"It is important to begin taking action. Your financial plan starts when you clarify your priorities.
Whether you want to save for a new home, start a new business, send children or grandchildren off to college, fund a ministry, or plan for retirement, planning is a key to success.
To get started, write down what you want to accomplish in order of importance. Once your list is prioritized, start right away with the first goal or accomplishment on your list. What will it take for you to realize this accomplishment? Keep focused on your goal and work toward your desired outcome until it is complete.
Once this goal is completed, start the process again with the second priority on your list, then the third, fourth, fifth, and so on. It does not matter if you are not able to do everything within a prescheduled period of time. However, what is important is that you decide the relative importance of the things you want to complete and are decisive about your priorities. List your priorities in a daily planner and strive to follow them.
It takes action on your part to make a difference. You may be in over your head in debt, or don’t make enough income, or have another reason as to why you cannot save or invest. But remember, where there is a will, there is a way."
- from Jay Peroni, author of The Faith-Based Millionaire.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tithing Alone Does Not Bring Financial Freedom
The following is a guest post from Steven Toschlog who works as an accountant in Richmond, Indiana.
You’ve just put your tithes into the offering plate. Now, getting out of the financial mess you’re in is all up to God. Right? Luke 6:38 - “Give and it will be given to you…” (NIV) You say, “Surely God will keep His Word and cause more money to come my way. The ball is in God’s court because I’ve done my part. I’m going to be patient and wait on God. I will not lose faith because I know being a tither will get me out of this jam.”
The perception exists that tithing (giving 10% of your income to your local church) is the only thing God requires of us before pouring out financial blessings. The bible does promise a reward for tithing. Malachi 3:10 - “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (NIV) The truth, however, is that tithing is just the beginning.
It’s a team effort. You will receive financial freedom not because God did it all but because you did your part as well.You ask, “What is my part?” James 2:17 - “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (NIV) This is where many tithers fall short. They give their tithes, but then go sit to watch God do something miraculous. While God certainly can bring a miracle in the form of unexpected income, He usually does not cause a large check to show up in your mailbox just because you threw 10% (or more) into the plate. God usually brings extra income by opening up doors for better employment, additional education, skill development, or even revealing areas where your spending has been out of control. Tithing is your act of faith, but God expects you to put some action with your faith by walking through the open doors that He provides.
The most critical action required in order to score is this: Properly manage the other 90% through the use of a monthly spending plan. Utilizing a spending plan for what you already have shows God you have a plan for handling the resources He provides. It’s the most tangible way to put action with your faith and results in God entrusting you with more. In the parable of the talents, the master praises two servants for how well they managed the resources entrusted to them. Matthew 25:21, 23 - “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” (NIV)
God will not do your part for you. It’s your responsibility to put in the employment application, work hard, cut out unnecessary spending, and live on a budget (and stick to it). This is how tithers win the game of financial freedom by working pro-actively with God as a team to better their situation. Tithing alone will not get the job done, but it is a necessary first step. If you’re not tithing, start IMMEDIATELY.
Afterwards, don’t become a spectator. Do YOUR part to make financial freedom a reality. You may not be waiting on God after all. He may be waiting on you to put some action with your faith.
You’ve just put your tithes into the offering plate. Now, getting out of the financial mess you’re in is all up to God. Right? Luke 6:38 - “Give and it will be given to you…” (NIV) You say, “Surely God will keep His Word and cause more money to come my way. The ball is in God’s court because I’ve done my part. I’m going to be patient and wait on God. I will not lose faith because I know being a tither will get me out of this jam.”
The perception exists that tithing (giving 10% of your income to your local church) is the only thing God requires of us before pouring out financial blessings. The bible does promise a reward for tithing. Malachi 3:10 - “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (NIV) The truth, however, is that tithing is just the beginning.
It’s a team effort. You will receive financial freedom not because God did it all but because you did your part as well.You ask, “What is my part?” James 2:17 - “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (NIV) This is where many tithers fall short. They give their tithes, but then go sit to watch God do something miraculous. While God certainly can bring a miracle in the form of unexpected income, He usually does not cause a large check to show up in your mailbox just because you threw 10% (or more) into the plate. God usually brings extra income by opening up doors for better employment, additional education, skill development, or even revealing areas where your spending has been out of control. Tithing is your act of faith, but God expects you to put some action with your faith by walking through the open doors that He provides.
The most critical action required in order to score is this: Properly manage the other 90% through the use of a monthly spending plan. Utilizing a spending plan for what you already have shows God you have a plan for handling the resources He provides. It’s the most tangible way to put action with your faith and results in God entrusting you with more. In the parable of the talents, the master praises two servants for how well they managed the resources entrusted to them. Matthew 25:21, 23 - “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” (NIV)
God will not do your part for you. It’s your responsibility to put in the employment application, work hard, cut out unnecessary spending, and live on a budget (and stick to it). This is how tithers win the game of financial freedom by working pro-actively with God as a team to better their situation. Tithing alone will not get the job done, but it is a necessary first step. If you’re not tithing, start IMMEDIATELY.
Afterwards, don’t become a spectator. Do YOUR part to make financial freedom a reality. You may not be waiting on God after all. He may be waiting on you to put some action with your faith.
