Posts

8/25/24 Devotion

Part of our mission at Chestuee is to reach the lost. As a result, we want God’s church to grow in numbers. We desire healthy growth that is conversion growth.

Sometimes leaving a church to go to another church is a good thing, especially if they are preaching heresy. Or of the family or individual has to move out of town because of career change. However, God’s church doesn’t actually grow through transfer growth.

For example, a fisherman does not drive his boat to another man’s boat and ask for his fish that is already caught. It would defeat the purpose of fishing.

We ought to seek conversion growth that leads to continual discipleship. Conversion growth is not the same as transfer growth. It’s important that we remember that.

Not all transfer growth is bad. However, some transfer growth can consist of bitter people who bring unresolved issues to another church. They are often looking for a church that fits their preferences and style rather than a place to serve. When you look for another church, make sure it’s the right reason.

The point is that we ought to be focused on reaching those far from God.

8/18/24 Devotion

Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. (Matthew 4:19-20)

Peter and Andrew were casting their net into the sea when Jesus called them to follow Him. These professional fishermen dropped what they were doing to follow Christ. They were still going to fish but they were going to be fishers of men.

Soul-winning is a worthy endeavor. In fact, it’s a command from God rooted in the Great Commission. Bringing someone to Christ is a calling for all believers in Christ.

The call of Christ is the same for us today. We are called to persuade others by the help of the Holy Spirit. It’s not by coercion or manipulation but by a passionate intent to win others to Christ.

Let’s go fishing!

8/11/24 Devotion

Joshua 1:8

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

“How to succeed and be prosperous”

For context, Moses has died, who was the leader of the Hebrew people. God has appointed Joshua to lead the people into the promised land. There would be formidable enemies and difficulties, but God gave Joshua commands and promises that would help them in this conquest and keep them from idolatry. If Joshua is going to succeed and be prosperous, he will need to trust and obey God.

If we are going to see prosperity and success, it will be associated with the word of God. As we memorize and meditate on the commands and promises of God, they are impressed on our hearts to affect our behavior. The word of God is living and mighty in operation (Hebrews 4:12).

As we begin to immerse ourselves into God’s word, we will be successful and prosperous. We will become more like Christ in our thoughts, attitude, and behavior. But let’s not forget that meditation and obedience to the word of God will always keep us from going left or right—it keeps us aligned with God’s will. Obeying God is true success and prosperity.

8/4/24 Devotion

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20

“Four commands and a promise”

Today’s verses reveal the delegated responsibility of the church of Jesus Christ. Christ, who completed His perfect work through His birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension has elected the church to steward His ministry under His sovereign rule.

1. He commands us to go. We are called to go into society and culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Lord has called us to be outward focused. We are sent just like Christ was sent by the Father to save people from their sins. We must promote a mindset that reaches others rather than focusing on church invitation alone.

2. He commands us to make disciples. We are called to train others to do the work of the ministry and to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Each believer is to help others grow spiritually through knowledge and obedience of the word of God. We must engage with one another and stir one another to good works.

3. He commands us to baptize disciples. Baptism is water immersion symbolic and representative of the work of Christ. It is a reflection of our saving position in Him.

4. He commands us to teach others to obey the commands of Christ. The thrust of this command is to propel other disciples into lifelong obedience to God. It’s not just teaching the Bible; it’s teaching them how to obey the Bible. Discipleship is fully engaging with the call of God in service to others and the spiritual disciplines such as prayer and evangelism.

5. He gives us the promise of His eternal presence. Through the power of God’s presence, we can accomplish the mission set before us. We are not on our own. God is with us to change the hearts of others and bring into repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

All of us should pray to be committed and obedient disciples. This is the work of each individual—to help others become more like Christ and train them to help others become more like Christ.

“Father, help us cooperate together to make disciples for you. Help us rightly divide the word of truth so that others may know you and they will, in turn, help others to know you. Help us Holy Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen

7/28/24 Devotion

Revelation 19:1

“After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!”

