Faith not Financing

As I left my driveway one afternoon, I saw a truck pull up to the neighbor's house.  The truck advertised a furniture company.  The display on the side announced the business name and below the name, stated, "We finance in a minute."  Well, yeah, I'm sure they would love to finance your purchase, only to gain greater profit for late fees and interest.  No doubt delivery can be arranged as well for a small fee.  In the end, your $400 piece of furniture now cost $1000. 

Other companies lure you in by a fantastic asking price and then hit you with hidden fees.  A credit card can easily be purchased to help finance your purchase.  Children begin receiving these plastic demons on their 18th birthday.  Now, really?  Do you think an 18 year old needs a piece of plastic that will allow them to spend money without touching their bank account?  This would be like taking a 4 year old into a candy store and letting them run wild choosing any items they desired.  Credit cards only lead to destruction and feed our flesh desires immediately.  They act as cushions, handy at all times "just in case" something was to happen or we "needed" an item now.  Others may use them to better their credit score.  Well, if you spend only cash, save all you are able and do not spend more than received in a month; credit scores will not matter. 

The economy becomes worse each year; I do not deny this fact.  But, financing every little thing we purchase does not help.  It only creates a huge pile of debt and sucks the life out of any joy you could have from the item.  We become slaves to a piece of plastic or a loan.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

 "The rich rule over the poor,
   and the borrower is slave to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7)

How do you get out from under all the debt?  How can you breathe when all these bills, late fees, interest rates, etc. continue to suffocate you?  Become aggressive.  Avoid any borrowing.  Spend only what money is earned within the month.  My husband will say, "Give every dollar a name."  Get it on paper.  See with your eyes where every cent goes each month.  If you cannot hand the vendor cash - YOU DON'T NEED IT!  Avoid pleasing the flesh and have patience.  Our basic needs include: food, water, clothing and a roof over our head.  Anything beyond these items is pure pleasure.  Society loves to please oneself and "feel good".  We need satisfaction NOW.  Think about it. . .
Fast food
Credit til payday
Email
Purchase today, pay later
Credit, Credit, Credit

Refuse to allow this necessary evil to consume your joy.  Pleasures will satisfy, but soon fade away.  I read in a devotion yesterday, "Possessions can fill our houses but never our hearts."  Pleasing our flesh could deter us from God's Truth.  Our need for stuff supersedes our faith.  We keep searching for bigger and better to fill up a void.  Well, I am here to tell you, that void can only be filled with God and His Truth.  Nothing else will fit the part.  His love never fades, never leaves nor forsakes.  His peace lasts for eternity.  When we leave this world, our car, home, furniture, toys, etc. will not come with us.  But, God will always be with us.  He created our innermost being and desires to spend Eternity in Heaven with each of His children. 

He requires no monthly payments, no hidden fees exist, no tricky schemes appear and He wants nothing from you but faith.  Believe in Him, fill your whole being with faith and follow His Truth.  The way to freedom is spelled out neatly for you in one Book.  There is no fine print to read, no background check or score that will qualify you to receive His love.  It is FREE.  No strings attached.  Accept this gift and never again will you thirst or hunger.  You will be completely satisfied. 

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for blessing us with the needs and keep us from desiring flesh pleasing items.  You are here to fill us up daily with Truth, love, peace and comfort.  Thank You for directing our path and accepting us just as we come.  Continue to keep our eyes open as a family to avoid society's schemes for the need to "keep up with the Jone's".  I put my trust in You and give to You every dollar I earn here.  Place my money where it will further Your Kingdom.  Show me where to spend every cent.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig