Faith and Finances: Recent Episodes
Tim Rosen & Troy Barrilleaux
Faith and Finances provides Christ-focused financial teaching and approaches each financial topic with the premise, "What does the Bible say about that?"
Tim:
They say that all good things must come to an end. We hope and pray that the Faith and Finances Podcast has been “good” to you, that the Christ-focused financial teaching has blessed and encouraged you.
Troy:
In 1965, The Byrd's (can't these guys spell?) popularized the message of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in their hyper-creatively titled song, "Turn! Turn! Turn!".
The message is one of seasons—beginnings and endings. For every beginning, the Bible teaches us that there must also be an ending.
That truth brings us to the final episode of the Faith and Finances Podcast.
Our Farewells: Tim:
We are so thankful that you have chosen to listen to this Podcast. We have endeavored to bring valuable content and honor the Lord in every episode.
I will be focusing my time and energy on my writing and live teaching endeavors. You can stay in touch, and receive my devotional writings on the subject of biblical finances by visiting www.TimRosen.org and providing your e-mail address.
You can also learn where I am teaching the Faith and Finances sessions by visiting the ministry Facebook or Instagram (see links below).
Troy:
Tim and I have enjoyed our time with you during these few years of podcasting. Both of us are now entering seasons of life that demand a bit more of our time than in the past.
I'm blessed with 2 godly teenagers, but they are teenagers nonetheless and require more of my time than ever before.
Katrina and I have gone back to serving as Care Group Leaders after a 1-2 year break and that also requires time.
On the work front, I'm currently building an online training system for our new hires and helping with the NeuroStar international expansion efforts.
I suspect that Tim and I will share a microphone or video camera at some point in the future. We both enjoy each other and those mediums.
But until then, dear listener… God bless.
Resources and Links: Faith and Finances - Book
Multiply, What the Bible Teaches About Saving, Investing, and Planning for Your Future - Book
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Learn and trust God’s ways, for His ways are so much higher (better) than our ways.
Reach Us: Podcast on Facebook
Tim Website or Twitter, or Instagram
Troy Twitter and Facebook
Matt Website or Twitter
How often are the words of the Apostle Paul, "Owe no man anything" applied to literally every form of loan, mortgage, and debt?
In This Episode, We Look At: Romans 13:8 in its proper context
Types of debt to avoid
Manageable, acceptable debt
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Podcast on Facebook
Tim Website or Twitter
Troy Twitter
Matt Website or Twitter
I talk with my family frequently about the quality of food (or junk) that we put in our bodies. Yet there are times when I would see an amazing-looking dessert (just Google "Monster shakes") and all of a sudden I'm now telling my family how awesome this thing looks and that we ought to try it!
That is not integrity!
The healthy talk is somewhat recent in my life, but the junk food temptations stem from decades of bad habits.
In This Episode, We Look At:
Deep seeded bad habits and bad behavior do not suddenly disappear overnight. This applies to financial habits and behaviors as well.
You cannot dig yourself out of a 20, 30, or 40-year hole in just weeks or months.
Financial integrity means handling money in a manner consistent with your beliefs—and words.
Listen as we provide an Integrity self-test for Christians.
Improve Your Faith and Finances:
Saturate yourself in God's Word, seeking to learn what is acceptable, and then practice awareness of your own thoughts, words, and deeds.
Share Your Thoughts:
If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Matt Website or Twitter
Most of us are repelled by rules thrown at us.
There’s a bit of a maverick in all of us, preferring “our way.”
Just as there are laws of nature, there are laws in personal finance.
They really do sound simple, yet simple is often enough.
We are going to list the Simple Rules/Laws and teach you how to implement them.
- Save
- Be aware of cash flow
- Avoid consumer debt
As Christ-followers, we are commanded to love others (see Matthew 22:37-40).
That's a tall order.
How much do we love ourselves?
In This Episode, We Look At: Love in action: With neighbors- demonstrate Christ-likeness.
With our enemies.
With family and the body of Christ.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: As Christ loved us unconditionally so are we to love others-unconditionally. Demonstrate that love, and also give, as giving is an act of love
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We all see the ads and the Hallmark movies this time of year. We see happy, joyful people shopping for their loved ones and enjoying bountiful Christmas dinners. In reality, do we display such joy and happiness in the marketplace while shopping for our loved ones? Why not?
In This Episode, We Look At: Three keys to a joyful Christmas shopping season.
First: Determine to keep your family's focus on the meaning of Christmas. If the primary focus is the buying and giving of gifts, you're doing it wrong.
Second: Determine a budget for Christmas related spending (including food). We cover some tips here in the episode.
Third: Be intentional to spread joy and the love of Christ to others.
Consider how other people feel as they work long hours at the stores this season, trying to tolerate impatient, rude, and belligerent customers. What difference can you make by offering a genuine smile and a "Thank you for working."
