Unless you haven’t eaten in recent months, or are wealthy enough that you just don’t care, food prices have been shooting off the charts, and apparently there's no end in sight! Here's another shot of good news. Its not just food, but fuel prices are rising at a pretty good clip, too. If you have a family, as I do, then you are probably no stranger to the pain of watching your family budget slowly crumble before your very eyes. Even if you are single with no dependents this has taken a step or two out of your stride, right?
I certainly could go on an on about the rising costs of living, but my goal here is not to depress you any more than I probably already have. Besides, there are a lot more authoritative economic resources online than I could ever be here on our ministry blog. Believe me!
Shortly after I stopped crying about my pretty small haul from the store (my kids were totally confused by my sobbing as I held on to the store receipt with a death grip.) Okay, it wasn't quite that dramatic, but I thought to myself, “What does God say about all of this?” So, I grabbed my bible and began looking for answers to my question.
Biblically speaking, there's quite a bit of information regarding food, money and finances. The bible talks a lot about food, finances and money. Why not? These items have always played a big part in our lives down through the ages. Agreed?
As an example (regarding money and finances), Luke 14:28 tells us that we shouldn’t just run out and do (or purchase) something without first checking to see if we can afford to do it. This line of thinking applies whether it has to do with buying groceries or our relationship with God. We need to make sure that we have enough to cover our cost. In other words, can we afford to finish what we start? I admit that I have been guilty of obtaining something first and worrying about it later. Sorry, but it is true!
A part that we sometimes tend to overlook is the fact that God offers us spiritual nourishment. We need spiritual nourishment as much, if not more, than any other type of nourishment in our lives. Yes, food is essential to our physical survival, but we can only receive spiritual nourishment from God. Micah 6:14 recounts the punishment that was handed out to Israel by God for its disobedience. I don’t think I'd want to push my luck like they (Israel) did!
In Isaiah 55: 2-3, God is speaking to a people that had been spinning further and further away from Him. The nation of Judah had been trying to do things their own way, and it wasn’t working very well for them at all. Hmmm...Turning our backs on God, trying to do things our way, not listening or talking to Him? Maybe this is sounding a little too familiar to you?
So, what is the point of all of this? It’s pretty simple, really. We need to take care of what God has given us. It doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about groceries, savings, or relationships with others. We shouldn’t take anything for granted, or foolishly think that we are running the show. Let’s appreciate what we have, and take care of it. It can all be taken away just like that (finger snapping!) Don’t squander what God has given you. Use it wisely. Help others who are in need. Allow God to guide you in everything you do. Trust me; He knows what he is doing. He's had a lot more practice at it than you or I!
Oh, yes. I almost forgot! I went online and found a few helpful websites that I would like to share with you. There are many, many online resources that cover these topics on all levels. But, I think you’ll find some pretty good information, advice, tips, etc., on the sites I have listed below. Have fun checking them out!
Prices and Coupons: http://pricesandcoupons.com/ (Prices and Coupons combines coupons and comparison shopping, automatically taking into account any applicable coupons and discount codes to give you the best possible deal every time.)
Money Saving Mom: http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/need-a-grocerybudget.html
(Helping You Be a Better Home Economist)
$5 Dollar Dinners: http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/05/grocery-budget-makeover.html
(Grocery Budget Makeover from Erin the $5 Dinner Mom)
Moolanomy: http://www.moolanomy.com/4273/how-to-shrink-your-grocery-budget-without-sacrificing-quality-kmulligan/
(Earn More. Spend Less. Live Smarter)
Budget Calculator: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/personalfinance/gradbudgetcalculator.htm
(household budget calculator)
Love to Know: http://save.lovetoknow.com/How_to_Prepare_a_Grocery_Shopping_Budget
(How to prepare a grocery shopping budget)
Deuteronomy 8:11
Love and peace always,
Maryann
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