by Dave & Debi Lopez

(NOTE: Go to www.crown.org and click on Articles, then Pamphlets, and then Crown’s Free Publications Online to print forms for the 30-Day Diary, Budget Analysis, Monthly Income and Expenses worksheet, and Percentage Guides. This will help you interpret the   information as you read the article.)

Living below your means does not mean giving up life’s pleasures. On the contrary, spending less than you earn is the way to have and do those things, which enhance the quality of life.

The best way to do that is to have a spending plan (a way to “pre-spend” your paycheck on paper) so you know ahead of time where the money will go and then stick to it.

The average person usually has no idea how much he or she is spending annually or monthly. Therefore, you must first track what you spend for 30 – 90 days and compare it to the guidelines shown here. Only then, should you begin to adjust your spending plan to make it balance. In order to determine accurately variable expenses, it is suggested that both husband and wife keep an expense diary for 30 - 90 days. All expenditures, even small purchases, should be listed. 

Larry Burkett, the late founder of Christian Financial Concepts, taught budgeting using only your Net Spendable Income (NSI).  NSI is what’s left after tithing and taxes, which is what you must live on.

There are three primary categories in everyone’s spending plan: Housing, Food, and Auto. If these three combined percentages exceed 70 percent of your NSI, then it will be almost impossible to have a balanced spending plan; you will find yourself always “robbing Peter to pay Paul”.

Steps to Developing a Spending Plan.

Making and using a spending plan is as easy as 1, 2, 3.  However, it does require time and effort to set up the plan and ongoing time and effort to maintain it.

Step 1 — List All Available Monthly Income.

NOTE: If you operate on a variable monthly income, see paragraph below.

Step 2 — List Monthly Expenses.

a. Fixed Expenses.

                1.  Tithe

                2.  Taxes

Federal and State income taxes (if taxes are deducted, ignore this item)

b. Variable Expenses.

See Categories 3–14 below, and Income and Expenses worksheet.

Step 3 — Compare Income Versus Expenses.

We highly encouraged couples to establish their spending plan based on the husband’s income only, and the wife’s income be applied to one-time purchases (i.e. cars, vacations, furniture) or to savings and debt reduction. Too often, the wife’s income is interrupted by a child’s illness, pregnancy, or a husband’s job relocation.

Although it is difficult to live on one income, if the husband and wife pray together and seek God’s wisdom and direction, many problems usually associated with changes in income can be avoided.

If expenses exceed income, additional steps are necessary to reduce expenses and an analysis of each category is called for. These categories are outlined below.

Obviously, these percentages are guidelines and they will vary with income and geographical location.  Have a copy of the Income and Expenses worksheet in front of you to see the sub-categories under each main category.

3.  Housing (36% of NSI)

4.  Food (12% of NSI)

5.  Automobiles (12% of NSI)

6.  Insurance (5% of NSI)

7.  Debts (5% of NSI)

8.  Entertainment and

           Recreation (6% of NSI)

9.  Clothing (5% of NSI)

10. Savings (5% of NSI)

It is important that some savings be established in the spending plan. Otherwise, you will always use credit and never achieve a debt-free lifestyle. “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. (Prov. 21:20 ESV)

11. Medical/Dental Expenses (4% of NSI)

You must anticipate these expenses in your spending plan and set aside funds regularly; failure to do so will wreck your plans and lead to indebtedness

12.  Miscellaneous (5% of NSI)

13.  Investments (5% of NSI)

Individuals and families with surplus income in their spending plan have the opportunity to invest for retirement and/or other long-term goals. As debt-free status is achieved, more money can be       diverted to this category.

14.  School/Childcare (6% of NSI)

If this category is used, other categories must be adjusted downward totaling 6 percent.

 Remember, all percentages must add up to 100 percent.

Developing a Spending Plan on a Variable Income.

Families with variable monthly incomes need spending plans even more than families on fixed   salaries. Many people with fluctuating incomes are trapped into debt because they borrow during lean months and spend what they make during high-income months, rather than repaying what they previously borrowed.  Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back…” (ESV)

Living on a fluctuating income can be tricky and deceptive.  Months of high income can easily be construedas extra profit. To plan properly on variable income you must conservatively estimate what your annual income is likely to be, divide that by 12, and then develop your monthly spending plan based on that amount. 

You should put all income into a savings account and withdraw your average monthly salary from that account each month. This method will allow surplus funds from higher income months to accumulate in the savings account to cover expenses during months of lower income.

 Developing a Spending Plan on a Low Income.

When a family is trying to live on a low income, they must develop a spending plan that is as non-indulgent as possible, control their spending very carefully, and live within the established spending plan guidelines.

