Ever since I started researching and writing the Money Matters messages, I've been seeing and hearing related topics. On the CBC, for example, where they did a feature about the working poor. In the National Post, which published an article explaining “Why saving now is better than saving later.” Then someone made me aware of an article about debt in the January issue of Parenting magazine. Like the Pontiac Vibes that I see everywhere in Courtice just because I own one, programs and articles about money are suddenly ubiquitous.
I preached this sermon series to get people talking about their personal finances. I hoped that people would gain biblical insights about money that would lead to less debt, more savings and greater generosity. My ultimate goal? Better stewardship of God’s resources and financial peace of mind for singles, couples and families.
Looking back at this series, I realize that money matters are all about the choices that people make. Two households may enjoy identical incomes, yet their daily decisions will yield radically different results.
We often fight a losing battle with money in the little things. We want our daily cups of coffee from Tim Horton's or Starbucks, not thinking about the fact that $20 a week equals $1040 per year. One deeply indebted couple that I know learned this and immediately bought thermoses that they began taking to work. Others might do well to look carefully at the amount that they spend on eating out. An experience that is meant to be a special event can quickly add up to thousands of dollars a year!
We also fight a losing battle with money over bigger things, purchasing big ticket items that we can’t really afford. If only we would remember that of the ten apples God gives to everyone, the first is to meant for giving and the second is designated for saving. If only we would remember that we only have eight apples to spend on shelter, furniture, clothing, food, transportation, vacations and entertainment.
Let me risk a personal story.
Eleven years ago we found ourselves faced with a big financial decision when we moved from St. Catharines to Courtice. We needed a new house.
On a map, we drew a three kilometre circle around the church because we wanted to make do with one car. We found a great place, only two kilometers away. There was only one problem; we could afford it, but we would have nothing left to give or save. It was a ten apple house! Tempted, we almost made an offer, but God prompted us to keep looking. One day we found a narrow house on a 29 foot lot that was 3.73 kilometres from the church. But we loved the open layout and our furniture matched the interior design. Best of all, it was an eight apple house that would allow us to continue saving and increase our giving at a time when Hope Fellowship was looking to build. Today we still love the house that God showed us, especially because of the financial peace of mind it has always given us. I’ve made some financial mistakes, but I have no buyer’s remorse about 70 Daiseyfield Avenue. What a difference a decision can make!
I wish you wisdom as you analyze your spending, saving and giving. Remember, every financial decision – from the little daily treats to the big purchases that lock you in for a long time – is up for review. And nothing is exempt from consideration as you make the necessary changes to be better stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to you.
- Pastor Peter
I preached this sermon series to get people talking about their personal finances. I hoped that people would gain biblical insights about money that would lead to less debt, more savings and greater generosity. My ultimate goal? Better stewardship of God’s resources and financial peace of mind for singles, couples and families.
Looking back at this series, I realize that money matters are all about the choices that people make. Two households may enjoy identical incomes, yet their daily decisions will yield radically different results.
We often fight a losing battle with money in the little things. We want our daily cups of coffee from Tim Horton's or Starbucks, not thinking about the fact that $20 a week equals $1040 per year. One deeply indebted couple that I know learned this and immediately bought thermoses that they began taking to work. Others might do well to look carefully at the amount that they spend on eating out. An experience that is meant to be a special event can quickly add up to thousands of dollars a year!
We also fight a losing battle with money over bigger things, purchasing big ticket items that we can’t really afford. If only we would remember that of the ten apples God gives to everyone, the first is to meant for giving and the second is designated for saving. If only we would remember that we only have eight apples to spend on shelter, furniture, clothing, food, transportation, vacations and entertainment.
Let me risk a personal story.
Eleven years ago we found ourselves faced with a big financial decision when we moved from St. Catharines to Courtice. We needed a new house.
On a map, we drew a three kilometre circle around the church because we wanted to make do with one car. We found a great place, only two kilometers away. There was only one problem; we could afford it, but we would have nothing left to give or save. It was a ten apple house! Tempted, we almost made an offer, but God prompted us to keep looking. One day we found a narrow house on a 29 foot lot that was 3.73 kilometres from the church. But we loved the open layout and our furniture matched the interior design. Best of all, it was an eight apple house that would allow us to continue saving and increase our giving at a time when Hope Fellowship was looking to build. Today we still love the house that God showed us, especially because of the financial peace of mind it has always given us. I’ve made some financial mistakes, but I have no buyer’s remorse about 70 Daiseyfield Avenue. What a difference a decision can make!
I wish you wisdom as you analyze your spending, saving and giving. Remember, every financial decision – from the little daily treats to the big purchases that lock you in for a long time – is up for review. And nothing is exempt from consideration as you make the necessary changes to be better stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to you.
- Pastor Peter
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