The new year is fast approaching and our timelines are about to be ‘lit’ with ‘new year-new me’ declarations. I believe that 2019 is the beginning of great years for you, similar the to the seven years of harvest described in Genesis 41.

If you don’t know the story here’s a snippet:

Pharaoh had two dreams that troubled him greatly. He called his wise men and they were unable to interpret the dream for him. However, his cupbearer told him of a Hebrew he met in prison, that was able to interpret his dream and may be able to help. The Hebrew, Joseph, was summoned from the prison and was able to tell Pharaoh that his dreams meant that there would be seven years of plenty and seven years of famine. A famine so bad that it would cause the people to forget all about the prosperity the years before.

Long story short Joseph was able to give Pharaoh the strategy that he could use to ensure the survival of his people during those times. Joseph’s strategy during the times of plenty created a storehouse filled with all Egypt needed for the famine but they were also able to sell food to people from other cities and countries.

Even in famine, Egypt prospered because they prepared for the slow times during the full times and was able to financially capitalize and create an additional stream of income by selling food during the famine.

*Hint* They were an answer to a problem.

I began saying that I believe we are approaching a year of great increase. These seven years of plenty that you are about to experience doesn’t mean seven years of ‘the splurge’. These years are for you to prepare to be the deliverance the world needs for what lies ahead.

Egypt prospered in famine because they had the answer to world hunger and was able to come to the worlds rescue and profit because of their prudence. Joseph’s strategy was so simple, but it required discipline and it saved so many lives and increased the wealth of Egypt.

2019 is the year that I get my finances together, eliminate debt and increase my wealth with the help of Joseph’s Financial Strategy. Care to join me?

Step #1

Ten Percent Belongs To God-Pay Your Tithes!

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” -Malachi 3:10 I NIV

I can remember going through seasons where I tested the validity of this scripture. I looked at what was in my hand. I looked at my bills. Then I looked at the tithing envelope and was like God-you see what I have and it is not enough so I’ll pay this next month. Then the Holy Spirit would speak to me and I would give my tithes. Did I die or starve during the times I felt like I was unable to pay my tithes? Heavens no-in fact God continues to ensure that I receive all that I need.

Honoring God with the first fruits of your increase will not deplete you, it always increases you. I hear the talk in the marketplace as to all the reasons why you shouldn’t give your tithes, but none of the reasons given negates the fact that it was a command from God. I want ALL the blessings of God and if I pay my tithes because God can not lie, I can bet on the fact that his word is true and I shall be blessed because of it!

Step #2

Give Offerings

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.- Luke 6:38 | NIV

Ten percent of my increase shall be given as offerings to the church and to the poor. I will decide at the appointed time whether I will give half to the church or the other half to someone in need. Or whether I will alternate month to month between the church and someone in need.

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.- Proverbs 19:17 I NIV

When you give to the poor you are giving to God, because Jesus took on our debt so that through him we may be free. When you give anything to the poor its received by heaven as a loan you gave to God and he, the God with unlimited resources, repays you.

Step #3

Save Twenty Percent Of Your Earnings-BUDGET

Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, to collect one-fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven plentiful years. Genesis 41:34 NKJV

One-fifth of your earnings is equivalent to 20%. Joseph was able to feed Egypt and so many others by doing this for seven years.

Example:

20% of $100 = $20.00

$20 x 4 wks = $80.00

$80 x 12 mths = $960.00

#financialgoals

Step #4

Enjoy the Sixty Percent that’s left!

To some people who are living above there means 60% is going to feel like living in the wilderness but good news, no one has ever died from downsizing, at least I don’t think so. Now is a great time to reevaluate your spending habits.

Listen, I’ll be the first to say that I never took financial planning and budgeting seriously. I never took charge of my money, so my money took charge of me. Money is an awesome servant but a terrible master. As a mother, it is so important that I teach my kids the value of money and proper financial planning and spending habits. In this way, they don’t repeat a cycle of poverty but will create a legacy of financial literacy they can pass on to their children’s children.