7 Ways To Win W/Money God's Way
Jesus talked about money more than heaven & hell combined. Why? Because money is the chief competitor for your heart. So, how do you win with money? Watch full message here.
Step 1. Handling Money God’s Way: Get on a budget.
I already lost some of you :)
This is like a curse word in some houses & probably started fights in others…
Here’s what Jesus said…
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ Luke 14:28-30 NIV
- There is wisdom in planning.
- There is wisdom in forward thinking.
- Documenting your expenses & income
What have you ever gotten better at without intentionality? Probably nothing….
If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. -Zig Ziglar
- What are you aiming for?
- What are your dreams?
- What are you looking to do?
In order to get there, it’s going to take a budget & intentionality.
What is a budget?
A budget is people telling their money what to do instead of wondering where it went. -John Maxwell
Need help with a budget? Click here.
Step 2. Handling Money God’s Way: Live on less than you make.
I know this one can seem obvious, but many people overspend.
Living below your means is one of the most freeing things you can do.
Margin in your budget is an absolute gift.
…fools spend whatever they get. Proverbs 21:20b NLT
Are you a saver or a spender?
- Making a budget is one thing.
- Sticking to the budget is another thing
You have to know what your temptations are w/your money & address them.
In this season of your life, NO may need to be your favorite word.
- Takeout tonight. NO
- New car lease. NO
- $7 coffee everyday. NO
But remember...A no now is not a no forever. A no now will help you say yes later.
Step 3. Handling Money God’s Way: Get out of debt
I know you could probably guess where we were going, but this is HUGE.
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7 ESV
Have you ever felt like a slave to a payment?
- Student loans
- Car payment
- Too big of a mortgage
You can’t stop thinking about it.
Everything around your life revolves around it.
Could you imagine a life with no payments?
- A car that is paid off
- Student loan that is paid off
- A house that is paid off
How much better would you sleep at night?
Step 4. Handling Money God’s Way: Save up an emergency fund
57% of Americans can’t cover a $1,000 emergency. Could you?
The wise store up choice food and olive oil… Proverbs 21:20a NIV
Margin creates freedom.
Upfront sacrifice leads to long term ease.
Start saving today with the goal of having 3-6 months of expenses in reserves.
Step 5. Handling Money God’s Way: Begin building wealth
Don’t you want to be wealthy?
Come on…Be honest.
But didn't God say, "Money is the root of all evil."
No, the love of money is the root of all evil.
This is when you can start dreaming…
You’re not just saving, but you’re investing.
- What if your investments for the year covered a month of your salary?
- What if your investments for the year covered 6 months of your salary?
- What if you made more on your investments than you did at your job?
How amazing would that be?
Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Proverbs 13:11 NLT
Want to have some fun?
- Go on your phone…
- Get a compound calculator
- Just start calculating
- Compound interest is one of the 7 wonders of the world
As you do this, slowly over time you will be able to do the next step.
Step 6. Handling Money God’s Way: Change your family tree
- Did you grow up with money issues?
- How did that feel for you?
- Do you want that for your kids?
You can change your family tree.
If you need motivation, think about your kids.
If you don’t have kids, but want them…prepare now!
If you’re not married, but want to be married, give your future spouse the gift of being great with money.
Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren…Proverbs 13:22 NLT
Let’s change our family trees!
After this step, we get to the most FUN ONE!
Step 7: Handling Money God’s Way: Be outrageously generous
The most fun thing you can do with money is give it away.
Imagine you're sitting down with someone who is struggling:
- Car troubles? I'll cover it.
- Need help with groceries? I got you.
- Utilities are going to get shut off? Here's a check
Giving is powerful. Do you want a practical & fun way to do this with your kids?
- Park in front of a waffle house on a holiday
- Leave your kids in the car & tell them to watch you
- Order coffee
- Get the bill
- Leave a $100 tip
- Watch the happiness on the face of the waitress
Your kids will not forget it!
God wants to bless you. He wants you to win with money.
The question is...Will you steward well what he has given you?
If you need help in this area, here two resources:
- Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
- Financial Peace University (a 9 week course on how to win w/money)
We pray this was helpful for you. If it was, would you consider sharing it with a friend?
See you on Sunday at 10am at Desert Edge High School for church!