“Seeing things from a different perspective”

Today’s verse reveals to us the reasons we worship God. The kingdom of the Antichrist is destroyed and righteous judgment has already been poured out. God has judged true and righteously (Rev. 19:2). The host of heaven joins together to praise God.

In fact, there is a command given which is called “Hallelujah!” Four times this word is used in this passage of Scripture and it is not mentioned anywhere else. It seems that it is a special word reserved for such a special time when God will set up His kingdom here on earth and the elimination of the presence of sin. The word simply means “an adoring exclamation.” This word is so special that it contains the name of God. We worship God for three reasons:

1. Because of who He is (Verse 1, 6, 11, 13, 16)

2. Because of what He has done (Verse 2).

3. Because of what He will do (Verse 3, 15, 20, 21).

The Cherohala Skyway provides a wonderful view. Me and my wife have taken a few trips up there and the sunset is great. It’s a view that you can’t have when you are below the mountain. That’s what worship does. When we worship, we have a larger view of the work of God. We tend to see things a little differently because we are worshipping God. When we worship, we are on a higher plane. We have a different perspective. So let’s remember to offer a Hallelujah to our God.

7/21/24 Devotion

Romans 3:23

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

This week’s verse reminds us that we have sinned and continue to fall short of the glory of God. This verse ought to produce two things in us.

1. Humility

As sinful beings, our tendency is to break all of God’s commandments. Paul said that “There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10). “There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Romans 3:12c). God, in His love, sent His Son to die for our sins and to accept us into His kingdom. This ought to humble us because God accepts us not just as we are, but in spite of what we are.

Another reason why this verse teaches us to be humble—we are no better than anyone else. Therefore, we should be poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) and be like the tax collector in Luke 18:13–“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’”.

2. Thankfulness

We ought to be thankful for God’s law that exposes our inability to achieve our own righteousness. No matter how hard we try. We are not saved by keeping the law. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are accepted and changed.

The high standard of the law has subjected us to sin. But praise be to God, grace came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Now, the Holy Spirit lives through us, who are born again, to accomplish His will. (John 3:7.)

Let’s remember to remain humble and boast in the work of Jesus Christ. Let’s keep a heart of gratitude for God who changed us and saved us according to the power of His love and might. He still loves us and works through us in spite of our flaws and failures.

7/14/24 Devotion

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

“The Danger of Pride”

Our verse for today reveals to us the danger of pride. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” We might could say that pride is the root of the works of the flesh. Pride is more than an action, it’s a stance or a condition of opposition toward God.

This was a primary issue with the Corinthian church to whom Paul is writing. There were factions within the church and they placed prominence to spiritual gifts rather than love (1 Corinthians 1:10; 13:1-3). The church was leaning toward trust in themselves rather than selfless service to God and others.

Thus, Paul gives an Old Testament example of the children of Israel in the same chapter of today’s verse. They had too much confidence in themselves. As a result, they fell in the wilderness and succumbed to idol worship.

All of us are not immune to temptation and we must be on guard against the lures of the world and our tendency to obey the lusts of the flesh. We must remain humble and take heed to God and fully rely on Him in prayer so that we will not fall like the children of Israel did in the wilderness.

7/7/24 Devotion

And on her forehead a name was written:

MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS
OF THE EARTH. (Revelation 17:5)

“One Way, Not Many Ways”

The Bible predicts a formation of a one world religion that will coexist with the future Antichrist. All religions will form into one religion and will become the basis for unification. The basis of unification will not be political and economical. Everyone will unify under the deception of Satan and the Antichrist.

Babylon began in Genesis chapter 11 with the Tower of Babel and religions were formed out of the mother who is Babylon. In the end, all the descendants, that is, religions, will come back to the mother who is the source of all spiritual adultery and idolatry.

The whole reason for this syncretistic religion is to usurp the authority of God and to steal worship from God. The Bible teaches us that this one world religion will be destroyed by the Antichrist Himself and will attempt to form the eighth world empire to oppose God (Revelation 17:11). The result will be that the Lamb of God will not allow this to happen and will set up the kingdom of God which will be no end (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 17:14).

