6 reasons for giving more in 2009
April 20, 2009 by COREN BURCH
Filed under Finances
This is a wonderful post on why we should give. In tough economic times like these, we have a tendancy to hoard and not share what we have been blessed with. No matter how big or how small, God blesses when we have the right attitude and motive (2 Cor. 9:7)- when we give from our heart.
We all know we should give, but sometimes it is easy to forget some of the reasons for giving. While there are hundreds of reasons to give, these six provide a good starting point.
1. We were designed to give
You could use a pencil to dig a hole, but it will not be very efficient. The pencil was not designed for digging. However, a shovel is designed with that purpose in mind and will produce much better results than a pencil.
Since God is the ultimate giver and we are designed in His likeness and image, we function at our best when we are giving. Most of the world spends it’s energy trying to hoard all they can which is like digging a hole with a pencil. When we give, we are functioning in the manner with which we were created, and therefore produce much better results.
2. As a response to God’s generosity
We all know the verse… “For God so loved the world that He GAVE…” (John 3:16). We have received the greatest gift that anyone could possibly be given. We should be overflowing with gratitude and thanks. Of course we will never be able to pay Him back, but shouldn’t we spend our lives trying anyway?
3. To remind ourselves that He is our source
When we look at our employer or our paycheck as our source, things can be very scary. But understanding that God is our unfailing supply of all our needs is very reassuring, no matter what the economy is doing. Giving is just another way we can remind ourselves of this.
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:19).
4. To help achieve economic justice
Why are there parts of the world with people starving, while most of us have never missed a meal? There is more than enough money in the world that no one would ever have to go hungry, but it is just not evenly dispersed.
“Our desire . . . is that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need” (2 Cor 8:13-14).
5. To break the hold of money
One of the best reasons for giving is that by giving we break the hold that money might otherwise have on us. The Bible makes it clear that if we are going to follow God, we can’t have our minds occupied with money. Every sober day for an alcoholic proves his liberty from alcohol a bit more. So it goes with giving. The more we give, the more it proves that money doesn’t have control over us.
6. To experience the blessing of giving
Jesus himself said, “it is more blessed to give than receive.” He wasn’t just uttering meaningless religious words. He understood the joy of giving. He gave up his life and endured inexpressible pain because he understood the joy of giving. The Bible says that He did if for the joy set before Him. He knew that one day He would see you and I being saved from Hell and He would say, “it was all worth it.”
Recession Busting Tips: Pt. 2
April 14, 2009 by COREN BURCH
Filed under Family, Finances, Shopping
1. Pack your lunch. Think about it, if you spend $5.oo a day on just lunch and an average work week is 5 days, that’s $25.00 a week, $100.00 a month! What can you be doing with that money? It’s alright to treat yourself, but it can be expensive doing it every day.
2. Use your leftovers. It makes a great lunch the next day and it saves time, as well as, money.
3. Carpool. If you have someone who works in the same area, rotate carpooling duties. This is a tried and true way of saving on gas and giving your car a break.
4. When shopping, make a shopping list and STICK TO IT! This is a challenging area for me. With two toddlers, I use a lot of my energy just trying to get them in the car! Sometimes it’s hard to avoid impulse shopping (that’s an area I am working on), but preparing before you go to the store can help streamline your purchasing. Go ahead and go thru the sales flyers and have your coupons ready, it makes for a more productive trip.
5. Distinguish between needs and desires. We often justify our “extra” purchases by saying, “I really need this.” But, in fact, it is something you really want. Look at what it takes for you to live. Yes it is alright to enjoy some of the “extras” in life, but in moderation. Furthermore, plan for the extras-entertainment, cosmetics, electronics, etc.,whatever it may be. Look at what you need and what you can realistically afford.
6. TITHE, TITHE, TITHE. “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the LORD Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.” Malachi 3:8-12 (NIV) We must never neglect our obligation to honor God with the first fruits (10%) of our labor. As believers, there are some bad things that God doesn’t allow to happen, because we are faithful in paying our tithes. It may not all be monetary, but it will be what we need at that time.
Recession Busting Tips: Part One
Well Sisters, I have spent the last few days pondering more ways to tighten my family’s belt. I like to think that for the most part I can be pretty frugal although my husband and I both have our guilty pleasures. We had a tremendous lifestyle change after I stopped working near the end of my second pregnancy. We suddenly snapped from two incomes to one. We did not prepare as well as we probably could have but we certainly learned the difference between necessity and desire. At any rate, here are a few tips to help us all ride the economic wave. And, of course, please share any tips you have with your SISTERS!
Recession Busting Tips: Part One
- Buy whole chickens. All of the poultry eaters out there have already noticed the rising prices. A great way to combat this is to stop paying for convenience. Instead of purchasing chicken parts or whole cut-up chickens, purchase whole chickens and cut them yourself. In most cases, you will save between $.75 to $1.00 per pound! That is savings that can add up! You’ll need freezer bags and a good pair of poultry shears to do the job, but it’s worth it.
- Make your own cleaning supplies. Not only is this better for the environment, but you can save a ton. There are several websites dedicated to do-it-yourself cleaning supplies and tips. We even have several articles dedicated to it. You can check them out here.
- Bye-bye acrylic nails. I know a great deal of women just refuse to cut back in the area, however doing so can save a bundle. On average, acrylic nails will cost $22 (plus $4 tip) every two weeks. That’s a cost of $676 a year! Many women attempt to do it themselves at home but that increases the risk of infection and fungus even more. Try a healthy diet with vitamins and at-home manicures or barter with a friend. It’s worth it!
- Turn off that fan. Use the kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans sparingly during cold weather. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a houseful of heated air. Turn them off just as soon as they have done their jobs.
- Have a garage sale! I admit I’m still getting my nerve up to try this tip, but from what I’ve seen the benefits are great. You clear out unwanted or underused items and make a little cash in the process. Alternatively, you could schedule a pick-up with Goodwill or the Salvation Army and tax the tax write-off. Either way, you save.
- Clip those coupons. Use coupons whenever you can. They are especially great in combination with in-store promotions. You can save as much as 80% on some items and more if you catch a BOGO. Sign-up with websites like CouponMom.com and SmartSource to get a heads up on the coupons that will be featured in Sunday’s Paper.
Stay tuned for more tips….
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