That which lies at the foundation of business integrity and to true success in the recognition of God’s ownership. Ellen G. White

Walking in God’s Favor: Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’ Luke 14:28-29 MSG

Each of you must begin with the end in mind. If you plan to become faithful stewards of your wealth in this life you must be willing to pay the price. You are going to have to develop the habit of saving and investing your money.  While you are young and healthy you must develop the practice of saving for your golden years. Otherwise, your golden years will not be so golden.

Many employers are no longer contributing or providing retirement plans for their employees. Therefore you must become  personally proactive  in saving and investing money for your golden years.

Let’s face it, as you gracefully age you generally have less energy and your health slowly begins to decline. As a result, you need to decrease the amount of physical work you perform, so you don’t injure or prematurely kill yourself.  In other words, you have to work smarter not harder.

With that in mind, what is your plan? Do you have an emergency fund for the storms of life that are sure to come if you live long enough? Have you begun setting aside money for your golden years? Years ago, Ardella and I begun the practice of saving a certain amount of money from our income so that we could have the flexibility to follow our dreams,  passions and opportunities in life during our golden years.

We teach in our family finances class the Joseph principle. This is the ability to look around the corner and anticipate life’s challenges you may or may not face one day.

In the bible Joseph wisely counseled Pharaoh in the book of Genesis. ” And let them gather all the food of those good years that are coming and store up grain under the authority of  Pharaoh  and let them keep food in the cities. Then the food shall be as a reserve for the land for seven years of famine which shall be in the land of Egypt that the land may not perish during the famine.” Genesis 41:35,36  (NKJV)

Joseph was divinely given the principle of saving for the storms of life and saved the entire Egyptian nation and his family.   There are many lessons you can learn and practice in your lives from the Joseph principle.

You are invited to our family finance class at Life University August 7th www.firstsdachurch.com were you can receive biblical principles to handle your money and wisdom to plan for your future.

Prayer of Blessing: We thank you Father God for your guidance, wisdom and loving kindness.

Michael Vance is a senior account executive  with Hundley Batts & Associates and the co-founder of stewardshipofwealth.com. Ardella Vance is  a gifted educator and  a Master Guide in the Pathfinders  Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people.  The Vance’s have been married well over 25 years and share their lives with four adult children and five grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog weekly from their financial workbook ” The Stewardship of Wealth“.