(Adapted from an article by Pastor Charles Miller)
I. BELIEVE THAT GOD PROVIDES. “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25
II. EXERCISE DISCIPLINE. “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20 This verse isn’t about rich and poor people. It is about wise and foolish people. Overspending and overextending is the failure to exercise self discipline. Be wise and restrain yourself.
III. SPEND WISELY. “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 Tithe as an investment for God’s blessings. Provide the basic necessities. Make your decisions wisely. Remember, we will give account to God for our stewardship over the things He has given us.
IV. SAVE. Joseph told Pharaoh to save for seven years in order to meet the needs of the next seven lean years. What would America look like if our government had spent wisely and saved? What would your life look like–what would it feel like, if you spent wisely and saved? Saving is not only a dead art in America; it has become an artifact. Five years from now, they ought to place a piggy bank in the Smithsonian to remind us all of the ancient ritual of our primitive ancestors who saved money and paid cash. Learn to save money. Don’t hoard it–God doesn’t like that either, but save for security.
V. SHARE. It is more blessed to give than to receive. God’s plan to bless and save Egypt was broader than Egypt. It was about God saving His people, and others reaping the benefit also. What ever one’s position is on helping and needing help, a good one is this: to spend wisely and save so as to be in an able position to give and share. Giving and sharing is an amazing way to help meet needs and transform lives.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
SHARING
