Payday comes. You already know where some of the money will go. There's a mortgage payment, a grocery trip, and a car that needs new tires. But before you decide what to do with the rest, ask a question that can change the way you look at the whole paycheck.

What has God entrusted to me, and how would He have me use it?

That's the question of stewardship. Scripture gives us a place to start and shows what faithfulness can look like with the money, time, and abilities we have today.

1. Psalm 24:1 — Remember who owns it

"The earth and everything in it … belong to the LORD."

Start here. Everything belongs to God. That includes the money in your checking account and the home you've worked hard to pay for. When you see those things as resources God has entrusted to you, you start asking how they can serve His purposes.

2. Deuteronomy 8:18 — Remember where your ability comes from

"He gives you the power to gain wealth."

Moses warned Israel about forgetting God when life became comfortable. That warning still hits home. You may have worked hard for a raise. Take a moment to thank God for the ability and opportunity to do that work.

3. Proverbs 3:9 — Give first

"Honor the LORD with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest."

Where does giving show up in your budget? Try putting it on the page before you decide what to spend. Giving first is one way to practice trusting God with what He's provided.

4. 2 Corinthians 9:7 — Give cheerfully

"God loves a cheerful giver."

Paul tells believers to decide in their hearts what to give, freely and willingly. Take time to consider where your gift can serve others. Start with your local church. What ministry there are you grateful to help support?

5. Proverbs 21:5 — Make a plan

"The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit."

A little planning today can make next month easier. Look ahead to the expenses you can see coming. If the tires will cost $600 and you have six months to prepare, start setting aside $100 a month.

6. Luke 16:10 — Be faithful with what you have today

"Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much."

It's easy to imagine what you'd do with a bigger paycheck. What could you do with this one? The small decisions you make every payday are opportunities to practice faithfulness right now.

7. Matthew 6:21 — Pay attention to your heart

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Look at last month's spending. What did you make room for? Where would you like your heart to be more invested? Jesus' words invite you to consider where your money is taking your attention.

8. 1 Timothy 6:17 — Put your hope in God

Paul tells those who are wealthy to put their hope in God, who provides for our enjoyment. You can enjoy what God provides and still ask yourself an honest question. Where do I look for security when my account balance drops?

9. Ephesians 4:28 — Work with someone else in mind

"so that he has something to share with anyone in need."

Paul gives work a purpose that reaches beyond your own household. As you earn and plan, make room to help someone whose needs you might otherwise miss.

10. 1 Peter 4:10 — Use what God has given you to serve

Peter calls believers to use their gifts to serve one another as stewards of God's grace. You might have a free Saturday, a skill someone needs, or a table with room for another family. What could you share this week?

Before your next payday, choose one of these verses to come back to. Then decide what it will change about how you give, save, spend, or serve this week.

Scripture excerpts are from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).