Resources and Links: Christmas Shoes - you're welcome! :-)
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Schedule time to read the true Christmas story from Scripture this season. Luke 2, Matthew 2, and Isaiah 9 are wonderful places to start.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We would like you to meet Scott and Bethany Palmer, also known as The Money Couple.
Scott and Bethany focus their decades of financial planning experience on helping couples strengthen their marriages and stop fights about money.
In This Episode, We Look At: Both spouses have their own unique money language and personality. You've heard of 5 Love Languages, but it’s the money language that causes most arguments and contention in a marriage.
In this interview, Scott and Bethany help us to not only identify our own money personalities, but also how to understand our spouse's money personality. With this knowledge and understanding, couples can work together, knowing they are on the same team, and build their future together, instead of against each other.
Resources and Links: The Money Couple - website
The Money Couple - Facebook
The 5 Money Personalities - book
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Visit the Money Couple website and look around. Consider taking their Assessment. When you learn about your own money beliefs and personality and your spouse's, you can begin working together toward God-honoring goals instead of against each other.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Today, your Smartphone probably knows you better than you know yourself. Simply let the device look into your eyes and in seconds, you have access to all of your financial accounts, e-mail, and everything personal you could imagine.
But, how well does it know your spouse?
Specifically, if you were taken out of this world, would your spouse know how to access crucial financial accounts, insurance policies, and other vital information?
I'm not simply talking about what is on your phone. Would your surviving spouse know who to call, how to access money, what to pay off, and where vital documents are kept?
In This Episode, We Look At: Preparing a "What to do" list for your loved one, in the event of your passing.
The time to plan is now, while you are healthy and thriving, not once you are ill, old, or injured.
Do you have life insurance? If not, why not? How will your loved ones pay for burial and funeral expenses?
What will be the source of your surviving spouse's income?
We also review the differences between having a Will and a Living Trust
Improve Your Faith and Finances: It is our responsibility to plan for the "what if's" in order to take care of our family.
But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:8
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Mark 10:25
Why did Jesus say that?
Are riches bad? Are rich people condemned?
In This Episode, We Look At: Because the Bible gives so many warnings against the dangers of riches, some other misunderstandings have been perpetuated in the Christian community. One is that being wealthy is inherently sinful, or that only sinful people become wealthy. (R.C. Sproul)
The rich who are lost. They trust their wealth and see no need for a savior.
The rich who are saved may see that their needs are met, which leads them to trust their wealth also, and not consciously depending on God (which is His design).
Improve Your Faith and Finances: If God entrusts you with riches, purpose to continue your dependence on God, the Giver of all things, and not on "uncertain riches" (1 Timothy 6:17).
"If riches increase, set not your heart on them." Psalm 62:10
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
We've heard many opinions and interpretations of this verse.
If we think that this verse means that Jesus wants us to have an abundance of money to spend on ourselves, and live large with an abundance of possessions, we are heading toward misery.
In This Episode, We Look At: What an abundant life is not.
It cannot be the accumulation of money and things, as Jesus warned, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15
True abundance, against the wisdom of man, is found in giving.
Jesus declared, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
This is counterintuitive because we want to believe that the opposite is true, that receiving and obtaining more is better.
Resources and Links: Giving is The Good Life - Randy Alcorn
Improve Your Faith and Finances: "God takes our stinginess or generosity personally. To give lavishly is to be rich toward him; to hoard or spend on ourselves without regard for others is to be impoverished toward God." - Randy Alcorn
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Jesus said, "For ye have the poor always with you." Matthew 26:11a
There are amazing promises to those who consider the poor.
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing" Psalm 41:1-3
In This Episode, We Look At: Here we see three consecutive verses, in the Psalms, with specific and wonderful promises for those who will consider the poor.
In this age, who are the poor which the Scriptures are referring to? Are they the individuals who hold up signs on the street corner? Maybe not.
The Bible speaks of four distinct groups of the poor and specifies which groups we are to help, and which not to help.
The First Group: Those who are poor due to tragedy.
These are commonly widows, those who have become disabled, or diseased. We are to help this group.
The Second Group: Those who are oppressed or exploited.
In Biblical times we see this in the children of Israel.
Today we see this in human trafficking as well as citizens of countries whose dictators oppress and kill their people. We are to help this group.
The Third Group: Those who are poor because they are lazy (slothful).
We are not asked to give money to this group, they are instructed to work so they can eat.
The Fourth Group: Those who are poor because they choose to forgo material acquisitions for the sake of the kingdom of God and to serve others.
We do not see this as often as was seen in history, though there are some missionary situations where they are content to live sparsely, though we are called to financially support missionaries.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Prayerfully ask the Lord who He would have you to help. This could be in the form of a meal, even a financial gift (assistance with paying a utility bill, or groceries) and count on God's provision and blessings to you, as you honor Him in your giving.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Many are familiar with the tax-saving benefits of owning and contributing to an HSA. Today we will look at a feature that allows it to work as an additional source for future income.
In This Episode, We Look At: Contributions are tax-deductible.
Funds in the account have the opportunity for growth through choosing mutual funds.
