Ka-Ching-Onomics: "Stash"

Series: Ka-Ching-Onomics
“Stash” By John Burke - February 25, 2007

This week John continues the series about our financial health. The lessons so far have been so practical, so personal, and so real – and so we’ll keep with that approach for this exercise. This message zeros in on getting the financial freedom God intends for us, not just now, but for the future too. But some reality checks might be useful to get there:

1. We might as well start with a reality check about how we feel about money: Do you think you have enough money? Why or why not?

Which of the following best describes “enough” for you:
a) Just the Basics: food, shelter, transportation, etc.
b) Basics “Plus”: a “nice” level of the above, plus some for fun
c) Basic “Platinum” … Answer b with some extra for giving to others and for causes
d) No such thing – I always want more
e) Other: _______________

Take some time to discuss in your group, what is “enough” in general and what is enough for you. (10 – 15 minutes)

2. Next reality check: Could God give you more? What are some reasons He might WANT to give you more and some reasons He might NOT want to give you more? Share in the group what could be the good and bad things about having more. Do you notice any patterns in the answers? Note these before you go on, particularly if there is any connection between your material health and your spiritual health. (10 – 15 minutes)

3. In the message, John showed us how every dollar bill says “In God we Trust”. SO, (this is a really hard reality check...): Do you TRUST that God wants your best when it comes to YOUR dollar bills?

Some follow-on questions:
a. If you said “yes” above, do you feel like you live that way? Have you given over that area of your life to God’s direction and if not, are you willing to GET His direction?
b. If you said “no” to the question above, the next question is why not? (It’s OK to say "No". Just thinking about “why not?” can be really helpful. Some possible reasons are below – but you might have something different. Either way, do try to identify the why not for you.)

Possible reasons not to trust God in finances:

• I don’t really believe that God is interested in things like my money
• He would ask me to spend on something I don’t want to spend on
• He would ask me to give up something I don’t want to give up
• I’ve just never really thought about it
• It would take a long-range plan – and I’m not very good at the long-term
• It would take too many changes and I’m not willing to go there right now.
  

Stop and reflect on this for a minute. Do you think God is telling you anything right now about your finances? If so, write down what you're thinking. Share with the others in the group as you feel comfortable. (10 minutes)

4. Next week John will deal more with the 10-10-80 details, but for now, what about the 10% for yourself? The Beatles had a song about “when I’m 64”. That seems like a good age to target: Have you ever pictured yourself being 64? What do you think your life will be like then? (If you ARE 64 or more.. you can think about what you might have thought about being that age when you were younger). What could be the difference in having “paid yourself” the 10% when you get to that point? What “freedom” would you have if you had a “stash”? Share with others about this as you wish. (10 minutes)

5. There were a lot of different things to focus on today – and for some, age 64 might seems like a VERY long way away. So what might be good now, is to just stop for 2-3 minutes and talk to God. Is He telling you anything about how you approach money? Whether you can really trust HIM to love you in the way you order your money and spending? Whether you are being prompted at this point to take the first steps to build a stash? If there is a message in any of these things, write down what you are hearing from God, and then, right now, plan a time to take 10 more minutes sometime in the week to either talk more to Him about what He would have you do next, or to take that first/next step He is prompting you to take now.
(5 minutes)

Scripture verses from the message:

“The wise person saves for the future, but the foolish person spends up all he has.”
Proverbs 21:20

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Proverbs 3:9-10

“When you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God…You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
Deuteronomy 8:12-14, 17-18

“Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.”
Haggai 1:5-7

“Since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands…Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter…Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
Proverbs 6:3-8

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19

Other Bible reading:
“The wise person saves for the future, but the foolish person spends up all he has.”
Proverbs 21:20.

Related Next-Step Resources:
Good Sense Workshop - Gateway U: March 9 & 10.
Sign up and get more info here.

Other readings on financial health:
Financial Peace Revisited by David Ramsey
Total Money Makover by David Ramsey
Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn

(all available at Gateway's Bookstore)

Ka-Ching-Onomics: "Plastic"

Series: Ka-Ching-Onomics: " Plastic"
February 18, 2007 - Ted Beasley

Last week’s message laid out the foundation for understanding money issues in our life… what role material possessions play – and what God tells us about real treasure and where we can find it. This week Ted talked to us about a very practical challenge in getting our real lives lined up with the reality of God’s treasures. Assuming God has worked on our heart to change our attitude about “stuff”, we might still have a lot of life-litter left, and some of it might require some big payments. So let’s talk about debt:

This is a difficult topic to talk about with other people. Just today (02-18-07) the Austin-American Statesman had a front page article about people who talk about their debt issues in on-line blogs, but can’t talk to their own family members about them. It’s a sensitive issue. So, for starters, let’s remind ourselves that our best and safest focus is what God thinks, not what other people think… and this exercise is about letting Him tell us what He thinks. (And as always… ALL sharing is voluntary!)

