Your Daily Bread

YOUR Daily Bread Make your tax refund count

By Terry Frisk

Once again, it’s tax time! That dreaded time of the year when you must gather all the rel evant information to prepare your tax return. But wait; it may result in receiving a refund! In a recent article posted on Bankrate.com, 72 percent of the tax returns filed in 2019 resulted in a refund. The average refund for the year was $2,869. Odds are, most of you will receive a tax refund this year, as well. HOORAY! Now, the question is what to do with that refund. Before going on a spending spree, you should consider how to best utilize the windfall you received. Here are some recommendations in order of importance.

1. Give back to the Lord. Giving is an act of faith that helps us keep our priorities straight. Everything we have is a gift from God and we are stewards of what He has given us. Honoring God with some or all of your refund recognizes that God is our provider and that we will prosper with more than just money if we trust in Him.

2. Reduce or pay off debts. We know from Proverbs 22:7, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” While we are not literally a slave to the financial institution that we owe money to, it can sure feel that way when we make the periodic payments. Use the “snowball method” debt reduction plan advocated by financial advisor Dave Ramsey to pay off your smallest debts and take the payments you would have made on those to apply toward your larger balances until they are paid off.

3. Create or add to your emergency fund. While God provides for our needs, we should still be prepared for unexpected financial emergencies. I am reminded of the parable of the 10 bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13. The foolish bridesmaids brought only enough oil for their lamps to last until the groom arrived, while the wise bridesmaids brought extra oil in case it was needed. When the bridegroom arrived late, only the wise bridesmaids who were prepared at - tended the wedding banquet. Using your refund to build an emergency fund will give you peace of mind knowing that you will be prepared when an unexpected expense arises.

4. Add to your retirement account. In Proverbs 6, we learn about the wisdom of the ant who prepares and stores food in the summer for sustenance in the winter. Putting money in a retirement account now will provide for the winter of your life. If you put your refund in an IRA, it will reduce your tax bill next year. Winwin!

5. Reward yourself. You have worked hard and deserve a reward. Ecclesiastes 9:13 states, “And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” Allocate a modest portion of your refund to reward yourself. Better yet, take the opportunity to recognize those around you who have been a part of your journey over the past year. Take your family to dinner, treat friends to a movie, or purchase something you can enjoy with others. Sharing the fel lowship will bring more satisfaction than spending on something that loses its luster once the new wears off.

If you are receiving a refund this year, use it as an oppor tunity to accomplish some important financial goals and to also reward yourself for your toil. Keep in mind, a tax refund shouldn’t be a free pass to go do whatever you want with the money. Prayerfully consider how to put it to best use to serve God. Remember, it’s still our responsibility to be good stewards with the abundance God has provided. n Terry Frisk is a partner in the firm B2B CFO, providing financial advisory services to small businesses. He also counsels individuals on personal financial matters through the Cathedral of the Rockies Budget Counseling ministry. He may be contacted through e-mail at terry_frisk@msn.com. Terry Frisk

EASTER SERVICES HE IS RISEN!

Plan to get there early and be parked around 6:30am giving yourself plenty of time to hike up the butte. You won’t want to miss the beautiful sunrise! Dress warmly, wear appropriate shoes and bring blankets. For more information or to make a donation, email LizardButteSunrise@yahoo.com Easter Sunrise Service On Lizard Butte Sunday, April 12th, 2020, 7:00 a.m.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

BOISE

Be sure to thank God for your friends, the people He has given you to walk through life with. The people who will tell you the truth, even if it hurts. The people who will listen and not judge. The people who you love and who will love you back no mat- ter what. The people who time and distance have no hold on. The people who will make you stronger and a better person. They are a good gift! n Sweet friendship Continued from page 23

Roxanne Drury is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Christian preschool teacher with a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education. She has served the Lord in children’s ministry for over 40 years and is currently on staff at Rockharbor Church. Her heart is sharing the life appli- cation found in God’s Word. Roxanne has recently published her first children’s book titled, “Beyond the Blue.” The book is a de- scriptive biblical look at heaven that answers questions kids have and offers parents a tool to talk to their kids about Jesus. She also writes a Christian blog. For more informa- tion, visit thatslifemissroxanne.blogspot.com and www.roxannedrury.com.

MIDDLETON

The Sanctuary Cowboy Church

Sunday Service 10 AM Wednesday Service 7 PM 212 E. Main Street Middleton • 546-9845 Scowboychurch.com

600 N. Ten Mile Rd. Meridian, ID You are invited Sundays... Worship Service 8 am, 9:30 am, 11 am Bible Study 9:30 & 11 am Children’s Church 11 am Join us Wednesday Nights at 6:45 pm for: • AWANA - Pre-K - to 6 grade • Youth Group • Adult Bible Studies

Pastor Clint Henry: clint@centralvalleybaptist.com centralvalleybaptist.com

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRESCHOOL www.clcmeridian.org Worship at 10:00 AM Fellowship 11:15 AM Sunday School 11:30 AM • Call to enquire about our Youth Group Activities • Check out our website for Preschool Open enrollment info 1406 W Cherry Ln, Meridian, ID 83642 208-888-1622

Sunday Morning Adult Only Service 9:30 AM Commongroundbikerchurch.com 208-286-9438 All Bikes & Hot Rods Welcome 62 E Fairview Ave. Ste 62, Meridian Tuesday Bible Study 7PM

Loyal To One Ministry Serving the least, the lost & the forgotten.

232 N Main St, Meridian (208)884-8599 www.loyalto1.org Come Join Us for Sunday Services at 10:30 AM

Passi f God… C passi fPe le

150 W Maestra Street

(off Meridian between Overland & Victory)

208-888-2141

www.valleyshepherd.org

Sunday School 9:30 am

Wo rship 10:45 am

A Women’s Ministry Open to All Churches to Connect Women to One Another

Say Y ES to Adve nt ures !

For information on adding your church to this directory, please call 208-703-7509 or email: boisechristianliving@gmail.com