Potential tax-free income. Under current laws, you can submit a receipt and invoice for a medical expense that you paid in the past, and be reimbursed from HAS funds tax-free. This means you can save up your receipts and bills for many years, then submit them, progressively during your retirement years (or earlier) to supplement your retirement income with these tax-free reimbursements!
Qualifications: You must have a high deductible health insurance plan and not be covered by a second health plan.
Contribution limits are: $3,500 for individuals, and $7,000 for families (2019 limits).
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We hear a lot of talk about a coming recession. The 24/7 news cycle would have you to worry and panic (I think that's one of their goals).
There is no need.
So, what's a Christian to do, to prepare for a recession?
In This Episode, We Look At: First. What is a recession?
It is a natural part of the business cycle. Economies expand and they also contract. When an economy contracts the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) decreases. When this occurs for two consecutive quarters (six months) an expert government committee officially declares a recession.
The good news is, recessions are temporary.
Steps to consider taking, in preparing for a recession:
Always trust God above circumstances, people, and employment.
Increase your value as an employee (now would be a great time to start).
Do extra work. Do more than is asked of you. Make yourself available for extra work, or other areas of responsibility. Increase your knowledge of your industry (read books, take online classes).
Reduce unnecessary expenses.
Increase savings now, building a bridge for a potential income gap.
Freshen up that resume.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Christians can go to prison-because of financial matters (theft). They can divorce over financial matters, and can even keep themselves out of the will of God, due to their heart and actions in financial matters.
The wealthiest twenty-five pastors in America are prosperity preachers.
In This Episode, We Look At: We memorize Scripture to help keep us from sinning (Psalm 119:11) and we use Scripture in spiritual battle (Ephesians 6). Jesus quoted Scripture in response to Satan's temptations.
Our enemy uses money issues in the arsenal of attacks toward us, and we need the Truth to guide us (he cannot stand against the Truth).
This week we are providing a list (abbreviated) of scriptures you can work on memorizing, to help in varying areas of money.
Resources and Links: Understanding True Ownership
The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1
Guarding our hearts regarding money
"…if riches increase, set not your heart upon them." Psalm 62:10
"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9
Earning money
"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground." Genesis 3:19
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4
"For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy thou shalt be, and it shall be well with thee." Psalm 128:2
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any work not, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Tithing
"Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10
"And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place where he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of the corn, of the wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks, that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always." Deuteronomy 14:23
Saving
"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." Proverbs 21:20
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8
Being wise with money
"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds." Proverbs 27:23
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2
Sharing
"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee." Proverbs 3:27
God's truths are greater than riches
"I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches." Psalm 119:14
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Work on memorizing one passage at a time, "hiding" God's word in your heart. It helps to walk, or pace, while you say the verse(s) out loud; your brain more effectively stores that memory when your body is in action.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We are distracted people. There is everything from minor distractions (the doorbell rings) to major distractions (insert favorite social media platform here.)
In truth, the enemy, Satan, is expertly skilled at distracting us. You see, if we are distracted, mentally, emotionally, or physically, we will easily forget our true calling - reaching the Lost and impacting this world for eternity.
In This Episode, We Look At: When we live with a worldview of life, our affections are set here, on earth, and our efforts not only seem empty but bring emptiness.
Try as we might, building a kingdom on earth is much like earning money and placing it in a bag with holes. Wait, that’s in Scripture!
Everything we see, touch, and strive for "under the sun" will pass away, meaning (literally), that it will all burn.
The solution is to seek those things that are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God, and "set your affections on the things above not on things below." (Col. 3:1-2)
Resources and Links: The Treasure Principle - by Randy Alcorn
Improve Your Faith and Finances: 2 Corinthians 4:8 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We all have needs. God even designed our lives to bring us to dependence on Him. This dependence is voluntary, He does not force of to depend on Him.
Do you desire to be closer to God? Did you know that in Scripture we are taught that we are to make the first move, draw near to God, then God moves, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
In This Episode, We Look At: In money matters we have need for:
Food, shelter, and clothing. Our first move is to seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, then His move is…and all these things (food, clothing, shelter) shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
We need money to run our household and other day-to-day expenses.
Our move is to honor the Lord with our substance and with our tithe, then God's move is to fill our barns with plenty and our vats with new wine (in other words, more than enough resources to meet our needs.)
We desire to have money to give to the Lord and kingdom purposes.
Our move is to give by faith, and God's move is His promise to feed us as we give and provide more resources for our continued giving (see 2 Cor. 9:10)
We have a couple more moves we discuss in this episode, so listen all the way through!
Improve Your Faith and Finances: God's promises and provisions in finances are actually conditioned on our move first, by faith. And, we know from Scripture that the just shall live by faith!
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Today's twenty-somethings have many tools and technologies available to them that did not exist a generation ago. They also face different challenges than were faced twenty years ago.
In This Episode, We Look At: The importance of trusting and depending on God.
Learning to honor the Lord in your finances.
