Christ It Up Spring 2014

Darnica Gordon

5

Ways to be a better stewart over your money

Spring 2014

Sister Doris

Answers the, “I am terrible with money what should I do?�

Question

The Financial Issue Tithing!

For What?

Content Read Staci’s 5 tips on being a better stewart.

Pg. 5

Sis Doris tackles the hard questions Pg. 12

Photo Above, photo on pg. 8- Courtesy of GJ Coleman Photography Woman in photo- Tequaila Reed

2

Why tithing IS important Pg. 6

What Cents does it make?

Pg. 8

Vessel’s Note

1323 Superior Ave Pittsburgh, Pa 15212 412~354~9423 christitup@yahoo.com www.christitupmagazine.com

Like many, I grew up in the projects. My mom worked and we lived paycheck to paycheck. There were hardly any additional funds. If there was an emergency there wasn’t a fund she had as back up. Although this was the case my mother never let my brother and I see it. It wasn’t until I was older that I understood. So from being raised living paycheck to paycheck and trying to making ends meet; I picked up some of those habits as I became an adult.

I had no one to teach me how to manage money or to put money away for a rainy day. So this year (I will be 30) I have committed to working on my finances. Now I have said this in the past and haven’t really gotten anywhere but this year (I think it has to do with me turning 30) I am determined to save money, pay down debt, and have extra funds in case of an emergency. Since the beginning of the year I have been doing the 52 week money challenge (check christitupmagazine.com for more details).

God has shown me (through 2 trials) that I would have been a little better off had I put some money aside. He showed me that it was possible for me to start out by putting up $5 and increasing over time. So to everyone out there, it is possible to put money away. Think about the 10 you found in your drawer or that 20 you found in your pants. That could have been money put away for your rainy day.

Blessings in starting your financial journey!

Give your life to Christ If you have read past issues of this magazine or if this is your first time, I am glad to introduce, The Sinner’s Prayer.

Romans 10:9-11 (NIV) 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

To give your life to Christ, recite this aloud: Dear God, I come to you today as a sinner asking for forgivness. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are Lord.

I believe that you died on the cross and rose on the third day with all power in your hand. And today I accept you as my Lord and Savior.

In Jesus name, Amen!

3

Leria

I Surrender All

I surrender all to you, Lord.

I have no choice.

But Your Word says that you are Love And that I should love you with all my heart So I surrender my heart

You know my heart’s desires And all my wants and needs But I desire most of all To stay in your will So I surrender my will

This pain that I feel If I cry another tear, I’ll drown Wounded, broken, abused, misused, dying I need a healing for my soul So I surrender my soul

I’m tired, I’m weak I’m weary, I’m torn You promise never to put more on me Than what I can bear in my mind So I surrender my mind.

My weight fluctuates My skin tone changes Your Word says I am fearfully and wonderfully made But it’s hard to accept my body So I surrender my body The need to be loved is so real Sometimes a hug is all a sister really needs

5

From morning to evening I’m on the run I’m busy, I’m doing, I’m going Always moving around, and never still I don’t have time for the one who saved my life So I surrender my life My will, my mind My body, my heart My soul, my life To me, you have given it all So I surrender all

ways to be a better steward over your money By: Staci Bose

1. Tithe. Give God what is already His...10%.

2. Pay yourself. Save a portion of your pay on you. This will keep you from feeling deprived.

3. Save for a rainy day. Even if you can only save $10 per pay, save something.

4. Plan. People don’t plan and so they spend irresponsibly.

5. Pray. Ask God to help you with your finances.

5

Tithing….what’s the significance of it?

The intention of this article is not “make you feel bad” or even force you to tithe. Like always, I simply want to educate you and to share my experiences. Tithing is something that I have battled with; and through conversation, I’ve found that tithing can be challenging for many Christians.

I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12: 41-44 Tithing is personal. Despite popular belief, God is not looking at the amount you tithe. God does not require you to tithe What is tithing? ten percent of your income. This is evident in the case of the In the Old Testament, the requirement was to give ten percent widow’s offering. As always, God is looking at your heart and of total earnings (including livestock) to the church. I will point your intentions. Are you a cheerful giver? Are you acting out out that there is no mention of tithing in the New Testament. of obligation or compulsion? Are you harboring your income, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the in fear that the Lord won’t provide all your needs? This is what soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to matters to our Heavenly Father. I refer you back to Proverbs the LORD. 31 Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must 11:14. Simply give God what God is due. If you can afford to add a fifth of the value to it. 32 Every tithe of the herd and tithe 10% or more, please do so. Support the kingdom. If not, flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s you give the Lord what you can afford and your efforts and rod—will be holy to the LORD. 33 No one may pick out the commitment will be honored. good from the bad or make any substitution. If anyone does make a substitution, both the animal and its substitute become “I don’t know how the pastor is spending my money. I don’t holy and cannot be redeemed.” Leviticus 27: 30-33 want him allocating the funds to his pockets.”

