If you want to read a great book by a Christian author about getting finances squared away, check out “Debt-Proof Your Marriage” by Mary Hunt. I heard her on a Christian radio station and it’s an awesome book.

One of the things that has really helped me is being a single-parent on a very limited income. I have come to rely on the Lord for nearly everything and my faith has been tested and strengthened.

When we recognize that ALL we have is from God, it puts us in our place. We could lose every’thing’ at anytime but we will always have the things that matter most; our faith and our relationship to Deity. Nothing else matters.

A favorite quote says: If we have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will, in the end, not matter what we have chosen instead.

Thanks.

http://simplifyheartandhome.blogspot.com
http://singleparentinglds.blogspot.com

I find it interesting that in our Temple worship we are cautioned about only one thing in this world… and it is money.

Many people are so blind to the fact that we are under covenant to live the Law of Consecration, which includes the submission of our will, as well as any other blessings we have been given.

When I taught Seminary I did a little experiment as we were learning about the Law of Consecration in the Doctrine and Covenants. I had my students see if they could ask around to find out if we were required to live the Law of Consecration today… interesting feedback, I can assure you.

I find it amazing how the Lord, through His Church, has allowed us to personally make that choice as an individual. When we fill out our tithing donation slip we certainly have other options as far as the amount we are willing to give as well…consecration possibility???

Great insights.

We would be remiss, of course, if we left off without citing Jesus.

Jesus reminded people that giving is to be done without recognition. Yes, there is a warm fuzzy for giving, esp if we are recognized for our generosity. Jesus noted that such people have their reward–but not with God. Rather, Jesus said, your giving should be done in secret, with “your left hand not knowing what your right hand is doing.” (It’s funny, but we often used that phrase as a deprecation!)
And God, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

We can never out-give God, can we? No. Nor can we pay for our salvation. But God did. “Not with gold or silver,” Martin Luther wrote, “but with his holy precious blood, his innocent suffering and death; that I may be his own and live under him in his kingdom and serve him with everlasting righteousness, innocent and blessedness.”

Our life begins with Jesus Christ. As we grow in God’s grace, the Holy Spirit will cause us to live a life more in keeping with the faith; in other words, God will move us ‘to walk the walk.”

God forgives us for our selfishness; but he wants us to move beyond trusting in wealth to trusting his ability to provide. Riches and greed sneak up and entrap us. That is why Jesus told us that we cannot really serve God and money. We either use money as a tool or we treat it as god. How is your life with God? Do you use him as a tool or keep him the focus of your life? If so, your focus will be on Christ Jesus–the one who died to free you from your sins and whose blood makes us free to be the people of God. Those who do not honor Jesus as Lord does not honor the Father; for they, of course, are one Lord.

Blessings in Christ,
Eric Zacharias

It is hard to find the balance. LDS prophets have said avoid debt at all costs. It may be necessary for schooling or for a home, but be prudent, so it’s o.k. that you are in debt for schooling. Just do all you can to pay it off as soon as possible and try to find scholarships and maybe work while you are in school to pay it off.

Now, regarding using your money, first, the Lord expects us to pay Him first. Pay your tithing. Next, pray and see what you feel is necessary. If you feel that you have the means to give then do it, if not, then pray to the Lord that you want to help them, but can’t and pray for their well-being.

A good scripture on this is found in the Book of Mormon in Alma chapter 34:

27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your ahearts be bfull, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your cwelfare, and also for the welfare of dthose who are around you.
28 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.

Notice it says in verse 28 impart of your substance “if ye have..”

As long as we’re being honest with ourselves and with God we’re in the right place.

I think it is hard to put the Lord before money and consumerism. There always seems to be enough money or the desire to save enough money for me too buy something I don’t really need. But I don’t think I’ve ever purposely saved money to donate to a certain cause. Would God prefer for me to use my money to buy a nice dinner or to donate it toward a worthy cause? It’s hard to draw the line between enjoying the money/gifts that I have and giving that money to a great cause. Where’s the balance?