Developing the habit of paying yourself with each paycheck.
Continue learning.
Obtain low-cost life insurance to cover the risk of a lost income (if married.)
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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How much of our lives do we leave up to God? How much of life is our responsible. This is an intriguing question and we tackle this subject in today's episode.
In This Episode, We Look At: We know that we are to trust God and depend on Him, completely.
We also know that it is not God's plan for His children to worry or fret.
What then would be considered our part in planning and preparing for surprise events in life?
We find in Scripture that we are to labor to earn income.
We ought to save money for life expenses and future needs.
We look at the role of appropriate types of insurance and Estate Planning: Disability, Life, Living Trusts
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Focus on preparing, within your means. We should all save a portion of our income on a regular basis. As Christians, we are called to do our best in the work place. If you are able, buy life insurance with no bells and whistles for the lowest price, from a reputable company.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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401(k)s are not perfect, but they do provide a way for workers to begin their investing journey toward retirement. They can be complex and many books have been written about 401(k)s. In today's episode, we are going to simplify it for you.
In This Episode, We Look At: What, exactly, is a 401(k)?
It is an employer-sponsored retirement plan and by "employer-sponsored" we do not mean that it is completely funded by the employer. This is a program through you can contribute a set portion of your earned income into investments, automatically, which means you do not have to rely on your memory to contribute.
In traditional 401(k) plans, your financial contributions come out of your paycheck without being taxed, so every dollar contributed is credited to your investment account.
These "pre-tax" contributions actual allow for more of your money to be invested without hurting your budget. For example, when you earn $100 you do not take home $100. Because of taxes, you take home something closer to $70 to $75. So if in your budget you can afford to part with $75 to invest for your future, you can have $100 going to work for you. From your paycheck, $100 is contributed, before taxes, which would have been $75 (take-home).
Now, if the employer offers a matching contribution of 50%, you would have $150 invested for the "cost" of $75. (Your $100 plus their $50), that's a pretty good deal.
Resources and Links: Against The Grain -by Tim Rosen. Chapter Two provides additional wisdom and guidance in managing your 401(k).
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Bob Lotich started SeedTime (formerly ChristianPF) in 2007 with a passion to help fellow believers learn how to manage their money wisely. His personal mission (and the SeedTime mission) is to make, save, grow, and give money to benefit others.
In This Episode, We Look At: Bob's vision and success in paying off debt in order to fund God's kingdom.
Bob has a "radical" plan to increase his giving to match his age, as a percentage. Not only has he done this (with God's help and, he's in his thirties) but he and his wife, Linda, have paid off their mortgage all while giving almost a third of their income to the Lord's work.
Resources and Links: SeedTime - Bob's Blog and website
Bob's Facebook
Bob's Twitter
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Great things can happen, with a plan.
How often do we simply hope that our finances will improve, but lack a clear action plan?
In This Episode, We Look At: The fallout from not having a financial plan.
The various levels of plans.
Creating a plan at the income level: Career progression, furthering education.
Creating a plan for today's cash flow: Do you have a savings goal? How will you reach that goal? Do you have debt to eliminate? Create and commit to a plan to eliminate that debt.
Creating a plan to generate future income. How much income will you need in the future? We talk about how to plan and invest to achieve a future income goal. Seeking expert counsel is often recommended.
Must-answer questions: How much do you need to invest now, in order to create the future income you will need?
What is the proper way to invest for your personal situation?
Resources and Links: The Total Money Makeover - by Dave Ramsey
Against the Grain: Avoiding the Financial Pitfalls of Conventional Wisdom - by Tim Rosen
Multiply: What the Bible Teaches About Saving, Investing, and Planning for Your Future - by Tim Rosen
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Creating financial plans helps us to faithfully steward the money God has blessed and entrusted us with.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Kevin Folger was the second of only two pastors in Cleveland Baptist Church's 60+ year history. This year, rather than retiring (which many men in their sixties do), he is transitioning to another ministry.
Pastor Folger also prepared for such a time by planning for and preparing the pastor who would succeed him at Cleveland Baptist.
In This Episode, We Look At: An uncommon but needed practice in ministry, succession planning.
How God burdened Kevin's heart early on for people in Asia.
What Kevin is now doing in the Lord's service through SLC-Asia.
Resources and Links: SL-ASIA.com
@KevinFolger - Twitter
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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When you were growing up, you may have been encouraged to "learn from your mistakes." There is certainly wisdom there, but when it comes to money, there are mistakes you do not want to learn from - you want to avoid them.
In This Episode, We Look At: Some money mistakes can be so devastating that there is no recovery, or they may require years to recover from.
Today we review five money mistakes that others have made and that you can avoid.
- Using funds from your 401(k) for today's expenses or "emergencies."
- Waiting too long in life to begin paying yourself.
- Operating without a budget
- The new car habit.
- Allowing lifestyle creep.
Resources and Links: Tim's Blog has many helping posts on these issues.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Niranjan Sundararaj recently retired after working nearly 27 years for American Express International.
