Incomings

Section 9

“That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord.”

In this section we take bold steps to bring the loose ends of our financial world together into one manageable system. The lists of tasks on the Financial Preparedness worksheets are compiled from many sources including scripture, church counsel and professional financial counsel. Completing the tasks on each worksheet will help you to be able to rebuild your financial world in the aftermath a great emergency. We gather, make copies and digital files and place them in strategic places such as in a safe deposit box and with a relative outside of the state in the event that your own copies were lost or destroyed.

We appreciate the difficult task it is to heed the prophet’s counsel and the many other warnings voiced by numerous financial planners to get out of debt, stay out of debt and commit to living within your means, even when temptation may pull you down the path of financial instability. As you embark on any new discipline set small goals for yourself. Follow the worksheets as a guideline and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you as you prioritize and complete each task. Check them off and I know you will feel as I did your Heavenly Father’s acknowledgement that you are following his counsel.

During this process, as with any act of obedience, you are going to encounter opposing forces. The tasks require time. Where can you find the time? The tasks seem to require more money than you have available to you. Where will you find the money? These opposing forces might even cause disagreements with your spouse even though you are both in agreement to go forward in this great work of building financial stability for your family. When you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, this may be the adversary’s attempts to keep you from gaining control over your life. He may even try to lull you to believe that “all is well,” and you can get to your financial preparedness tomorrow, what’s the hurry? With any worthwhile task, the adversary will discourage you, offer you excuses and put up hurdles that appear to be insurmountable, but remember to “keep your eye single to the glory of God. “ When there are not just the enemy’s taunting, but actual events in your daily life, such as job loss, illness, loss of a loved one if you keep your perspective from a heavenly point of view you will be able to feel the peace that passes all understanding that comes from staying in tune with the Spirit and being obedient to his promptings. There is no better promise that this!

I know that you can overcome any obstacle and become financially fit on a step by step basis. I know that completing the worksheets and discussing them with your spouse will bring peace of mind to both of you and improve your communication over all. In the face of some challenges, you may have to restructure or rethink your budget and your financial goals. Remember to have faith. God is aware of your situation. Don’t take your eye off the goal. Your goal is to check off every one of the tasks on these worksheets. It may take longer than you planned, but you can still progress a little every day. You may have little stumbles to prevent you from meeting your time frames, but let your subconscious work on them without worrying. The Spirit will help you to know what to do next.

Allow your spouse to be a part of this financial cleansing process. Let him or her know what documentation you have so they can assist in your progress and help you compile the things you still need. Talk about it, bring each other up to date and input the week’s financial activities at a designated time every week such as immediately following Family Home Evening. It will be a great encouragement to you together when you are aware that you are both problem solving and working toward a common goal of completing your financial to do lists.

We are in tumultuous financial times and there may even be darker financial clouds on the horizon, but there will be no need to fear when you and your family are prepared. Your lamps will be trimmed and full of oil. Work to build your strength and endurance in all three dimensions of health: body, mind and spirit, and I know the great task of putting your financial house in order will be within your grasp.

Dale Foster
CFO of 3DHealth.net