Thursday, April 03, 2008

Clean Heart Part Fourteen

Do my finances reflect a clean heart?

Initial thoughts:
* Tithe
* Giving
* Shopping at Wal-Mart vs. Publix.
* Staying on a budget
* Keeping down the clutter in our home
* Making wise purchases that are good quality (not always just buying something cheap; and a good deal is not a good deal if we do not need it!)
* How I manage my resources? Turn off lights/water, be wise stewards
* Proverbs 31 woman example

Matthew 6:23, "For where your treasure is - there your heart will be also."

I do not think this means you can't have things in your home that bring beauty or enjoyment ... but don't put all the value on the look of the home and no effort into the heart of the home and the spiritual climate.

What would Jesus say if He looked through my checkbook?

These are the thoughts I had written in my journal - I'd love to hear your thoughts on what our finances look like when we have a clean heart.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post! This is a subject that has long been close to my heart -- I have often thought about what our checkbook reflects about our values. And during times when God has blessed us with more than we need, I am convinced that He intends for us to use the surplus to bless others. Thanks for sharing -- Love you, Mom

Katy said...

i loved this post Monica!!! I completely agree with you on everthing!!! :) Thank you for this!

More than Survival said...

Thanks for this post!!!
I just studied Matthew 6:19-34 yesterday (AGAIN)
vs19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Fro where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I know first hand how quickly *things* can be lost... 9 months before I was married (still living at home) my parents home was completely destroyed by fire. *Things* go up in smoke QUICKLY and are gone forever!

Thanks for the reminder to keep our priorities straight!
Heather

Jessica said...

I would add that a clean heart will trust the Lord to provide, even when circumstances may look impossible.

Adelia said...

Thank you for your post. This has been put on my hear lately, and I just happened upon your blog...thanks!

Jessica, so true. Impossible circumstances often shows us how the Lord can use others for his glory! God doen't know impossible!

Ruth said...

Great post! Being a good steward of all that the Lord has blessed us with is so important. It is also important to not have the need to keep storing up treasures here on earth. It's ok to like new things and pretty things but we should not get caught up in it.
Blessings,
Ruth

Wendi said...

Great post! Being a good steward with my finances has been on my mind and heart lately.

Anonymous said...

Loved this post. This is something I struggle with. I am frugal but not always great with our resources. I have seen God's provision so much in our life and especially with this pregnancy. We just picked up our FREE van yesterday. Our old Bible Study leaders felt led by God to give it to us. We certainly did not want to go into debt with this 3rd child and didn't see how it was possible to not. But God is good. I know he doesn't want us to be in debt and I prayed that for us. Its amazing when you try to align yourself in His Will. Hope this all makes sense...
Elise

That Crazy Ajumma said...

Don't you just love the fact that finances has been on all our minds lately and then you leave this post.
Thanks!
I always look forward to your Clean Heart Post,humbling and yet refreshing.

*carrie* said...

Good thoughts, Monica. This is something we often talk about, even moreso with buying a house and Eric switching jobs. This reminds me to ask because I can't remember: did we ever loan you our Dave Ramsey CDs?

Anonymous said...

How timely this is Monica!
God has used those verses in Matt. 6 to speak to my heart starting with when your Mom & Dad were here last fall. You Mom looked around my apt. and "Mom, you sure do have a lot of stuff!" My reply, at the time was "Those are my treasures".
Immediately I was convicted by the verses Matt.6:19-21. As you know I have since made the decision to downsize to a one room apt and I have spent many hours boxing up my stuff to get rid of. Just today a friend carried off a truckload, and I'm still working at it. It is "freeing" indeed. I didn't realize how attached I was to my things, but I'm so thankful that God has used my family members to show me how to give up my treasures on earth, so that I will have more in heaven, as I seek to serve Him the rest of my days.
God's blessing upon you & your precious family.
Love, Grandma

Anonymous said...

Monica, you have the most awesome posts! I love the family time and the Isaiah passage/prayer. thanks so much, glad you all had fun. God Bless!

Lee said...

Monica, this was so timely. I wish I could publically post what this has meant to me today. I just can't. God shows up through words of strangers. Blessings to you.

Anonymous said...

Yep, this has been on my mind ALOT!!! Food prices seem to be thru the roof lately and i have struggled to stay with in budget. God will make a way and i need to focus on my heart before Him, instead of gettin anxious. Thanks for another great reminder.tammyp