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God’s authority is over all people and things. This is set out for us at I Chronicles 29:11 which reads, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on the earth is Yours, O Lord, and this is Your kingdom. We adore You as the One who is over all things.”
We belong to God and are called by Him to submit to His authority as it reads in Romans 13:1. “…For all authority comes from God…”
God authorizes us at Genesis 1:28 which reads, “…’Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground
God is good. Psalm 89:14 reads, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your [God’s] throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You.”
We are to be good like God is. Ephesians 4:32 reads, “…be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
God is altogether good and good to us. His plans are good and good for us.
Take heart in this written to us at Isaiah 40:28-29, “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”
Happy living in light of God’s goodness to you.
Doug Johnson
President
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5
In a world of instant gratification and financial uncertainty, saving and investing can be an intimidating task. Yet, we are called to be wise stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. Whether we are just starting our financial journey or looking to strengthen our habits, building a future rooted in faith and financial wisdom is not only possible—it is our calling. This month we are taking a look at the first three ideas to lead us to be faithful in our finances.
The Bible reminds us that everything we have belongs to God (Psalm 24:1). Saving and investing are not about hoarding wealth, but about managing it faithfully. When we view money as a tool for service rather than a source of security, our financial decisions become acts of worship.
Before we open a savings account or invest in the stock market, take time to pray and reflect. We need to ask God to guide our financial goals and help us align them with His purposes. I will confess, my personal financial habits are deeply-rooted, and I sometimes carry them out without seeking God’s advice first.
“Budget” is a negative word to many. Those of us who are self-employed often use the excuse, “I don’t know how much I will earn in any given year, so it’s impossible to create a budget.” We may initially need the assistance of a financial planner to get that budget created the first year or so, but it is definitely doable! A budget is a spiritual discipline as much as a financial one. It helps us live within (or below) our means, avoid unnecessary debt, and prioritize giving. Begin by tracking your income and expenses. Then, allocate your money using something like the “10-10-80” principle:
10% to God (tithes and offerings)
10% to savings and investments
80% for living expenses
This simple framework ensures that generosity and future planning are built into your lifestyle from the start. The stress of establishing a budget is directly proportional to the peace of mind it brings – what begins as anxiety transforms into lasting tranquility.
You don’t need a large income or a lot of spare money laying around to begin saving or investing. What matters most is consistency. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Start with what you can—$25, $50, or $100 a month—and automate your savings so it becomes a habit, not a decision.
Consider opening a savings account for short-term goals and an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or employer-sponsored 401(k) for long-term investing. Guaranty offers tools to help you get started with minimal effort.
Next month, we will discuss four more ideas to lead us to be faithful in our finances. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to give us a call with any questions you may have.
Shannon McDowell, JD, CTFA
Vice President & Trust Officer
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed. Proverbs 15:22