TELEVISION HIGHLIGHT
Rick and Kathleen Gibson are to be featured on 100 Huntley Street on June 29.
They will have the opportunity to talk about their journey through Ricks disease and the life and faith lessons learned.
They will have the opportunity to talk about their journey through Ricks disease and the life and faith lessons learned.
AUTHORS IN OUR MIDST
Kathleen Gibson book West Nile Diary, is now out and available for purchase. It is a collection of her diarized thoughts and observations about Rick’s struggle back from his debilitating struggle with West Nile disease. Copies will be available at District Assembly – or order on-line from Amazon.ca. – online cost is $17.94.
Bonnie Grove has two books now available for purchase on-line. From Beacon Hill publishers her book: Your Best You: Discovering and Developing the Strengths God Gave You. And soon to be available her fictional book: Talking to the Dead from David C. Cook Publishing.
Both books are available on-line at Chapters.Indigo.ca; or Amazon.ca.
Bonnie Grove has two books now available for purchase on-line. From Beacon Hill publishers her book: Your Best You: Discovering and Developing the Strengths God Gave You. And soon to be available her fictional book: Talking to the Dead from David C. Cook Publishing.
Both books are available on-line at Chapters.Indigo.ca; or Amazon.ca.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations
General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf has written a letter to Nazarenes around the world in anticipation of the General Assembly and Conventions in Orlando, Florida, June 24 - July 3.
"Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" is the theme of the 27th General Assembly and Conventions of the Church of the Nazarene. Gathering in Orlando from around the world, delegates and visitors to the General Assembly will celebrate the accomplishments of the past four years. We have been "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations."
In the four years since our last global gathering, God has helped the Church of the Nazarene to make some of the most astounding gains in our entire history. We have seen thousands of churches planted. Hundreds of thousands of people have joined our fellowship as new believers. New pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and teachers have entered the work of the Church of the Nazarene on every inhabited continent and on the scattered islands of the seas.
We gather to celebrate and report. We join our voices in praise, and we lift our hands in adoration and worship as we hear the stories and see the faces of new Christians flooding into the kingdom of God.
We have been "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations." That is why we are coming together in Orlando. It is a time of accountability. It is a time of remembrance. It is a time for evaluation and examination.
We have been doing this work through God's enabling power!
But the work is not yet finished, and it will not be finished until He comes! So, from Orlando we will scatter to the four winds. We will move as one people into our second century, praising God for what has been done, and committing ourselves to the task ahead of us. We will go out "To Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations!"
Jesse C. Middendorf
April 30, 2009
"Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" is the theme of the 27th General Assembly and Conventions of the Church of the Nazarene. Gathering in Orlando from around the world, delegates and visitors to the General Assembly will celebrate the accomplishments of the past four years. We have been "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations."
In the four years since our last global gathering, God has helped the Church of the Nazarene to make some of the most astounding gains in our entire history. We have seen thousands of churches planted. Hundreds of thousands of people have joined our fellowship as new believers. New pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and teachers have entered the work of the Church of the Nazarene on every inhabited continent and on the scattered islands of the seas.
We gather to celebrate and report. We join our voices in praise, and we lift our hands in adoration and worship as we hear the stories and see the faces of new Christians flooding into the kingdom of God.
We have been "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations." That is why we are coming together in Orlando. It is a time of accountability. It is a time of remembrance. It is a time for evaluation and examination.
We have been doing this work through God's enabling power!
But the work is not yet finished, and it will not be finished until He comes! So, from Orlando we will scatter to the four winds. We will move as one people into our second century, praising God for what has been done, and committing ourselves to the task ahead of us. We will go out "To Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations!"
Jesse C. Middendorf
April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Camp Harmattan Work Day
If you were here last year for our work day you will remember the great time we had as we cleaned up the camp, hung light fixtures, built a woodshed, cleaned up lawns, campsites and buildings - and don’t forget the great food! This year will be just as much fun and we hope that you book off Saturday, May 2nd on your calendar as “Camp Harmattan Day.” We hope to get started at 9 AM and we’ll meet by the Tuck Shop on the Family Camp Side. After a cup of coffee, we’ll divide into work crews, and go to work. If you have rakes, shovels, etc. please bring them with you, as well as warm clothes, gloves and work boots. Lunch, snacks and supper will be provided for all the volunteers. If you, as a volunteer, wish to bring your RV for the entire camp cleanup weekend, camping fees will be waived. In case of inclement weather we will reschedule the event for May 23rd .
Blessings,
Joy Unger
Camp Harmattan
RR 2 Site 7 Box 20
Olds, AB T4H 1P3
Phone: 403-556-2854
Fax: 403-556-6063
Email: info@campharmattan.com
Website: www.campharmattan.com
Joy Unger
Camp Harmattan
RR 2 Site 7 Box 20
Olds, AB T4H 1P3
Phone: 403-556-2854
Fax: 403-556-6063
Email: info@campharmattan.com
Website: www.campharmattan.com
Monday, April 20, 2009
Our Ability to Earn Money comes from God
You may say to yourselves, "I became wealthy because of my own ability and strength."
But remember the LORD your God is the one who makes you wealthy.
Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (GWT)
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