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Category: Finances / Money You have viewing the Finances / Money category! We invite you to join our website or login if you are already a member! Money matters :( Posted by:  ichimj   (Posted: 06/20/08 3:07am) I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the state of my finances, how I was waiting on word about my Disabled Students\' Allowance. I got word that I am in fact entitled to that money. But it\'s been delayed for one reason or another. First I got told that they were waiting on my consumables claim form (I get money for printer ink and paper etc), but I told them I hadn\'t bought any this year and told them to continue processing the internet allowance. It took them another few days and another email from me for them to tell me that they needed me to send the blank form with my signature anyway. So, I sent that off last week, they should have got it on Monday, and I have always been told by them that if they get all the paperwork by a Tuesday the money will be processed in time to be available in my account by a Friday. There\'s no money in my account. And, I got a call from the credit card people that I need to make a minimum payment of £25.83 by 30th June, otherwise I\'ll get put on a credit blacklist... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by ptl2008)  - Total Views: 38 I Never Expected This To Happen; I've Been Scammed Posted by:  blessings2you   (Posted: 06/17/08 11:04pm) I have spent the better part of the past two days picking up the pieces of what used to be my life and ministry. Closing accounts, traveling to the State Attorney General's office and talking to bankers and lawyers have occupied my life since early Monday morning. Now tomorrow I must drive many miles to the FBI field office to talk to an agent. What on earth is going on? A week ago, while on the road delivering supplies to needy groups, I received an unsolicited e-mail from a person in a Middle Eastern country who knew of me and what I was doing and wanted to help. This person said she was dying of cancer and the doctors had put her in hospice. She was trying to hide her assets from greedy step-children and honor the wishes of her deceased husband which was to open a huge charity/foundation for disadvantaged people with an emphasis on medical care and vocational training. This person offered a huge amount of money to start this foundation with the stipulation it had to be used for charity except for 5% to cover my trouble in setting it all up. The money was to come... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 12 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by reborn)  - Total Views: 261 A trip to Citizen's Advice is in order Posted by:  ichimj   (Posted: 06/05/08 2:59pm) In the morning I'm paying a visit to the Citizen's Advice Bureau about my tenancy and my landlord's mother. I've lived in this house since September 2003 and I'm going home in July after my graduation. The problem is, my contract ends on 30th June, but I need to stay till 16th July. My parents had said that I should just give my month's notice on 16th June because the tenancy agreement says that a month's notice is required. On Saturday I got a letter under my door from the landlord's mother giving me a month's notice to move out. She wants me to go on or before 30th June. I can't, so I told her that my parents had already booked the boat to come over for me and the hotel to stay in. So she told me to put in writing my plans with exact dates. I wrote the letter on Tuesday night and on Wednesday morning there was a letter on my door: "Will you please reply to my letter to enable us to give your request our consideration. DON'T MESS ME ABOUT!!!" I put my letter through her letterbox and carried on with my day. This... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 40 Diversify Posted by:  jubilee   (Posted: 05/09/08 7:33am) Diversify Last night my friend and I were talking about investments. Since were are living in rough economic times we were discussing what to do with our money. We both agreed that precious metals are a good investment. We did disagree on how to diversify. He was talking about investing in rubies and gems because he could use them to barter with in Asia. I am not familiar with those types of investments. I am much more knowledgeable about mutual funds. He does not like stocks because to him it is just ink on paper. I can understand his concern. However, I believe be investing in different mutual funds you limit your risk against losses. Face it we are heading for an economic collapse and we need to be prepared. Everyone must have some type of economic survival plan. Everyone must look at their financial plans on at least a weekly basis. We must study economic trends. We must be willing to invest on a global basis. This is a presidential election year and a new administration will soon be in office. We must have several financial plans prepared to adapt to whoever will reside in the White House. Defense... