GOD’S ECONOMY
The Answer for Out of Control Spending
By Shawn Brown
The 700 Club
“We just weren’t thinking. We’d just spend,
spend, spend. And for me, giving, to be honest with you, giving
was dead last.”
Demetrius and Leslie Clark were living beyond their
means. Spending all their money on a Saturday was a regular thing
for them.
“Get up, go work out, come back home, take a shower, and
start shopping about 2:00, and get back home at about 9:00.”
That was Demetrius and Leslie’s Saturday routine.
As a married couple, life became extremely difficult …
especially financially.
Like many Americans, all three credit cards were maxed out. One
vehicle was already repossessed, the other was about to be taken.
Demetrius was a petty officer in the U.S. Navy and the Clarks
were living on his income. Simply paying their bills was a struggle.
But instead of managing their money more carefully, they continued
the shopping sprees.
“During that time we knew … we already knew right
from wrong, what we were suppose to give God. But we tried to
avoid thinking about it. It’s like we tried to run away
from what we knew was right,” says Leslie.
The Clarks became extremely overwhelmed. Bill collectors called
them daily, and they didn’t have the money to pay them.
Finally, they decided something needed to change. So the Clarks
made a recommitment to the Lord.
“We just finally come to the point that God is the only
answer,” says Leslie.
Instantly, Demetrius and Leslie ended their shopping sprees.
They became determined to get out of debt, but they didn’t
know how.
“I was at home watching TV,” says Leslie, “and
there was a program on. They were talking about giving and how
you can start out by giving a little. We started out giving twenty
dolloars. I was l hesitant, but I know this, when I started giving,
that’s when the blessings started coming into our family.”
In 1997 Demetrius was promoted up a rank, awarding him a pay
raise. So the Clarks increased their giving to $50 dollars a month
to The 700 Club.
“Write the check, send it out, God will provide,”
states Leslie of their new routine. “And that’s
exactly what happened.”
After the Clarks increased their giving to $100 dollars a month
to The 700 Club, Demetrius was promoted to leading petty
officer 1st class. Six months later, he was given a transfer that
would enable him to stay ashore with his family. Normally this
transfer would cause a pay decrease, but Demetrius got a raise!
“Right now I’m filling a title that is above what
my rank is,” explains Demetrius, “and I’m just
being blessed. We started out small -- I’d say okay, let’s
think about giving a little bit more. And now, the more we give,
the more we receive.”
Today, all three credit cards, their motorcycle, and one of their
cars are paid off!
“Everything in this house is paid for,” says Leslie.
“And its not because of us, it’s because we give to
God. Giving willingly and freely from the heart, that’s
what I believe.” One thing is for sure, we’ll never
out give God. We cannot out give Him … what He has done
in our lives is awesome.”
Demetrius and Leslie discovered a powerful truth from God’s
Word. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over,
will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it
will be measured to you.” (NIV)
God wants to bless you too, just as He has blessed the Clarks.
One way you can give to God’s work is through CBN. Not only
will you reach thousands each day with a message of truth and
hope through The 700 Club, you will also help feed and
clothe children around the world, bring medical aid to those suffering
and so much more. Please
join with us today.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
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