ITS THE FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH....SO WE MEET FOR OUR SOURCE GROUP AT MCALISTERS ON OUTER LOOP NEAR JMALL FROM 6:00-7:15PM.....THEN ON TO MINORS LANE TO EXCITING HEALING SERVICE! DON'T MISS OUT!
NOVEMBER ACTIVITY IS :
FRIDAY NOV. 19: BOWLING AT KINGPIN ON TAYLORSVILLE RD.....RESERVATIONS ARE FOR 7:00-9:00PM. CAN BOWL FOR 2 HOURS FOR ONLY $15 (PRICE INCLUDES SHOES). THEN WE ARE HEADED TO STEAK-N-SHAKE NEAR STONEY BROOK THEATERS FOR INEXPENSIVE, GREAT FOOD AND FUN. PLAN TO JOIN US. RSVP TO THIS EMAIL PLEASE. TELL A FRIEND!
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Frugality and Money
read pages 83-87 "Character Matters" by Dr. Mark Rutland
Christians often struggle with the wrong question.
example used in the book, regarding flying first class: "Is the added comfort worth the added cost of first class?" Rutland says that this question misses the point. How so? Is the issue money or attitude as to why you choose first class vs coach?
John Wesley said: "Money is an excellent gift from God if it is used excellently, answering the noblest needs of humanity." Money is not the enemy. It is my own sinful nature.
Frugality's simple questions:
1. What is money for? Money is for exchange. Money provides education, comfort and beauty to my life and to the lives of those I love. Money is for the good of humanity and the expansion of the kingdom. MONEY IS NEVER TO BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF STATUS OR FOR THE DEMONSTRATION OF POWER! James 2:1-9 Money often speaks in church, and it does not always say, "Praise the Lord" Wealthier people may offer good advice on business and financial matters, but should not be allowed to have more to say than others about the spiritual conduct of the ministry.
2. Who's in charge here? Am I controlling the money or is it controlling me? KEY: When ethical decisions are based on the bottom line of finances, money is in control. Are we making our decisions according to God or mammon? FINANCIAL EXPEDIENCY CORRUPTS FAITH LIKE DEMONIC RUST AND EATS AWAY AT CHARACTER, DESTROYING SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITY, HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE, HOLINESS AND PATIENCE.
3. Will I let character set the limits? When there is not sufficient money for me to pursue a certain course of action, am I willing to believe that it is not God's will for me to do it now? Thought: Since God gives us the funds to affirm a course of action, do you think that sometimes he may tighten the purse strings in order to stop us from a course that is not in His will for us at that time?????
Frugality is the willingness to endure limits on myself.
Rutland suggests: "A grave danger inherent in the American credit system is that it allows me to consume at a level of superficial prosperity, which is not based on any real wealth. Bankruptcy in America comes dressed in a tuxedo, not in rags. " Rutland discusses the fact that when he and his wife got married at an early age, they had no car or couch for 3 years....because they couldn't afford it! (BTW...He is the current President of Oral Roberts University and runs mission outreaches all over the world!)
It builds positive character to wait on things until we can pay for them. Credit can be a good thing, but its misuse destroys character.
*******What do you think? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?*********
This is food for prayerful thought.......and we will discuss it over great food for our body at McAlisters:) See ya Thursday! Becky
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