1. Maybe a good way to start, would be to think about why this is an important topic to God. Spend a few minutes talking about the “price” we pay if we let debt build up in our lives – usually way above and beyond the interest charged. Share a specific, real experience (either now or in the past) about problems caused by debt, for you or someone else you’ve known (without names or identifying features if someone else!). (10 – 15 minutes)

2. Since this series is about freedom – let’s also talk about some personal examples of the freedom we can have if we DON’T have to deal with debt: Think for a minute about something you spent money on in the last few weeks that you really felt good about; or alternatively, something you REALLY wanted to do, but couldn’t because of debt overload. (These can be “eternal” investments - things that we know God was prompting us to do or we knew were the right thing to do, or they can just be normal, personal things.) Identify what was the delight/blessing you think you got from the experience or that you missed if your hands were tied by debt. Share these and use the discussion to get a focus on what a debt-free life looks like. If possible, make a list. (15 – 20 minutes)

3. Let’s carry on a bit with the freedom picture: does the idea of freedom from debt look good, but seem too far away, or too hard to get there? Maybe a “case study” could help. Are you someone who has made the climb out of debt? If so, give a short synopsis of your story: Where you were, what triggered your behavior change, how you got started in getting free, and where you are now. If no one in the group has a debt story, no worries… God works other kind of miracles that can be encouraging: Let one person who has been able to change from a seemingly impossible habit, talk about their story. Have you had an experience like that? Think for a minute about whether you can believe that God can change your circumstances if debt is a problem with your name on it. (10 minutes)

4. Now, let’s get specific and personal: To use Ted’s expression: Is your “clue phone” ringing on debt? If so, do you feel comfortable putting that on the table right now? (Since the focus here is debt, try to stay with that focus if you can, but if you are sure that’s not your problem right now, do you have a different clue phone ringing? If so, you can finish the exercise, with that in mind.) Take time to share any “ah-ha” with the group on what your message is, as time permits and you feel comfortable. (10 minutes)

5. If you do think God is prompting you to answer the phone right now, just pause for 2-3 minutes and take a message:

• What is He telling you your life could be like if you let Him help you make a change?
• What “next step” is He prompting you take within in the next three days to start down the road?
• Can you commit to taking time to go to God about this and to think more about what steps should come after that first step – a plan?
  
  Write that down any commitment you’ve made along with any action ideas, and also write down two "God appointment times" to take step #1, and then to work out a plan. Commit to keeping that paper with you until you’ve fulfilled the commitments. Be sure to ask for God’s power in whatever next steps He has for you. (5 minutes)
  

Scripture verses from the message:

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

“But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven.”
John 3: 12-13

“After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!” "
Luke 15: 15-17

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. "
Proverbs 27:12

“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Proverbs 14:23

“Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.”
Proverbs 6:5

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15: 20-24

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us...”
Ephesians 3:20

Other Scripture passages:

Matthew 7: 24 – 29
(Where do we build our lives?….)

Related Next-Step Resources:

Good Sense Workshop - Gateway U: March 9 & 10.

• Sign up and get more info here.

Other readings on financial health:

• Financial Peace Revisited by David Ramsey
• Total Money Makover by David Ramsey
• Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn

(all available at Gateway's Bookstore)

Ka-Ching-Onomics: "Stuff"

Series: Kachingonomics
"Stuff" by Ted Beasley - February 11, 2007

In the message today, Ted talked about how we can get some distorted views about the value of money and things and whether "stuff" can give us what we want in our lives. Let’s try to make these ideas personal.

1. Think about the following idea for a minute: What does money mean to you in your life? Try to come up with a metaphor/comparison of what money is to you. (Fill in the blank: To me, money is like _________ ... For example: a can of paint – because you can use it to cover up dirty spots.) If nothing comes to you, see if you can choose something from the list below.

A) A Sugar Daddy: Not having to worry about paying the bills
B) An Enforcer: Being able to get other people to do things my way
C) American Express Platinum: Having people respect me
D) "The root of all evil": Something that eats up your soul
E) Aspirin: Makes the pain go away
D) Gasoline: A way to keep moving through life
G) Fertilizer: something to spread around and make things grow

Write down as many things as you like that capture what money “means” to you. Then share a bit about at least one. (10 minutes)

2. Now, let’s get even more specific: Is there some “thing” that has been high on your personal wish-list for a long time - or something that you think would absolutely delight you? Write that down and then write down what you think will make you happy about having it. (Be honest… you wouldn’t want it if you didn’t think it would give you something of value.) Now, pair off (if you are in a group) and tell a partner what that "thing" is and why you'd like to have it. (5 minutes)

3. Now, still with your discussion partner... have you ever wanted something for a long time and finally gotten it? What was that experience like? (5 minutes)

4. Based on the paired discussions above, take some time in the larger group to share some thoughts about our desires, the kinds of enjoyment we hope to get from “things”, and what it feels like to get something we REALLY wanted. (10 – 15 minutes)

5. Now, let’s shift gears and take Ted’s suggestion from the message: Look back over the last few weeks, and try to identify a time when you experienced true satisfaction. Can you point to some moments, big or small, in which you experienced a real sense of fullness in life? Can you explain what made it special? Pair up again and spend some time describing those expericences to your partner. (5 – 10 minutes)

