Good morning! Today is June 3, 2024. How are your finances? Could you use more? Psalm 50:10 says that God “owns the cattle on a thousand hills,” but it doesn’t mean that you will get any of them if you don’t know how to take care of cows! Read on …
Today's Reading:
Proverbs 25,26,27; Romans 15
Scripture
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations” (Proverbs 27:23-24)
Observation
In the Old Testament, a person’s financial strength was often measured by the condition and size of his flocks and herds. But he didn’t just get the flocks and herds for free, and he didn’t maintain them by ignoring their needs. Without constant vigilance and a consistent work ethic, the flocks would disappear. Often, we don’t get serious enough about the condition of our herds and flocks. If we don’t, they will disappear, and we’ll have no idea where they went!
Pause and take time to read Malachi 3:8-12.
- You cannot expect an increase without being diligent.
- You won’t achieve stability without discipline.
- You don’t find significance without generosity.
Application
Each of us must know the condition of our flocks well and pay attention to our herds. We need to take the time and effort to plan our futures because if we don’t, we won’t have any!
Personally, I plan my giving first according to what I will need for the year. I call it my “burn rate.” This is the total amount I will need. For example, if I need X amount of dollars, I figure out 10% of that, and that is what I plan, in advance, to tithe each year. It is an act of faith, and God has always provided! I check myself to stay accountable to biblical stewardship and biblical principles of finance. Otherwise, as Malachi says, there will be “holes” in my pocket, and whatever I earn will leak out somewhere!
Then, I record life goals. I have a list of things that will enrich my life, marriage, and ministry, and I ensure that I am working toward those daily. That’s where my “TO DO” list comes from.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to be a faithful steward and invest wisely what You entrust to me in my time, talents, and treasure. Teach me to be serious without being grim, diligent without becoming excessive, and disciplined without ever losing a generous and joyful heart.
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