Stewardship Integrity

 

    Stewardship integrity is taking ownership, responsibility, and accountability of what you have.  To be a steward of integrity is to be found good and wise by God.  A budget is the first step of being a good steward with integrity.  You take responsibility over your spending.  Then you start telling your money where you want it to go.  Just don't forget it was God that gave you everything you have.

    It is always good to learn new skills.  Budgeting is a skill that can use many different techniques.  One technique is creating an estimated budget.  This where you list your monthly income and subtract tithe and taxes off the top.  Then you list monthly living expenses.  You break it down to each bill and be detailed to the last item that takes money from you.  The last step is at the bottom of the two list put your net income (gross-tithe-taxes) and the total of all your expenses.  Then take the net minus expenses to see if you have a surplus for saving or deficit showing that you are getting deeper into debt.

    The estimated budget is a quicker overview of your spending habits.  It shows you in one page where you need to make financial changes in your life.  What you discover may frustrate or discourage you, but it is meant to reveal the truth.  Use it to be hopeful.  You can make changes and it will change to benefit you.  This is a starting point that can be refined for your life.

    Gross monthly income is the income you have before taxes.  It is good to see everything you make even if it doesn't make it to your bank account.  Net includes your income from a job, commissions, bonuses, tips, retirement income, your business income, or renting a home income.  If you have more than one, then add them all together to get your gross income.

    Income may not be consistent.  If your entire income consist of commissions or tips, then it is harder to budget but not impossible.  You want to add together everything you have made in a year and divide by 12.  That is how you come up with your monthly gross income for a budget.  Reimbursements are not income.

    To get your net income you take what you worked out for your gross income and subtract the taxes and tithe.  Tithe should be 10% of what you make.  It can be 10% of what you have to spend and then you pay 10% on your income taxes or you pay 10% off the gross income.  You also need to budget a little for giving to offerings, charities, and other gifts.  Taxes are the standard deductions that we pay the government to honor God.  We do not have to like the government.  We only have to be obedient to God.

Deuteronomy 8:11-18, Proverbs 10:4-22, 13:10-11, 21:20, & 1 Corinthians 4:1-4

Budgeting

 

    To follow Jesus with integrity, we need to learn how to budget.  God has given us a lot.  We are the stewards of what God has given.  We need to make sure that we take care of it and leave something behind for the people that come after us.

    A budget is easy.  Living by the budget takes work.  It is a decision that needs to be applied in your personal financial statement, recording your income, and deed.  The personal financial statement is how you get a picture of your current financial situation.  You list what you think your value is in assets and liabilities.  You want your assets higher than your liability.  You will want to do this about once a year as a financial check up.

    Assets is the money in your bank account, savings, retirement, life insurance, coin collection, home equity, real estate equity, business income, automobile equity, and things you own of value.  Liabilities are credit card debt, auto debt, mortgage, personal loans, business loans, education loans, medical bills, and other loans.  

    I recommend creating an excel spreadsheet to record your budget monthly.  This is where you can record all your income and subtract all the bills and debt every month.  You see what you make and what you spend your money on.  A budget is good because it gives yourself boundaries on your spending, so you can have what you really want in life.

    It does not take much time once you get in the habit and maintain it.  Start with your gross income and then list beside it all the debts in order of what is not optional to optional: taxes, insurance, tithe, mortgage/rent, house maintenance, bills, groceries, eating out, car expenses, savings, retirement, and so one.  The under than list the days 1-31.  You can put what you spend everyday in the cell (day/item).  At the bottom it will total it for you and you see where you money goes every month.  

    I have a spreadsheet that works like a bank register.  At the end of the month I print it and use it to enter in the second spreadsheet listed above.  Once that is complete: bank statement, credit card statement and any other statement.  I print that and put it in the annual.  The annual has a column for every month.  Then a row for every item of spending.  The top is income, taxes, insurance, and tithe.  I total that and consider that my net income for what I can spend my money on.  It calculates my total for the year and average to help me create the following year's budget.

    Your budget needs to be personalized, user friendly for you, and something you can maintain.  It will change as your circumstances in life change.  However, no matter what it will give you more  control over your finances.  Your Mortgage should not be more than 25% of your net income.  That gives you 7% for utilities and maintenance.  Transportation should be about 10%.  Insurance should not be more than 5%.  You want about 10% for savings and retirement.  That leaves 43% for food, entertainment, clothes, debts, medical, and anything else in your life.

Proverbs 21:20-21, 22:7-8, 24:26-27, Matthew 6:31-34, Luke 12:14-15, & 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Debt Integrity

 

    Financial Integrity is being honest, transparent, and ethical about your financial system and spending.  You are responsible to regulate yourself and build stability.  It starts with listing all your debt from smallest to largest.  See just how deep you are in belonging to people of the world, then make a plan to repay all the debt until you are financially free.

    When you see your financial situation in writing, it can be gut wrenching.  However, it is better to face reality head on.  There are different ways to do it, but a thorough overview would to be list the creditor, the purchase, monthly payment, balance due, scheduled payoff date with minimum payment, interest rate, and any past due payments. It will make it more clear where you spend your money and where you may need to develop some self-discipline.

