I would venture to guess that the majority of us do not set budgets for ourselves in our home finances. Most of us are prudent enough, or disciplined enough, to follow through with such process. Therefore, we tend to spend more than we should; embark upon ventures that we ought not to; and, we tend to be in greater duress financially and emotionally distraught because of our lack of budgeting.
It is very important that when you make out your budget that you make sure you put God at the top of the list. The church has many expenditures. We are encouraging you to budget and always put God first, and always have God's offering come off the top. Go beyond 10% of your earnings and be aware of the fact that the devil will try to convince you to rob God every single opportunity that he can. Weekly, you have to make decisions to do what is right whether you are paid bi-weekly, monthly, or whatever your pay schedule is . . you must make sure God comes first. When you give to him generously, you set the stage for your own prosperity as well. The Bible says when we give, we prosper; God is pleased! Let's remember him, and don't let anyone or anything take you away from your obligation to God. It is so vital and so important to you, as well as the church here, that we move forward with great goals and visions for the coming year.
May God bless you, guide and steer you into the right things. Again, don't let Christmas destroy you financially; put you in debt where you will not be able to handle it; and, incur payments that will put you into desparate situations over the next year. Most of all, make sure you don't let the devil convince you to put God last. This is just a reminder that we especially need at this time of year.