Over the past few weeks Pastor Rick has been reviewing a series of questions from the people here at Berith about this Mastering Money Matters Series.
Questions have ranged from how to tithe, to paying down high interest loans.
Pastor Rick has taken us step by step through these questions, and even unearthed the motivations behind them. The last few weeks have been amazing, full of insight, and revelation about our attitudes towards money.
To get all of the details, please see the Audio team and order a copy of the messages from the series. This Q&A is one you do not want to miss.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Mastering Money Matters pt.11
Handling Money Wisely
As we continue in this series, today we'll discuss handling money wisely. There are specific things we need to do be rich. We are abundantly blessed, but perhaps the disconnect is your finances aren’t being handled wisely.
In earlier messages, we talked about being an Earnest Earner, and learning there is a blessing and dignity in work. Then we explored how to be a Shrewd Spender, one who enjoys the fruits of their labor while guarding against materialism. Last week we learned about being Dutiful Debtors, only using credit strategically, and always repaying and trying to avoid debt.
1. I must walk the line between sowing and hoarding. Find the balance. Saving is putting aside money for an appropriate goal. Hoarding is stockpiling money beyond reason for no good purpose.
Pastor illustrated this definition using two fictitious couples: The “Wise Wilsons,” a family who plans and saves for vacation, relying on cash and a pre-established budget. The “Stressed Smiths” on the other hand, financed their vacation using credit cards and very little savings. On average, purchases made on credit cards cost at least 1/3 more because of interest fees.
Refer to the following Scriptures for Biblical examples on how to strike the balance between saving and hoarding:
Proverb 21:20
Proverb 11:24 – righteous people give
Proverb 8:1-5; 17-20
Proverb 11:4
1 Corinthians 1:30
Wisdom builds the house; understanding keeps the house standing; and knowledge fills the cupboards of the house.
Ask the Lord to teach you, help you define what is enough. Know and stay within your limits.
Savings goals:
1. Establish an emergency fund of $1,000 and do not touch it. Allow it to grow into a cushion account of no less than six months total household expenses. Keep this fund liquid in a money market account, for example.
2. Establish a project account – money you stock away for major repairs to your house or car. A certificate of deposit (CD) is appropriate.
3. Open a wealth builder account, such as an IRA.
A savvy saver = one who builds, preserves, and invests with wisdom; to shrewdly understand, canny wisdom.
As we continue in this series, today we'll discuss handling money wisely. There are specific things we need to do be rich. We are abundantly blessed, but perhaps the disconnect is your finances aren’t being handled wisely.
In earlier messages, we talked about being an Earnest Earner, and learning there is a blessing and dignity in work. Then we explored how to be a Shrewd Spender, one who enjoys the fruits of their labor while guarding against materialism. Last week we learned about being Dutiful Debtors, only using credit strategically, and always repaying and trying to avoid debt.
1. I must walk the line between sowing and hoarding. Find the balance. Saving is putting aside money for an appropriate goal. Hoarding is stockpiling money beyond reason for no good purpose.
Pastor illustrated this definition using two fictitious couples: The “Wise Wilsons,” a family who plans and saves for vacation, relying on cash and a pre-established budget. The “Stressed Smiths” on the other hand, financed their vacation using credit cards and very little savings. On average, purchases made on credit cards cost at least 1/3 more because of interest fees.
Refer to the following Scriptures for Biblical examples on how to strike the balance between saving and hoarding:
Proverb 21:20
Proverb 11:24 – righteous people give
Proverb 8:1-5; 17-20
Proverb 11:4
1 Corinthians 1:30
Wisdom builds the house; understanding keeps the house standing; and knowledge fills the cupboards of the house.
Ask the Lord to teach you, help you define what is enough. Know and stay within your limits.
Savings goals:
1. Establish an emergency fund of $1,000 and do not touch it. Allow it to grow into a cushion account of no less than six months total household expenses. Keep this fund liquid in a money market account, for example.
2. Establish a project account – money you stock away for major repairs to your house or car. A certificate of deposit (CD) is appropriate.
3. Open a wealth builder account, such as an IRA.
A savvy saver = one who builds, preserves, and invests with wisdom; to shrewdly understand, canny wisdom.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Mastering Money Matters - pt. 9
Handling Money Wisely
As we continue in this series, I pray and believe that you are gaining insight and revelation, and most importantly, rearranging your thinking about money. We have made the following tools available to help you in this process: 1) a Spending Record intended to track your monthly spending; and 2) a Money Meanings survey intended to gauge what money means to you. Last Wednesday in Covenant Circles, we identified four predominant attitudes tied to money: freedom, security, power, or notions of love. This survey is an important tool to understanding why and how your emotion is tied to money. Your emotional reaction to money is how money moves into God’s territory – all of these responses to money (love, freedom, power or security) are what God is to His children.
1. I am not supposed to spend everything that comes into my hands. Some money is intended to bless others, including your Man of God and the ministry. The world tells things will make you happy and give you the status you feel you need.
Proverb 27:23, 24 –Being diligent or paying attention to your finances is a promise to be blessed. Why? Because riches aren’t forever.
