by David Bragonier
Now is the perfect time to prepare God's recipe for financial freedom.. This is the fat free, low calorie, low sodium, and high fiber version. It is for people serious about their financial health and who want to live life to its fullest, unburdened by debt, stress and strain.
Statistics indicate that 95% of the population has no written pro-active plan for their finances. Most Americans take their paycheck, deposit it into their checking account and then react to life, hoping the final product is financial independence and prosperity. Isn't it interesting that only about 5% (or less) of the American population can retire without needing outside assistance from others?
This is the time to break old habits and experience God's peace regarding the money He has entrusted to you. God's recipe for "financial freedom" is simple and easy to prepare:
1. Start with a large measure of prayer:
"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you." (Matt. 6:6)
" .… pray without ceasing;" (1 Thess. 5:17)
2. Pour in the factual ingredients:
"For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?" (Luke 14:28)
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.” (Prov. 21:5)
a. What is your income?
b. What is it costing you to live now?
c. What did you spend last year?
3. Add some strategic planning:
"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Prov. 16:3)
"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Prov. 16:9)
"But the noble man devises noble plans; and by noble plans he stands." (Is. 32:8)
a. What changes need to be made?
b. How will we cut expenses and/or increase income?
4. Mix together with discipline:
"Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored." (Prov. 13:18)
"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Heb. 12:11)
a. Start tracking income and expenses.
b. Start saying, "No" or "I will have to wait."
5. Let it mature over time:
"And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity." (Luke 8:14)
"And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." (Gal. 6:9)
Following this proven recipe fulfills one of our roles as God's steward. "Who then is the faithful and sensible steward, whom his master will put in charge of his servants, to give them their rations at the proper time?" The outcome is the sweet taste of victory of hearing Christ say, 'Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master."
If you want help in formulating your budget, attend one of our budgeting workshops, or call our office at (916) 316-7500 and order a Financial Planning Workbook. There are also many types of budgeting software available for computers. If no seminar is scheduled in your church or area, maybe you need to be the one to call our office for hosting criteria and scheduling information.