He has an incredible story of God's grace, mercy and guidance in his life, that is sure to encourage you.
From being severely injured in a terrorist's bomb blast in Sri Lanka to taking his family to live in Sydney, Australia, and now at a time when others would retire, Niranjan is just getting warmed up, spear-heading a massive effort to reach the Lost in the 10/40 window.
In This Episode, We Look At: God's hand on Niranjan's life during times when circumstances made no sense.
How God used Niranjan's professional experience in traveling all over Asia to prepare him for greater things later in life.
The vision for, and the need to reach the Lost in the 10/40 window, and you can be a part.
Resources and Links: Spiritual Leadership Conference - Asia Website
Niranjan's Facebook Page
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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The culture we live in equates being rich with happiness and fulfillment.
Michael Norton is a Harvard Business School professor who has studied the connections between happiness and wealth.
In This Episode, We Look At: Mr. Norton says the research regularly points to two central questions that people ask themselves when determining whether they are satisfied with something in their life: Am I doing better than I was before? and, Am I doing better than other people?
If you and I, as Christians, look to money and wealth for fulfilment, we will never find it.
Riches do not always equal blessings.
Psalm 37:16 "A little that a righteousness man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."
Some ungodly people are very rich; don't envy them.
Psalm 49:16 "Be thou not afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him."
Resources and Links: Michael Norton's Study, in The Atlantic
Improve Your Faith and Finances: If the Lord provides wealth for you, determine to be rich toward God and not to yourself. Luke 12:20-21
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Dean Miller is a pastor, a sought after Youth preacher, and evangelist. Dean had pastored Central Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MI, for thirteen years, then God brought change in Dean’s life and ministry. This type of change makes people nervous. It makes other pastors nervous.
In This Episode, We Look At: How Dean responded to a prompting from God on his heart. How would he know it was really God’s will to leave his current church and pastor a new church?
How would his current congregation respond?
I believe what you will learn from Dean Miller will encourage you and challenge your faith at the same time.
You will learn how to respond when you feel God is bringing change in your life.
Resources and Links: Dean Miller’s Facebook Page
Front Range Baptist
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The Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. has exhibit rooms that are built slightly off-center, the floors slope a tad, and the walls are not “plumb.” The intended effect is to make the visitor feel a little disoriented, to give just a hint as to how the Jews felt being taken from their homes and herded into a strange place.
Feeling off-balance isn’t pleasant, we crave balance in most areas of our life.
In This Episode, We Look At: We often find ourselves out of balance in our finances, and many remain in that state more than they care to.
The needs and wants of today consume our time and resources, often leaving plans for our future in the dust.
Yet we age, and there is no slowing down that process, and there will come a time when we will need income but cannot earn it any longer.
There is a biblical process by which we can strive for financial balance and honor the Lord in the process.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Perfect balance may be unattainable. Our lives will be a series of adjustments “back to center.” Don’t get frustrated, there will be seasons when you are thrown off balance. Remember the biblical principles to work back to center.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We all experience struggles of some nature. Sometimes they are physical, sometimes, spiritual, and of course, financial.
In This Episode, We Look At: Struggles are part of life.
Some struggles are self-inflicted.
A struggle is not necessarily an indication of God's punishment for sin. Many struggles are Father-filtered with the purpose of strengthening our faith and dependence on God.
Even children can learn and grow through struggles. Though it may be difficult, there are some struggles which we should allow our children to work through (age appropriate, of course)
Resources and Links: The fixed heart is the secret of courage. G. Campbell Morgan
"…not be afraid of evil tidings: for his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7
Bible Steps: Receiving God's Financial Promises and Provisions - Free book download
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In Jesus’ parable of the talents, one servant receives five talents, a second receives two talents, and the third servant receives one talent.
Why did each receive a different amount of wealth?
In This Episode, We Look At: Today, we see that God has provided Christians with varying amounts of money for the purpose of occupying until he returns.
The key wording in this passage is “…according to their several ability.”
Everyone has their own level of faithfulness with God’s resources. We see in Scripture that this who are faithful “in that which is least shall be faithful with much: and that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10
God knows our individual strengths and weaknesses.
What does financial faithfulness look like?
Honoring the Lord.
Taking care of our families
Saving a portion
Setting aside for a future need (investing)
Resources and Links: Multiply: What the Bible Teaches About Saving, Investing, and Planning for Your Future- by Tim Rosen
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Commit your heart and actions to being faithful in the finances God has currently blessed you with, with gratitude. It may be that He provides more at some point, so that you can do more, to His glory!
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A storyline from the parable of the talents (Matthew 25) guides the reader. Here you have two faithful servants who double their lord's wealth, and one who hides the money. What were these servants' views on ownership?
In This Episode, We Look At: Whose wealth did they manage and multiply?
In verse 14 the Bible says "… and delivered unto them his goods."
They knew that, while they were in physical possession of riches, the wealth actually belonged to their lord.
