Walking in God’s favor: Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. Proverbs 11:4 (NIV)
Do not let anyone change who you are to become what they need
We Christians in America have become so materialistic in our thinking. You have probably heard someone say, ” The one who dies with the most toys wins” or “The one with the gold makes the rules.”
The things in this world are temporal, but the things of God are eternal. I believe Jesus Christ is returning for a people – not possessions. So, what are you doing to build intimate relationships with those you love? How are you investing your financial resources to better your relationship with God and meaningful others?
Communication is what makes relationships strong
When you develop intimate relationships, you do it one-to-one. Your attention is focused on one person. Their needs become your priority. Dr David and Teresa Ferguson, co-authors of Intimate Encounters says, “Intimate relationships takes time and communications.”
Ardella and I will be going on a much needed Caribbean Cruise in the next few days. For me the best part of the 5-day cruise is the six-hour drive to Mobile, Alabama to embark on the Carnival Fantasy Cruise Ship. No children, no grandchildren, we forget about our work, our ministries, our bills, we turn off our smart phones and we take time to focus our attention on each other.
This includes sharing one’s feelings, putting one another first, sympathetic listening, and caring for one another. Sharing your heart with family and having meaningful relationships with others is what life is truly about. Life is meant to be shared. Sharing the love of God with those we care about is priority for the Level 4 Steward.
Great satisfaction comes from sharing with others.
There is nothing like the power of your own life story. Everyone has a story to tell. How are you being blessed today? Sharing your life experiences with others encourages them and gives them hope. Tell others how you have overcome life’s struggles; how your faith brings stability in your life; how living by biblical principles gives you the wisdom to look around the corner to prepare for the storms of life. And finally tell others of your spiritual discovery for your life’s work.
You are invited to join us next month February 8th at 5PM on Oakwood University WJOU Radio Station Ardella and I will have the wonderful opportunity to share our hearts. Over the years we have been blessed to mentor hundreds of young families in their finances. We will openly shared the wisdom we have learned in Financial Peace University.
Prayer of blessing: Lord help me to value relationships and intentionally share my story.
Michael J. Vance is the co-host of the podcast Better Husband Father Man hub for all things; parenting, marriage, and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency and president of the Alabama Independent Insurance Agents Association Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the International Pathfinder Club a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vances have been married well over 3 decades and share their lives with four adult children and ten exceptional grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook “Stewardship of Wealth”.
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