Getting things in "Order"

[CindyisHis]

I would like to pose a question for us all to consider. What does the person do who is up to their eyes in debt, working 2 jobs, and still struggling? Hopefully no one is going through an extremely difficult time financially, but odds are, there are many who are, who simply don't know what to do. Some may be unable to work b/c of a temporary disability, or other situations may have arisen beyond their control. My heart is heavy with concern for such individuals.

I'd like to see participation and prayer about this on this thread. Please, share your wisdom and let compassion move you to do something for brethren who are facing adverse circumstances.

 

[tturt]

Using dogpile.com searching "frugal" there are thousands of ways to cut expenses. Some of them seem small but they add up. Located such things are homemade laundry detergent for 2 cents a load, 25 cents bread - no kneading, no machine, 45 minutes; timer on hot water heater - instead of heating water for 24 hrs a day, try 4; etc.

Sometimes people with 2 jobs spend more money on prepared food, services, child care, etc. that they aren't really making as much money as they think they are - especially if it's part-time.

Also, they say we cut our expenses by 15% just by making a budget and sticking to it.

 

[CindyisHis]

Using dogpile.com searching "frugal" there are thousands of ways to cut expenses. Some of them seem small but they add up. Located such things are homemade laundry detergent for 2 cents a load, 25 cents bread - no kneading, no machine, 45 minutes; timer on hot water heater - instead of heating water for 24 hrs a day, try 4; etc.

Sometimes people with 2 jobs spend more money on prepared food, services, child care, etc. that they aren't really making as much money as they think they are - especially if it's part-time.

Also, they say we cut our expenses by 15% just by making a budget and sticking to it.

Just by eating at home, preparing your own meals, one can save a lot of money...and be healthier, thus less medical, less time away from work, etc., IF you're choosing the right things to eat.

Meditating scripture builds a picture of who we are in Christ, and all He has given us. We are not here on our own, left out in the cold without a Father who loves us, and who cares for us. He has more strategic ways of getting folks out of debt than we could ever imagine. Believe He'll do it for you!

 

[msbojingles]

Amen guys!!

Proverbs 16:3

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.

We have to take our goals, and what we want to the Lord, and He will cause us to look at them from his perspective, and when we do, He will tell us what to do to make it happen!

If our goal is to get out of debt (which is a biblical goal - and not exactly where I intended this thread to go, but it's turning out to be a kewl thing!! lol!), then we have to commit that to the Lord. We might be thinking in terms of getting a different job, or even trying to find one in our area, but we might find that God has a different plan!! It might be different for us, but the end will meet our goal, and if God's in it - it will work!!


Proverbs 16:9

A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.

Again, we have to know the end-goal (many times this is even our calling, so we need to seek God about our calling first!! kewl huh?), but it is the Lord who will show us the way to accomplish it! And He knows the way!!

An example of someone who knew the goal, but didn't wait for the Lord to direct their steps -->Abraham, Sarah and Hagar. . . . So it's a good idea to keep on asking God until receive an answer!! I've been known to ask Him again and again, the same question, morning and night, for days, sometimes weeks on end until He answers me. And when He answers, there's just such a knowing and a peace, and it's almost like an "authority" if you will, or maybe the power (as in sureness and strength) to carry it out.

He gives us the power to do what He says!

 

[CindyisHis]

When you say "getting things in order" What did you mean? I thought right away of getting out of debt. What would be included in this? I think I need to expand my thinking!

 

[msbojingles]

When you say "getting things in order" What did you mean? I thought right away of getting out of debt. What would be included in this? I think I need to expand my thinking!

I find that so cool that you say that!! That must be what the Lord wanted to say!! Originally, when I went to post, it was about getting things in order, and really I was thinking more along the lines of priorities (which would include debt, of course), but when I went to post, the "debt" part just came out!

I do believe getting out of debt is definitely a big part of "getting things in order" but I also feel that it refers moreso to "unnessary debt" rather than buying a home or a car (within reason, of course). And another thing I believe the Lord has layed on my heart about it is, it's about not having unhealthy ties. Owing debt to people creates quite a tie, and then that makes me wonder if it's about God wanting to do something with some people, or send them somewhere and they need to be free from ties that would hold them back. . .well, we just never know until He tells us.

But to get out of debt, our priorities do need to be in order. I know of a couple ladies down here, who, they have a certain amount of money they spend on make-up and pedicures and manicures a month, and there's nothing wrong with that if it's in someone's budget, but where they get out of balance is, they see it as necessary. Like they would choose their pedicure before paying a bill, and that is having priorities out of order.

Anyhoo, there 'tis!!

 

[CindyisHis]

I find that so cool that you say that!! That must be what the Lord wanted to say!! Originally, when I went to post, it was about getting things in order, and really I was thinking more along the lines of priorities (which would include debt, of course), but when I went to post, the "debt" part just came out!

I do believe getting out of debt is definitely a big part of "getting things in order" but I also feel that it refers moreso to "unnessary debt" rather than buying a home or a car (within reason, of course). And another thing I believe the Lord has layed on my heart about it is, it's about not having unhealthy ties. Owing debt to people creates quite a tie, and then that makes me wonder if it's about God wanting to do something with some people, or send them somewhere and they need to be free from ties that would hold them back. . .well, we just never know until He tells us.

But to get out of debt, our priorities do need to be in order. I know of a couple ladies down here, who, they have a certain amount of money they spend on make-up and pedicures and manicures a month, and there's nothing wrong with that if it's in someone's budget, but where they get out of balance is, they see it as necessary. Like they would choose their pedicure before paying a bill, and that is having priorities out of order.

Anyhoo, there 'tis!!

Okay, I think I see what you mean. I look at unnecessary spending as a big part of getting out of debt. But I also see it as a separate issue. One needs wisdom in finances whether he is in debt or not. One can choose to be not foolish in their spending while having no debt.

So, after one gets out of debt, could what the Lord be saying through this be to build a large savings account? Or, would one want to invest larger sums into the kingdom of God? I think these are issues which must be brought individually before the Lord.

 

[msbojingles]

I think these are issues which must be brought individually before the Lord.

Absolutely, that is the crux!!

 

[tturt]

Have you noticed for several months, there's been a stripping away? I'm not saying leave marriages and families behind - God expects us to honor those relationships.

But it's been in numerous threads on this website and others. It's been mentioned before and other posters have agreed. Some examples: People are finding when in groups, often the conversations are meaningless. Posters are saying things like the Lord told me not to buy any more clothes; several have said they're to spend more time with the Lord; chose Him over tv; several mentioned being called as intercessors; others fasting; some are prompted to move closer to their families, one poster has been prompted to open their home 24/7 as a place for people to come to pray, etc.

The OP is a good word - get things in order - priorities straight, eliminate all the excesses. It can be applied to many areas of our lives.

 

[cherokeehippie]

For me personally, I'm feeling that "getting my house in order" for me is staying home, spend more time with the LORD, praying and reading studying stuff like I used to do several years ago!!--preparing for what's coming--I believe that perilous times is coming to the United States. I just got back from Ft Worth. My brother got cell phones for me, him, and our mom and so I just got my first cell phone and learning to use it!! I realize it's going to be handy (unless the cell phone towers are taken down--or however cell phones work!)
I'm not going up to Eureka Sprngs to sell baskets as much this summer(it's getting hot, anyway)--I really feel strongly to do some reading of certain books I just got and seeing how those things tie end with the end times. I noticed how tedious it is just trying to leave the house--as if invisible hands are wanting to keep me home! Also, staying off Dr. Peppers.