Been listening to a series of sermons with Andy Stanley on managing your finances in a God-directed way. Without being LOST.
Definition of LOST: Not sure of where you are and how to get to where you want to be.
Now, I've always thought I've managed my finances well. I'm careful. I save for days where I have no income. I record my transactions. I try to balance my account each month. But it got to the point where I was scrimping, and giving was quite unthinkable[unless it was building fund and tithes. God's grace was still upon my heart]
Wise people like my mom and my friends have told me to let go of the grip I have on money developed through the years of need in uni.
It's not easy. The past 3 years have been really tough. It might be easy for some people to work and try to support yourself while maintaining good grades in uni, but it was super tough for me to balance work, uni and ministry. Financial stress was threatening me all the time in my heart. But God ha always been faithful. And now, I don't have that much. But I have enough. And Also ENOUGH to bless other people, which is a new experience and very freeing.
3rd sermon focus: Why does God make us rich and have more than we need? Luke 12:13
- We don't have to feel guilty for having more. BUT...Jesus defines greed for us. It is very very difficult to see greed in yourself, unlike other types of sins and failings. Thers is a purpose for having more.
- A man's life does not equal what I own [this truth has to sink into our hearts]
- A lot of the time, we think that the abundance we have, we should keep and store for the future. but God says...."You FOOL"
- FOOL. Why? Someone will get what you owned because you DIED. Not because you were generous. You lost eternal riches.
- The farmer did not know what the pupose of his riches for. He died. He did not deposit anything into his heavenly account.
- To be rich towards God is to give what you have extra to people in need and the furtherance of the gospel.
THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE RICHNESS. It's what we do with the riches.
WHEN I AM BLESSED WITH MORE THAN I NEED, IT IS TO BLESS SOMEONE IN NEED.
It's not about me.
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