Living below our means

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2 Corinthians 9:7
It is always refreshing to end the week with a reminder from God’s Word that gently brings our hearts back to what truly matters.

Life has a way of filling our minds with worries about finances, responsibilities, and the future. Yet in the middle of all these concerns, Scripture reminds us that our relationship with money is deeply connected to the condition of our hearts.

Today’s devotion brings us to 2 Corinthians 9:7, which says:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

This verse has been quietly shaping the way our family thinks about finances, generosity, and contentment over the years.

It also reminds us that living below our means is not simply a financial strategy. It is a spiritual practice. It teaches us trust. It cultivates gratitude. And it opens our hands so that we can bless others.

As I reflect on this today, I find myself thinking about our own journey as a family serving here in Cambodia.

Looking Forward to a Long Awaited Trip Home

In just a few weeks, after final exams are completed at the university where I teach, our small family of three will finally fly home to the Philippines for a two week visit.

The last time we were there was in 2019.

We normally try to visit every two years so that we can reconnect with family and also take care of important matters. One of those important reasons has always been for our son David’s developmental assessment related to his autism. 👈👦

But the past several years have been different.

The pandemic happened. Travel became difficult. Financial resources were stretched. And as a family serving in ministry here in Cambodia, we also faced moments where our savings were used for needs that could not wait.

Because of these circumstances, the years passed without the opportunity to return home.

So this upcoming trip feels both exciting and humbling. It reminds us again of how quickly time passes.

Trusting God With David’s Development 💓

In the past, when we visited the Philippines, one of our priorities was bringing David to see his developmental doctor for assessment related to his autism.

But this time, Vandy and I came to a peaceful agreement.

We will skip that appointment.

Over the years we have seen how much David has grown. His school here in Cambodia has played a very important role in his development. We truly thank God for that community.

His school has a special needs department that works closely with students like him. What we appreciate most is that the people working there are not only trained educators. They are missionaries who care about the spiritual growth of their students as well.

David receives sessions at least twice a week through this program. These sessions include speech development support. The cost of the school is not small. In fact, it is one of the most expensive parts of our monthly budget.

But speech sessions are already included in his tuition. Because of this, we no longer need to pay separately for expensive therapy sessions outside school. That alone has been a huge blessing!

There were many times when Vandy and I talked about transferring David to a different school because of the cost. Each time we prayed about it, God gently reminded us why we placed him there when he was only three years old.

We prayed for direction then. God provided it.

And through the years, He has faithfully sustained that decision.

The Reality of Living Below Our Means

Because David’s tuition is a major part of our monthly budget, we have learned to live below our means.

This was not always easy.

But over time, it became a habit that brought peace instead of pressure.

I am very grateful for my husband Vandy. Early in our marriage we recognized that he has a natural ability to manage finances wisely. Because of that, I gladly let him handle most of our budgeting decisions.

Looking back now, I can honestly say it was a wise decision.

By God’s grace we have never had debts. We do not own credit cards. And though our income is not large, God has always provided what we need.

Every meal on our table. Every school payment. Every ministry need.

His faithfulness has been steady and quiet.

Living below our means does not mean life is without challenges. It simply means we choose contentment rather than chasing things that we cannot afford.

Current Prayer Needs

Even as we prepare for our trip to the Philippines, there are still several concerns we continue to pray about.

One of them is Vandy’s health. We are praying for provision for a medical procedure called capsule endoscopy so doctors can better understand what is happening inside his digestive system.

Capsule Endoscopy
Vandy's "Capsule Endoscopy" need
We are also praying for a place to stay during our two week visit.

My mother, Mama Tessie, now lives alone in a small one bedroom apartment in Taguig. My sister Ruth and her family are serving in ministry in Nueva Ecija. My brother Jhe and his family are currently living with their in laws.

Because of this, we do not have a place to stay during our visit.

We have been asking friends if anyone might be able to host us for those two weeks.

Another option would be renting a short stay condominium through Airbnb. My sister has been sending us listings that are relatively affordable for weekly stays. But even then, when we look at the savings we currently have, it is still not enough.

So we continue to pray and trust that God will open a door.

This season reminds us again of something we often say to each other.

We are limited. But God is not. 

2 Corinthians 9:7
Thank you for standing with us in Prayer 🙏

Everything Belongs to God 🙏💖

Serving in Cambodia has taught our family a simple but powerful truth.

Nothing we have truly belongs to us.

Everything belongs to God.

Our finances, our home, our time, our abilities, and even our opportunities to help others are all gifts entrusted to us.

