Expectant Prayers ®

Last night as I was getting ready for bed and praying, I was reminded by the Lord about a word He had given me almost 11 years ago.  The word was that He desired his children to not be bound by money and that in the time preceding His return, we would see an explosion of Christians attaining this concept.

Being debt free should be the goal of every Christian.  Not only is it attainable, but it is freedom to those who have the know-how and tools!  I can clearly understand that in this time when Christ is preparing His bride and wishes for them to be without spot or wrinkle, that our financial affairs can also be included in that purification.

In the early years of our marriage, our finances were tough.  We had been through plenty of premarital counseling (from 3 different sources) before we were married and had a good handle on budgeting, debt responsibility, etc.   But, with the cares of life, we quickly realized that even with both of us working, it was barely enough to reach the subsistence level.    A year and a half after we were married, we entered the ministry.  By the way, people don't enter into ministry for the money!  As most know, too, Youth Ministers and Associates do not stay in one place for very long (on average).  Our relocations cost us in the end, as well as accepting positions that promised more income that somehow never materialized.   I remember talking to one of the Pastors we were under about our finances and he simply said that we had trouble budgeting.    Wrong.   We simply did not make enough (under $18,000 total at that particular church) and we were both swamped with full time duties.   We had a very slim budget, and after all the promises of increase that were broken, we were forces to have to leave and find another position in order to survive.  This sent us onto Nashville, where we truly learned about financial freedom.

There was a talk show called "The Money Game" on one of the local stations in Nashville.  The hosts were Dave Ramsey and Roy Matlock.  My husband at the time worked a lot of hours and enjoyed listening to Dave and Roy daily.  Pete even bought Dave's book , "Financial Peace" and ingested the entire thing!  He learned so much about finances and being debt free and his knowledge has been invaluable to our family.
We both felt in our spirits that the only way we were going to get out of our accumulating debt was with the Lord's help.  We tried to visit the local Consumers Credit Counselors, but quickly found out that you have to make so much money to be helped.  With that door closed, we began applying Dave and Roy's Financial freedom principles and slowly it made a difference.  The overall debt wasn't enormous either, but on a limited income... well, even a little can feel like it might as well be millions.   Financial difficulties can leave you feeling in bondage!  Then one unexpected day, a relative of ours called and offered to help us with the remaining balance of our debt and we could simply pay them back.  That was beyond a blessing.  Our payback plan was for 4 years, but through the Lord's help we were totally debt free in 3 years.  That may sound like a long time to you, but in the overall, it really wasn't.     We made small payments too, as not to hinder our monthly budget. 

Since our experience in Nashville, we have tried our best to remain debt free (with the exception of our house).   Once in awhile we acquire debt (medical, orthodontics, etc) but we try our best to apply the principles we've learned and God seems to honor that.  We are making more than we've ever made and I am still able to stay home with all the kids and home school- yes, a huge family like ours CAN make it on one budget.  No, we aren't flying off to the Caribbean every year or things like that, but we are very content and feel like we're doing what God has called our family to do.

My husband once felt like he'd like to share about financial matters with churches, but it seems that he has been most effective one on one with people.  He is definitely a financial peace advocate!

A few years ago, Dave Ramsey and his ideas showed up here in Kansas City.  Many have been blessed through his Financial Peace University.  I have been excited to see in the past few weeks a number of churches (like a hundred) in the metro welcoming him to their congregations.  I felt the Lord's word ringing true in my ears that the eyes of the church are being opened in the area of finances.

Another thought on this matter is the overall scope of finances in the prophetic timetable.  I know a lot of people who are trying to mass great wealth and fortunes.  Although it is wisdom for us to plan for the future, our motivations and goals should not be to become millionaires.  Even in our quest of godly financial freedom, we cannot have money as our goal.  We cannot in this day and time put our trust or hope in our money.    Our only hope should be in God  who gives generously and abundantly to His children.  He will never abandon or forsake us in our hour of need.

If you struggle with money matters and don't know what to do... if you can't seem to make ends meet... if you are constantly worried about your money and what the future holds for you... why not invest some time into learning about money through such a program as Financial Peace University? 
Even if you think you are great at accounting for your money, I think that hearing what Dave has to say could still help you.   His current radio broadcast is called "The Dave Ramsey Show" and can be heard by over 300 stations nationwide, on XM, or Sirius Satellite radio.
 
God is concerned with your well being and your finances.   From my personal experience, I can say that He can and will help you when you ask.

Check in your local area to see if any churches are offering "Financial Peace University" seminars.  If not, another alternative would be to order Dave's book called "Financial Peace" or any of the other books he offers.   You can find his products at www.amazon.com.

Blessings to you today friend and may you find financial peace in your life!