SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 4 (Part II)

Today I took a closer look at why planning is so important. Considering the average cost for HOUSE, FOOD, and AUTO (the big three), we can quickly see the need to  "...know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds." Proverb 27: 23, 24.

Even though you might think you are "making your nut", you are more than likely losing ground on the slippery slope of unexpected expenses. Planning is the key to "understanding your way" (Proverb 14:8).

Next week, Sybil will give us a great lesson on how to take advantage of coupons and trim the FOOD category. On October 26th, I will continue with Chapter 5 "Living Without Debt".

Below are the slides from today's lesson:

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 4 (Part I)

Today we began Part 2: APPLICATION. The first step in application is to develop a financial plan. After learning in Part 1 that "ATTITUDE is everything", we looked at the importance of planning.

"A man's heart devises (plans) his way: but the Lord directs his steps." Proverb 16:9

and...

"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" Luke 14:28

Planning is critical to becoming a wise manager. As the saying goes: If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Or... If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end of somewhere else."

The Bible gives numerous warnings that speak strongly to the importance of planning. Jesus tells many parables illustrating the importance of being a good manager. It is impossible to be an effective manager if you don't have a plan.

Next week we are scheduled to look at my 5-step plan for getting out of debt. However, I feel that it might be helpful if we take one more week and let me show you the details of budgeting. I would like to take a hypothetical family and illustrate how to design and manage a budget.

Today's slides are below:

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 3

Today I summerized God's Perspective on Work. God has purposed for man to work since the beginning of time. The only thing that has changed is the conditions in which the work must be accomplished. Among "thorns and thistles" man must now "painfully toil", while women experience "painful labor" in childbearing.

Regardless of our work, we are reminded...

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23

 and...

"Do it all for the glory of God..." 1 Corinthians 10:31

ATTITUDE is everything when it comes to managing your finances. Changing your current relationship with money is a painful, yet freeing experience.

We move now to PART TWO: APPLICATION where we see how to become excellent managers of God's resources.

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 2

In lesson two, we identified where The Battle for Freedom is fought. The battleground where spiritual warfare is won or lost is in your mind. Your thoughts, your will, and your emotions reside in your soul. This is called your heart. In Proverbs we read:

"Guard your heart (mind, will, emotions) with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." Proverb 4:23

Winning the battle for freedom is possible only with the doubled-edged sword; Truth on one blade and the knowledge and fear of the Lord on the other blade.

Surrendering your will to God in the area of your finances is the most difficult stronghold you will ever have to defeat. Only with a pure heart will you understand God's purpose and experience Him fully in your day-to-day life.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Chapter 1

In lesson one, we explored Financial Freedom - God's Way.

The conditioning we experience our entire lives, regarding money, often enslaves us to a reality that is far from God's plan. Just as Jesus gave Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven...", we too have been given the "key" that unlocks the Truth that will set us free.

"It's in Christ that you find out who you are and what you are living for." Luke 18:24 (Msg)

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - Introduction

In the Introduction to the "Solving the Money Puzzle" 11-week series, we looked at an overview of the three parts:

1. ATTITUDE (your relationship to money)
2. APPLICATION (practical steps)
3. ASSIMILATION (lifestyle benefits)

"You should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory." I Thessalonians 2:12 (GW)

SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE - God's Plan for Financial Freedom

Contrary to secular teaching, financial freedom is not about making money; it is about your relationship with money. God wants Christians to successfully deal with the practical affairs of everyday life, especially their finances. Solving the Money Puzzle outlines God’s plan for financial freedom—the missing piece to the money puzzle.

The series is divided into three sections:

1. ATTITUDE - Being who you were created to be.
2. APPLICATION - Doing what God purposed for you to do.
3. ASSIMILATION - Having the life of peace and prosperity that God designed for you to have.

The SOLVING THE MONEY PUZZLE Series is our most important series yet. This series has the potential to change your life and put you on the path to true riches. You don't want to miss a single class!

"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am." (Matthew 16:24 MSG)

Let go, and let God. How do you let go and let God? First, you have to make Jesus the manager of your life.

The problem is, we usually want to be the manager of our own lives, and so we argue and disagree with God. We think we know what’s best. The reason you’re under a lot of stress is that you’re constantly fighting God in your mind — “I know God says to do this but I want to do that instead!”

Every morning when you wake up, you have a decision to make: Who’s going to be in charge of your life? Who’s going to be in control — you or God? Who’s going to call the shots — you or God? Every day, moment by moment, you are making that decision. When you choose to make yourself the manager of your own life, it causes conflict, confusion, and stress.

Jesus says in Matthew 16:24, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am” (MSG). Here’s what Christians tend to do: When we become believers in Christ, we give him the driver’s seat and then promptly hop into the backseat and become backseat drivers. We’re constantly giving him “advice,” like, “No, turn this way. Stop. Wait. Faster! I want to go that way. I want to see that sight.”

Your life doesn't look very pretty when you’re trying to lead with God at the same time. You just need to let God be God and make Jesus the manager of your life. (Rick Warren)