Is the Economy Freaking You Out?
I was reading Perry Noble‘s blog today, and I thought I’d share his latest post with you. He shares a couple of NewSpring’s desires for everyone regarding finances. I echo his desires. Over the last two years of Marie and I following Dave Ramsey‘s plan (which is really just mostly God’s plan as laid out in the Bible), we have learned how important these two points are. Here’s what Perry had to say:
I am unapologetic about the fact that I teach on money at NewSpring Church.
BECAUSE…one of the most “out of control” areas in our lives as Americans today is the way we handle our finances.
AND…because of carelessness, greed and ignoring the obvious warning signs…the economy has gone through some SERIOUS turmoil.
Here at NewSpring I tell people that when it comes to personal finances we really have two desires for everyone…
#1 – To Put God First In Your Finances.
Jesus doesn’t just want some of us…He wants all of us. And one of the most direct things He ever said in regards to money is found in Matthew 6:21 where He covers the fact that if He doesn’t have our treasure then He doesn’t fully have our heart.
He doesn’t want leftovers…He wants our love…and love is when we are NOT just about being a taker…but rather a giver.
We challenge people to tithe…and I have even said that tithing is not about NewSpring being after your money…and that if you actually believe that then just send your tithe to another church for the next three months. SERIOUSLY!
I don’t want ANYTHING from people…I want something FOR them (quote from Andy Stanley!!!) I want FOR you to discover the incredible freedom and blessings from putting God FIRST in your finances.
Our second goal…
#2 – For You To Get Out Of Debt.
Around 75% of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck. MANY of us have credit card balances that are TRAPPING us in serious debt.
Proverbs 22:7 speaks VOLUMES about the borrower being a slave to the lender…and as followers of Christ we are NOT supposed to be enslaved by ANYONE.
When we don’t have debt there is an INCREDIBLE amount of freedom in our lives.
To follow up on that, Marie and I will be coordinating Financial Peace University at the Amelia Church of Christ this year. It will be a great opportunity to help others, and I know that lives will be impacted. We can’t wait!
Awesome! We wish we could be there to go through your course!
We continue to truck away at our student loans. If all goes as planned our 51K of student debt will be gone by March!
Thanks for being an encourager and an inspiration. There are very few people who see the value or have the discipline to sacrifice the immediate gratification for freedom. I pray we have the diligence to finish strong!