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"But I Have No Money To Give!" Why Not?
Transform Your Lifestyle to Free Up Cash
John the Baptist said, "The one who has two coats
should give to him who has none."
Ralph Winters said, "We are called to a wartime, not a peacetime
lifestyle."
We need to live simply so others may
simply live.
We must choose to spend less, save before buying and go without!
Start Saving
Today!
- Create a sacrifice box in your home with pictures of
the poor or missionaries on it. When you're at the store and about
to buy something you don't need, put it back and drop the money
in the box when you get home. Once a month count it up and send
it off for the unreached or the desperately poor, perhaps sponsoring
a child to have food and schooling. (Check with International
Children's Care (ICC) at 1-800-ICC-PRAY or www.forhiskids.org;
Reach International at (616) 471-7460 or www.reach.org)
- Cut back on eating out. Pack a lunch instead. Sure it
takes time, but it can mean someone truly starving gets to eat.
- Eat more fresh vegies and fruits, cutting back on meat
and processed foods.
- Stock up on sales, visit discount stores.
- Have a family "Make Fun of Commercials Night." Examine
TV and magazine ads to catch the lies "You need MORE to be happy!"
Take time to be thankful for everything you already have.
- Change your recreation to less-expensive options. Go
to the park or the beach instead of a movie or amusement park.
Revive fun group games and activities.
- Attack your debt. Why waste God's money on the high
interest of credit cards. Debt is the chain that imprisons our
service. Cut up your cards! Refuse to buy until you've saved the
money. (Is it really that hard when you know someone else is going
to hear about Jesus because you waited?) At least charge only
what you know you can pay off completely each month. Don't buy
on impulse – check your closet and your garage first. Then
ask "Would Jesus buy this?" (Hey why not add WJBT to WWJD)? You
can learn how to manage your finances better: Check out www.cfcministry.org
and Debtors Anonymous (415) 522-9099.
- Don't buy him another tie for Christmas! Instead buy
a gift for the poor in his honor through ADRA's "Really Useful
Gift Catalog" (1-800-424-ADRA or www.adra.org).
- Click your mouse and feed a hungry person at www.thehungersite.com.
- Read more in Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger,
Ronald J. Sider, Word Publishing.
The U.S. consumes 22% of the world's resources
while being only about 6% of its population. Shouldn't we do something
about that now?!
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