Dear North Point Stewards,
It is such a challenge to operate with God’s resources in a faithful way. That being said, God has equipped us by His power to be pleasing stewards that are good & faithful in the Master’s sight. Remember our 3 steps from Sunday?
1. Recognize the Source of Power. (Mk 10:17-27)
2. Locate the Subject of Passion. (Mt. 6:24)
3. Live within God’s Plan. (2 Cor 8:1-2 & 9:6-7)
When we follow God’s plan whether we experience a windfall, shortfall or just normal financial life our process will always be to think about God, thank God & consult God for His leading. Enough with the review; below I have given the basic steps for setting up a budget that will allow you to track your stewardship. When this is faithfully accomplished it becomes evident very quickly of God’s blessings in our lives. May our Lord guide you in being faithful in the use of “worldly wealth” so that you may be entrusted with the “true riches” (Luke 16:11).
Budget Basics:
Personal Financial Statement: Take time to evaluate all of your assets (stuff worth money) and liabilities (places you owe money) and when you add them together you come up with a “net worth.” You do not have to be overly specific. Don’t take it personally because you are of infinite worth, but in a financial sense this gives you a starting point. Through the years as you are faithful you will see this change in a way that most likely will amaze you. (Click here for the form)
Debt List: This is where you specifically record all that you owe. Put down the total amount owed, interest rate, monthly payment, estimated time to payoff for each debt. For some of you this will be easy but for others you will have to be a bit of a detective. The only way you can fully deal with your finances is to fully know your financial obligations. This is where you specifically record all that you owe. Put down the total amount owed, interest rate, monthly payment, estimated time to payoff for each debt. For some of you this will be easy but for others you will have to be a bit of a detective. The only way you can fully deal with your finances is to fully know your financial obligations. (Click here for the form)
Estimated Budget: This is the recording of all income and expenses in one location. They are categorized so that you can see and note all of the various expenses in one area of spending. For example in the housing area you would have mortgage/rent, insurance, taxes, electricity, cable (you get the idea). At your first run at this you put down your actual expenses (this is a snapshot). If you don’t know exactly, attempt to do a good estimate. Truth is it will take between 3 & 9 months to get a really accurate budget (this is like a movie) because of some variables. When you get to the end of the form, you discover if you have a surplus (extra) or deficit (not enough) for your budget. Now comes the hard work of praying & adjusting to a Christ honoring budget. This is the recording of all income and expenses in one location. They are categorized so that you can see and note all of the various expenses in one area of spending. For example in the housing area you would have mortgage/rent, insurance, taxes, electricity, cable (you get the idea). At your first run at this you put down your actual expenses (this is a snapshot). If you don’t know exactly, attempt to do a good estimate. Truth is it will take between 3 & 9 months to get a really accurate budget (this is like a movie) because of some variables. When you get to the end of the form, you discover if you have a surplus (extra) or deficit (not enough) for your budget. Now comes the hard work of praying & adjusting to a Christ honoring budget. (Click here for the form)
Expense Recording: This is very important in getting started. For 30 days everyone that spends money in your household should keep a very accurate record of what they spend, whether bubblegum or gasoline, pampers or electricity (for me especially coffee). At the end of the 30 days, after you gasp at what you have spent & where, now you can begin correcting the accuracy of your budget. With knowledge comes the ability to change.
All of the above forms can be accessed by the links below. Also be sure to check out Crown Financial Ministries at This is very important in getting started. For 30 days everyone that spends money in your household should keep a very accurate record of what they spend, whether bubblegum or gasoline, pampers or electricity (for me especially coffee). At the end of the 30 days, after you gasp at what you have spent & where, now you can begin correcting the accuracy of your budget. With knowledge comes the ability to change.All of the above forms can be accessed by the links below. Also be sure to check out Crown Financial Ministries at www.crown.org for many useful tools. If there is any way I can serve you in your journey to financial faithfulness, please let me know.
Just a note; As we move toward summer your continued, planned, & cheerful financial faithfulness to North Point Fellowship is very much appreciated. This is God’s church and we take great confidence that we function by His blessing and at His pleasure. Blessings in your budgeting.
In Christ,
pastor paul
Forms
Debt List
Estimated Budget
Financial Goals
Life Insurance Worksheet
Organizing Your Estate
Percentage Guide
Personal Financial Statement
Quit Claim Deed
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