Since it is the holiday season or shopping season, however you want to view it, I'm going to talk about something we all need… money. Now, I have never been good with money...ever. Somehow I would always run out of it before my bills were paid. Of course the utility companies, the landlord, and the bank didn't appreciate that to much and it was embarrassing. I believe at one point I got so discouraged about my credit history I just stopped caring about paying bills, so I didn't. Thank God all that has changed. My credit is still jacked up because of my destructive past, however it's on the way up, and I'm still able to have all my needs met and then some.
I know what it's like to have nothing and I know what it's like to have everything you want. I've lived on both sides of the fence. My turn around didn't come until I was laying flat on my face between the fences. Most people don't know this but I actually volunteered at a soup kitchen and that's were I got my meals 3 times a week. If I'm lying I'm dying. This was the beginning of my turnaround and it all started by being humble and being thankful for what I did have. I also started cultivating my relationship with God, which used to be only one way. I started tithing at least 10% of my income and I looked for ways to give away more. It is my small way of thanking Him for all of His provision, not just financially.
I'm not going to turn this into a sermon on tithing, I promise. I will say the 90% you have left will go a whole lot further than the 100% you choose to keep. That's just how it works. Since I was used to having nothing, and I mean nothing, I knew what I really needed. The more I tithed and the more I blessed those in need the more money I had in my bank account. I was able to buy a car paying cash this year, a nice one too. I'm not tooting my horn I'm just telling ya’ll the Lord is good. Some will dispute that, but every good and perfect gift comes from above. A few tips....
Tammy and I have about $400 left over a month give or take a little, after paying all our bills. Daycare, Groceries, Gas (2vehicles), Utilities, Rent, Insurance, and of course we tithe every week. Included in the $400 is anything extra we may need for our 3 children. If you didn't know children are very needy. We’ve started budgeting our money, and if you've tried it, try again. Mint.com is a free budgeting tool and in my opinion, the best one out. It can help you get your finances in order. DS Budget is another one. These are free tools and both are easy to use. You need to know where the money is going so you know where you can save. The only way money gets put in our savings account is if we have some left over from our budget. That's incentive to save every penny!
By God's grace and budgeting our money we are able to buy Christmas presents for all of our family members and use no credit card. I can't tell you how good this makes us feel. I've never been able to provide for myself, let a lone anyone else. With buying for ourselves it easy to forget others are in need too. Keep that in mind this season; make it a goal to give some sort of monetary gift to those in need. I used to think if I couldn't give $100, then I shouldn't give at all. What a lie that was. More people need to give what they can, not bill money, just the extra cash you may have. If we all step up and give a little somethin' somethin' it would go farther than the few who give much, and you will be blessed with an opportunity to know God used you to bless and provide for someone else. That to me is the best part.
This is no easy task but if you're like us you are solely responsible for your family. Tithing is more than giving money to a church. It teaches financial responsibility and when done with a thankful heart will pay dividends. It's in THE book, reaping and sowing. When Tammy and I give our tithe it's an act of worship and gratitude for all the Lord has done for us. Sometimes I go to church just so I can tithe! Not in hopes of getting a return, but because it's the only material gift that I can give to God. It's my way of saying THANK YOU LORD, for saving a wretch like me and keeping me and my family this past week. I can't name all the things that God has done for me nor could I give Him enough of anything to show my gratitude.
Happy Thanksgiving!
"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.
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