Daily Hope with Rick Warren 7 June 2024, Friday Devotional Message
Make a Plan to Manage Your Money
By Rick Warren
“Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it.” Proverbs 21:20 (GNT)
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As a pastor for 42 years, I spoke with many couples who struggled in their marriage and were even going through a separation. And I can tell you that the number one reason couples get a divorce isn’t adultery. It isn’t abuse.
It’s debt! In a 2023 survey, more than half of the respondents believed that having a partner who is in debt is a major reason to consider divorce.
It shouldn’t surprise us that debt causes so much trouble in relationships. The Bible makes it clear that it’s just plain foolishness not to manage your money wisely—and foolishness never ends well. Proverbs 21:20 says, “Wise people live in wealth and luxury, but stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it” (GNT).
So often our culture convinces us to buy now and pay later. The average U.S. citizen at one time put $1,300 on their credit card for every $1,000 they made. That leads straight to debt, and God calls that foolish!
Friend, no one just drifts into debt— or out of it, either. If you want to build your financial future on the commitment to be responsible, then you have to start with intentionality. After you’ve made that important commitment, you need a plan to get there.
My parents taught me the 10-10-80 principle when I was a child. It’s a great way to become intentional about your financial decisions.
Give 10 percent back to God. God blesses the areas of your life where you put him first.
Keep 10 percent for the future. Commit to saving money every time you make money.
Live on 80 percent. Only fools spend everything they get.
Like it or not, God uses money to test you. He is testing your responsibility. When God looks at your financial decisions when you get to heaven, he’s going to say, “Were you responsible with what I gave you on earth?”
How you answer that question will be based on the decisions you make today. Make a plan that stewards your resources wisely and gives back to God, saves for the future, and spends within your means.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk It Over
- Which form of media tempts you the most?
- Who can hold you accountable for what you watch and listen to?
- What are some practical ways you can help teach your children these principles?
What is your choice about Jesus?
The Bible says you can only get to heaven by trusting in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. You can’t earn your way into heaven: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, start by praying this prayer:“Dear God, you have promised that if I believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.
“I confess I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at Rick@PastorRick.com and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.
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