Last weekend we talked about some biblical mental shifts we're to make as it comes to dealing with money. Jesus knows that MONEY – and how we interact with it = actually creates an opportunity for our growth & transformational impact. Not just impact to do great good in the world; but oppt. for transformational growth within our souls, within our hearts as disciples following after him. We must continually choose him over money.
It will be this inescapable tug-a-war tension and it will last all your life!

Q) How many of you have you ever made a money mistake?
We all have. Nobody is batting a 1000 when it comes to money.
The truth is that we could all benefit from some solid financial wisdom. Wisdom is very valuable.

Wisdom is important in all areas of our lives. When we seek to not only learn about something, but truly understand it, that is when we can act in wisdom. If you have wisdom, you'll minimize losses and maximize every gain in all areas of life – including financial.

“THE IMPORTANCE OF MARGIN”
We see in the Scriptures, followers of God were instructed to live within certain margins of life as it came to managing finances. They were invited to make giving back to God a top priority and they would set aside 10% of their field to give back to and honor Him. “First-Fruits”

Proverbs 3: 9-10
Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the first fruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

They would also never fully harvest to the edges of their fields – they’d harvest the field, but they would leave a remnant in order to be a blessing to others.

Leviticus 19:9-10
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edge of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the resident alien; I am the Lord your God.

We see this pattern of ‘MARGIN’ within the rhythm of their life and living. I think that pattern is one God longs to see operating within his people.
Our world operates by a whole different pattern!
Forget the Margins – in fact, go all the way to the edges and beyond…

Learning to live with MARGIN actually brings MORE FREEDOM, not less.
FREEDOM is what we all want to feel when it comes to managing money. Money whispers that the MORE we have, then we’ll feel freedom, but the truth is when we’re in control of our money and not letting it rule over us, or run our lives beyond the edge - that’s where freedom is found.
*learn to live life with margin and implement a wise & biblical FINANCIAL PLAN!

When you build a plan with intentionality and purpose, and simplify things down - it’s incredibly freeing.
==Simply put, we need to not ignore our finances. We each need a plan.
*if you are practicing a good and godly plan – it will enable you to be responsible, live with some margin and ultimately grow a heart of generosity like God’s!

Our culture promotes this plan: Live, Save, Give
But what if we flipped the script: Give, Save, Live

Pray about it! Then START SOMEWHERE.
Start with some step today that will get you moving down the path to where you want to be tomorrow.

God promises to bless/provide as we get on the same page of what He desires. Go read Malachi 3:6-12 – this is the ONLY time in Scripture where God says to test him and see his faithfulness. That as we make a plan and give to Him first and His work in this world, He promises to bless and provide for His people.

Jesus said it this way:
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

THIS WEEK:

What’s a wisdom tactic that you sense God nudging you to take with money? Could be something you heard tonight or something you sense Him stirring you to make… Listen to that – determine now to take a step in that this week.

NEWS: we want to highlight an opportunity for you as we approach 2020 & developing a plan and working your financial approach with some biblical and godly, good wisdom! It’s FPU – Financial Peace University (9 wk class) that we offer in mid-January that could be very helpful for you as a single person, married, dating couples for sure to get a plan and get on the same page! Make plans to take this class come January 2020.

NEED PRAYER?
Some of our prayer team and pastors are available following service to pray with you. You can also submit your prayer request via our app. We look forward to partnering with you in prayer.

IF YOU'RE NEW:
We throw a 10-minute party immediately following the service in the back corner of the room. If you're new, we'd love to meet you and we have a small gift for you! We also want invite you back with us next Sunday at 5pm.