Income Vs. Outgo

Kingdom wealth is really not about the income, it's about not wasting what we do have. So many people think if they just made more money all their money troubles would be over, but Scripturally that notion doesn't hold water. Scripture tells us if we are faithful in the little things, we will be given much. G-d is not going to give us more of what we already cannot handle.

To usher in the wealth of the kingdom in your life, I'm not going to deceive you with that old prosperity teaching of the nineties. Clearly it was flawed and has failed. I'm not so sure that teaching wasn't a catalyst to the economic calamity suffered in this country. We all know preachers were talking more about money than politicians and bankers were talking about G-d. Yet I digress . . . The wealth of the kingdom or lack thereof lies in three areas of each of our lives, because we already know YHWH has promised to provide.

The three areas of our lives that need adjusting from this world economy to kingdom economy is, desires, priorities, and talents management or skills. As to desires, we are told in Psalms if we delight in YHWH, HE will give us the desires of our heart. I've heard more than one person say, I delighted in Him and He didn't give me what I wanted. The answer to that is simple. You didn't' delight honestly or long enough. When we truly delight in YHWH, we find our desire to be Him, and when our desire is Him, the other things simply no longer have priority. I am not talking about being so heavenly minded, we're no earthly good. He knows we have responsibilities and He's promised to meet our need, the key word here was desire. Are we desiring something that is glorifying to Him and edifying to the body? I've been amazed at the desires He's reminded me of and the changes He's made in my heart to more fully understand those desires. Once we seek Him, truly desire Him, our desires align with the plan and purpose for which we were created.

Delight thyself also in YHWH; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4

And that changes our priorities . . .

Once our priorities change, our time and money management begin to change. Once we see what we truly desire, rather than behaving like children in a toy store looking at the kid on the next aisle, we realize change is needed. We already knew we wanted things to be different, but now with His glory as our desire, we become willing to re-prioritize. The next thing we know, we start looking at other kids on other aisles that seem more content, that aren't throwing the "I want" fits. We get a glimpse of the bigger picture and the next step on the path to the destination we truly desire. Once we get a glimpse of the desire of YHWH and His will for our life, our priorities move from temporal to lasting, from momentary to the next generation, from hay and stubble to refined precious metals. The next thing we know, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get moving toward making it happen.

And to know the love of Messiah, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of G-d. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:19,20

Which involves our talents and or skills. The parable of the talents tells us, even when it's wasted and hidden, everyone is given at least one. Perhaps you don't think your talent will sustain you financially. Maybe it won't. YHWH isn't dependent upon you. You will find though that once you want to use that talent to bring Him glory, other things in life will either fall away or fall into place around His glory and the use of your talent to that end. As a writer and a homesteader, I can tell you, I'm not making money hand over fist, at all! I am however, not spending money at the grocery store, on cable bills, or entertainment, or vices, or boredom. My life is full, I'll be busy til long after dark tonight and tomorrow YHWH willing, I have big garden plans and more writing to accomplish.

But my G-d shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Messiah Y'hshuwah. Philippians 4:19

If I were to help someone start a budget in life, my best advice would simply be, stop spending what you don't need. I could go into a number of details about what I don't buy, but we each have to determine that in our own heart before YHWH. I will tell you, I have done the math on this. I started a business in October of 2011, as a cash operation on very little. It's not a Fortune 500 Company, but it made enough that I'm showing a profit for 2012. It's succeeding because YHWH told me to start it, and because it's something I enjoy doing.

As I said, my income is certainly not large, but in growing my own food, making my own soap, and working from home, I am content in my life to the point I don't need extra entertainment. YHWH has promised to provide our need. It is up to us to be content in His provision.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. I Timothy 6:6-8