According to a 2019 study, 137 million Americans are struggling with debt brought on by medical bills. When the add the damage, death and social isolation due to the Coronavirus pandemic, many more will be added to this list in 2020. To make matters worse, life insurances often include a disclaimer, not covering deaths by an act of God like this pandemic. In times of desperation, the only logical decision is to start making God your financial planner.
Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another [whether God or man], who will give you that which is your own [that is, the true riches]? – Luke 16:11-12
A first century doctor quotes a parable of Jesus. Based upon the passage above, God is waiting for individuals to show progress in the little things. If God can’t trust you to take care of your income and possessions, He’ll find other good stewards to bless, reward and uplift. An old testament prophet takes this concept one step further. Malachi appears to suggest that God wants to challenge you as your financial planner. This involves giving first fruits, your initial paycheck of each month to God in the form of a tithe.
Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it, Malachi 3:10.
If you truly want to yield control over to God, the first step involves changing your mindset by recognizing that God owns everything. As you become a manager of God’s money, make sure you share generously by paying God first, Proverbs 3:9-10. If you test God by implementing this strategy, the Lord promises to open the storehouses of heaven. This explains why Jesus once said, “give and it will be given until you,” Luke 6:38. To be considered a genuine good steward, this includes saving money regularly, Proverbs 21:10 and spending money wisely, Proverbs 27:23-24. May this blog inspire you to make God your financial planner.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 