Day 26 – The Partnership of Giving

Verse of the Day

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Philippians 4:14–20 (ESV)

Action Step

Enter into a partnership of giving. Start first with your local church then expand from there. 

Summary

You may think that your little bit won’t make much difference. But when you enter into a partnership of giving a little bit goes a long way. 

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Day 25 – Work Hard to Give

Verse of the Day

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Ephesians 4:28 (ESV)

Action Step

Buy something for yourself AND another one for someone else. 

Summary

You work hard for what you have. Way to go! But the Bible doesn’t teach that we need to just work hard for what we have, but we need to work for what we give! Making a contribution to others will make your work more meaningful and enjoyable. 

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Day 24 – GIVE is NOT a 4-Letter Word

Verse of the Day

give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Action Step

Engage in an act of generosity. Tip your bowl! Pour it out! 

Summary

A lot of people are offended by talk about giving. We shouldn’t be. How do we change our mentality toward giving? I can show you with a bowl! 

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Day 23 – Everyone Should Have Enough

Verse of the Day

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Acts 4:34–35 (ESV)

Action Step

Eliminate extra and give it to someone who doesn’t have enough.

Summary

One of the fundamental principles of stewardship is that God has created a world in which everyone should have enough. But something has gone wrong and created a deficit. Eliminate extra and give it to someone who needs it.
 

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Day 22 – The Blessing of Giving

Verse of the Day

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38

Action Step

Give and watch God bless. 

Summary

The steward only needs one reason to give. The master commands it. But there is something else that happens when we give that serves as a motivation. God blesses giving. In this stewardship tip Brian Branam shares about a recent, but recurring, experience he and his family have in giving. 

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Day 21 – The Piggy Bank

Verse of the Day

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11

Action Step

Setup a way to use spare change to build your savings.

Summary

Brian mentioned that he uses Acorns to round up purchases. Here is more information about how to get started with Acorns. https://share.acorns.com/kggsm

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Day 20 – Are You Ready for an Emergency?

Verse of the Day

37 This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” 39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. Genesis 41:37-39

Action Step

Calculate 3 – 6 months of expenses and set a goal for an emergency fund. 

Summary

When it comes to emergencies it’s not if but WHEN. Are you ready? Joseph was described as wise and discerning. It’s about making the right decision at the right time. 

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Day 19 – Get Rid of It!

Verse of the Day

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame. Proverbs 10:4-5

Action Step

Evaluate your items and activities that demand regular payments or a lot of upkeep. If you don’t need it, get rid of it and relieve some financial stress.

Summary

There are a lot of things we are paying for regularly that we don’t really need. Wouldn’t it be nice to get rid of that payment or free up some cash? Evaluate the list shared in this video and if you don’t need it, get rid of it! 

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Day 18 – Your First $1,000

Verse of the Day

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.
Proverbs 10:4-5

Action Step

Make a plan to save your first $1,000.

Summary

Your first $1,000 is the hardest to save. If you’re struggling to pay off your smallest debt AND work towards your first $1,000 which should you work on first? 
 

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Day 17 – Set Goals for Savings

Verse of the Day

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. – Proverbs 6:6–11 (ESV)

Action Step

Look ahead at some things that it would be NICE to pay cash for rather than borrowing money. Is it a vacation, a gift, a party, a repair? Dream a little and set some goals for savings.

Summary

Budgeting is tough and it can be boring. In today’s stewardship tip, Brian Branam encourages you to dream a little. Wouldn’t it be nice to have cash in hand for that vacation rather than putting it on a credit card? How about a party you have coming up or a remodel to your home? Dream a little and set some goals for savings. In tomorrow’s stewardship tip Brian will show you how to get started.
 

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