The financial resources we have, in a practical sense, is ours. Yet in the spiritual sense it all comes from God, and He calls us to honor Him in our finances.
How is your personal view of ownership?
How wonderful is it, when we acknowledge that our resources are God's resources, that our burdens also are God's burdens?
Resources and Links: Multiply: What the Bible Teaches About Saving, Investing, and Planning for Your Future New book, by Tim Rosen
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Acknowledging God's ownership of all that we physically have, puts the burden on God, not us, because the Owner bears the burden. Cast your cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you.
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Why write a book on the subject of investing, when there are already so many others?
Christians still experience stress, fear, worry, and confusion over the matter of planning for their future, and yet the Bible has so much to teach. "Multiply" teaches those principles and guides you in today's applications.
In This Episode, We Look At: Most of us are not planning adequately for the future, for varying reasons.
An estimated twenty-one million American workers say that they are counting on depending on social security for their retirement needs, and yet 56% say they do not understand how social security works.
Many of our pastors have been advised by well-meaning mentors of the past, "just stay faithful and God will take care of you."
While there is some truth to that statement it omits other important truths.
The Bible teaches that there is wisdom in planning for a future need.
Thus, trusting in the Lord, and planning, are not mutually exclusive.
There are some that are doing well financially, and in their investing endeavors, who still need the valuable truths of God's Word, which warn and guide us from trusting in money more than God (Proverbs 30:7-9).
Resources and Links: Multiply: What the Bible Teaches About Saving, Investing, and Planning for Your Future
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Take a moment to consider your age, health, and probable remaining working years. Are you taking steps to prepare for the today when you will no longer work? We will always need income, and the Bible provides wisdom and guidance for us to follow.
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Where does money come from and why do we value it so much?
In This Episode, We Look At: Money is one thing can so quickly turn the Christian’s heart away from the Lord and into idolatry. (I am not saying money is bad).
Since antiquity there has always been some sort of money (something of value exchanged for something else of value). The more you have the more stuff you can obtain.
How money is viewed.
Our view of money can be very subjective and often progresses (or regresses) through varying seasons of our lives. Thankfully we have Scripture through which to view money. God provides money for the meeting of our needs, and some God-honoring pleasures (1 Timothy 6:17), equips is for a life of faith ( 2 Cor. 9:8), and we ought not worry, even about money (Phil. 4:6, Luke 12:22-32)
Resources and Links: Multiply: What the Bible Teaches About Saving, Investing, and Planning for Your Future
Improve Your Faith and Finances: God, who gives you the ability to earn money (Deut. 8:18) promises to meet your physical needs when you: seek Him first and, seek to live righteously (Matthew 6:33)
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As Christians we need to remain diligent and guard our hearts against the constant push of how we ought to live and be entertained.
In This Episode, We Look At: Self-inflicted consumer debt.
We take out a loan or use the credit card to get something now, that we cannot afford, and worry about paying for it later.
Is the verse, “Owe no man anything” to be taken literally? We’ll tackle that on today’s episode.
Resources and Links: Multiply: What the Bible Teaches About Saving, Investing, and Planning for Your Future
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Resolve to keep yourself and your family out of debt. Patiently save and pay cash for wants in life (this gives you time to consider whether you really want it, or if it was just an impulse!)
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If you are listening to this Podcast in a developed country, you likely own a Smart phone which costs somewhere between $300 and $900.
Whether you paid for it in full, put it on a credit card, or had the cell company add the balance to your monthly bill, it was important to you and you may a way to obtain the phone.
The same applies to our cars, computers, and other things that are a priority to us; we find a away to obtain.
In This Episode, We Look At: If we find ways to own Smart phones, cars, tablets and computers, why is it that the bulk of Americans are setting aside adequate dollars for their future?
Isi it procrastination? Is it because we enjoy today's dollars and we don't want to part with that money? Are we in denial about aging and some day needing income? Do we believe what we can afford to invest is not significant, or would make little difference?
We have more than we think.
We will need more than we think.
It takes effort today to have income tomorrow.
You can do it, but you will have to get two things right:
You will have to save appropriately and
You will need to invest correctly.
Resources and Links:
Multiply: What the Bible Teaches About Saving, investing, and Planning for Your Future - Tim Rosen's newest book.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: There are many things we give financial priority to in life. Have you reviewed your financial priorities lately? Are there any items on that list that may no longer be a priority today? What adjustments can you make to put investing for you future on that list?
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Time and time again in Scripture we see Jesus' disciples limiting the power of God in their lives through their doubt or disbelief. Peter cast one net instead of two, as Jesus instructed. And again, when told to come out and walk on the water.
If his disciples, who were physically with Jesus for over three years, had times of doubt and uncertainty, we can be assured that we will also.
In This Episode, We Look At: We are a people in complete need of God. He is the One who provides for us and protects us. He is the only One who can save us and our loved ones.
At times we limit God from doing wondrous things in our lives, sometimes , because we cannot imagine, or picture our lives being any different, or our finances improving.