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by greybear)  - Total Views: 108 He shall supply your need Posted by:  davis36   (Posted: 05/03/08 8:47am) God put me through a series of challenges over the last 2 years that developed my trust and faith in him. I run a business and found myself on 3 occasions unable to meet a critical bill. In each case the sums involved increased. The first test I required $5000 and with 2 weeks to go had no way of getting the money. At the last minute the money came via unexpected favor from my bankers. You would think that would remove any future doubt but it didn't. The second scenario was for a bill of $8,000. We had 20 days to find it and had exhausted all options. I thought surely this is it; the business has to be closed. The creditor was due to fly in from abroad and expected payment upon arrival. I remember walking up the road and the mobile suddenly ringing. A company called offering a loan. I had never heard of them before but they said they had spoken to me 5 months earlier and had put it in the diary to give me another call to see if my situation had changed. They processed a loan for me and despite some opposition the... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by ichimj)  - Total Views: 170 Faith and the credit crunch Posted by:  davis36   (Posted: 05/03/08 2:51am) The global credit crunch has wiped out billions of dollars from the balance sheets of many of the world's leading financial institutions. The question now is have we seen the worst of it or should we brace ourselves for more carnage? While the analysts focus on the banks and credit houses the real victims are the consumers. At the bottom of the chain of many securitized mortgage backed asset is John and Jane consumer. Consumers who just loss their home as they were unable to keep up with their mortgage payments. With record foreclosures in the US and rising repossessions in the UK many people are rightfully scared about the future. The world financial system is failing and for many people there seems to be no way out. Having to face the same challenges I constantly ask myself what should be the correct mindset? Will my faith help me through the uncertainty? As a business owner in the recruitment sector is there a way of insulating myself from the weakening job market? To find answers and a measure of comfort I referred to the biblical account of the fall of the walls of Jericho. Jericho was a fortress city and... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 0 Comments (view first comment - view last comment)**  - Total Views: 164 Money! Money! Money! Posted by:  karabomosupi   (Posted: 04/27/08 1:23am) Over the past few years there has been so much criticism directed towards what has been labelled the 'prosperity message'. Many Christians have said that the 'true message' and the 'true gospel' has been diluted. I too have found myself asking "cant they talk about anything else?" But recent events in my life and a careful consideration of 'the times' we are living in has made me reconsider my position. I have now come to a realisation that we need the prosperity message now more than ever. It is my believe that the Word of God and Jesus Christ is relevant in/to all generations and at all times. The truth is that we are living in a time where money talks. We can not deny that we need money personally, as individual churches, and as a movement. This site itself could not have existed without any financial contribution. Individually, we need money for shelter, food, clothing, etc. The churches that we attend need money to pay for costs such as electricity, sanitation, cleaning materials etc. As the corporate church we need money to reach out to the poor by meeting their needs and practically sharing the Love of Christ with... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by papillionkiller)  - Total Views: 148 Seeking Freedom Posted by:  keneote   (Posted: 04/14/08 1:01pm) As the body of Christ we have an epidemic in our midst that we are fearful to talk about. The epidemic is sexual sin. In this day and age more men are dealing with sexual addiction then any other problem. These men feel trapped and do not know where to turn. They know they are shamed and that they feel guilt. They are afraid to tell their wives, they are afraid to tell their pastors. This sin is holding back millions of men from living to their full potential. I know this because I am a man who battles this addiction. I was exposed to pornography at a young age and it had very adverse effects on my life. When I was 17 years old I became a Christian, but I was young and naive and would take care of itself. I never knew the need of confession to others and accountability. God brought a wonderful woman into my life in my late 20's and we married. We had 3 wonderful children, but I still battled my addiction on my own in the dark. God revealed my sin to my wife and brought it into the light, but I was... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by greybear)  - Total Views: 11 Back after a long absence--and it's still the same Posted by:  queenbee   (Posted: 04/08/08 11:42am) I looked at the date of my last blog here, and it's been about 8 months. I'd love to say that everything was totally different, we had financially moved twelve miles ahead and that I am comfortably sitting in my lovely new home. However, all of those would be big fat lies. Things are much the same, except I'm not cleaning for people anymore. Back in late December, my knee started giving me absolute fits and I got tired of being on my knees all the time scrubbing floors. Also my car that had been given to me that previous January developed an issue that was more to fix than the value of the car, so my transportation was taken away. Another development happened in December that sent me in a new direction, and I'm kindof struggling with a few things surrounding it right now. God had been dealing with me for some time in the area of ministry. I'm a pastor's spouse with 4 kids-- if that's not ministry, what is? This, of course, was my argument with God on the matter. But the topic kept coming up-- and God kept smacking me in the back of the head... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by queenbee)  - Total Views: 158 Tithing: NOT a New Testament Principle Posted by:  fatherson   (Posted: 03/28/08 12:26am) Tithing, as it is taught in the church today, is definitely NOT a biblical New Testament principle. There are many that teach a more New Testament concept of the grace of generous giving with joy as the Holy Spirit leads (Like respected teacher Roger Sapp). The New Testament teaching on giving requires a higher standard of surrender. I will make a few points here, about tithing as often taught by the church today, and then about true New Testament giving: 1. Although Abraham tithed before the law, he did not tithe as the church tells us to do today. He tithed 10% of someone else's belongings (plunder which belonged to Sodom, which he retrieved) and he gave the other 90% back to Sodom (he had no increase to tithe on!!!) and this was a ONE TIME act. Yet, the church tells Christians to tithe 10% of their own increase or income, all the time, the rest of their life--definitely not a Biblical concept. This is a contemporary Christian law continued from years of legalistic church history. 2. Jacob did not tithe the way the church tells us to. He obviously did not feel that he had to tithe because he... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 102 God's Provision Posted by:  thereisnogray   (Posted: 03/21/08 9:21am) I've been reflecting on God's provision for me and my family lately. It seems that a number of "God Things" have happened recently. Some we were obviously aware of as they were happening, others happened (or began) a while back and we now understand how God was working. As I have been pondering God's faithfulness, I thought I would share. I know there have been plenty of posts regarding stewardship, I am going to bring it up again. It's important. At your core, you need to believe that every material thing you have comes from God. Part of honoring God means managing your financial and material blessings in such a way that you are responsible with them, and for them. You should avoid debt, and prayerfully consider purchases. Responsible management means that you are always mindful of His blessing and you are prepared to give back what belongs to Him. (remember....He gave it to you??) .If you approach your material blessings this way, you will easily become a "cheerful giver." The topic of money and material blessings is difficult for many people. Some see the church as a bunch of money grabbing thieves. Others have referred to giving to the... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by youaregolden)  - Total Views: 313 Economic Storm Warning: Christians Watch and Pray Posted by:  blessings2you   (Posted: 03/15/08 6:20pm) One would think economic news would take a backseat this week, but to the contrary, it may make big news. As Christians we should strive to be aware of what is coming so as to be in better shape to handle things and to provide guidance and help to others. There is an ominous storm brewing on the financial front. Just as the Federal Reserve once again tricked the masses into thinking all is well economically through actions not taken in forty years on Friday; the atomic bombs of economic implosion were detonated. Clearly we are dealing with a classic example of "peace and safety" being propounded by the media while sudden destruction is looming just ahead. There is no way I can begin to express the severity of the current economic situation in this country except to say I would not be posting this at this time if it were not extremely urgent. What lies ahead in the coming weeks has the potential to cripple millions of households as they will no longer have enough money to buy food, gas and pay the mortgage. Credit is tightening at this very moment and the birth pangs getting ready to be... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 9 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by blessings2you)  - Total Views: 450 My Faith Was Put to the Test Posted by:  allforhim   (Posted: 02/08/08 3:27am) We are at our one year mark of turning our finances over to God and depending on Him for provision. We have made tremendous progress and knocked away a huge amount of burdensome debt in the last year and have not incurred any additional. God has provided every time we needed Him to and we have not suffered hunger or loss, yeah we have given up a lot of extras but we are not hungry. Well, wouldn't you know it that ole' devil would come and make my faith falter at this juncture. I hang my head in shame, for it did falter. I take care of the checkbook and finances and I often figure things out a month ahead of time just so I can forsee any bumps in the road. I had things figured out all the way to the end of February and all looked well. Because I had thought all was well I am afraid I was running to the store for this and that becuase of my odd pregnancy cravings and just kind of not paying much attention to what I was spending. Nor was I updating my computer program, untill the day before my... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 5 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by abuanwardi)  - Total Views: 413 Praise God!!!!! Posted by:  missoctober   (Posted: 02/01/08 8:56am) I have to give God the Glory that is His...earlier this month, I posted several times asking for prayer, and my financial situation was truly a desperate one. Much of it was due to my own mistakes; some due to never having financial instruction, and the last big part of it was just bad happenings. I really was at my wit's end and very frustrated. I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat much, and had exhausted myself with worry. I was over my head in financial despair and needed a very VERY big miracle... The miracle that walked into my office cubicle literally the same week that everyone on here let me know they were praying for me...I can't tell you how much it encouraged me and lifted me up. The lady I babysit for called me into her office (we work together; she helped me get my current job) and asked me to tell her what was noticeably wrong. I broke down and told her I didn't know what to do and that I've been trying to tread water for so long, but that I feel like I'm starting to drown in all of my bills. She then SHOCKED me with... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 761 Tips For Saving A Few Dollars This Winter! Posted by:  abelajohnb   (Posted: 01/18/08 9:16pm) According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration projections the average American family will spend $1,000 on heat this season! I wanted to share some tips they offer, plus a few of my own, that I've already done to help save myself some of that $1000 bucks, which I'm sure I could use on helping to further the Kingdom of Christ! Lower the Water Temperature This is for those of us without a Tankless Water Heater... One of the best things you can do to save a few bucks is to turn down the heat setting to around 120 degrees (most folks seem to use 160 degrees). Many people thing a higher level of hot water means a hotter shower in the morning, or a warmer bath at night if the case be such. That is not exactly true however... you see, by having a lower setting it just means there will not be as much scalding hot water to start with at the beginning of your shower! Water-heater thermostats can be inaccurate so don't trust the dial.. instead grab a cooking thermometer and throw it under your hot water tap. Reducing the heat setting and checking it a few times... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by hopeforamerica)  - Total Views: 678 Stop feeding the world structures Posted by:  marius   (Posted: 01/18/08 6:46am) After reading "URGENT: Wake Up Church--YOU ARE NEEDED TODAY" a few days ago and seeing people's response (seems most feel the same), I AGAIN realized that the whole world is turning against everything that is right and we (the true re-born Christians in the streets) cannot stop or change its course. And they are using our resources to maintain and support their ways. Even in some of our churches and through some "preachers" we are misled and misused. Why do we allow it or is it God that allows structures around us to fall apart because we (the true re-born Christians in the streets) are not hearing His voice like we ought to and actually following man with all his worldly ideas and plans? Thus if God allows structures (like the charity group or church we always support and trust) to fall apart, our (and all others around us' eyes will be opened onto Him again. How do we measure our effectiveness as disciples of God and followers of Jesus? Sometimes I think we help to support and maintain worldly structures (which the world run and we and God do not benefit much), in stead of giving of ourselves and... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by youaregolden)  - Total Views: 195 Car accident, Spiritual Warfare, and Debt Posted by:  missoctober   (Posted: 01/07/08 6:26am) I have posted before on my questions towards tithing and my recent downfall into extreme debt emergency. People have been great in their encouragement, as well as keeping me humble. I have never had a good discipline shown to me or used in finances. I am guilty of being irresponsible. Ironically, it snuck up on me not in lavish spending, but rather in small things like eating out, groceries, etc. I have recently asked the Lord to forgive me for my irresponsibility to HIS money and to show me the right way to live. I do believe I am to tithe FIRST. Right now as of my last paycheck, I do not have enough to give Him in tithe. So I am offering myself in worship, prayer, and deed as best I can. What happened was that last Thursday, I went to my grandmother's and we ended up talking about the book 23 Minutes in Hell, as well about the Glory of God the entire night. I stayed at my aunt's house down the street for the night as I was supposed to go to Lincoln the next day for an orthodontist appt. I fell asleep but woke back up... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by ursinchrist)  - Total Views: 304 Tithing or groceries? Posted by:  missoctober   (Posted: 01/03/08 10:49am) I just had a question that I am sure people have already talked about, but haven't seen any direct answers to what you think about the situation. I recently got paid from a job, but am negative over a thousand dollars in my bank account. I am trying to pay immediate bills that are constantly coming at me at rapid fire, all the while begging God to save me. I do not have enough money left to pay my tithe. Which breaks my heart because I have been promising God for so long that I really do want to tithe, and that if I'm able, I will. My money does not go to partying, shopping, or things of that nature. I've cut down on everything that I do and try not to drive a lot of places. I've put applications in, I'm trying everything I can do to make more money to survive. But when it comes down to tithing, should I give the last of my money, which is still not enough in the first place, or do I buy groceries/gas to get to work? This absolutely breaks my heart, and I feel like I have no help. Thanks... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 8 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by openheart)  - Total Views: 523 I need help Posted by:  missoctober   (Posted: 01/03/08 10:35am) I need serious help. My bank account is negative over a thousand dollars. All from buying groceries and paying 1 bill that went negative...but since I quit my job due to having a racial slur said against me, I haven't had any money to put in the account. I'm 22, and have no support from my family members...I can't get a credit card or loan, and my bank said that if I go over 30 days being negative, they will close my account and I won't be able to open a bank account for 7 years!! Dear God, I need you so badly...I wanted to tithe with my last paycheck but can't because I barely have enough for gas money... I have been pleading with him for salvation from these bills and so that I can sleep at night without this worry... I cannot file for bankruptcy. It is the very last thing I wish to do... I first of all beg you for prayer, and secondly for advice if any of you have it. I don't party, I don't drink, I have already cut down on every expense I can think of. I have been humble in putting my... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by kreynolds)  - Total Views: 691 How much help to provide? Posted by:  nisha   (Posted: 10/31/07 12:01pm) Hi, I would like to share this recent incident with you all. I have a 22 year old fellow working for me as my driver. His sister was keeping unwell and he informed me that she has been asked to undergo an operation. HE quoted a huge sum of money which was required to get his sister's operation done. And he said that obviously they do not have that much money. Hence he needed help. That amount was something which we could have given to him. But I wondered if it is right on my part to do so, because that shall make him dependant on us. (We have asked him few times to find a flexible job for himself during the 8 hours he waits for us after dropping us at our office. But he probably hasn't tried hard to find so and whiles away that time). Hence I was in a dilemma because I wanted to help him but yet ensure that he realises that he needs to do something else also to earn more rather than depend on us all the time. But at the same time I felt that since I have the capacity to give... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 2 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by kraftykatz)  - Total Views: 332 work Posted by:  jjmp13   (Posted: 10/24/07 10:59am) My life is tough, I keep telling myself that it could be worse, and I realize that. I have bill collectors calling me everyday, and it's really hard to focus. My new job is what made these bills so hard to pay... I am in sales, and I don't get paid unless I am selling... So if I don't get paid I can't pay out. If anyone happens to come across this blog, would you please pray for me. Pray not only that I find some but a way to attain money. I have never been comfortable financially and I believe that if I were I could help many people and myself. Away from the money issue, I am really struggling to get on the right path with God. I have no friends that are believers, and I get dragged into going out to parties and drinking. I need to stop so prayer for this would be helpful as well, probably better then the money issue, anyway if you do pray for me thankyou,... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 6 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by danie4jesus)  - Total Views: 696 Does Our Money Say "Trust Me" or "In God We Trust"? Posted by:  blessings2you   (Posted: 10/20/07 8:10pm) The money in our country states "In God we Trust". That is pleasant sounding phrase that represents the height of irony and hypocrisy. How many people do you know who would pause at the cash register and look at their money and think, "I trust God"? Most people do not even use money anymore and as of today, the credit card companies have not yet placed "In God we Trust" on their credit cards. For the vast majority of people, money is their god and in it they place their total confidence and trust. Everyone works hard for their money and many will be more protective of it than their own family. Money is a medium of exchange, pure and simple. Money is easier to use than cattle or baskets of grain or other items that could be bartered. Money is just a thing to be earned, invested, spent and given away. We place our trust in whomever and whatever we believe in. Only a fool would trust someone they didn't know or knew to be a crook. Trust is fragile and when violated, is very difficult to regain. Thus, we must choose carefully where we place our trust when... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by tchable)  - Total Views: 209 Having It All Together Posted by:  allforhim   (Posted: 10/03/07 4:18am) Disclaimer: I may sound a wee bit whiny here, ok! Having it all together, I confess I want at many times to appear that I have it all together. I do not want to show my weakness nor my failures. I don't anyone to know how I am struggling, I feel that by now at 41 years old and as 11 of those being a Christian I SHOULD have it all together, but I don't! I am struggling with so much and I just need to let it out! I know much of what I struggle with is a result of my upbringing, my experiences, and my poor choices. We have a tenant and can I confess that this man is at my last nerve? I am learning during this period that I was taught the value of hard work growing up and I admire people often for their ability and wherewithal to work hard, but I have noticed that it truly irritates me when I see someone lazy, or what I perceive to be lazy. And when you go an extra mile for someone and instead of gratitude he wants you to do two, when I perceive the other... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 6 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by allforhim)  - Total Views: 513 tithing Posted by:  nazrico   (Posted: 08/24/07 9:33am) I am new at blog(ing) started yesterday. I have read some of the blog(ers) in-put. It is a great site to put your feeling down and having people help each other live for Jesus Christ. Having read some of the in-put I see that there are many different feeling about tithing. All are good if used to edify each other and help each other grow in the Grace of God. Some I see make people think about an issue and spawns study in our daily devotions. As for me this happened in a conversation with a friend (who has been invited to the Christian site). It happened about 3 years ago and it went like this... My friend asked me if tithing was a New Testament teaching people must follow. I tried to answer quickly with a YES. He asked me three times and my answer was still yes. At the third time he asked me, I told him I would study the topic and get back to him. After about two weeks of intense study, I called him up and told him to give me more time. I was trying to defend teaching. Then I started to see things... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 30 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by mikejs)  - Total Views: 1840 Day 57 of the Bible Study of the Gospel of Mark Posted by:  ajlee   (Posted: 08/21/07 7:29pm) Day 57 -- Mark 12:38-44, Jesus criticizes hypocritic Pharisees but praises the poor widow. REVIEW Day 56 -- The most important commandments are to love God and fellow man, but there is one more step required to gain the Kingdom of Heaven. MARK 12:38-44 [38]As he taught, he said, "Beware of the scribes! They like to walk around in long robes, to be greeted in the marketplaces, [39]and to have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. [40]They devour widows' houses and say long prayers to cover it up. They will receive greater condemnation!" [41]As Jesus sat facing the offering box, he watched how the crowd was dropping their money into it. Many rich people were dropping in large amounts. [42]Then a destitute widow came and dropped in two small copper coins, worth about a cent. [43]He called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this destitute widow has dropped in more than all of those who are contributing to the offering box. [44]For all of them contributed out of their surplus, but she, in her poverty, has dropped in everything she had to live on." SOME NOTES -- By "teachers... