G.R.A.C.E. MINISTRY

It's payday, time to pay bills.  This can be a frustrating day.  Which bills do you pay first, how much can you spend on the things you want?  Well, the answer is simple IF you have a budget. Budgeting your paycheck is a matter of planning how to distribute your money.  You determine what expenses you have, and what things you want to plan for in the future.  Where many of us get lost is, not know where the money is actually going.  We spend money unconscientiously aware of how much those little things add up. But, if you have a budget, you know exactly where every dollar goes.  For example; if you are paid weekly and your check is $1000.  That's $4,000 a month.  If your household expenses; rent/mortgage, utilities, insurances etc. total $2500, that leaves you $1500 for other expenses, and savings.  However, if you spend blindly, say in vending machines, eating out on the run, you can overextend yourself without realizin...

I’ve completed the first of what I hope to be several financial money management books; Whose Money Is It?   In this book, what I tried to accomplish was identify some of the reasons we have trouble with managing money.   Instead of focusing on the obvious: the economy, job loss, unexpected expenses etc, I turned my attention inward.   To the individual, and the causes of our misstep in finances.   Isn’t it funny how we have money to do the things we want to do, but when it comes to tithing or paying bills, we’re broke.   No money to be found.   I see men and women wearing designer items, but are deep in debt, and have nothing left over for God.   The thing is, God doesn’t want our left overs.   He wants our first, our hearts, our minds, our focus.   God wants all of us, period.   But, we have other ideas, don’t we? In my book, I explore the areas of our heart, our focus, our idols, yes we do have idols.   The car, or house, ...

When writing my latest book Whose Money Is It?, I tried to explore the possibility of there being a root cause to why we have so many challenges handling our finances.  As human beings, we are basically selfish people.  We want what we want, when we want it.  When you look at a photo you're in, who is the first person you look for?  If you guessed, yourself, you're correct.  Then if you don't like your picture, don't you want a do over?  We handle our finances in the same way.  We think we should have complete control over what we spend, and how we spend it.  But is that what God wants?  If you get a change, take a look at the preview of Whose Money Is It? and share your thoughts on the subject, and the material.  Book Preview

Matthew 25:14-18 - Parable of the Talents “ For it is just like a man who was about to take a journey, and he called his servants together and entrusted them with his possessions.   To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and then he went on his journey.   The one who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he [made a profit and] gained five more. Likewise the one who had two [made a profit and] gained two more. But the one who had received the one went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money ." What comes to mind when you read this parable?   Did you notice that the man gave talents (money) to his servants based on their ability?   One received five, one received two, and one received only one.   What does that say about those individuals ability and their work ethic?   If you read the account of when the man returned to see what h...

G.R.A.C.E.  Ministry has started a fund raising campaign to raise money for supporting the evangelist efforts of the organization.  G.R.A.C.E.   is a nonprofit ministry; however it has not yet obtained its 501c3 status.  The funds raised by the campaign will aid in obtaining this status and be better positioned to apply for grant and foundation funding for future projects.  The funds donated will also be used to cover various memberships, publishing costs for G.R.A.C.E.  Publishing and marketing efforts.  It is the goal of G.R.A.C.E.   to impact the community in three distinct areas; outlined below. Please consider partnering with G.R.A.C.E.   by financially supporting the organization and become part of what God is doing in the life of G.R.A.C.E.   Financial Ministry.   You can donate any amount by going to the link https://www.gofundme.com/G.R.A.C.E. 20 , no amount is too small and all monies will be used in the service...

Share the Responsibility Make sure you're not the only member of your household concerned about your budget. If you're working hard to save money, but your spouse is out spending you into debt, you're fighting a losing battle. Sit down together and make a plan to determine how much each of you will have for spending money.   Remember, finances are a major cause of stress and strife in a relationship. Cut Bad Habits Whether it's alcohol or tobacco, if you use much of either, you know how expensive bad habits can be. Stop smoking and drinking, and put the beer/cigarette money toward your other expenses. You'll see your bills come down and your physical health will improve as well. Use Cash Take out enough cash to last one week at a time; it’s much easier to turn down a $60 pair of shoes when it will take the last of your week's cash.   It’s an eye opening experience to realize how much you really spend when you start spending only cash, and not sw...

Questions??? Why is it people are quicker to go shopping, by a lottery ticket or something else that has no signficant affect on another person's life, but if you ask for a donation for something that could help someone else, like old clothes for someone who is working to re-enter the work force, or food to help supply a food shelter, or feed the homeless, then all of a sudden they don't have any money?  Where are their prorities?  Have we become so self absorbed we don't care about those who are less fortunate?