We talked about God's abundance in Extravagant Living I. Remember that God owns it all, He wants it all, and He is more than faithful. We also decided to let Christ speak through provision and lack of provision. Let's talk some more about enjoying the lavish blessings of the Lord. I want to enjoy extravagant living!
Stick with the Plan
"It would make more financial sense to let the bank foreclose on my house," my friend, Jack declared and went on to explain why.
"What do you think?" Amy asked, glancing at me when Jack was finished with his logical reasoning.
"It's a lack of integrity," I replied immediately. Christians pay off their debts and keep their word.
Financial principles don't change with the times or economic cycles. They are consistent. God wants us to have integrity, keeping our word and commitments in all areas of life, including finances. If we borrow money, promising to pay it back, then we pay that money back. Our yes is yes!
God's methods of handling finances work! But, more importantly, they are His commands to be obeyed. Don't forget His principles for managing money.
Stick with the Plan
"It would make more financial sense to let the bank foreclose on my house," my friend, Jack declared and went on to explain why.
"What do you think?" Amy asked, glancing at me when Jack was finished with his logical reasoning.
"It's a lack of integrity," I replied immediately. Christians pay off their debts and keep their word.
Financial principles don't change with the times or economic cycles. They are consistent. God wants us to have integrity, keeping our word and commitments in all areas of life, including finances. If we borrow money, promising to pay it back, then we pay that money back. Our yes is yes!
God's methods of handling finances work! But, more importantly, they are His commands to be obeyed. Don't forget His principles for managing money.
- Tithe first
- Hard work is God's method of provision
- Give generously of time, resources, talent, and money
- Stick to a budget
- Be kind to the poor
- Save for the future
- Care for family's needs, including older relatives (not government's responsibility)
- Invest wisely
Times will come when there is more month than money. When there is no money to pay the bills, we worry and fret. It is a frightening thing to have children to provide for and no money to feed and clothe them. Sometimes we are just afraid of losing our home or car.
Run to Jesus first. Pour your heart out to Him. Lay your needs before Him and pray again and again and again. Cry out to the Lord and WAIT for Him to answer. Don't rush into your own plan of borrowing money, using the credit card, or engaging in any unbiblical activities.
Get prayer support from brothers and sisters in Christ. Get counsel from Christian leaders.
Difficult financial times reveal what is in our hearts. Let these times test you and come forth as gold! Often, after we had stood firm, obeying and trusting God, we experience a season of blessing. Remember difficult times are not forever. They are just a season in your life. Stand firm.
God shows off in lean times by coming through with miraculous provision. He demonstrates His love for us through the kindness of people. You will have testimony after testimony of "How God came through!" if you keep trusting Him when money is tight.
Live the Adventure
Extravagant living is an adventure that looks different on the outside for every Christian. It begins with a thankful heart overflowing with trust in a faithful God. It seeks the Lord's will in every situation, accepting good, as well as calamity.
You have fully surrendered and are trusting God, not yourself, to make the financial decisions in your life. From little to big things, Christ is leading the way, fulfilling His purposes through you. Sometimes you are a channel of blessing to others and sometimes they are a channel of His blessing in your own life. You make plans, but lift them up to Him, knowing His plans are always better. Jesus can trust you with wealth and poverty because your trust in Him remains the same in each situation.
When God is in the middle of our financial life, directing, blessing, and surprising, we are on a grand adventure with Him!
Have a Grand Adventure!
Merey (Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
Run to Jesus first. Pour your heart out to Him. Lay your needs before Him and pray again and again and again. Cry out to the Lord and WAIT for Him to answer. Don't rush into your own plan of borrowing money, using the credit card, or engaging in any unbiblical activities.
Get prayer support from brothers and sisters in Christ. Get counsel from Christian leaders.
Difficult financial times reveal what is in our hearts. Let these times test you and come forth as gold! Often, after we had stood firm, obeying and trusting God, we experience a season of blessing. Remember difficult times are not forever. They are just a season in your life. Stand firm.
God shows off in lean times by coming through with miraculous provision. He demonstrates His love for us through the kindness of people. You will have testimony after testimony of "How God came through!" if you keep trusting Him when money is tight.
Live the Adventure
Extravagant living is an adventure that looks different on the outside for every Christian. It begins with a thankful heart overflowing with trust in a faithful God. It seeks the Lord's will in every situation, accepting good, as well as calamity.
You have fully surrendered and are trusting God, not yourself, to make the financial decisions in your life. From little to big things, Christ is leading the way, fulfilling His purposes through you. Sometimes you are a channel of blessing to others and sometimes they are a channel of His blessing in your own life. You make plans, but lift them up to Him, knowing His plans are always better. Jesus can trust you with wealth and poverty because your trust in Him remains the same in each situation.
When God is in the middle of our financial life, directing, blessing, and surprising, we are on a grand adventure with Him!
Have a Grand Adventure!
Merey (Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
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