Your Money Matters This is not an appeal for you to give the Church more money, although you should give as God blesses and directs you. Rather, the point I would like to make is since God owns everything anyway and we are simply stewards of what He gives us, what do we do? This is important because Hebrews 4:13 tells us that “…everything is naked and open to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account”. How do you feel about your stewardship of the money and all the other resources that you manage? Take an honest look and make corrections if necessary, so you won’t be ashamed on that day.

COMING IN SEPTEMBER Has the current financial challenges made you wonder about your personal financial condition? Don’t waste time worrying about it. Commit to participate in the upcoming Crown Biblical Financial Study and learn what the Bible has to say about money and practical ways to get the most “bang” for the buck.

Starting in August, you can visit the Crown table in the foyer and pick up information about the class, as well as sign up for the class, ask questions and find out the details for the class. Here is some info now.

Dates: September 13^th – November 22^nd (Sunday afternoon from 3:00pm until 5:00pm)

Duration: 10 weeks plus orientation

Cost: $60 per couple and $50 per individual

The class includes homework, classroom participation, practical exercises, DVD presentations workbook and study guide. Also, time is allowed for you to ask questions. No one is required to expose any personal financial information they do not want to and we ask that no information of a personal nature be communicated to those outside the class.

Want information now? Call Paul Brinson at 423-496-5299 or Frank Grubb at 706-632-3397

Key to Financial Blessing We could all use our personal financial adviser to help us navigate the economic turmoil of our times. God has a plan worked out for our fiscal security. Know what it is?

Check out Exodus 23:19 “You shall bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord.” When we do this, we acknowledge that God is the source of everything and we are completely dependent upon Him.

God doesn’t need our money, but He knows that we need to give. Doing so with a generous and willing heart displays the character of Christ is our lives. Generosity is a way to honor and worship the Lord. (Source: The Bible in One Year)

Should I Refinance My Home? Interest rates are pretty low right now and the Federal Government is anxious for you to buy a home and “stimulate” the economy. But, how about if you already own a home?

Here are some things to think about if you’re considering refinancing:

• Consider if your interest rate is above 6 percent.
• Expect to pay 2.5 percent to 3 percent of your loan total for closing costs.
• Can you recoup the cost of the loan in 18 to 24 months?
• Lenders expect you to have a strong credit report and at least 20 percent in home equity.
• Call your present lender and see what they say. Then, get a second opinion.

What are the pros and cons Consider refinancing your mortgage if:

1. You plan on being in your home long enough to recoup the cost.
2. You seek to reduce the life of the loan and eliminate the mortgage debt faster.
3. You have an adjustable rate mortgage and want to lock in a fixed rate mortgage.

Refinancing may not be the best choice if:

• The majority of the loan has been paid off.
• Your home value has gone down and you owe more on your mortgage than your home is worth

Finally, ask God to give you wisdom as you consider the best thing to do.

Debt Free Living As many people have learned recently, being in debt is not fun. In fact, the Bible says it is bondage. Here is what Larry Burkett had to say: “Debt-free living is still God’s plan for us today. The blessings of becoming debt-free go far beyond the financial area; they extend to the spiritual and material realms. People who are financially bound cannot be spiritually free. The problems seem to spill over into prayer and study time. And the effects of financial bondage on marriage relationships are measurable in the statistics of failed marriages.”

The Word on Money “Whatever measure you use in giving…will be used to measure what is given back to you” (Luke 6:38)