Although it might be very frustrating and seemingly impossible when there doesn’t seem to be enough money to make ends meet; a spending plan is even more important for families with low incomes.

The spending plan ought to help determine what size of home you can afford, what kind of car you own, how much insurance you should have, and even what kind of clothes you can buy. 

It may be difficult at first to make the spending plan work because people with low incomes are often playing catch-up and do not have the funds to set aside for the various spending plan categories. Nevertheless, don’t give up!  It can take as much as a year for a low income family to get on solid ground with a spending plan, but disciplined use will eventually pay off. God will honor your obedience.

If any family, after sticking to a spending plan, is still struggling, they might want to get some help and encouragement from one of the Neighborhood Church Money Map Coaches.

Additionally, if after establishing a spending plan and consulting with one of the Neighborhood Church  Money Map Coaches a  family still cannot cover basic living expenses, they might want to share their temporary needs with their brothers and sisters in Christ (See 2 Corinthians 8:14). If you have a legitimate need, you should feel free to share it with your church family.

 Conclusion.

You now have the basic tools to establish a spending plan and to confront problem areas before they become insurmountable.  Remember though, the plan cannot implement itself; it requires effort, attention, and communication. Living with a spending plan is not only sensible, it is essential to maintaining a debt-free lifestyle.

So turn off that TV and get started. We promise, if you’ll truly get on board and put the time and     effort in, you’ll not regret it.

by Erin Claassen

Linda Haley began coming to Neighborhood Church, right after her son Tim was born. That was nearly 20 years ago. Tim is now 19, and she also has a 16 year old daughter, Amy. Linda has been a Christian since high school.  

Linda loves that Neighborhood Church has a “solid youth group program.”  Linda grew up changing churches often, and appreciates the stability of having her children in a cohesive and Christ-centered youth group.

Linda currently works at North Cottonwood School in the Reading Room, but has worked at all the schools in the Cottonwood Elementary School District. She feels blessed being able to work the hours her kids are in school and have all the same vacation days they have.

Tim is currently working part-time at New Directions to Hope in Redding as an Internet Technology Technician and attending Shasta College in the Computer Information Systems. He will also be part of the team of 10 men Neighborhood is sending to Southeast Asia this summer.

Amy is a junior at West Valley High School and has been involved with band. She would like to be a teacher and is thinking of attending Simpson University once she graduates from high school.

Linda has been very involved at NCAC through the years. She currently teaches Sunday school for the two and three year olds, is on the rotation for teaching Kid’s Church, and helps with the food ministry. She also enjoys sewing, and reading; especially Christian fiction.

by Erin Claassen

Lina Patterson touched the hearts of many women with her testimony at last year’s Women’s Retreat.  Lina has come through difficult circumstances with God’s help and provision and she is more than willing to share what He has done in her life.

Lina has been attending Neighborhood Church for almost a year now.  She lives in Red Bluff and is  currently attending Shasta College.  She missed 13 years of school as a child, and is excited at the    prospect of receiving her high school diploma and eventually her AA degree. 

Lina would like to one day to be a speaker and work at Women’s Refuge or another organization that helps abused women.

Above everything, Lina loves the Lord.  She was saved at age ten, and then rededicated her life in her teen years. 

Currently, Lina is attending one of several Neighborhood Church Women’s Bible Studies, “The One True God,” led by Jen McCurdy, where she is learning “a lot about who God is and how He works in our lives.” 

She also enjoys attending the weekly College Group meetings at Jeff and Shari Hatcher’s home.

Her favorite things about Neighborhood Church are the worship music, the many available ministries, and the friendly, God-centered atmosphere.

When she isn’t studying, Lina enjoys listening to music, walking, reading, and hanging out with friends and family.

by Molly Frame

“When I was hungry, you fed me; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink, when I was sick, you visited me…when you have done it to one of the least of these, you have done it to me.” (Matt. 25:35, 36 ESV)

If you have been looking for a way to serve the body of Christ and minister to others as Jesus did, you might consider becoming part of the NCAC Food Ministry.

Believers are channels of God’s love and using your gifts to serve on the Food Ministry is one way to “Display Joy in God” while serving others. God enjoys watching you use your gifts. It brings great glory and pleasure to Him.

The NCAC Food Ministry provides meals for folks who have had surgery, are ill, or suffering due to an accident or injury. Food is also provided for funerals. Once you have signed up, Karen will call you to see if providing a meal fits into your schedule. If it doesn’t, she will call the next time there is a need. Since most of us cook anyway, it is pretty simple to throw a little extra in the pot to share.

