A Smart Money Manager

Philippians 3:13 – But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead.

Have you had a chance yet this year to look at your bank and credit card statements, scratch your head, and wonder where it all went? If you haven't, you soon will! None of us has the ability to change the past, so we must learn from it and move on. One of the greatest teachings in the Bible is that no matter how badly we blow it, our mistakes in the past can be forgiven, erased and gone forever. When we focus on the past we are destroying our future. So lets begin to "strain", which means "stretch to the utmost" towards our future and build it. Don't dwell in the past being a member of the IFIDA club thinking "if I'd have" only been smarter with my money, I'd be rich today. Join the IMGUNNA club and say, "This year I'm going to be a wise steward of the funds that God gives me." The key to being a smart money manager is deciding, before the money comes in, where it's going, instead of trying to figure out where it went after the fact. Each day God gives us a fresh new start and with that, another opportunity to form new and better financial habits. Don't waste that opportunity today. Make a point of prayerfully deciding "Where are the very best places for the next money I earn?" before it comes in. Always remember that just because stumbling blocks are thrown in your way, it doesn't mean you have to stumble!

Prayer: Lord God, grant me Your vision for my future and Your wisdom to know how I may adequately make provisions for it. Amen.