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With all the gifts and donations given during the holidays, our finances can quickly become out of control. But a little bit of prayerful planning will make better use of all our resources and rivet our focus on God’s priorities.
First things first … before you break out the calculator and spreadsheets, pause and pray. In any area of life, a good motto to have is No Decision Without Prayer. And that is really important when you’re talking about your finances: donations and gifts.
Now is a good time to ask ourselves: What do we have that we did not receive? The answer is: absolutely nothing! Generosity comes in many forms: our time, service to others, and monetary donations. When planning your holiday budget, consider Deuteronomy 8:18; it says it is the Lord your God who gives you power to get wealth. And the apostle James reminds us that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights.
The fact is, if you love God, out of gratitude, it will spill over into your giving to others. It’s the principle of where your treasure is, so is your heart. Make the words of Jesus your prayer, an attitude of your heart: freely you have received, freely give.And remember, we’re not giving to others or even to a church. We’re giving to God as an act of worship.
The issue is not how much we give, but our heart attitude when we give. This is a part of what brings God’s blessings. As Proverbs 11:25 states, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”
Is there something you think you should purchase? Find out what God wants you to do. Find out what His will is. There are a lot of biblical guidelines about money. Number one is that it isn’t your money, it is God’s. And if the Bible doesn’t speak specifically to your situation, then … when in doubt, don’t. Or at least, when in doubt, check it out. Ask for advice. Pray for guidance. If you want God’s wisdom in any area of life, He promises to give it to you. All you have to do is be sure you pray and ask Him for His wisdom with a heart ready to obey.
Ask God to help you prioritize your day and your life, planning your minutes and your money. You can’t put a dollar value on your God-given resources of time and energy, but you can set a budget for your money and stick to it to not go into debt this Christmas. Plan wisely and enjoy the freedom it brings as you plan your holiday purchases and donations.
RESPOND
Dear Lord, thank You for Your abundant provision. Please help me become a wise steward of all the gifts You’ve given me. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
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REFLECT
Do I seek God’s wisdom on how I spend my money and stick to a budget?
REMEMBER
Make No Decision Without Prayer.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.