one yourself and want it autographed, just email me and let me know. 

The book is a great read for those who are not so familiar with God’s word and need a little help getting started.  That said, it’s perfect for those people (young and old) you have been praying would grow to love God.
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- - - Today's Blog Post - - -
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10 December 2017.  15 days until Christmas.  22 days until 2018.  38 days until my birthday--but that's for another blog post. :-)   What better time to think about money than right now!  I am probably not alone in that finances are heavy on the mind right now.  Financial decisions are being made as we decide which gifts to purchase and which can wait.  Which retailers give us the best price?  Is the extra (limited) warranty worth the extra money?  Many of us are thinking about finalizing our tax deductions.  I'd be willing to bet that GoodWill receives record donations during the week between Christmas and New Years.  Many others start thinking of the coming year and begin to set financial goals. 

I've heard many a minister say, from the pulpit, that church folk do not like to hear them preach about money.   The Bible has lots of scriptures about money, which tells me we should seek the Lord's guidance in our financial decisions rather than leaning to our own understanding.  Below are 3 scriptures about fiances.

Proverbs 22:7 NIV:  Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is slave to the lender.

Proverbs 21:20 NIV:  The wise have wealth and luxury but fools spend whatever they get. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.


It is very easy, especially this time of year, to live beyond our means.  Credit card companies encourage this.  Car dealers encourage this.  Kids encourage this of their parents and grandparents.  Just remember, the smiles come in December and the bill (the first bill) comes in January.   

It is wise to save a few dollars for the unexpected.  The unexpected always happens when we least expect it. :-)  Even if the unexpected does not happen to us directly, those few dollars we saved, could be help someone else experiencing an emergency or a hurt.   

Most people begin developing financial habits early in life.  We need to help our children learn to make sound financial decisions.  Help them to save their monetary Christmas and birthday gifts.  Help them decide on the best products to buy.  I recall shopping with my dad in the grocery store.  The prices of the items are posted in large print on each shelf, but in smaller print you can find the price per unit.  I would not have ever looked so closely had it not been for my dad teaching me about value and the price per unit. 

We also should think of the less fortunate.  Whether it be a family down on their luck or an elderly person living on a fixed income, we must think of those who do not have the same abundance as we do.  If you do not know how to help these people, consider giving to an organization that does just this.  Most communities have local nonprofit organizations that assist people in need.  Remember, we reap what we sow.  And God loves a cheerful giver. 

Finally, one of my favorite scriptures that may or may not be about about money is Jeremiah 29:11.  "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord.  'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future.'"  My finances don't always look like I want them to look.  When payday is approaching, the stress level can be high.  The day before payday is always when it seems the kids' fieldtrip money is due, and when a coworker wants to go to lunch.   I stress about these things, but I take solace in knowing that God has this--that His plans are broader than my plans and that His plans will prevail.  He won't let me fail, and He has planned for me a hope and a future.

Thank you for reading.
Order your copy of Turn North, right now!   And please tell a friend!
Have a wonderful week!
Kim

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