He is more than able to exceed all that we ask or think.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: God promises that when we ask, according to His will, believing, that He will answer prayer (unless we ask wrongly, James 4:3). How is your prayer life? Are you coming boldly (and humbly) before the throne and bringing your prayers, petitions and intercessions?
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Like the sights and sounds of a Vegas casino, the investing world is full of "sights and sounds", luring the investor to play.
In This Episode, We Look At: Some approaches to investing can be considered speculating, or gambling, with your money.
Single stock picking. Attempting to time the market. Even choosing a mutual fund based on the reported past performance.
In this episode we also look at the benefits and applications of diversification in your investing experience.
Jack Bogle said, "Instead of trying to find a needle in a haystack, just buy the haystack."
We talk about striving to make earn market rates of return, rather than attempting to beat the market.
Resources and Links: "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight: for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth." Ecc. 11:1-2
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Investing should be viewed and approached as a long-term discipline. Taking short-cuts or being "hasty" in the process could be very damaging to your financial health.
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In your adult years have you ever resisted advice that was good for you? We could respond with “You can’t tell me what what to do!”
Hearing that we ought to live within our means can generate that same resistance.
If we are honest with ourselves, we lean toward living how we want to live.
In This Episode, We Look At:
Most Americans live beyond their means, as measured by consumer debt held by the average household. There is not safety in these numbers.
Debt means using someone else’s money to obtain what we want and an obligation is created. (Romans 13:8)
It is both possible and rewarding to live within your means.
Guard against: pride, coveting, mindless spending, fear, and comparisons.
Improve Your Faith and Finances:
Take an honest look at where every dollar is going. What area(s) is causing you to come short of financial health. What changes do you need to make?
Think about the rewards and benefits of making those changes.
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We work, often full-time, to earn money. We struggle sometimes to meet today’s financial demands, set some money aside in savings, while trying to squeeze in some dollars for the future.
In This Episode, We Look At:
We are bombarded with materialism.
We are prone to worry, stress, and hoard.
The very kingdom we spend time, energy, and resources to build will ultimately and literally pass away. It will be burn and God will replace it with a new, perfect earth.
Resources and Links:
Faith and Finances: Eternal Promises for Today's Resources Book, by Tim Rosen
Improve Your Faith and Finances:
We cannot anticipate or desire what we cannot imagine. As long as the resurrected universe remains either undesirable or unimaginable, Satan succeeds in sabotaging our love for Heaven.
Randy Alcorn
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If we were to sit down and, as a Registered Investment Advisor Representative, I were to measure your financial success or shortcomings, I would compare your assets versus your liabilities. If your assets exceeded your liabilities, we may agree that you are doing well.
If we are not careful our pursuits of financial success could easily turn our hearts inward—toward self, and away from God.
In This Episode, We Look At:
There is a difference between being wise and honoring God.
It may seem wise to put years of effort into getting out of debt and building up your savings but, if in the process you have neglected giving cheerfully, sacrificially, and regularly, as worship unto God, how can we say that that is God-honoring?
God-honoring success does not look like the success the world recognizes.
Was the Apostle Paul successful? Absolutely. Yet he wrote that he was instructed both to abound and to suffer need.
The Christ-honoring life involves seasons of failures, times of suffering need, and experiencing setbacks. These do not make us failures. It is our response to the times which determine success or failure, in God's eyes.
Resources and Links:
Faith and Finances—Link to book
Improve Your Faith and Finances:
In your seeking to improve your finances, commit your ways unto the Lord, and do not wait until you have reached your own financial goals before giving to the Lord. We all have today to live for and honor the Lord.
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What is the most impactful element in your finances, whether negative or positive?
We submit that it is your ability to earn money
In This Episode, We Look At:
A wage-earner making $13 an hour is not destined to be imprisoned in that hourly rate forever.
What are your aspirations? How do you view employment?
Some of the largest companies that are household names started in a garage.
Moving on up (the corporate ladder)
Doug Mcmillon worked his way up from entry level employee to CEO of Wal-Mart
Liz Murray lifted herself from homeless to Harvard graduate.
Resources and Links:
Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story. Lifetime
Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard —book
Improve Your Faith and Finances:
Consider your strengths and abilities and ask yourself (and pray about) whether you are fulling applying yourself to maximize your earning potential—to the glory of God
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There is an unsettling interest in socialism rising in our country, and at an alarming rate. Recent election results should serve as an eye-opener for sleepy voters.
In This Episode, We Look At:
While Capitalism is not found in Scripture, most of its tenants are.
Property rights.
Rule of law.
Just weights (fair business practice)
Capitalism has built in checks-and-balances.
Profit is not bad, profit is good.
Job creation
Resources and Links:
Godonomics—Chad Hovind
Money, Greed, and God—Jay Richards
Improve Your Faith and Finances:
Be keenly aware of the platform and background of your state's elected officials and vote accordingly in the next election.
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The good news is, there is a ton of resources available to help us with our personal finances. The bad news is, there is a ton of resources available to help us with our personal finances!