Let’s start off, with addressing the “my money” notion. Once Let’s look at a few scriptures pertaining to tithing and we’ll go you give the money to the church, it is no longer your money. from there.

But let’s back up…Is your money ever really your money?

-“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart -“The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a Almighty.” Haggai 2: 8 cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will Are you following me? abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures Secondly, yes, your tithe is allocated to different sources, such forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 as the cost of maintaining the church (i.e. heat, water, lights, -“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withsnow removal, etc.), giving to individuals in need, missionaries holds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Proverbs 11: 14 and even financially supporting the pastor.

-“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be -“When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. 13 Then say to store it.” Malachi 3:10 to the LORD your God: “I have removed from my house the From the three scriptures, we can sum up the following consacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, cerning tithing: the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded.

• Should be done with a cheerful heart I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I • Amount given should be what is in your heart to give forgotten any of them.” Deuteronomy 26: 12-13 • Requires trust in the Lord In this passage, the Levite (temple priest) was supported with • Should not be done out of compulsion or obligation tithes. Why? Because they had no allotment or inheritance of • Will open the floodgates of heaven and pour down their own (Deuteronomy 14: 28-29). To my understanding, not blessings all pastors receive financial support from their congregation but if so, what’s the big deal? You should want to support your Two very common reasons that people don’t tithe spiritual advisor. Granted, you do have your “Preacher of LA” “I’m barely making my bills now…I simply don’t have the types (LOL), who live exorbitant lifestyles at the expense of the means to give 10% of my wages.” church members but use your discernment. (Spiritual) discern-Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put ment is a wonderful God given gift. Once you give your tithes, and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple let go and let God. You did your due diligence. treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth Let’s wrap up only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly

6

continue on pg. 15

What CENTS does it make?

By:Darnica Gordon

In a society where everything is about bling, and fashion, and who got this and that. It’s hard for us Americans to put money away for retirement, or even just a rainy day. In growing up I was never taught how to save money. I rarely got money. My mother usually had enough to pay bills, buy food, and put gas in the car. So anytime I did get money I spent it! Quick! It was out of my hands before I had a good grip on it. So now that I’m older I think it’s important for me to save (and not just for retirement) and for my kids to know how to as well.

I also want them to be able to manage the money they receive.

Growing up I would always hear people say, “Spend that money. You can’t take it with you when you’re gone!” Even though that’s true, who’s supposed to pay for your funeral cost? What if you have kids? You may want to leave money here for them. And if you have bills you will want to leave money here for that. Because these companies don’t care.

They want their money. That’s why it’s important to have life insurance.

Now about this whole savings thing. I know quite a few people who don’t. I was one of those people. I would rather break my neck to have cable then to put money away in case of an emergency. According to an article on alternet.org it states that the 2011 National Bureau of Economic research reported that 44% of Americans would have trouble coming up with $2000 in 30 DAYS if needed. I know it’s hard to put money away. You can start out small. Put $5 up every time you can. Or every time you get paid. And if so, continue to add to that. You will be happy you did.

It’s also important to start saving when you’re young.

According to BankRate only one in three Americans begin putting money away in their 20’s. “It’s important to start saving early in your working years to have an adequate amount of money for retirement, which could be 20 years and more.”

Matthew Drinkwater-according to CNN Money.

Half of Americans aren’t even saving for retirement.

That means half of us will have to work until we leave this Earth, according to an article in the Huffington Post by

Bonnie Kavoussi titled: Half of Americans are not Saving for Retirement. The New York Times reported the number of Seniors working has doubled in the past 15 years to 7.2 million.

And more than 9 million seniors can’t pay their bills.

Why is it that we rather spend money on things we don’t need versus saving for something we do. Like a home?

The thing is we can. According to an About.com article titled, The Secret to Saving Money by Jeremy Vohwinkle, states that there are 3 secrets to saving money. The first thing is to create a budget. Vohwinkle says that in order to save money you need to know where it’s going. The second thing is to treat your savings as if it were a bill. And the third thing is to spend less money. Live below your means.

