I really hope everyone is participating in being a manager of God's money for the week. That means writing down every penny we spend this week. It has had an interesting effect on our household. There were things we needed but when we talked about going to the store to get them we both said, "Then we will have to write it down. Let's wait until next week." Maybe we have missed the spirit of what we are supposed to learn but the good part is that we are thinking seriously about our expenditures. That really is the whole idea, I figure. Beyond this, God has been on my case seriously about my never ending wish list. Since I have returned from Russia there has been this slow but growing obsession with "things." I have found that window shopping "wish list" items can eventually lead to unnecessary purchases.
There is usually some point that comes as a wake up call. The big revelation came for me with the third helmet. I have two and they work fine. One is open faced and the other is a full helmet. But I started looking (window shopping) at helmets online and saw one that was a dual visor. No more sunglasses or swapping lenses. The problem is I really didn't need it and the $120.00 could have gone for much more important things. At that moment it was like something clicked inside and I knew enough was enough. Most of my "wish list" items were not expensive but were robbing me just the same. I could feel the displeasure of God and that is not a good feeling. So God has been setting me free and I'm really enjoying the feeling. I'm embarrassed to admit how susceptible I have been to picking up "things" I really didn't need. I'm getting a fresh grip on the handle of my finances and it feels so good. Freedom is a powerful thing. This week is the best week of my life because it is reinforcing the work of God in me. What perfect timing.
By the way, what is God doing in your life?
Click here to listen to the message "Ownership Is Everything" from 06/07/09. Visit http://www.crown.org to download the financial ledger Pastor Phillip mentions in his message.
