Finances

“My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, KJV)

Have you ever felt like saving money is just impossible? Like no matter how hard you try, it disappears faster than you can stash it away? Bills pile up, unexpected expenses hit, and just when you think you're ahead—boom, something else pops up.

We get it!

Maybe you've said something like:
"I can't save money because I don't make enough."
"I can't save money because I have too many expenses."
"I can't save money because I have no self-control."

But what if we told you that, just like Moses standing at the burning bush doubting himself, there's a "but" waiting for you too?

Let’s talk about practical, real-life ways to take control of your finances. Are you ready? Here we go:


1. "I Can't Save Because I Don't Make Enough"
But... What if you started small?

Some people think saving money means setting aside huge amounts. But saving isn’t about how much—it’s about consistency. Even if it's just $5 a week, it adds up.

If you save $5 a week, in a year, that's $260. Not life-changing, but it’s a start. And here's the kicker—small habits lead to bigger changes. Just like Moses in the wilderness, you don’t see the full picture at first. But obedience in the small things leads to big things.

• Try the "round-up method"—use an app that rounds up your purchases and saves the spare change.
• Save $1 more each week—Week 1: $1, Week 2: $2, Week 3: $3. By the end of the year, you’ll have $1,378 saved!

God isn’t asking you to save huge amounts right away. He’s just asking you to start.


2. "I Can't Save Because I Have Too Many Expenses"
But... What if you controlled what you can?

Some expenses are necessary. You need a place to live, food to eat, and gas to get to work. But not everything is a necessity.

• Audit Your Spending – Ever looked at your bank statements and wondered, where did it all go? Take 15 minutes and highlight every non-essential expense. That’s your starting point.
• The 24-Hour Rule – Before buying anything non-essential, wait 24 hours. If you still want it tomorrow, maybe it’s worth it. If not, you just saved money.
• Cut Subscriptions – How many streaming services do you really need? If you’re paying for something you rarely use, cancel it.

Moses had to leave Egypt before he could step into his calling. Sometimes, you have to let go of things to walk into financial freedom.


3. "I Can't Save Because I Have No Self-Control"
But... What if you made saving automatic?

Listen, discipline is hard. I don’t trust myself to remember to floss every night, let alone save money. So instead of relying on willpower, take yourself out of the equation.

• Automate savings – Set up your bank to move a small amount to a separate account every payday before you even see it. You won’t miss what you don’t touch.
• Use cash for spending – Studies show people spend less when they use actual cash instead of swiping a card. Try the envelope system: put budgeted cash into labeled envelopes (groceries, entertainment, eating out). When it's gone, it's gone.

God told Moses, “I will be with you.” You don’t have to do this alone. Make a plan, automate it, and trust the process.


4. "I Can't Save Because Life Keeps Throwing Curveballs"
But... What if you had a safety net?
Emergencies will happen. The car breaks down. A medical bill shows up. A job gets lost. If we expect the unexpected, we can be prepared for it.

• Start a small emergency fund – Even $500 can keep you from going into debt when life hits hard.
• Think long-term – Every time you save, you’re building your future self a safety net. You wouldn’t climb a mountain without a rope, right? Think of saving as securing your rope before the climb.

Final Thoughts: "I Can't Save, But..."
Saving money isn’t about being rich—it’s about being wise. It’s about trusting God, making small, consistent choices, and setting yourself up for the future.
Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful with little will be faithful with much.” (Luke 16:10)
So maybe today, you’re only saving $5 a week. Maybe you're just cutting one subscription. Maybe you're learning to pause before you spend.
It doesn’t matter how small—it matters that you start.
Because "I can't save money" stops being true...
When you add the "but."
Let’s pray.

I thank you, Lord, that you are made unto us wisdom in how to handle finances properly. We ask you, Lord, for this wisdom and thank you that you are also made unto us provision. We thank you, Lord, that you are that Good Father and we thank you for this provision, in Jesus name!

Debt is a growing problem, and it's hitting closer to home than we’d like to admit.
If you're feeling overwhelmed financially, wondering how you’re going to make ends meet while juggling credit cards, car loans, and bills that seem to multiply—you’re not alone. A recent report shows that the average American carries over $40,000 in personal debt (not even counting student loans or mortgages). Throw those in, and we’re looking at close to $90,000 owed per person—that’s more than double what most households make in a year.
Let that sink in.

Debt isn’t just a financial burden. It’s a spiritual one. It steals our peace, drains our joy, and weighs down our potential. Proverbs 22:7 tells us, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” And that’s exactly what debt does—it enslaves.
But bondage isn’t your birthright. Freedom is.

No One Plans for Bondage
No one wakes up and thinks, “You know what sounds fun today? Crushing credit card debt.” It starts small—a swipe here, a splurge there. But before you know it, what once felt manageable starts feeling like a mountain. That weekend trip you financed? Long gone. But the payments? They’re still coming. Debt can make joyful seasons feel like survival mode. Christmas becomes a crisis. Birthdays bring stress, not celebration. The weight of debt doesn’t just hit your wallet—it hits your heart, your relationships, your future. But here’s the good news: you can break free.

Breaking the Cycle: Practical Steps Toward Financial Freedom
Freedom from debt won’t happen overnight—but it will happen with intentionality, focus, and discipline. Here are a few steps to start the journey:

1. Face It Honestly
Stop avoiding your bank app. Make a full list of what you owe—credit cards, personal loans, car payments, everything. You can’t fix what you won’t face.

2. Create a Real Budget
Every dollar needs a name. Use a simple budgeting system that tells your money where to go before the month even starts. A budget isn’t restriction—it’s direction.

3. Cut What’s Unnecessary
Streaming services, dining out, random Amazon buys—cut what you can. Remember, this is a season of sacrifice for a lifetime of freedom.

4. Snowball or Avalanche the Debt
Use the Debt Snowball Method (pay off the smallest balance first) for motivation, or the Avalanche Method (pay the highest interest rate first) for efficiency. Pick one and get consistent.

5. Find Accountability
You don’t have to do this alone. Get with someone who can walk with you—whether it’s a financial coach, a mentor, or your church family.

6. Pray for Wisdom and Discipline
God cares about your finances. James 1:5 says that if we need wisdom, we should ask—and He’ll give it generously. Invite God into your financial decisions.

The Road to Freedom
Here’s the truth: debt-free living is possible. As you start to pay down your debt, your confidence will grow. Your credit score will rise. Your peace will return. Your generosity will expand. And best of all? You’ll begin to live with margin. And margin leads to mission. When you’re not tied down by payments, you’re free to say “yes” to the things God is calling you to.
You were never meant to live in bondage.
You were made for freedom.