Showing posts with label finances. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finances. Show all posts

September 22, 2009

Biblical Giving

At New Day we believe biblical giving is systematic, proportional and sacrificial. We talk about money at New Day because stewardship is part of discipleship. And our mission involves making disciples. Check out the explanations given by Aubrey Malphurs and Steve Stroope in their book "Money Matters for Church".

Systematic
It's systematic in that we want our people to decide how often they're going to give and then to give, without the church always having to plead for it. In the same way that they pay their mortgage, rent and car loan on a regular basis, they should give faithfully and regularly to the church. In other words, biblical giving is consistent giving. If people are paid once a month, we suggest that they give once a month; if they are paid weekly, they could give weekly, as the Lord blesses them. The important point isn't so much when to give but that giving should be a regular habit. That way, we don't have to waste precious time in a worship service pleading for funds that our people should be giving on a regular basis without being asked.

Proportional
Proportional giving teaches that if God has blessed you with much financially, then you should give much financially. If he's just blessed you a little financially, then you should just give a little. And if God has not blessed you financially at all, then you're of the hook!

Sacrificial
Biblical giving is sacrificial. It should change your lifestyle. If we give a convenient gift that can be given without much thought - without any prayer - if we can reach into our wallet or purse or write a check and it doesn't really change anything in terms of our values or our lifestyle, then it doesn't meet the criteria of being sacrificial.

August 9, 2009

Wait 24 Hours


Any financial advisor worth his/her weight in gold will tell you to wait at least 24 hours before making any significant purchase. I decided to apply this knowledge to a recent purchase and I'm so glad I did. It literally saved me over $400.

Kristin has been looking for a kitchen table that seats six because of all the hosting we do. Our current table only had 4 seats and it was never enough. Anyways, we went to the mall (just because) and while we were there found a good deal on a 6 seat kitchen table for about $550. We wanted to get it right then and there but decided it wouldn't be prudent to walk into the mall, not having even intended to look for tables, and then buy one for over $500. We decided to wait 24 hours and then come back and get it if we still wanted it.

Within about 12 hours I received a phone call from my mom (who is a hardcore tag saler) who had found a 6 seat kitchen table for $120 at a tag sale. We showed up, talked them down $5 and walked away with a beautiful used kitchen table with 6 chairs for $115!

We were so glad we decided to apply the good financial practice of waiting at least 24 hours before making a major purchase. I'm not promising that if you do you will save over $400, but YOU MIGHT!

Wait at least 24 hours before making a major purchase. You'll be glad you did!