Faith and Finances

Did you know there are more verses about money in the Bible than any other subject? God cares about how we spend money, how we save it, how we give it, and our overall view of it.

Faith and finances go together, they are not seperate.

When Delario and I got married, we immediately knew our money needed a makeover! Unfortunately, in college (and after) we both made some unwise financial decisions, which followed us into our marriage. I wish I would have taken the wise counsel when I was single to pay off debt...instead, I went shopping!

They say more than any other subject, money can cause the most strife in a marriage. It's true, it can.....and it does, when you have not learned how to be kingdom-minded when it comes to money. If we would only trust God and follow His lead in our finances, we would save ourselves a lot of trouble.

We knew the Lord was ready for us to get serious about our money when we got the book, "Total Money Make-Over" by Dave Ramsey, in the mail as a wedding gift six months after we got married! We carefully read the book, and got started reducing our debt. I'm happy to announce at the end of this year, we will have paid off more than $20k in debt! That's a lot of money, and a lot of sacrifice!

But, it has been so freeing! God wants us to be free in all areas of our lives-even our finances! Are you financially free? Don't know where to start? No worries. Here's how we did it:

• We listed all debt from the least amount to the greatest amount, and began paying off our debt from the smallest debt owed and worked our way up to the top.


• Double up on payments when possible


• We made a budget everytime we got paid, allocating every single penny, being careful not to wastefully spend


• Remain faithful in paying your tithes....it will stretch your faith, but God is faithful to provide all your needs! We promise!


• Try to tithe to yourself as well. This is called the 10-10-80 method (tithe church 10%, yourself 10%, and pay bills & living expenses off the 80% left)

It doesn't matter how much or how little you make, God wants us to be faithful stewards with what He has given us. Our goal for 2009 is to save more money and give more money. As we pay off the debts, we are able to give to ministries, family, missionaries, etc. In the book of Acts, the first Christians went without a need in the Body. Wouldn't it be nice if we got back to that philosophy of giving?

So, what are you waiting for? Do you have the faith to give over your finances to the Lord? Ask for the Lord's wisdom in this matter. I trust He will speak! I leave you with this verse I read just this morning during my quiet time with the Lord:

"Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?"

Proverbs 17:16