Although the name described in our weekly verse is not specific, it is descriptive of the global religion that will deceive the masses. Let’s be reminded today there is only one way to heaven (John 14:6). Jesus described it as the narrow way (Matthew 7:14). The exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life. All we need to do is admit we are sinners, believe in Jesus Christ, and confess our sins to Him and ask Him to save us.

6/30/24 Devotion

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

Jesus said to him, “I am the way,the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:5-6)

Jesus makes a bold claim in response to Thomas’ question. The question demonstrates what everyone is asking. The question may not be asked with the exact words of Thomas, but the question reflects the deep longing of each individual. All of us have a God-sized hole in our soul that only God the Father can fill.

We have tried to fill the God-sized hole with worldly pleasures, other religions, and even with others. Let’s face it: there is no substitute that can satisfy the deep longing of the human soul.

Jesus is the Way to a personal relationship with God the Father. He is the Truth about God the Father. He is the Giver of eternal life. Only a life submitted to Christ and the purposes of God can bring peace and hope to the restless soul.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Saint Augustine

Pastor Samuel

6/23/24 Devotion

“How to overcome temptation”

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

Our Lord gave us an effective way to overcome temptation. Our verse for this week encourages us to watch and pray so that we will not fall into temptation. All of us are tempted in this life. Our flesh is weak and pulls us away from what is most important—a life of ongoing prayer. The key is to cultivate an ongoing relationship with God through watchful praying.

For context, Christ was close to facing the greatest trial ever known in history—His total suffering for the sins of the world. The disciples who were with Christ fell asleep as He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ took the opportunity to teach the disciples to be vigilant and sober. Our Lord who was about to go through the most excruciating experience ever known in history, took the time to teach His disciples to always watch and pray.

Let’s learn from Christ who took the time to teach us a spiritual principle to overcome temptation. If we are to walk in victory, we must follow our Lord’s example. We must learn the discipline of relational prayer that will keep us awake from the lures of the many temptations we face everyday.

Other verses for meditation.

-1 Corinthians 16:13
-Colossians 4:2
-Thessalonians 5:6
-1 Peter 5:8

6/16/24 Devotion

Genesis 1:27-28 (http://biblehub.com/genesis/1-27.htm)
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

The purpose of the family is to reflect the purpose of God in the world. What is the purpose of God in the world? The purpose of God is to save the lost and disciple the saved. The purpose of the family is to make disciples of one another. It’s not only the responsibility of the church but of parents.

Today’s verses reminds us that family serves as a picture of missions. When raising our family, we should keep the perspective of missions. Missions do not start in another country or even in our community, it begins with a focus on discipling our family.

As we are following the command of procreation, let’s not forget the value and responsibility of training our children and honoring our covenantal commitment to our spouse. Fulfilling the Great Commission begins with our first priority, marriage and family.

Although we have needs met through marriage and family, the purpose runs deeper. Marriage and family are missional mechanisms through which the character of God is reflected as a witness to others and our family becomes the primary focus of discipleship and training. They are even channels for our sanctification and spiritual growth. When someone asks you why you have a family and why you married your spouse, bring it
back to the purpose God originated.

Pastor Samuel

6/9/24 Devotion

John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

The Scriptures are peppered with an overall theme of the second coming of Christ. This week’s verse brings awakening to the present and hope for the future.

The second coming brings awakening to the fact of how we live. Are we living in light of the second coming? Are we serving Christ and others? Are we loving others with our words and actions? Are we sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ? The more we focus on the promise of Christ’s return, the more we yield to the motivation of the Holy Spirit to live in obedience.

The second coming of Christ also gives us hope for the future. When Christ returns, He will make all things new. When Christ descended the first time, He died for our sins and was raised for our justification. The first coming dealt with paying the penalty for sin and the second coming deals with the removal of the sin’s presence.

I heard a story of a small town who got news that their town would eventually be flooded out of existence due to the construction of a hydroelectric dam. The town was falling apart between the announcement and until the day when it was flooded. One asked a resident, “Why aren’t the residents keeping this town up?” The resident replied, “Where there is no faith in the future, there is no work in the present.”