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by ajlee)  - Total Views: 327 Day 54 of the Bible Study of the Gospel of Mark Posted by:  ajlee   (Posted: 08/17/07 7:44am) Day 54 -- Mark 12:13-17, Jesus' avoids a trap by answering that we must pay what is owed both to the government and to God. Review Day 53 -- God offers many chances, but ultimate rejection results in loss eternal life and in being set aside from useful service. Mark 12:13-17 [13]And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, that they might catch him in talk. [14]And when they were come, they say unto him, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and carest not for any one; for thou regardest not the person of men, but of a truth teachest the way of God: Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? [15]Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why make ye trial of me? bring me a denarius, that I may see it. [16]And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. [17]And Jesus said unto them, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. And they marvelled greatly at him. Some... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 0 Comments  - Total Views: 240 Praying through Posted by:  queenbee   (Posted: 07/29/07 9:13pm) I made a list of all the things I need to financially take care of in the next couple of months. I did it so that I can see God's hand move. As things are taken care of, I'll cross them off the list-- so that later I can see that yes-- God takes care of what we need. (I know this, but faith-builders are important.) Originally I had a few more wants on there than needs-- like fixing my van's air conditioner yes it's a WANT, not a need, even if it's hot here. I spent most of my childhood riding in a car with 'manual air conditioning' (Ya crank the window down to make it cooler... lol) and it didn't kill me. Didn't even scar me for life. So after trimming it down just to NEEDS, I see that I still have a sizable amount to come up with. I was stressing about it, until I thought about what a tiny amount that is to God. He who owns the cattle on a thousand hills.... to him, what is my need? And considering that I am a daughter of the king, why do I think it's such a... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by youaregolden)  - Total Views: 507 The vehicular update Posted by:  queenbee   (Posted: 07/25/07 5:18pm) Today we had the car reinspected. Everything is a-okay with it-- it passed. Funny how throwing $300 at something can get it fixed. New tires, a new motor for the power window and a few bolts tightened. Tomorrow we take the van in to have it fixed. Mechanic says it's probably just brake pads. Worn more on one side than the other-- he says he thinks (without taking the tire off and looking) that it's just a rusted bolt that's keeping the brake on that side from releasing. Guess we'll find out for sure tomorrow. So if he's right that'll be less than $100. A HUGE relief for me! TOday I also cleaned two houses-- made $110. Not great, but better than nothing. Also got spouse's paycheck a few days early (treasurer had offered before that if we ever needed it a few days early, that'd be okay with her). If it's not the $100 fix, it'll be a bit challenging-- but so long as it doesn't exceed a certain amount-- we'll be okay. And maybe even have enough left over that we can still afford to take the kids to a theme park at the end of summer. (we... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 3 Comments (view first comment - view last comment by queenbee)  - Total Views: 402 Stewardship and Good Credit Posted by:  greybear   (Posted: 07/18/07 11:06am) Stewardship and Good Credit As I take a step back and look at my current finances, I wonder how many times I have entered into a loosing financial transaction because I have made a bad decision financially in my past. High interest rates, finance fees, and poor credit reports can all steal away money that could otherwise be used for better ventures. What if we could all qualify for the best rates possible when we opted for a loan on a home, would that not be a good thing to seek after. (I am not suggesting debt is good and I use a home as an example because it really is the only debt I think is anything close to acceptable.) While there is never a guarantee when we go to get a loan that those rates will be ours for the choosing, there is at least one thing that we all can do to improve our own chances. In a day and age when your credit rating can determine the ability to purchase a home, it is important to what know the lenders are even looking at. Being able to pull your own credit report and then evaluate in... Read Full Entry  - Category: Finances / Money  - 1 Comment (by happytoberestored)  - Total Views: 501 God can still afford to buy fuel