6. Finally, let’s put these ideas together (Your material “wants”, what you hope to get from them, and the things that really satisfy you). Ted talked about Satan’s lies about what will make you happy. Can you identify one lie that you have a tendency to fall for? Share that with your discussion partner. After each of you shares, the two of you work together to come up with an “answer” to each of your "lie issues". (i.e., Try to find a "Truth" about how to really get that wish met, apart from the "stuff". For example, a "truth" answer to the idea that money will give you influence is to think of the most influential people in your life: they were probably people who were full of character, not people who had a lot of money. Another answer could be that no influence we have in this life will last except the things that God works through us. ) (10 - 15 minutes)

Next Steps
If you come up with a "Truth" you think will be useful to you, write that down on a small piece of paper or index card and carry it around with you. During the next week, if you find yourself thinking about that “thing” you want… take out your truth and read it. Then ask God to help you want things that do satisfy - HIS things... and thank Him when you get those moments of true fullfilment.

Scripture verses from the Message:

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
Luke 12:15

“Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!”
Luke 12:24

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2

“Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.”
II Corinthians 4:4

“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”
I John 5:19:

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. "
I Timothy 6:6

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. "
I Timothy 6:17

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it . . . 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."
I Timothy 6:7 and 10

"Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. "
I Timothy 6:18-19

Other Bible passages:
Genesis 2 and Genesis 3

I Corinthians 13

Related Next-Step Resources:

Other reading on the topic:

• Financial Peace Revisited by David Ramsey
• Total Money Makeover by David Ramsey
• Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn
  

(all available at Gateway's Bookstore)

Prior Sunday message on The Lombardi Trophy and the Parrot - February 4, 2007 (audio available at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive)

02.04.2007 - The Lombardi Trophy & the Parrot

The Lombardi Trophy & the Parrot
February 4, 2007 by Rick Shurtz
Audio Available Online (mp3 format)

In the message, Rick talked about our passions in life, our goals, and how we prepare to reach them. Let’s explore some of these ideas.

1. Rick described Troy Aikman’s response to winning the Superbowl as “Now what?” Have you ever had a time when you finally achieved a long sought-after goal? What did that feel like to you? What did you do next? Take time to describe the events and the emotions. (10 – 15 minutes)

2. What about right now? Is there a goal you have in your life right now that you would call a “passion”? (You can take Rick’s suggestion and ask “If someone else were to observe my life right now, what would they identify as my Lombardi Trophy?” Or - if there is someone you’re doing these discussion questions with who knows you well, you could ask for their insights into what your passion might be). If you know – or have an idea of your passion, describe that a bit, and if possible, explain what makes that goal so desirable for you. PLEASE remember… the “right” answer is just the “real” answer.

If your don’t have a “passion” now, do you have any thoughts about why not, and whether you’re OK with that?

(10 – 15 minutes)

3. Rick talked about the difference between making small things big things, and making big things big things. We probably all know people who do one or the other. Think of an example of someone who does one of these two things (i.e., someone who makes small things big or someone who makes a big deal out of big things). Without naming names, or giving identifying information, take some time to describe that person and their behavior. (10 – 15 minutes)

4. In the message, Rick described the small things as temporary (parrots) and big things as those that have eternal value. What are things that have “eternal value” anyway? Share a bit on what you think that means. (5 minutes)

Now, think about these options:
A) There is something that I would call a “passion” in my life that I think fits the definition of having “eternal value”?
B) There is some area where God has “tickled” something in my heart or mind… something I think could be a passion – or I’d like to be a passion, that has eternal value, but I have not pursued it yet.
C) I can’t really pinpoint anything that I could get that jazzed about that seems to have eternal value… but I’d really like to find something that does.
D) No thanks – not right now.

NOW – take about 5 minutes and write down some thoughts:

If you answered A or B… write down what your passion item is and then write down where your “training” is, or could be next?
If you answer C, write down a prayer that asks for God’s direction and write some possible next steps in finding a passion from Him.
If you answered D, write down the “why”… do you know your reasons why this is not very attractive to you now?

If you have time left, you can take some time to share your answers above as you are comfortable.

Similar to Rick’s message, these options really have to do with your willingness to “go deeper” in your relationship with God. The real question is whether you have that desire and if not, whether you’re willing to let God develop that desire in you. Either way it’s worth talking to God about.

Take your written comments and either spend some time right now to tell them to God silently - if not now, commit to finding 10 minutes in your week to talk with God about them then. If you have any clear direction, be sure to write it down and begin the next steps in “training”.

Message Verses:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last. But we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1 Corinthians 9:24–25, NIV

Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV

Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I discipline myself…so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV

Other relevant Bible Verses:
Hebrews 12:1–11
Isaiah 40:29–31


Next Steps?
Maybe God is prompting you to….

• Consider joining a Gateway Community Group or a Gateway Small Group
• Take a Gateway U class
• Join a serving team
• Find a personal Bible Study plan
• Read a book on some aspect of following Christ or other spiritual development
• You can get other ideas at the Way of Christ website