Wisdom. Stature.  Favor.

Grow in Financial Wisdom

Luke 2:41-52

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

⁴¹ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. ⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. ⁴³ And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,⁴⁴ but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, ⁴⁵ and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. ⁴⁶ After three days(I know Pastor Ted said God is with us, until He wasn’t for three days) they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. ⁴⁸ And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”⁴⁹ And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” ⁵⁰ And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.⁵¹ And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Wow the son of God had room to increase for 18 years….from 12 to 30. 

Not in a public ministry, not in the public eye, nothing is recorded.

What was he doing, increasing in wisdom, and stature, and favor with God and man.

There is so much to be said as we meditate on the verse in January.  You can mediate that even in those moments and years of your life where you think God is not doing anything, He is.  Nothing is wasted.  You could mediate on that word increase and ask yourself if you are increasing.  I know that is about Jesus, it’s his story but I love what Corrie Ten Boone says

Wisdom:  Knowledge and the capacity to make due use of it.

In Proverbs you say the word wisdom 46 times in that book alone.  That is more times than there are chapters.  You find verses like…

Proverbs4 1

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdomis supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

In the next two weeks we are going to be talking about Spiritual Wisdom and Financial Wisdom.

I’m talking about Financial Wisdom. Knowledge about Finances and then making due use of it.

So in about 20 minutes

Give

Proverbs 3:9-10

9Honor the Lordwith your wealthand with the firstfruits of all your produce;¹⁰ then your barns will be filled with plenty,and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Tithing (Giving to the Lord through tithes and offerings) honors the Lord….the Lord.

-Tithe which means 10 percent of earnings or income to the Lord.

-Offerings are above the 10 percent unto the Lord.

Budget

 It’s the dreaded "B" word—budgeting.

Unfortunately, the word budgethas gotten a bad rap. When it all boils down, a budget is basically just a plan for your money.Budgeting means you’re spending with purpose beforethe month begins. But many people view a budget as a straitjacket that will keep them from doing what they want.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth! A budget doesn’t limit your freedom, it givesyou freedom!It’s really all about being intentional with where your money goes.

Every dollar is accounted for.  Every Single Dollar.  That is Stewarding.

A budget is going to give you an action plan and clear picture of where your money is ending up each month. Budgeting will help you achieve the goals you’re working toward—whether that’s getting out of debt, saving for retirement, or just trying to keep your grocery bill from getting out of hand.

Some months you’ll have to budget for things like back-to-school supplies or routine car maintenance. Other months you’ll be saving for things like vacations, birthdays and holidays. Regardless of the occasion, make sure you prepare for those expenses in the budget. Don’t let these special occasions sneak up on you. (Hint:Christmas is in December again this year, guys!)

Be sure to adjust your budget each month as things change. Make a savings fund you can stash cash in throughout the year. When you don’t have a plan, you’re going to be stressed. And that takes all the fun out of giving and celebrating. No one wants that!

If you can’t afford it, DON’T BUY IT!!

Wait for it to Go on Sale!!

Don’t Get it Because Someone Else Has It!!

Quit Going Out to Eat!!

Baby Steps

1. Save $1,000
2. Pay Off Debt (Except the House)
3. Save 3 to 6 months of Expenses
4. Save 15% of your income into Retirement
5. Pay Off Your Home Early
6. Build Wealth and Give

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