The Bottom Line
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word BUDGET? For some people, there is a sense of security knowing where every last penny is being spent. For others, it can feel like a restricting boundary that means they can’t have any fun. Yes, those are the two extremes; but no matter how you look at it, budgets will always show the truth about where your money is being spent.
My wife and I have been married for five years, and over that period, we have found ourselves on both sides of the spending spectrum. There were times when we felt that we needed to watch our spending closely, and there were other times when we felt we could be a little more lenient with our spending. We’ve learned we have to adjust with each new season.
We currently have an eight-month-old baby, so we are in the midst of adjusting our budget once again. Navigating the expenses of daycare, diapers, wipes, medical bills, and health insurance can feel overwhelming at times. The reality is that monetarily, it is all worth it because we are spending our money on our precious little girl. When it comes down to it, what has our heart usually has our money as well. What we value will determine, not only how we spend our money, but how we spend our time as well.
READ: Matthew 6:19-34
In the passage in Matthew, Jesus is speaking about treasures here on earth versus treasures in Heaven. He also talks to the crowd about not worrying about money and other material items. If we are honest, I would say that every person at some point in their life has worried about money. It doesn’t matter if you’re a multi-millionaire or living paycheck-to-paycheck, money can end up being a stressful topic.
In one study, it states that, “90% of Americans say that financial considerations have an impact on their stress levels.” If we are worried about our finances, there is probably a place in our heart where we are not trusting God to be the ultimate supplier of our needs. God wants us to be a good steward of His resources, but not at the expense of a worrisome heart. I love that in this passage, He wraps everything up in verse 33. He says, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we allow the Holy Spirit to speak into our lives and give God our first, He will bless us. He wants to be on the throne of our hearts and wants to be our ultimate treasure. When we keep Him first, we can trust Him with the bottom line.
JOURNAL:
What’s the biggest worry in your life right now? Ask the Holy Spirit to meet you where you need Him most.
Specifically, where have you seen God come through in your life before? Thank God for what He’s done.
Are there things in your life that you are placing ahead of God? Confess the areas that you place things before God.
PRAYER: God, thank You so much that You are a good Father, and that You supply for Your children. I am sorry when I have not trusted You to provide for my needs. I am sorry when I have placed other things in front of You. I want to seek You first in all that I do. Show me how to steward my time, talent, and treasure so that it glorifies You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
My wife and I have been married for five years, and over that period, we have found ourselves on both sides of the spending spectrum. There were times when we felt that we needed to watch our spending closely, and there were other times when we felt we could be a little more lenient with our spending. We’ve learned we have to adjust with each new season.
We currently have an eight-month-old baby, so we are in the midst of adjusting our budget once again. Navigating the expenses of daycare, diapers, wipes, medical bills, and health insurance can feel overwhelming at times. The reality is that monetarily, it is all worth it because we are spending our money on our precious little girl. When it comes down to it, what has our heart usually has our money as well. What we value will determine, not only how we spend our money, but how we spend our time as well.
READ: Matthew 6:19-34
In the passage in Matthew, Jesus is speaking about treasures here on earth versus treasures in Heaven. He also talks to the crowd about not worrying about money and other material items. If we are honest, I would say that every person at some point in their life has worried about money. It doesn’t matter if you’re a multi-millionaire or living paycheck-to-paycheck, money can end up being a stressful topic.
In one study, it states that, “90% of Americans say that financial considerations have an impact on their stress levels.” If we are worried about our finances, there is probably a place in our heart where we are not trusting God to be the ultimate supplier of our needs. God wants us to be a good steward of His resources, but not at the expense of a worrisome heart. I love that in this passage, He wraps everything up in verse 33. He says, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we allow the Holy Spirit to speak into our lives and give God our first, He will bless us. He wants to be on the throne of our hearts and wants to be our ultimate treasure. When we keep Him first, we can trust Him with the bottom line.
JOURNAL:
What’s the biggest worry in your life right now? Ask the Holy Spirit to meet you where you need Him most.
Specifically, where have you seen God come through in your life before? Thank God for what He’s done.
Are there things in your life that you are placing ahead of God? Confess the areas that you place things before God.
PRAYER: God, thank You so much that You are a good Father, and that You supply for Your children. I am sorry when I have not trusted You to provide for my needs. I am sorry when I have placed other things in front of You. I want to seek You first in all that I do. Show me how to steward my time, talent, and treasure so that it glorifies You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
No Comments