Signs your financial System are Working

I wanted to offer up some encouragement to all who I have not had the pleasure of speaking with in person or through e-mail. I have heard really AWESOME things about people making commitments to handle their money wiser.

This allows them to be better stewards, better givers, better providers, and have actual freedom to do what God calls them to rather than be stuck in a position where they HAVE to earn a paycheck from a job they are not passionate about.

I wanted to list some signs that your financial system is working so that you may encouraged and continue what you are working towards:

1.) Paying car insurance quarterly or biannually without a hitch

2.) Giving e an offering to your local church not longer HURTS to write that check.

3.) Presents are a joy to buy for people.

4.) Getting to see monthly interest incurred from your 4.3%+ Interest Rate saving account. (If you do not have one of these, please sign up with ING Direct immediately.)

5.) No longer have stress when bills come in.

6.) You know that you have a plan financially if "life" happens.

7.) You are actually choosing to be at your job, rather than stuck at it.

And so many more! Having freedom with your finances is exactly what it sounds like. Freedom. It allows us to live life differently; I know too many people that are in bondage in their financial life which causes them to not be able to devote their lives to the calling they are called to because our money and hearts really are connected.

The Unexpected

In everything in life we must account for the unexpected. I would call it foolish to not do this. Most times when we have an emergency it is a major life changing event. However, when we have not set ourselves up for success financially to get through these types of events not only do we have a major LIFE crisis, but we also have a MONEY crisis.

This adds tons of unnecessary stress that could have been avoided. The reason why I seem to be harping on the need of an Emergency Fund a lot is for a couple reasons:

1.) It is the 1st step the I advise people to do. So if you wanted to ask me what your first step to financial freedom is I would advise to save up $1,000 (basic) emergency fund or $500 if your income is under $20,000.

2.) The other reason is because I see scripture advising us in this direction. Proverbs 21:20 "In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has."

It is literally foolish to devour all you have. So if you are living paycheck to paycheck and all your money comes in, then all your money goes out, scripture calls this foolish. This is why my first step is to break the chain and develop an emergency fund.

Giving God Control Part 2

To compliment us talking about the heart yesterday, I wanted to point out a few things that scripture speaks on that is on the practical side.

Proverbs 21:20 "In the house of the wise there are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has."

Scripture actually says saving for a rainy day is cool; and rainy days are coming. Let me also clarify; most of us are suffering from a disease in which we need more and more stuff for ourselves. That is not what scripture is saying is okay, in fact let me just clear it up, that is wrong. An example of this is when Joe gets a big screen tv. The issue isn't that he spent money on the big screen tv, the issue is why did he get the big screen tv.

Let me use a friend of mine as an example...they bought a big ole 55 inch HD TV. The reason why he got that is so that he would have a reason to invite people (ie co-workers, college students, and everyone else) to come over and watch a big football game or basketball game and use it as a ministry tool. God has been glorified through his TV and that is cool.

Another friend of mine has a sweet boat; the reason why he has that boat is for ministry. It is the heart behind this stuff that matters, it is not just an excuse to get more stuff. That is the difference. It is not a numbers issue, it is most definitely a heart issue.

More coming tomorrow on giving God control by practical application of Scripture.