Get Inspired

Ask the Lord to inspire your heart and guide your steps with principles from His Word. The articles below can help you.

7 Habits of Highly Effective Believers

Habit 1: Be Thankful. “In everything give thanks…” (I Thessalonians 5:18 ). A steward’s heart begins with an attitude of gratitude.

Habit 2: Trust God to Provide. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God….” (1 Timothy 6:17).

Habit 3: Be Content. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have…” (Hebrews 13:5). Contentment isn’t “getting what you want – it’s wanting what you’ve got.”

Habit 4: Be a Faithful Example. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.…” (Deuteronomy 6: 6-7). Our children may fail to listen, but they seldom fail to imitate us.

Habit 5: Live Within Your Means. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13). We can live on less than we make in the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Habit 6: Give Time and Talent. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 ). Highly effective stewards use their time and talents to honor God.

Habit 7: Give Treasure. “Honor the Lord with your wealth….” (Proverbs 3:9). Our giving shows our loyalty to Christ – during and after our lifetimes.

5 Best Ways to Bless Your Family's Future

1. Get a Will. When people start adding up the value of their home, life insurance, retirement accounts, and other property, they begin to see that even with a modest middle class estate, a plan is needed that provides for their families and the charities they love.

2. Reduce (or eliminate) unnecessary taxes and court costs. A Will can help you reduce probate hassles and costs, avoid certain taxes, and decrease other administrative expenses – freeing up more resources to your heirs and charitable work.

3. Decide who will manage your stuff after you die. Without a Will, a court decides how to distribute your estate. On the other hand, when you name your own representative in your Will, you decide who will distribute the money and things entrusted to you.

4. Decide who will take care of your kids. If you have minor children, a Will allows you to name the guardian of your children and a Trustee of the assets to provide for the children. If a court is left to make these decisions for you, your spiritual values may be disregarded.

5. Include “ministry” in your family. Your Will can be powerful a testimony to family and friends. Including your extended “family” in your Will – namely your church and favorite charities – is a wonderful way to express your values for generations to come.

What Happens If I Die Without a Will?

If you do not have a Will, the State actually has one for you. Unfortunately, that means state law would determine (without your input):

• Who will be the next steward of the resources entrusted to you
• Who will care for your young children
• Who will administer your estate

With a Will, you get to decide these things. In addition to making sure your immediate family is provided for in your Will, you can also bless your extended “family” – including your church and favorite charitable organizations.

Top 10 Reasons to Update Your Will

These 10 life events may signal it’s time for an up-to-date Will:

1. Marriage or Divorce
2. New baby, adopted children, or stepchildren
3. Moving to another state
4. Changing your mind about heirs
5. Major changes in property ownership or financial assets
6. Changes in estate planning and estate tax law.
7. Death or disability of someone named in your Will
8. Children have reached the age of 18
9. You would like to provide for a ministry organization
10. It has been three years or more since you have reviewed your Will.

Next Step

Child Bridge, Inc. does not, and will not engage in the practice of law. Therefore, it is important that you seek an attorney directly or through one of the online services listed for preparation of legal work. Child Bridge, Inc. cannot review your estate plan for legal accuracy; you must rely upon the legal advice received from your attorney or online legal service.

Links to third party sites are provided as examples of commonly known resources for information purposes only. Child Bridge, Inc. does not endorse any third party products or content that may be available through the links to any third party websites. Child Bridge, Inc. does not receive any payments or benefits from these sites.