Growing By Going – Samuel Burger – July 21, 2019

Grace – Samuel Burger – July 7, 2019

Overcoming Addiction Pt 3 – Samuel Burger – May 26, 2019

People who have a substance use disorder often find that overcoming it is more challenging than they expected. They may feel that addiction is a myth and they can quit any time they want or that they are an exception to the rule. This can also occur with behavioral addictions involving activities such as eating, sex, gambling, shopping, and exercise.

Learning how to overcome an addiction is important for anyone experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), or behavioral addiction. While challenging, recognizing that there is a problem and learning more about the process of quitting are important first steps in recovery, look online for resources by searching drug rehab near me.

This article discusses what you will need to do to overcome an addiction and offers tips that can help. It also covers the symptoms of withdrawal that you might experience and some of the effective treatment options that are available.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

Addiction – Scott Elam from ATS The Bridge – May 19, 2019

The term addictionTrusted Source does not only refer to dependence on substances such as heroin or cocaine. Some addictions also involve an inability to stop partaking in activities such as gambling, eating, or working.

Addiction is a chronic condition that can also result from taking medications. In fact, the misuse of opioids — particularly illicitly made fentanyl — caused nearly 50,000 deathsTrusted Source in the United States in 2019 alone.

The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.”

Many people, but not all, start using a drug or first engage in an activity voluntarily. However, addiction can take over and reduce self-control to search for substance abuse help.

There is substance addiction and non-substance addiction. Some examples of non-substance addiction include:

gambling
food
internet
gaming
cell phone
sex
Someone with addiction will continue to misuse the substance or activity in spite of the harmful effects it has.

Overcoming Addiction Part 2 – Samuel Burger – May 12, 2019

Because change is so difficult, it’s useful to have a guide when attempting to kick an addiction to drugs, alcohol or behavior. Research shows that the following steps can help you move toward your recovery goals and services like Delamere addiction treatment can help with this as well. Learning the process step by step can be read on this website: https://privatealcoholrehab.co.uk/alcoholism-a-disease/. You have the greatest chance of success if you adopt all five steps.

  1. Set a quit date. It might be helpful to choose a meaningful date like a special event, birthday, or anniversary.
  2. Change your environment. Remove any reminders of your addiction from your home and workplace. For example, separate from those who would encourage you to be involved with the object of your addiction (drug, alcohol, or behavior). If you are trying to quit drinking, get rid of any alcohol, bottle openers, wine glasses, and corkscrews. If you’re trying to quit gambling, remove any playing cards, scratch tickets, or poker chips to get the help for gamblers. Also, don’t let other people use or bring reminders of the addiction-related substance or behavior into your home.
  3. Distract yourself. Instead of giving in to an urge to use, come up with alternative activities, such as going for a walk or calling a friend or family member to talk, so that you keep busy until the urge passes. Be prepared to deal with things that trigger your cravings, such as being in an environment where others are using.
  4. Review your past attempts at quitting. Think about what worked and what did not. Consider what might have contributed to relapse and make changes accordingly.
  5. Create a support network. Talk to your family and friends and ask for their encouragement and sup-port. Let them know you are quitting. If they use your object of addiction, ask them not to do so in front of you. If you buy drugs, you should consider telling your dealer that you are quitting; ask your dealer not to call you and not to sell you drugs anymore. Also, you might want to consider talking to your health care provider about the method of quitting that is best for you. There may be medications that can ease the process for you and increase your chances of success.
  6. For more information on finding an effective path to recovery, check out Overcoming Addiction, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

Forgiveness – Samuel Burger – April 14, 2019

Why am I struggling? 3/25/19

John 9:1-3 NKJV

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.

Many times we wonder why God has put us in certain situations. We feel like it’s unfair. That if God were a just God, no one should struggle. I hear this question a lot from unbelievers and even have asked it myself at a time in my life: “If there is really a God, why is there suffering in the world?”