The Food Ministry is a rich blessing to those receiving the meal, as well as those preparing it. You are always warmly welcomed by the grateful recipients. 

This ministry also provides a wonderful chance to get reacquainted with fellow believers you miss seeing because of multiple services. Another rich blessing is to know someone in the body cares enough to bring a meal and perhaps pray with you. You get to meet new folks in our church body and make new friends. I know from experience: I have both provided and received meals. 

Besides, we are encouraged in Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (ESV)

Will you make pleasing God a goal of your life? For more information to see if the NCAC Food Ministry is the right place for you, call Karen Kittredge at:  244-7983.

by Anonymous

One day I got fed up with an incredibly dirty closet…full of all kinds of sins…smelly, dirty, rotting stuff was in it. I asked God to come in and throw all the stuff away that was rotting in my closet. He cleaned the closet, painted and fixed it up all in a moment’s time. Immediately, a fresh, fragrant breeze swept through the house. The whole atmosphere changed. What release and victory to have that dead stuff (sin) out of my life! No matter what sin or pain there might be in my past, Jesus is ready to forgive, to heal and to make whole.

Then a thought came to me. I said to myself, “I have been trying to keep this heart of mine clean and available for Christ, but it is hard work. I start on one room and no sooner have I cleaned it than I discover another room is dirty. I begin on a second room and the first one is already dusty again. I’m getting tired trying to maintain a clean heart and an obedient life. I am just not up it!”

Suddenly, I asked, “Lord, is there a possibility you would be willing to manage the whole house and operate it for me just as you did that closet? Could I give you the responsibility of keeping my heart what it ought to be and myself doing what I ought to be doing?”

I could see His face light up as He replied, “I’d love to! This is exactly what I came to do. You can’t live out the Christian life in your own strength. That is impossible. Let me do it for you and through you. That’s the only way it will really work!”  “But,” He added slowly, “I am not the owner of this house. Remember, I’m here as your guest. I have no authority to take charge since the property is not mine.”

In a flash it all became clear. Excitedly I exclaimed, “Lord, you have been my guest, and I have been trying to play the host. From now on You are going to be the owner and master of the house. I’m going to be the servant!”

Running as fast as I could to the strongbox, I took out the title deed to the house       describing its assets and liabilities, its condition, location, and situation. Then rushing back to Him, I eagerly signed it over giving title to Him alone, for time and eternity. Dropping to my knees, I presented it to Him, “Here it is, all that I am and have forever. Now you run the house. Please, just let me stay with you as houseboy and friend.”

He took my life that day and I can give you my word, there is no better way to live the Christian life. He knows how to keep it and use it. A deep peace settled down on my soul that has remained. I am His and He is mine, forever!

May Jesus Christ also settle down and be at home as Lord of your heart.

by Mark McKinley

 Ministering Men of NCAC had our first, but probably not our last tailgate breakfast Saturday on a ranch near Cottonwood. Forty men along with thirty kids turned out for food, fellowship and firewood cutting. This is part of an ongoing project to continue funding camp scholarships for children to attend Mountain Meadows Bible Camp. The cool over-cast weather we had was perfect for wood cutting.

A continental breakfast was set up on a flatbed trailer that included boxes and boxes of donuts ready to flip open. As the group was standing around enjoying hot drinks, there was a feeling like something exciting was about to happen. After a prayer of thanks to God, we enjoyed a stand-up continental breakfast.

As we were finishing, Nick Braito shared, in Paul Harvey fashion, the interesting true story of Ireland’s first Christian missionary Patricius Sucatus, otherwise known as Saint Patrick. Randy Kelly led us in a couple of songs on his guitar and then it was time to make some noise. 

Doug Deese organized work crews with chainsaws and hydraulic log splitters ready to be unleashed on some quality Live Oak and Valley Oak “blow - downs.” Wayne Knifton headed the chainsaw crews and directed the cutting in two main areas.

The children worked with the men hauling firewood and feeding burn piles. We all had a sense of satisfaction that important things were accomplished that day. Estimated production ranged from five to seven cords cut, split and loaded into numerous pickups and trailers. We were done by 1:00 p.m.

I am happy to report there were no chainsaw accidents; however, on Sunday morning I did notice several guys moving a little slower than normal. Even younger guys, like Forest Fells, admitted having sore muscles.

Mike Smith summed it up well when he said, “I’ll take this over my regular work any day. I love cutting firewood!”  

by Denise Mendenhall

As Bill and I started to enter the Old City of Jerusalem, it was pointed out to us that hanging on the exterior of the Jaffa Gate, where we were about to enter, was an unusual looking box that contained a parchment called a mezuzah. On the parchment were inscribed Hebrew verses from the Torah (Deut. 6:4-9 and 11:13-21).

