This week we want to encourage you to put the principle of stewardship into action. Take a $10 bill. The goal is to see this $10 as completely God’s money, but He has given it to you to use for His purpose. Begin by praying over this money and ask God to lead you in how to best use the money. After praying, think of possible ways you might use the money. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-Give the money to a single mom or elderly person living on your street.
-Find a missions organization to fund.
-Take the money to a homeless shelter, pregnancy resource center, or kid’s ministry.
-Go buy a toy you can give to a needy child.
-Buy a gift card at Wal-Mart and give it to the greeter or someone in the store that looks like they are in need, or better yet, give it to a mother with a crying kid in the grocery cart.
You probably have a better idea. Whatever you choose, take the money and complete the task together. After taking the money and spending it for God, go to a park or out for a meal and discuss the following issues.
*How did it make each us you feel to set apart this $10 for God’s purpose and spend it in a way that would bring glory to Him?
*What are some ways we could do this more often with our money?
*If we honestly came to the point where we realized that all of our possessions belonged to God, how would our lives change? Our spending habits? Our giving?
*Do we need to consider making a budget? If so, how can we set aside time to make it happen?
At the candle — Read Proverbs 30:7-9, 2 Corinthians 8, and pray that God would lead you financially.