Philippians 4:10-13, 19 – Paul advised us that balance is key. Not to be too full or too hungry, but in just the right balance in giving and receiving. Why should you change when you have too much? Or too little? Abundance is meant to carry you for something else. God intends you to be full and empty at the same time! If you live in the balance, it doesn’t matter if you have little or a ton.
1 Timothy 6:6-8; 17-19 – God intends for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and spread the rest. But not every dollar that comes to you is intended for you. It is very difficult to help others when you’re broke yourself! You have to have it first before you can give it, which should be motivation enough to have more. Having a willing heart to give is what comes after.
Ecclesiastes 5:10; 18-20 -- A wise man doesn’t spend his days worrying about the future, but rather enjoys the fruit of his labor. There has to be more to it than just your blessing, but to bless others.
Luke 12:15 – Jesus warned us take care not to be greedy. Your life does not consist of the status or material things you have.
A shrewd (wise, sharp, artful, one who pays attention to detail) spender is one who enjoys the fruit of their labor but guards against materialism.
Our job is to earn a giving, not a living! Our work (labor) is to fulfill a purpose, to work out what God has put in you.
As we continue in this series, I pray and believe that you are gaining insight and revelation, and most importantly, rearranging your thinking about money. We have made the following tools available to help you in this process: 1) a Spending Record intended to track your monthly spending; and 2) a Money Meanings survey intended to gauge what money means to you. Last Wednesday in Covenant Circles, we identified four predominant attitudes tied to money: freedom, security, power, or notions of love. This survey is an important tool to understanding why and how your emotion is tied to money. Your emotional reaction to money is how money moves into God’s territory – all of these responses to money (love, freedom, power or security) are what God is to His children.
1. I am not supposed to spend everything that comes into my hands. Some money is intended to bless others, including your Man of God and the ministry. The world tells things will make you happy and give you the status you feel you need.
Proverb 27:23, 24 –Being diligent or paying attention to your finances is a promise to be blessed. Why? Because riches aren’t forever.
Philippians 4:10-13, 19 – Paul advised us that balance is key. Not to be too full or too hungry, but in just the right balance in giving and receiving. Why should you change when you have too much? Or too little? Abundance is meant to carry you for something else. God intends you to be full and empty at the same time! If you live in the balance, it doesn’t matter if you have little or a ton.
1 Timothy 6:6-8; 17-19 – God intends for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and spread the rest. But not every dollar that comes to you is intended for you. It is very difficult to help others when you’re broke yourself! You have to have it first before you can give it, which should be motivation enough to have more. Having a willing heart to give is what comes after.
Ecclesiastes 5:10; 18-20 -- A wise man doesn’t spend his days worrying about the future, but rather enjoys the fruit of his labor. There has to be more to it than just your blessing, but to bless others.
Luke 12:15 – Jesus warned us take care not to be greedy. Your life does not consist of the status or material things you have.
A shrewd (wise, sharp, artful, one who pays attention to detail) spender is one who enjoys the fruit of their labor but guards against materialism.
Our job is to earn a giving, not a living! Our work (labor) is to fulfill a purpose, to work out what God has put in you.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Mastering Money Matters
The condition of everyone’s heart is different. However one thing is true; financial decisions are spiritual decisions.
1. God rewards me according to my faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” –
Luke 19:11-24 – in this parable, Jesus teaches us that He is a rewarder of faith – to any degree in which He finds it! Like many of us, the servants questioned why the nobleman took back that which he had given to the wicked servant and gave it to the servant who had the most. It isn’t fair that the servant who had the most (ten cities) be given ten more pounds
How are we doing? The congregation received a brief survey intended to gauge where we stand against the national averages shared last week. Questions included: Are finances a source of stress in your home? Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Are you behind in your mortgage? Do you tithe? Do you give offerings? The good news is in most areas we fared better than the national average – but there is opportunity for growth.
2. For results, I must mix the Word with my faith.
Mark 4:19, 20 – the “cares of this word” prevent the Word from taking root in the heart.
Some examples of the “care of this world” are found in the Scriptures below:
• Luke 10:41 – there is a time and place for hustle and bustle. Instead of worshipping with Jesus, Martha complained about all the work she had to do.
• Luke 12:17 – hoarding or thinking security lies in possessions (stuff and things).
• Luke 14:15-24 – daily life chokes the Word. This involves putting other things such as your family, job, or social life before Christ.
• Luke 21:34 – over indulging in drugs, drink, or raucous living can choke the Word.
• Proverb 23:4 – chasing money as a path to happiness will choke the Word. Allow God to bring your desires to you.
3. God’s covenant is my security.
1 Timothy 6:9, 10 – those that strive to be rich instead of allowing God to provide fall into “temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts…”
1 Corinthians 6:9 – keep yourself pure, avoiding temptations.
1. God rewards me according to my faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” –
Luke 19:11-24 – in this parable, Jesus teaches us that He is a rewarder of faith – to any degree in which He finds it! Like many of us, the servants questioned why the nobleman took back that which he had given to the wicked servant and gave it to the servant who had the most. It isn’t fair that the servant who had the most (ten cities) be given ten more pounds
How are we doing? The congregation received a brief survey intended to gauge where we stand against the national averages shared last week. Questions included: Are finances a source of stress in your home? Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Are you behind in your mortgage? Do you tithe? Do you give offerings? The good news is in most areas we fared better than the national average – but there is opportunity for growth.