And here is the answer to that question. So that people would be unique, we were given free will. Otherwise, everyone would be exactly the same. Every person has a story. You aren’t struggling because you are being punished. You may be going through a trial to reveal God’s works in the end to be a witness to the world or even just one person. Everybody has a story. You can choose to suffer through your struggles alone. Or you can call out to Jesus, who is alive and real, and lay your worries at the feet of the one that made everything. You can believe that He will put his arms around you and carry you through this, and in the end your sad story can be a testimony of the marvelous works that God did with you.

Many people also face difficulties obtaining funding due to other factors, such as having no credit history or having poor credit. This is when an auto title loan is useful. For further information, see more.

Just remember, when you get down, wondering what you did to deserve this, that it may just be that God just wants to use you again to do His works.

Love you all and God Bless

A Healthy Church – Bishop John Omanya – March 3, 2019

Using the Sword of the Spirit – Samuel Burger – February 24, 2019

Marriage: Discussing Your Spiritual Beliefs – Samuel Burger – 3/4/19

Our view of spirituality greatly influences the way we live. This is an important discussion for to have together.

-Are our spiritual beliefs compatible?

2 Cor. 6:14-16. This can be applied to marriage.

  1. What do you think about God?

Can you Define Christianity? Can you Define what it means to be saved? Christianity is the belief that God has spoken through the prophets and scriptures that Jesus Christ is the prophesied Messiah who would pay the penalty for our sins and forgive us.

Many people come to adulthood never exploring their own spiritual belief system. Lots of people call themselves Christian because they were raised in a Christian home. If you cannot be open and honest about your spiritual beliefs before marriage, you are not likely to do so after marriage and your spiritual beliefs will become a source of conflict.

  1. Explore each other’s beliefs

To marry simply because you are in love and to ignore your spiritual differences are signs of immaturity. Explore!

  1. What kind of “Christian?”

There are different levels of commitment among Christians. Christmas, Easter only. For some, they attend church on a regular basis. For some, it’s a weekly event. Some live in close community with the church and are deeply involved. Many Christians serve the community and are deeply involved in ministry. There are Christians who view themselves as having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They even have a daily devotional. So it’s important to know what kind of Christian you are dating. Questions to ask:

-What is their level of commitment and involvement in the Christian community?

-How important is their faith to them?

-What kind of impact does their faith have on their personal life?

It’s obvious that a Easter-Christmas Christian is very different from a daily “quiet time” Christian.

For some, Christianity is just a religion; something you just do on Sunday and has little relevance to how you live your life. But to others, Christianity is your life. So you’ve got to have a strong spiritual foundation.
For a lot of couples, they just assume that this area will take care of itself after marriage. It’s possible to be so “in love” that you ignore the huge differences in your spiritual views.

Your spiritual beliefs are often accompanied by strong emotions and deeply held convictions. These beliefs will affect the way you approach life. Make sure you explore the foundation of spiritual compatibility before you make the commitment to marriage, after this you can spend time together as a couple and have fun as well, maybe with toys from these Womanizer OG reviews online.

Practical Discussion:

-What are the basic spiritual beliefs of your parents?

-Where are you in your spiritual journey? Have you accepted, rejected, or modified the spiritual beliefs that you were taught as a child?

-What are your basic beliefs about God?

-What spiritual organizations are you affiliated with? How active is your involvement?

-How do your spiritual beliefs affect your lifestyle?

-Do you think you hold enough in common to build spiritual intimacy in your marriage?

Pastor Samuel

Change Your Mind, Change Your Life – Samuel Burger – February 17, 2019

The Significance of the Shofar – Samuel Burger – February 3, 2019

Before You Marry – Samuel Burger – 2/6/19

Have a Plan For Your Money! 

What is the number one cause for divorce in America? Finances. 

Many times a couple has very different ideas about saving and spending. If you develop a plan now before you are married, you will save yourselves a lot of useless fighting. The following is an overview of the 1st session of what I use in helping couples who plan to marry. 

  1. “Our money”

You must understand that there’s no such thing as mine and yours. Work together as a team in deciding what to do with your money. Your debts and your partner’s debts become “our debts.” Savings also. If you aren’t ready to share your income, your not ready for marriage. 