So if you make sure your electricity gets paid make sure you put some money away. And do that first so you can get it out of the way. And with spending less money and living below your means, don’t try to hold on to cable knowing every month you are either breaking the bank or deciding between paying the cable bill and buying food; let that cable go. You better get Netflix!! That’s where I had to take it.

I was struggling, but growing up it was looked down on if you didn’t have cable so I struggled to keep it. But then one day I let it go!

I plan on continuing my savings journey and pray that I continue to be a good steward not only over my money but the other things God allows me to have as well.

“50% of Americans aren’t even saving for retirement.”

Proverbs 13:11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

9

Couples in Christ As told by Bride & Groom

Meet Jacques Standback

and Nodeia

Jacques and Nodeia met as college teenagers, not thinking of the future but only for the moment. In years where God was not considered before making decisions, let alone not in their college relationship. The normal length for a college relationship is about a semester, maybe two; we made it through years. Jacques used to throw rocks at my window!

I know God drew us together for His glory. After making it through seven years of dating, we married August 3, 2013. We are now able to spend our lives together.

Genesis 2:24 says, "a man shall leave his father and mother to join his wife and they shall be one flesh.�

God had some garbage he had to take out of our lives. God has been such the key in our lives. Before getting married we were celibate for 6 and half years only by grace and the Holy Spirit which dwells in us. We thank God each day because the wait was so worth it and the blessing unfolds every day. We love and stand firm on the scripture Ephesians 5:23-27, 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. We want couples to look to God in their relationships.

We know we have broken the cycle of generational sin so our kids will have hope to stay pure and strong. We thank God for blessing us and using us in ways we could never imagine. We were such a mess but we thank God for His son.

10

Coffee with Sister Doris Sister Doris, I am terrible with money. My husband and I spend money constantly. I am a little better with money than him, but nothing that I can brag about. Recently, we had $2,000.00. We went out to eat, took the kids shopping, and with the rest brought a 60 inch television that we didn’t need. I don’t want to be the kind of person with no savings in the bank and owns nothing. But it is happening. We don’t own anything and we only have a little in our savings. I don’t know how to stop this cycle. What would you suggest?

Signed, Bad with money; want to do better

Dear Ms. Bad, I am so glad that you decided to come over and have a chat. I am going to grab your coffee I just got one of those new “high tech” coffee machines. I was hoping that someone came over so that I could share it with them. How do you like it? Good? Great! Now to your issue The first step in any program is to admit that you have a problem, and you have done that. I think that it is wonderful that you and your husband want to begin to save. So I will give you some tips that will hopefully help to make your process a little clearer. It won’t be easy. It will take time, but you can do it. Remember these are just tips. You know that Sister Doris does not have a degree in accounting. $ First you have to make sure that you and your husband are on the same page regarding the goal of ownership and savings. Amos 3:3 (ESV) “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?

If he wants to own property just in theory but not work to get it, you can still do it, but it will be a little more difficult. Pray and ask God for the words to say to your husband. Pray that he will be an educated leader in this process and not a follower of you. Pray that the Lord will prepare your spirit for him to lead. Like you said,

12

you are better than him at spending and saving, so this will be different for you.

Also, make sure that you pray together regarding your finances.

$ Get a copy of your credit report Ecclesiastes 5:5 “Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.”

We are Christians and should not be $ You have to make a budget and a adding debt to our credit report and list of goals for the year. Luke 14:28–30 saying “Well, I am not paying them back, “For which of you, intending to build a even though I used their services.” Also, tower, does not sit down first and count it is really important to know your credit the cost, whether he has enough to finish score. You need to make sure nothing has it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, been reported incorrectly and it will show and is not able to finish, all who see it you if someone has stolen your identity begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man and is purchasing items. Go online and began to build and was not able to you can get tips on what to pay off versus finish’?” what to pay down gradually to increase 1.

Total all of the money that you your credit score. You will need a good bring in the home score if you are looking to purchase big 2.

Write down every amount that items, such as a car, property, or home, you plan to spend that month (tithes, with a low interest rate. food, clothes, bills, eating out, tuition, hair, bus fare, nails, gas, birthday gifts, $ Be serious about your budget. etc.) BE HONEST WITH YOURSELVES. Proverbs 13:7 One man pretends to be Don’t lie on your own budget. rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to 3.