2. For results, I must mix the Word with my faith.
Mark 4:19, 20 – the “cares of this word” prevent the Word from taking root in the heart.
Some examples of the “care of this world” are found in the Scriptures below:
• Luke 10:41 – there is a time and place for hustle and bustle. Instead of worshipping with Jesus, Martha complained about all the work she had to do.
• Luke 12:17 – hoarding or thinking security lies in possessions (stuff and things).
• Luke 14:15-24 – daily life chokes the Word. This involves putting other things such as your family, job, or social life before Christ.
• Luke 21:34 – over indulging in drugs, drink, or raucous living can choke the Word.
• Proverb 23:4 – chasing money as a path to happiness will choke the Word. Allow God to bring your desires to you.
3. God’s covenant is my security.
1 Timothy 6:9, 10 – those that strive to be rich instead of allowing God to provide fall into “temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts…”
1 Corinthians 6:9 – keep yourself pure, avoiding temptations.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Mastering Money Matters - pt. 2
Man’s Economy vs. God’s Economy
Our decisions about money are spiritual decisions. Our relationship with money determines who (or what) has your heart. Matters concerning money are the only place in the Bible where God challenges us to prove Him. Many people when it comes to finances (children of God included) see themselves as a victim or a slave – you are neither!
1. I must choose between man’s or God’s economy. Don’t ever give away your power of choice, because it is God-given. Matthew 6:19-21 tells us that where we place our treasure is where we can find our heart.
2. A Side-by-side comparison. Let’s conduct a Consumer Reports exercise of sorts to see where you are:
STEP 1: Who is the master? Who is running the show? The Scriptures noted below highlight the difference.
Man’s economy – Money is the master.
• Proverb 23 4, 5; 27:20
God’s economy – God is the Master.
• Jeremiah 31; Romans 5:8
STEP 2: What are the values?
Man’s economy – The pursuit of pleasure, possessions, and influence are the values. People often try to medicate themselves with those three lusts of the flesh.
• 1 John 2:16
God’s economy – The difference is receiving God’s gift vs. being driven to succeed, and you are ready and willing to share
• 1 Timothy 6:19; 9
STEP 3: What is the purpose of wealth?
Man’s economy – Independence – the feeling of “look at what I did” is the purpose. To boost your own sense of worth in your or other’s eyes.
• Deuteronomy 8:10 – 17
God’s economy – Developing a relationship with, and a dependence upon God is the purpose in order to establish and fulfill God’s plans.
• Deuteronomy 8:18
STEP 4: What is success?
Man’s economy – Feeling as if “nothing can touch me” is the definition of success.
• Proverb 18:11; Psalm 49:6
God’s economy – The desire to please God is the definition of success.
• Luke 16:10-12
STEP 5: What are the prospects? In other words, where will the end? What’s the destiny?
Man’s economy –Death and destruction are the only end.
• 1 John 2:15
God’s economy – Eternally, increasing rewards are the destiny.
• Mark 10:17-31
Our decisions about money are spiritual decisions. Our relationship with money determines who (or what) has your heart. Matters concerning money are the only place in the Bible where God challenges us to prove Him. Many people when it comes to finances (children of God included) see themselves as a victim or a slave – you are neither!
1. I must choose between man’s or God’s economy. Don’t ever give away your power of choice, because it is God-given. Matthew 6:19-21 tells us that where we place our treasure is where we can find our heart.
2. A Side-by-side comparison. Let’s conduct a Consumer Reports exercise of sorts to see where you are:
STEP 1: Who is the master? Who is running the show? The Scriptures noted below highlight the difference.
Man’s economy – Money is the master.
• Proverb 23 4, 5; 27:20
God’s economy – God is the Master.
• Jeremiah 31; Romans 5:8
STEP 2: What are the values?
Man’s economy – The pursuit of pleasure, possessions, and influence are the values. People often try to medicate themselves with those three lusts of the flesh.
• 1 John 2:16
God’s economy – The difference is receiving God’s gift vs. being driven to succeed, and you are ready and willing to share
• 1 Timothy 6:19; 9
STEP 3: What is the purpose of wealth?
Man’s economy – Independence – the feeling of “look at what I did” is the purpose. To boost your own sense of worth in your or other’s eyes.
• Deuteronomy 8:10 – 17
God’s economy – Developing a relationship with, and a dependence upon God is the purpose in order to establish and fulfill God’s plans.
• Deuteronomy 8:18
STEP 4: What is success?
Man’s economy – Feeling as if “nothing can touch me” is the definition of success.
• Proverb 18:11; Psalm 49:6
God’s economy – The desire to please God is the definition of success.
• Luke 16:10-12
STEP 5: What are the prospects? In other words, where will the end? What’s the destiny?
Man’s economy –Death and destruction are the only end.
• 1 John 2:15
God’s economy – Eternally, increasing rewards are the destiny.
• Mark 10:17-31
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