Sunday Reflections
We had a first at River Hills yesterday: people (including myself) got emotional because of finances. Not the angry, grievous, irritated, fearful emotion that normally comes to mind when we think about finances – but more of a recognition of how God can use us and our resources when we have things in financial order. What is so amazing about Scripture is that when you approach it from a “God is smarter than I am perspective” – it really makes sense and much of the time it cuts us to the core of who we are. God is truly moving in our midst, and I pray that each of us take notice of something special that is happening (I for one am humbled). Here are some thoughts:
1) If we are to “Get Smart” financially for 2010 – we must make some changes instead of just stating goals. Ultimately we want our “treasure” to become a “tool” that works for us.
2) God’s desire is that we value wisdom more than wealth. What is interesting is that we pray for God to bless us financially, yet we aren’t always wise in how we manage it (ouch that hurts).
3) When we approach finances from a Biblical perspective and learn to manage it properly – we find that God calls us to: manage (budget), save, invest, get out of debt and spend wisely.
4) God’s ultimate plan for our finances is that we become generous. The video this week rocked my world in light of all that we are seeing happen in Haiti. When we have our finances in order we can do things like adopt or help someone else adopt children. We can help those who are elderly and plant churches around the world.
Finances are never easy to talk about, but what happened yesterday was amazing. Great things are happening.