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Understanding God’s money, stewardship and knowing it is important to be out of debt

Noah, God and Stewardship
by Michael & Kathy McDonald

The Bible has over two thousand scriptures about finances and stewardship that teach us about how to use money wisely. What we are learning is that it’s important to be out of debt – not to be able to buy more stuff – but to be able to give more and bless people that need help. Can you see God smiling as we acknowledge that all financial decisions are really spiritual decisions?

We’re supposed to figure out what pleases Christ and then do it. Noah pleased God and because he did we are alive today. From his life we can learn five acts of worship that make God smile.

1. Noah loved God more than anything else in the world, even money. God deeply loves us and He desires our love in return. The only way to learn to know Him is to spend time with Him.
      
2. Noah trusted God. He built a ship in the middle of dry land. Noah had never seen rain because God irrigated from the ground up; he lived far from the ocean; and then there was the problem of rounding up all the animals. Noah totally trusted God. We all have areas in which we need to trust God. The two of us are learning to totally trust God in finances.
      
3. God smiles when we obey him and He loves good stewardship. Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. He did not question God. I’ve asked God a few questions – Are you sure you want me to be debt free? Are you sure you want us to have our finances together? It’s so much easier the other way with, “easy credit”.
      
4. Noah praised God and had a heart of thanksgiving. Noah built an altar to God and sacrificed burnt offerings on it. We praise God for who He is and thank Him for what He has done. When we enjoy what God has done for us and express that enjoyment, it brings Him joy.
      
5. God is pleased when we use our abilities wisely and steward the resources He give us. After the flood, God gave Noah simple instructions – be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. It was time to get on with life. God enjoys watching every detail of our lives. Just as we enjoy watching our children, God enjoys watching us. And our children do not have to be perfect or mature for us to enjoy them and neither do we with God. Psalm 147:11 (Amplified) “The Lord takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness.”