A Time to Change: Managing What We Do Part 2

My last post was very direct and meant to spark an immediate thought process for you. It weighted heavy on my heart it would be taken harshly. I write out of what is shown and given to me. It was done out of love and concern.  My messages are always intended to encourage and enlighten. I hope that everyone is considering doing a self-check on how you can live better and increase your work for Christ.  We will move on with understanding the urgency of making a change in 2020.  The coronavirus (COVID-19) is another wound added to the fight to be right with Jesus Christ.  We will survive, and endure the aches of growth in time.

Give God praise and honor for another day. Today, you have an opportunity to rethink, recharge, and succeed in your new journey. Let’s take a look at managing our spending for this crisis and moving forward. Stay in prayer for guidance.

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”   ~ Zephaniah 3:17

Start with reviewing your spending habits. What type of items are we purchasing or services we are paying for currently?  Do a quick inventory of your purchases of “I wanted items” and “I/we needed items.” Do you see an unbalanced list of more “wants” compared to things that are truly needed? Decide what things you can start to eliminate.  Specifically, things you have not used in 9 months or more (e.g., gym membership).  Review service plans to consider a less expensive package, unless you use all the benefits consistently and they are needed. 

Spending on the absolutely needed items are your next challenge. Prices are on the rise due to the current state of the nation.  Use practical techniques to expand the use of your money.  Purchase food items that can give you a meal for 2-3 days. Yes, it will be time to take the tasty steak and crab cakes off the grocery list for a month or two.  Eliminate the five course meals to help reduce cost. Treat yourself with healthy snacks in moderation between meals as needed. Plan your meals for the week.  It will help you with purchasing only needed items when you return to the grocery store. The bonus will be that you can control the increase in your grocery bill on food purchases, not the price.

Warning to the online shoppers…stay focused.  Many companies are offering sales and deals on all kinds of items.  Be realistic with your spending. We are housebound for the moment. Think twice on things that you could have used when you were able to adhere to your regular daily schedule. Save it for later. Your regular budget is taking a big hit for a little while.

You can do this with confidence and grace.  No fear and no worries, put God first.

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”  ~Psalm 34:4

Always remember: Our God is FAITHFUL!  Who will you TRUST? 

Stay Focused and Be Blessed!