Then see what bills you can elimbe poor, yet has great wealth. inate or reduce (lower cell phone package, Stop living above your income. A lot taking lunch to work, less expensive cable of folks joke about how horrible they package, fewer trips out to eat, coupons, are with money, but it isn’t funny. Your gas points) children are watching. They are going to 4.

Finish the year strong. Plan for learn about money from you. Will you Christmas in your budget. Please, please, teach them how to manage money, buy please don’t be the person who stops payproperty, pay for education, and save for ing their bills so that your children can a retirement while looking spiffy on a have toys, clothes, and shoes that they budget? Or will you teach them how don’t really need.

continue on pg. 15

AWAKEN LOVE Sunny LaRaine

“Oh, let me warn you, sisters in Jerusalem, by the gazelles, yes, by all the wild deer: Don’t excite love, don’t stir it up, until the time is ripe—and you’re ready.” (Songs of Solomon 2:7, MSG) Everyone wants someone to love, but most of all, they desire someone to love them in return. The scripture en courages us to not excite love until the TIME is ripe (fully grown and developed: mature; having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment; suitable, appropriate; fully prepared), and “you’re ready (prepared mentally or physically; willingly disposed; immediately available).”

I believe there is a process that love goes through in order to mature, and only time will bring about that maturity. Being “ready” for love involves being mentally and physically prepared, as well as being willingly available.

How can we know when time is ripe? In order to know when time is ripe, we must be connected to the one who created time and holds it in His hand.

“But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand…” (Psalm 31: 14-16, NASB) Therefore, the what, when, where, how and why all belong to Him. “Awakening Love” has more to do with allowing God full access into our hearts and our lives, than it does about abstaining from sex, drugs, and other things that are harmful to our bodies, minds and souls. When we live a life completely surrendered to God, the daily choices we make about time are easier. Recognizing when time is ripe becomes a more simplified process.

And, ultimately, we are ready. We are physically, mentally, emotionally willing and available to make the choices that lead to having abundant life here on earth. The abundant life includes God’s design and purpose for sex.

The world wants us to think that, as Christians, we are too rigid or religious about the things that God commands of us. Yet, if we take a serious look at the outcomes and consequences of our wrong choices, many of our friends and family, the dysfunction that has resulted from these decisions were outside of the will of God. There must have been a better plan and purpose for life? That better plan is God’s word. It is a lamp for our feet, a light to our path. It is a guide for our life. If we are willing to walk that narrow road… the road less chosen, we will encounter an awakened love that is real, relevant, responsible and always ON TIME!

13

Book Worm THE MERCY SEAT BY: ALVETTA ROLLE This was a very good book about redemption and forgiveness. It’s about a young lady who just wants to be loved. At 16 her aunt kicked her out. She had to fend for herself. She thought that was it but God had other plans for her. Completely turned her life around and she got the love she had been looking for.

Great book!

DEVIL, PLEASE...I AM NOT OFFENDED BY: AYANNA LYNNAY This was a very encouraging and eye opening book. It so clearly shows you how easy offense can be used to distract you from doing what God has called you to do.

Great read!

Words of the Lord By: Darnica Gordon

1 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV) 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

If I haven’t said it before (which I know I have) the bible has everything! The scripture specifically states that each of us should set aside a sum of money. Understand I know it’s a hard thing to do. It seems like we’re never making enough money and bills are constantly knocking at our door, but take time to put away something. Even if it’s $5. It will accumulate…as long as you don’t touch it!

So evaluate what you’re spending. Try to cut some things out. And put money up for yourself!

14

continued from pg. 12

to make money, own nothing, buy shoes, big TV’s, game systems, and spend to the last dollar?

I am so glad that you want to learn how to be a good steward over your money the Bible says this: Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? Proverbs 17:16 I really hope that this helped. Remember sweetie, I am here for you with any questions you may have.

Until next time, Sister Doris will be praying for you.

continued from pg. 6

Our society places monetary gains at such a high esteem. Money has become some people’s god.

Who do you serve? Jesus Christ or the “mighty dollar?” Tithing shows your commitment to God and during financial crutches, tithing serves as a confirmation that you trust The Lord. When you give to the church, you are also offering support to the community. Think about the single mother who is in need of food. The money you humbly provide can aid and assist the family.

-“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19: 17 I challenge you: When the collection tray is passed to you, give what you have decided in your heart to give. Then do so with an open and joyful heart. The funny thing is God looks at the simplicity of things (Do you love Me? Trust Me? Obey Me?) and we’re who make His principals complex.

As always, I pray for you, you pray for me. XOXO Kita