  1. Saving, Sharing, Spending

Agree on a percentage of income that you will save, give away and spend. Have you heard of the 10-10-80 plan? 10% goes to God, 10% goes to savings. 80% goes to other expenses and recreation. But you both must come to an agreement of how you handle your money. Not his or hers but our money. A few problem areas:

-The most common mistake young people make is buying a house that’s beyond their income. Be wise in this area. Try to spend no more than 40% of your income on housing and utilities. 

Watch out for credit buying. “Buy now, pay later.” What’s not stated is that if you buy now without cash, you will pay much more later. Interest rates are mainly in the 18–21% bracket. Credit is very dangerous. I always recommend never having a credit card, but if you do, use it only for emergencies and necessities (car repair, major appliance), like those Business Loans Singapore, and pay it off as quickly as possible. I also recommend consulting a pat testing sheffield specialist to evaluate numerous of your appliances, including electrical items, to see if they are safe to use. Also, the reason most people use credit cards and credit buying is because they want what they cannot pay for now. They can’t delay instant gratification. Don’t compare what you have with what other people have. They are in debt to their eyeballs. Some aren’t but most are. You don’t need things to be happy. 

In addition, an online tool called a stock screener with technical indicators lets investors apply filters to a list of accessible stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) according to their preferences. To identify both short- and long-term trading possibilities, investors might employ a unique process.

-Major Purchases. Come to an agreement that neither of you will make a major purchase without consulting the other. Your agreement must have a dollar value. How much can one spend without telling the other? 

  1. Who will keep the books?

Decide on this. The one who “keeps the books” is the one who pays the monthly bills and keeps tabs on the online accounts. This person keeps track with the spending plan you agreed upon. Your both in charge of making financial decisions but one is the bookkeeper. Now it may change after awhile and you may switch roles. Always remember that you are a team and you make financial decisions together. Note: These previous steps are adapted from the book, “Things I wish I’d known before we got married.” The author is Gary Chapman. 

Practical Discussion:

  1. Discuss your current financial plan. 
  2. Do you tithe 10% of your income?
  3. Do you place at least 10% of your income into some savings and investment plan? 
  4. Declare your total assets and liabilities to each other. 
  5. Work out a financial plan together now before you get married. 
  6. Discuss your dollar value on purchases that doesn’t require you telling the other. 
  7. Who will keep the books? Why?

Practical Suggestive Plan (Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps) www.daveramsey.com

  1. Put 1,000.00 in a beginner emergency fund. (This is protection against life’s unexpected events.) 
  2. Pay off all debt using the debt snowball. (No matter what “they” say, debt will keep you from accomplishing your financial goals. The borrower is always a slave to the lender. 
  3. Put three to six months of expenses into savings as a full emergency fund. 
  4. Invest 15% of your household income into Roth IRAS and pretax retirement plans. (You may not think this is important now but this is one of the greatest financial tools of investement. Many have ended up being a millionaire simply because they started an IRA when they were young. (If you Saved 100.00 a month, every month, at the average return of 12 percent, from age 25 to 65, you’d retire with more than 1.1 million! Also, precious metal IRAs are designed to help you with gold investments, palladium, silver, and other valuable metals for retirement. The key is to start early so you can take advantage of compound interest. The key is to start early so you can take advantage of compound interest. 
  5. Begin college funding for your kids. (This is optional but if you want your kids to get a good education without student loan debt, this will be a great gift to them. Look up an ESA account, 529 plan.)
  6. Pay off your home early. (If you haven’t bought a home, try to get a 15 year fixed rate mortgage instead of a 30 year. Try to put at least 10% down. Your payment should be no more than 25% of your take home pay. Or just save to buy it outright completely. 
  7. Build wealth and give. 

If you’re interested in this topic, you may also learn about Freezing Orders Explained.

Remember that you must have a plan that you agree on together for your money. 

Ultimately, God wants your marriage to be a blessing to others but you must be a good steward of what He has given you. I’ll leave you with a verse, “(b) the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7. 
Pastor Samuel