    One you see the extent of what you owe, you can start figuring out how to repay your debt systematically.  If you do this in an excel spreadsheet or something similar, then you can get totals, averages, and other dynamic perspectives to figure out how to get this debt down.  Debt repayment can look a little different than the debt overview.  You can list the due date, minimum payment amount, how many payments are left, and balance due.  

    You can separate your mortgage or rent and car payments from the rest.  Those are a little different.  They are required to survive, but you can get to the point where you pay them off or in cash if you learn to save and not pay interest on other things.    

    As you become financially free and living within your income, you can get out of those debts.  The nonessential debts is what you start with.  They will free up your wallet.  You will also have a lot more money when you get rid of paying all the interest on things like the credit card.  Life happens, but it is good to always have a plan.

Proverbs 5:21-23, 10:8-9, 11:1-3, 28:6, & 1 Timothy 6:9-10

God's Ownership

 

    God is the owner of our lives.  That means that He owns everything we have.  Every penny we have He gave to us to use wisely.  He expects that His children will be good stewards with everything He has given.  If you are not, then why would you expect Him to give your more, bigger, or nicer things?  It starts with the mindset.  Acknowledge that God has ownership over every aspect of your life including your possessions and money.  

    Thank Him for what He has entrusted you with.  You can even put it writing to save with wall your important documents.  That way when life happens and you need a reminder, you can go to it like a deed and remember all that God is doing for you.  Date it and sign it.  Be specific what you are transferring ownership over to God.  Pray over it.  Then have someone witness it to hold you accountable and remind you when you need it.

    When you are done surrendering all your possessions, money, fears, and anxieties over to God, then you are ready to start moving forward.  Write out a game plan.  Write out all you dept together, so you can figure out how to get rid of it.  Include your mortgage.  God doesn't want you to owe people money because it makes you a slave to them.  You belong to God.  

    Your plan should consist of financial goals, debt repayment, education goals, and lifestyle goals.  Even if you never plan to go to college or return to college, you should never stop learning.  Your education goal can be to buy and read one book a month that will improve your mind or thought process.  Lifestyle goal can be anything that you and God workout: work-life balance, taking a vacation, or just living within your income.  Be specific and thorough to cover every aspect of your life.  

    Then separately, write out all your goals for the year.  Make sure that they align with your financial, education, and life goals.  It starts with one small step at a time.  In a year, you will see a change.  You will see God working in your life.

    This is the beginning of being a good steward to God.  A steward is a believer that recognizes that everything belongs to God, but that He has entrusted them with their time, talents, and resources.  They recognize that what they have is not just for them, but to be used for God's will to glorify Him too.    

Deuteronomy 10:14-16, Psalm 24:1-2, 50:7-12, Haggai 2:6-9, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, & Colossians 1:15-20

God's in Control

 

    If you are a Christian, then your flesh and spirit are always at war.  You want control.  You use whatever rationalization you need to justify it, but you want control over your life.  The flesh is selfish by nature.  That selfishness is what bounds you to the law.  It is the weak part o who you are, so that is why Satan comes in and uses your desires to take control over your life.  He only lets you think you are in control while stealing your peace.

    The spirit that submits to God and to His Word is a spirit at peace.  You become sensitive to the Holy Spirit, so that you can follow Jesus.  This gives you freedom.  Freedom in Jesus leads to peace and strength in your life.  It produces fruits in your behavior.  This freedom is something that only true Christians can have because it only comes through submission.

    The part that people don't seem to understand is that you have to crucify your selfishness to rise and be free.  You have to choose to walk with Jesus everyday and not sin.  You have to be in God's Word to know what is expected and wanted out of you.  It is the only way you will be able to obey.  The flesh can't be given even an inch.  It will take it all.

    When you recognize the flesh for what it is, then you can stop them from running your life.  Pray over them, wait, and listen to the Holy Spirit.  Then you can move forward hand in hand with God.  You only need God's Word, prayer (communication with God), and know His voice above all over voices to combat with God.  He will be in control, but you will be able to serve your purpose in this world in freedom.

    We all face temptation.  It is common.  You face more the more you give into it.  Have the mindset that you will not give in to temptation.  Then start exercising: read God's Word daily, pray constantly, practice fasting.  Fasting works hand in hand with prayer in times of urgent needs.  Spiritual strength is urgent.  

    Remember that God will never allow temptation in your life without giving you an out.  You can withstand it.  Use scripture to help you.  Tell Satan to leave in the name of Jesus Christ.  It does get easier the more you resist, but not so easy that you will never need to lean on God.  He puts the parameters around your enemy.  Do not give into temptation and allow the parameters to be broken.  Instead, walk in the Spirit to keep safe.  Stay in pace with God.

Psalm 103:19, Proverbs 19:20-23, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, Galatians 5:16-26, & Colossians 1:15-20

The Human Body

 

    God made our bodies beautifully.  We are all so intricately made with many layers.  Even our DNA makes us unique yet similar.  God gave us our bodies to be able to hold the Holy Spirit within them with our soul.  Our soul is our will, how we think, and internal self.

