What Will We Do?

What a crazy time and economy we are living in! Gas prices (even though down a little these last couple of weeks) are skyrocketing, food prices, milk prices, toilet paper prices - you name it are battering us.
At the same a record number of mortgages are failing, utility costs are rising, taxes are rising . . .

Wow, it can be discouraging! Overwhelming!

But that's only when we live our lives based on limitations and fail to see opportunities!
For many of us it really is an opportunity to reorder our lives and put our resources into what truly matters. I must confess that I am stealing the heart of this blog from a post written a month or so ago by Mark Beeson (you can check it out here if you like.) But it's just been pounding on my mind in that month and I had to talk to you about it.

So, what is truly important? Where do we make our most impactful investments? Just like you, our family has a choice with our limited resources - and here is how we choose to invest:

1) Our tithe to Oso Creek - The Church is the greatest hope in the world. I say this - not just because I'm a pastor - but because I believe it! God commands us to give to Him first and says that He will pour out the blessings of heaven. For 20+ years Cindy and I have taken Him at His Word.
I don't say this to point to us but to God's willingness - we've had several years where we have given over 20% of what we've earned back to Oso Creek. And God has provided for every meal!

2) Our Family - God tells me that I am to provide for my families needs. (Notice I said needs, not frills :). And I will do that. Whatever it takes. (And bless them as well with some of those 'frills' as God gives opportunity!)

3) Saving - It's important for us to look to our families future and to be like the ant who stores up for lean times . . . Proverbs 6:6-8

4) For the Kingdom - As God provides we will look for ways to give above and beyond to bless others in need . . .


So what do you think? Where are you?

If you are struggling - or just know that you need to ratchet up your financial skills - I want to encourage you to check out the opportunity to go to Financial Peace. We had this class for the first time last spring and it transformed some folks financial lives!
And one of the cool things is that we are partnering with other churches to do it - and this Fall it will be at Yorktown Baptist.
Just click here - and send an email to Linda to get more info.