Independence from Debt

July 4th celebrates the United States’ independence from King George, who sought to over burden the fledgling colonies with taxes without representation.  This 4th of July let us recognize the similar burdening debt load that is crushing Americans.  Let us see the destructive effects of this burden and how it robs our freedom.  Let us renew our commitment to beating this debt and run the financial marathon to eliminate this burden.  Finally, let us celebrate with others that this 4th of July we decided to stop spending money we do not have so we can use our financial resources to beat debt instead of creating it. Commit today to paying down those debts and let us be encouraged on this 4th of July for a bright, debt free future.

Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them — and then, the opportunity to choose.  - C. Wright Mills

Choose today to beat debt.

Freedom is like taking a bath — you have to keep doing it every day! - Florynce Kennedy

Be Encouraged!  Shop Responsibly!

True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Secure your individual freedom by earning your freedom from debt.

None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. - Goethe

If we have debt, we are not free.

There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings. - Hodding Carter

The family gives roots.  Debt free status gives your children wings.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! - Patrick Henry

Freedom lies in being bold. - Robert Frost

It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue. - Sam Adams

And finally the ultimate word for this Independence Day:

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. - Psalms 119:45

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, - Isaiah 61:1

Celebrate today that you have the means to earn your freedom.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of Thine hand to do it.”  Proverbs 3:27 KJV

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Relieving Financial Stress

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.

Proverbs 23:4

We read many stories of people racing after riches and ending up poor.  For example, many lottery winners are expecting all dreams to come true.  However, in reality, most are worse off than before their 15 minutes of fame.[1]  Research also shows that over half of all employees are dissatisfied with their personal financial situation. [2]    This dissatisfaction causes stress that can lead to loss of sleep, less money for self-care, and unhealthy emotions.[3] 

Why do we do it?  Why do we lose sleep over getting wealthy?  Two answers: GREED and SELFISHNESS.  These two reasons are exactly why the Bible pleads with us to have the wisdom to not wear ourselves out in trying to get rich.  The Bible also states,

“But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.”  1 Timothy 6:9

Now don’t misunderstand the Bible; it is not only addressing those of us who seek riches through the lottery, buying/selling stocks, or working hard at their job to make a buck.  Proverbs 23:4 also talks to those who wear themselves out trying to look rich.[4] 

“One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.” Proverbs 13:7

This verse looks at the hypocrisy of man.  It shows us how we try to deceive others, and maybe ourselves, to gain honor.  Sadly, this honor is only in the sight of man.  This drive to reach the title of “rich” in man’s eyes is not the goal of one who is working to beat debt.  Remember,

“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.” Proverbs 22:2

Since God is in control of the rich and the poor, don’t worry about who He chooses to be rich or poor.  Stop wearing yourself out trying to be or look “rich.”  Commit to beating debt and live life within your means, being satisfied with how the Lord blesses you.

 

Discussion Questions:

1.  Have you tried to purchase something to make you look better or richer than what you really are?

2.  How did that purchase make you feel?  How do you feel about that purchase now?

3.  What things in our lives are making us look rich, when in reality we are deep in debt?

4.  What action steps can we take to lessen the financial stress we have in our lives?

~~~

When beggars and shoeshine boys, barbers and beauticians can tell you how to get rich it is time to remind yourself that there is no more dangerous illusion than the belief that one can get something for nothing.
-Bernard Baruch, 1929

Check out the poll in the side navigation menu.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of Thine hand to do it.”  Proverbs 3:27 KJV

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God vs Visa

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Mark 12:30

The best standard to use when comparing our finances with God’s standards is to use Jesus’ first commandment: To love our God with our whole heart.  When we look at our finances through God’s eyes, we will see if there is something or someone that receives our attention more than God. 

When I tell my wife that I love her, she should expect that I budget my money in such a way to ensure we have money to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, date nights, and other special occasions.  Everyone would agree that using my money to buy her something or do something for her is proof that I love her.  Everyone would also agree that if I spent all my money on my hobby, new gadgets, sports-related merchandise, or anything that interests me, then my actions do not match my words. 

My wife would have every right to doubt my love when, at the end of the month, instead of celebrating a special occasion, I said, “Honey, we can’t go out tonight because we don’t have enough money.” 

Naturally, she would ask, “Why is that?  It is [special occasion].  I thought we made enough to do [special occasion].” 

My sheepish reply of “Well, I needed [new rims, stereo equipment, golf balls], so we don’t have the money to do that this month.  I promise to make it up to you next month” probably won’t cut it.  As a good wife, she might respond with an “Okay, Honey, that is alright.” 

But trust me that “patience” won’t last long, before long her love cup will be empty, and problems will start rising if I don’t budget my money better to adequately turn words into action.

That was a romanticized example of the same kind of relationship we have in Jesus.  When we decide to follow Jesus, we enter into a similar relationship where we are evaluated not only by our words, but by our actions.  God calls us to love Him with our whole heart.  We should be motivated to budget money so we can show God how much we love Him.  Just like we would budget money with our spouses to celebrate occasions, we should budget money to give to His ministries and people.

Unfortunately, in most families, the “I don’t have enough money” excuse is used too often and on too many occasions.  We are too strapped by the things we purchased on our Visa cards to be able to give appropriately to God.  This does not show God what our mouths profess.

Granted, there is no steadfast rule on how much you can give to the Lord in the Bible.  According to Justin Borger of GenerousGiving.org ,

“The law actually called for three different tithes, adding up to 23.3 percent of a family’s income.”  

But in the New Testament, there is no limit.  So listen to the Lord and follow His leading to see whether you should give 23.3% of your income or 10%. 

A good steward who is a true lover of God will recognize the close relationship between his money and his heart.  That true lover of God will also know that truly honoring God is to honor Him with his “first fruits,” not the leftovers.

I challenge you today to recognize who has control of your budget.  Is it God or Visa?    

If you admit that you made wrong choices up until now and Visa has taken over your budget, commit today to stop spending money you don’t have and start beating debt. 

If you found that are making the right choices and God has control of your budget, then I challenge you to teach others about your expression of love through your finances.

Discussion question: What forms of expression of love do you give the Lord through your budget?

Check out the poll in the side navigation menu.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of Thine hand to do it.”  Proverbs 3:27 KJV

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BDO’s Race Training Exercises - Step 4 of 7

Create more acceleration in your race to beat debt by using

BDO’s Race Training Excercises

Step 4:  Make a Plan

   To race well, you must have a plan.  You can not get where you want to go unless you have a map.  Create your map or spending plan that allows you to balance your budget, save for the future, and beat debt.  This balanced plan of your finances will allow you to chart a course to your destination that will explain where you want your money to go and how much time it will realistically take to accomplish your plan.  Share this plan with your friends and family, so they can be creative as well in your solution to beat debt. 

 

Independence Day Campaign celebrates freedom from debt

From June 20^th and continuing through July 4^th, BeatingDebt.org (BDO) will commence its “Independence Day Campaign.”  As a new non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, BDO is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the growing negative effects of personal debt, encourage individuals to commit to beating debt and then celebrate their independence from debt, and also to raise capital to help launch BDO’s new interactive website for educational purposes. 

July 4th celebrates the United States’ independence from King George, who sought to over burden the fledgling colonies with taxes without representation.  This 4th of July let us recognize the similar burdening debt load that is crushing Americans.  Let us see the destructive effects of this burden and how it robs our freedom.  Let us renew our commitment to beating this debt and run the financial marathon to eliminate this burden.  Finally, let us celebrate with others that this 4th of July we decided to stop spending money we do not have so we can  use our financial resources to beat debt instead of creating it. Commit today to paying down those debts and let us be encouraged on this 4th of July for a bright, debt free future.

The Independence Day Campaign will specifically consist of:

• 1) Directing users to BeatingDebt.org’s blog and forum to learn and interact with others about their experiences with debt.
• 2) Encouraging users to join the race of beating debt by posting their tangible goals of paying off debt.
• 3) Soliciting funds through direct mail.
• 4) Participating in local 4th of July active events like biking, walking, or running to raise awareness and funds for BDO using Active.com’s tools.

If you would like to get involved please email Eric at eric@beatingdebt.org.

BeatingDebt.org is dedicated to educating individuals on the joy and freedom experienced from beating debt using Biblical principles.  Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

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