    We are to glorify God with our bodies, mind, soul, emotions, and in action.  Our bodies are a holy temple.  That means if you are a Christian, then it is where the Holy Spirit presides.  It is to be kept clean in honor of God.  Use your bodies a way to worship God.

    God has rented us these bodies until we enter our eternal bodies that will never decay or die.  We see glimpses of this promise in Jesus' transfiguration.  Christians are citizens of heaven.  Our eternal bodies will transform and be perfect to be worthy of our place for eternity.  We will physically be like Jesus in Heaven.  He is our glory and light that we will reflect.

    The bodies that we live in now are temporary.  They are humble and weak.  If we use them to glorify God, then they will be perfect in heaven.  That is why we need to dedicate our bodies to Him now.  We are living sacrifices.  That means that we conform our soul (mind, will, and emotions) to be holy and pleasing to God.  We pick up Jesus' cross to follow him every day.  

    Do not conform to this world means that you do not listen to it's lies.  You choose to keep your mind pure and focused on the truth.  Transformation starts with how you think.  Your actions and words will follow.  Your body is more important that the appearance.  It was built to withstand a lot.  It is good to test yourself to discover if you are acceptable and perfect to God's will.  

    Doing everything it takes to keep your body, mind, and soul holy is the cost of following Jesus.  You may lose your life, but you will be blessed for eternity.  If you try to hold on or control your destiny, then you will loose everything.  Decide to take joy in picking up the cross.  He already paid the price, so that the load is much less than if you never do pick up the cross.  He always carries the heaviest part of any burden.  

Matthew 17:1-3, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Philippians 3:17-21, Hebrews 12:1-4, 1 Peter 1:17-20, & 1 John 3:1-3

Spiritual Gift Assessment

 

    When you are marked by the Holy Spirit's seal as a Christian, you receive at least one gift from him.  You have the gift inside you, but you may not know what it is for some time.  Taking a spiritual gift assessment can help you learn what your gift(s) are.  At that point you can figure out how to use the gift(s) for the church.

    The assessment will indicate what it is, but you still need to pray through it.  Sometimes God given skills or personality poke through.  Pray discernment over the assessment.  No matter what you discover, you know you have it because God loves you.  

    The assessment also reveals where you may need to put a little more work because you are not gifted in certain areas.  An example is evangelism.  You may not be gifted there, but you can learn how to evangelize.  It may be good to partner with someone that is gifted where you are not to share your faith and have a more powerful ministry.  You can help each other grow, confirm your gifts, and be accountability partners.

    The spiritual gift of administration is a special attribute given to steer people into effective channels of service.  You are able to understand the resources needed to accomplish a goal, plan, or fulfill a need.  Discernment is confidence in knowing the truth about people, teachings, and motives.  Evangelism is the special gift of being able to share Jesus with non-Christians.  You are able to create a desire in people to know Jesus and become a Christian.

    Exhortation is the gift of encourage and console people in the church when they need it.  You provide positive output to a situation and steps to make things better.  Faith is what you have to have to become a Christian, but the gift of faith is the ability to believe in God's promises and act on that faith with unwavering confidence.  You carry out God's will without hesitation.  You are able to pray with power (prayer warrior).  Service is the gift of identify, assist, and support others in their ministry.  The supporting role is important for ministries to accomplish results.

    Giving is the gift of give without hesitation or doubt.  You give possessions and money beyond your normal tithe with a cheerful disposition and spirit.  The helper is gifted with being able to help other people more effectively.  You see a need and you fill it.  Hospitality is the gift of being able to give cheer and make people comfortable wherever you are: food, lodgings, or presence.  Mercy is the gift of empathy.  You feel the hurt of other people and express genuine sympathy to comfort those that hurt. 

    Knowledge is the gift of acquiring deep insights into God's Word.  You are able to illuminate other people with your insights that are beyond human reason.  Teaching is the gift of communicating the Bible in a manner that other people will understand and learn.  Wisdom is the gift of understanding God's Word and discern the truths in a way to help others apply them.  You live out the truth of faith.

    Leadership is the gift of providing direction and goals to the church.  You bring together resources and people to work together to accomplish something for God.  Pastoring and shepherding are the same gift.  You are able to guide, protect, nurture, and feed the church to grow.  Prophecy is the gift to proclaim the truth of God's Word boldly.  There are more gifts too: miracles, healing, languages, interpretations, and more.

Matthew 16:21-23, 20:29-34, Mark 9:39-41, 12:41-44, 15:40-41, Luke 10:33-35, 14:28-30, John 10:1-18, Acts 5:1-11, 6:1-7, 8:26-40, 9:36-38, 11:22-24, 14:21-25, 15:32-35, 16:13-18, 18:24-28, 21:7-9, 27:21-25, Romans 4:18-25, 12:6-13, 16:1-23, 1 Corinthians 2, 12:7-28, 2 Corinthians 9:1-8, 11:5-6, Galatians 6:1-10, Ephesians 4:11-16, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Timothy 5:17-18, 2 Timothy 4:5, Titus 1:5-7, Hebrews 10:23-25, 13:17, & 1 Peter 4:7-9, 5:1-4