Because of this truth, every day becomes an act of surrender.

We ask God for wisdom in how we spend money. We ask Him to guide our decisions. And we ask Him to keep our hearts free from the pressure of comparison.

The world often measures success by wealth. Bigger houses. Newer cars. Expensive things.

But God measures something different.

He looks at the heart.

And sometimes the most meaningful generosity comes from people who do not have much.

Learning the Joy of Giving 👍💘

One of the most beautiful lessons we have learned while living below our means is the joy of giving.

That may sound strange at first.

How can someone who does not have much still choose to give?

Yet over the years, Vandy and I have experienced many moments where God gently prompted us to help someone.

Sometimes it was helping a pastor pay for a medical need.

Other times it was contributing to a dorm student’s tuition.

Once it was helping a non believer couple who needed to borrow money for a genuine situation.

We also support our elderly parents in practical ways. This includes helping with my mother’s rent and supporting some of Vandy’s medical needs.

We do not expect anything in return.

Our motivation is simple.

Love.

When both of our hearts feel peace about giving, we release that money and trust God to replenish what we have shared.

And you know what we have seen again and again?

God never lets our provision run dry.

It may not come in the same way we gave. Sometimes it arrives through unexpected gifts. Sometimes through new opportunities. Sometimes through small daily provisions that remind us He sees us.

Living below our means makes space for generosity.

A Culture That Values Simplicity

In many parts of the world, success is connected with material possessions. But choosing a simpler lifestyle can actually free our hearts. When we learn to distinguish between needs and wants, our priorities begin to shift. We realize that relationships matter more than things.

Faith matters more than comfort. And the mission of sharing God’s love matters more than collecting possessions. Living simply is not about deprivation.

It is about alignment. Our lives begin to reflect God’s perspective rather than the world’s expectations.

A Heart That Gives Cheerfully

This brings us back to today’s devotion.

“God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7

God does not look for people who give out of pressure.

He is not impressed by giving that is done for recognition.

Jesus often spoke about this.

He warned people not to give publicly just so others would praise them. Instead, He encouraged quiet generosity.

Giving should come from love.

When our hearts are shaped by the love of Christ, generosity becomes natural.

We give because we care. We give because we remember how much God has already given to us. We give because His grace has filled our lives. And that changes everything.

Five Reflections on Living Below Our Means

Here are a few reflections that have guided our family through the years.

1. Contentment protects our hearts

Contentment allows us to enjoy what God has already provided.

Reflection question:
Am I grateful for what I already have today?

Call to action:
Take a moment today to thank God for three simple blessings in your life.

2. Simplicity creates room for generosity

When we spend wisely, we create space to help others.

Reflection question:
Is there something I could simplify so that I can bless someone else?

Call to action:
Look at your weekly spending and ask God to show you one small way you can give.

3. Trust grows when we release control

Giving requires faith because it reminds us that our security comes from God, not money.

Reflection question:
Do I trust God with my resources?

Call to action:
Pray and ask God to guide one financial decision you are facing this month.

4. Generosity reveals the character of God

When we give, people see a glimpse of God’s kindness.

Reflection question:
How can my actions reflect God’s love to someone who does not yet know Him?

Call to action:
Look for one opportunity this week to bless someone quietly.

5. Eternal treasures matter most 👈

Everything in this world will eventually pass away.

But love, faith, and the people we impact for Christ will last forever.

Reflection question:
Am I investing more in temporary things or eternal things?

Call to action:
Choose one way this week to invest in someone’s spiritual life through encouragement or prayer.

An Encouragement

As we continue preparing for our trip to the Philippines, we do not know exactly how every detail will unfold. But we do know this. God has been faithful before. And He will be faithful again.

If you are currently facing financial uncertainty, I want to encourage you. You are not alone.

God sees every prayer. Every sacrifice. Every moment when you choose trust instead of fear. He cares deeply about the condition of our hearts. And when our hearts remain open, generous, and cheerful, we reflect the character of the God we serve.

A Prayer

Lord,

Thank you for reminding us that everything we have comes from You. Teach us to live with open hands and grateful hearts. Help us choose contentment instead of comparison. Guide our decisions so that our finances honor You.

Give us wisdom to live below our means and courage to trust You when resources feel limited. Fill our hearts with joy as we give and serve others. Let our generosity reflect Your love to the people around us.

Provide for every family reading this today. Comfort those who feel worried about their finances. Remind them that You are their provider and their peace.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed week!
The Hourngs in Cambodia 👪🙏😍

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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