Deut. 6:4-9 says, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (ESV)

Orthodox Jews today believe that the placing of a mezuzah on the doorposts of their homes and on their gates is a fulfillment of the mitzvah (Biblical commandment) found in Deuteronomy.

Though as a Christian I understand that this is Jewish tradition, I personally find the mezuzah a wonderful symbol and reminder of God’s greatest commandment to love Him with all my heart, soul and strength and to teach this to my children.  

Being a very visual person and enjoying symbolism as a reminder of God’s truth, I just recently placed a mezuzah on the doorpost of our home as a visual reminder of this greatest commandment.

When Jesus was asked of all the commandments, which was the most important He replied: “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31 ESV)

The Hebrew word for love, aheb, used in Deut. 6:5 is the equivalent of the Greek word, agapao, used in the New Testament. It refers to an act of the mind and will, that is determined to care for the welfare of something or someone. “It is the love that recognizes and chooses to follow that which is righteous, noble, and true, regardless of what one’s feelings in a matter might be.” (John MacArthur) 

As I consider loving God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, I realize that this can only be accomplished in my life through the Spirit of God.  He has equipped me not only to love God with my whole being, but He has also enabled me to love my neighbor as myself as I walk in obedience to Him.  

And here lies a great challenge for each of us.  Are we loving our neighbors as ourselves?  When Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” He responded to the question by telling the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:28-37). One truth learned in this story is that all other fellow human beings are our neighbors whom we are commanded to love. 

But more literally, I was challenged by Marleen Manley with the question, “Do you know your neighbors?” Do I know those who live next door or down the road from me?  Do I literally love my neighbors?  

My answer or lets be honest my excuse is that other than family, my closest neighbor lives across a field on the other side of a chain linked fence without any road access to them. But I’m sure that this little hindrance would not be considered a good excuse to my heavenly Father for not obeying His command to love my neighbor. Truthfully, I hardly know them.

Jesus links obedience to His commands to true love for Him. “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:21 ESV)

Ouch! Truthfully, I have no excuse, so here is the challenge. To love my neighbor, I must get to know them, and so do you.  In what practical ways can we do this? It can be as simple as taking over some cookies or volunteering to mow their lawn. Acts of kindness open doors where true love can be expressed.  But let’s not love only with our actions.  

Pray for opportunities to share the love of God and the truth of the gospel with them. It is only through the gospel that they will be able to experience the saving love of God for themselves. Equip yourselves with the tools of sharing the gospel. Bart McCurdy is a great resource for these tools.  

The mezuzah hanging on my door has no magical powers that make me love God and my neighbors better, but it is a good reminder that loving God is not only to be the center of our lives in our home but is also an extension of His love to others through us.  

Remember, loving our neighbor as ourselves is not just a nice suggestion, but a command from God to all who love Him. Let’s be challenged this Easter season to share the truth of God’s love through His Son with all our neighbors.

By Dan Eckley

A few months ago I wrote an article challenging families to worship together. Last month in TALK, I wrote an article challenging adults to participate in our adult Christian Education classes.   

In this article, I want to encourage parents that their children are missing out if they are not in our Sunday school classes as well. If it sounds like I think Christian teaching and education and training is critical to family life, you have perceived correctly—that is exactly what I mean!

The greatest need of the next generation is to know and cherish the infinite value of God. Therefore, we want our children to become so saturated with the Word of God that they treasure Him alone as the One who saves and satisfies their hearts.  We have been working steadfastly toward that end. 

We have a new God-centered curriculum which we put on display for all parents with our Back to Sunday School Day in October. We have been increasing our Sunday school teacher base and have seen the commitment level of those volunteers rise to a new level.

The only problem is we have very few children on most Sundays. Enrollments in the classes are quite a bit higher than the weekly attendance.  What that indicates is that many of our church families are not committed to their children getting age appropriate Christian teaching on Sunday mornings. 

The experience for many families in this church over the years including mine has been that of very meaningful God-honoring worship services and God-glorifying Sunday school classes for both parents and their children. Both are vital to spiritual growth for families.

Yes, that means a little over two hours here on Sunday morning instead of only a little over an hour. To say it positively, that is twice as much valuable instruction in the things of God for your family!

You would be getting twice the benefit of all of the hard work put in by our staff and volunteers!  I promise it will be a blessing and will benefit your family members significantly in their spiritual journeys. 

My challenge to all of our families with children is to test my words and to test God in this for at least one quarter. I am confident you will be glad you did!