Now Is the Time
Ecclesiates 3:1 tells us that there is a season for everything.
Dear Partners and Friends:
Most of us would agree that there are times when life seems to go in one direction or the other...like the seasons. Sometimes we feel like everything is great and there are other times that we feel out of sorts.
I want to challenge you to see that this is the season to get your house in order. It is a wake up call to discipline yourself and gain control of your finances. We are living in uncertain times as far as the economy is concerned, but our lives could not be more certain when we are living in faith. These times remind me of the years of famine that Joseph prepared for. When things were good, Joseph stored up enough resources to last during times of leaness. Read Genesis chapter 41.
That, I believe is a lesson for God had Joseph in the right place, at the right time to be able to interpret the Pharoah’s dream of warning that there would be a seven year season of abundance and a seven year season of famine. Joseph understood that during the times of abundance, he was not to allow all that was produced to be consumed, but a portion was to be held in reserve for the times when there would be scarcity and lack. This is a good lesson for us to learn in light of the current economic climate.
When the economy is good, we are to save and manage our finances well so that when we run into difficult times, we have enough to ride out the storm. Okay, if you didn't do it when things were good...you can start now. To start now is a decision that you must make to control your spending and start saving.
You must start saving, even if you think that you don't have anything to save. Start looking at your spending by writing down every dime that you spend for the next month. Once you see it in writing, go back through it again and start eliminating areas that you do not absolutely need. It is for the benefit of having a reserve for an emergency. If you have an emergency fund, you are able to relax and have some peace while things in the economy get better. All of this requires discipline which may be hard, but not impossible. Remember, with God all things are possible to those who believe. I want to encourage you to start now. You will not be disappointed. I am praying that you will see the benefits of saving for a rainy day so that you will have less stress in your life.
You can click on the Seminars tab to receive additional help.
God Bless You!
One 3-hour session
Personal Finances
Changing Attitudes Toward Money
Debt & Money Management
Management Tools
Scripture Insights
Money is among the top three causes of marital discord and personal stress in many homes. The primary reason is that our priorities are out of order.
Matthew 6:33 is the established priority that God has called us to.
Challenge yourself with this two minute assessment
The Personal Money Management Challenge Assessment
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1. Are you borrowing to pay for items you used to pay for with cash? |
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2. Is an increasing percentage of your income going to pay debts? |
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3. Are you paying bills with money earmarked for other expenses? |
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4. Are you tapping your savings to pay current bills? |
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5. Is your savings cushion at least three months take-home pay? |
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6. Are you making only the minimum payments on your credit cards? |
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7. Do you avoid communicating with bill collectors? |
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8. Are you near or at the limit on your lines of credit? |
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9. Do you write insufficient fund checks? |
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10. Are you giving at least 10%, but no more than that to your church? |
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11. Can you pay your credit card bill in full monthly? |
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12. Are you chronically late in paying your bills? |
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13. Are you threatened with repossession of your car, cancellation of your credit card, or other legal action? |
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14. My monthly expenditures are higher than my income. |
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Seminars are held regularly from January through March, and can be scheduled upon request.
Inquiries about dates after March, please email revhicks@myfirmrock.org
2010 dates TBD
Registration Form
Name______________________________
Address_____________________________
City_______________________________ State___________________ Zip_________
Telephone___________________________
Date of Seminar:
New Fairfield location :
1 Beaver Bog Rd
New Fairfield Seminar is located at New Life
Community Church
One Beaver Bog Road, New Fairfield, CT 06812
To inquire further, please call (203) 791-2500
Fee is $45.00 and is due upon registration
Please print and mail or call to register
Firm Foundation Ministries, Inc.
36 Tamarack Ave. #258
Danbury, CT 06811
(203) 791-2500
Fax (203) 794-0853
e-mail: revhicks@myfirmrock.org