Hello Everyone,

What are some of the Symptoms of financial bondage:

1. Having to CHARGE necessities of life.

Do you use credit for groceries and gasoline, clothes, etc., knowing you won't be able to pay it off in full that month?

2. Borrowing money to pay FIXED expenses.

The house payment/rent, car payment, phone or cable? Borrowing from one card to pay on another card?

3. Are CREDITORS writing and calling you for their money?

(If there's a person in your life you'd like to never see again, just loan them some money!)

4. Are you tempted to be DISHONEST about money?

Do you try to talk your way out of bills? Think about cheating on your taxes? Tempted to do something dishonest or unethical?

5. Do you ever say, I can't AFFORD to tithe?

Do you bring the Lord's tithe [10%] to the Lord's house on the Lord's Day so the Lord's work can be done in the Lord's way?

6. Do you and your spouse ever ARGUE about money.

"Theirs was a perfect marriage, except a fatal flaw--one was quick on the deposit, but the other was quicker on the draw!"

One guy said, "My wife and I never argue about money. We made an agreement years ago, that I would make all the big decisions about money, and she would handle all the little ones. It's worked out great, we've been married 30 years and there hasn't been a big decision to make yet!"

7. Do you know how much you really OWE?

Are you afraid to add it up? It's amazing in counseling how many people know they are in financial trouble, but have no idea how much they really owe. They sweep it under the rug. They try not to THINK about it.

Proverbs 27:23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;

We cannot bury our heads in the sand. God has told us to be good stewards of what He gives to us. He is entrusting us with money, and we are letting Him down!

8. Do you know what it takes to SURVIVE each week?

Make a list of all your bills, necessities of life. Put God up top, give Him the first fruits! Don't leave anything off the list, if it is a need to survive. These are non negotiables. Do the math and see what you have left.

If your total need is $612, and your income is $615, you've got a problem. You and your spouse are arguing, and really, you are arguing over 3 dollars! The rest of the money is a no brainer...already spoken for.

Let’s Change Things! Greater Things Are Still To Come!

Pastor Phil