It is very easy to get overwhelmed in our financial pursuits.
Some put undo pressure on themselves to be like others, or to reach certain levels of financial success, and always finding themselves just short of those goals.
In This Episode, We Look At: The downside of expectations.
When expectations are not met the result is frustration. We can easily lose of joy and peace.
Constant comparisons
Just as each marriage is unique, so also are our finances.
God's principles are perfect
In following God's financial principles, we will still be different from other families and individuals—financially speaking. But should be very similar in our godly attributes of being generous, gracious, patient, avoiding debt, and being kind to others.
Resources and Links: Free Download of Bible Steps: Receiving God's Financial Promises and Peace
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Determine to commit to memory one scripture related to finances, this week. Below are a few recommendations:
Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and a shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
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Continuing our series on Bible Steps: Receiving God's Financial Promises and Peace, we've look at Dependence on God alone, Faithfully laboring, Saving a portion, and today we discuss the next step; Giving.
In This Episode, We Look At: Giving is a vivid reminder that it is all about God, not about us.
He does not exist for us, we exist for Him.
The Purpose for Giving:
It is to further the cause of Christ through; Worshipping in giving (Acts 10:1-4), Supporting Missionaries who bring the Gospel here and abroad (2 Cor. 8 and 9), helping other Christians (2 Cor. 8:13-15), to show the love of Christ to the world (Acts 17:24-25).
One of the prominent obstacles to giving is sight: we see that if we give we will have less. That is not the way God works.
God's Word still teaches that God will provide when we give (Proverbs 3:9-10, Luke 6:38).
Resources and Links: Bible Steps Book-Free Download
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Giving, and tithing requires faith, which is by design. God is the Rewarder of faith. Try Him, trust Him, hold Him to His Word.
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Government shut-downs, layoffs, and market crash; oh my! Could you survive, financially, if you missed on paycheck? Two paychecks?
Could you meet your required financial obligations for one month? Two months?
In This Episode, We Look At: Fewer than 60% of American households say they are putting away money for an emergency.
It is estimated that 10% of households fell behind in their bills last year.
Do a drill—a financial drill. Kids participate in fire and earthquake drills at school. Why not run through a money drill.
Assume that you will not receive a Paycheck next week. Do you have the liquid assets to cover your most basic needs in life, keeping a roof over your head, buying groceries, keeping the lights on, and not letting your Health Insurance coverage lapse?
- Determine your "Minimum Survival" number.
- Be proactive rather reactive.
- Jump start your survival savings today.
Sell some stuff. Take on a side job (Drive for Uber or Lyft, perhaps? Just an idea to get you thinking)
Resources and Links: 40% of Americans only one missed paycheck away from poverty
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Avoid assumptions (see James 4:13-15) and get serious about saving.
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We have no problem spending. Americans spend 90% of their income. We are not so great at savings, but it does not have to be so in your family finances.
In This Episode, We Look At: Why Save?
The Bible teaches us that it is wise (Proverbs 21:20) and, practically speaking, expenses come up as well as God-appointed opportunities and when we are not saving we miss out on those opportunities, and are tempted to take on debt for expenses we cannot afford.
When to save?
With every paycheck, commission, sale, however you earn your living.
How much?
The earlier you can start saving, the more beneficial it is to your finances. We tend to limit ourselves within the conventional guidelines handed down from generation to the other, try to save 10%.
Why not 15%, 20%, or more?
There is a saying, If you think you can, you're right. If you think you can't, you're right.
There is a trade off.
There are countless pleasures that money could be spent on rather than saved. Obviously we each to make saving a priority in our financial picture if we expect to accumulate a reasonable sum.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Save and trust. Pay yourself, preparing for the future and trust in the Lord as Provider and Protector.
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There are many statistics measuring the savings and investing successes and short-comings of Americans. But you are not a statistic and you do not have to compare yourself with the Average American Joe.
In This Episode, We Look At: You should ask yourself a couple of questions regarding your finances:
"Am I on pace to replace my income at retirement (or, such a time when I can no longer work?)"
"What are the obstacles holding me back from preparing for my financial future?"
In today's episode, we will tackle the most prominent obstacles families face in planning for their financial future, and discuss ways to overcome them so that you can press forward.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Make a decision that planning for your financial future is important, and proactively look for money that you can set aside. Start with something and stick with it.
Resources: Social Security
Teichert site
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People seek fulfillment.
Those without Christ seek to find fulfillment in everyway imaginable, and even beyond our imagination.
In This Episode, We Look At: Christians are drawn (tempted) to seek fulfillment outside of Christ as well.
On average, Christians retain the same amount of debt as non-followers of Christ.
The divorce rate among Christians and non-Christians is about the same.
What do these have in common?
Money and the pursuit of happiness.
Resources and Links: Psalm 4:7 Thou hast out gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: "Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants."— Benjamin Franklin
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Health enthusiasts may say "You are what you eat."
In the area of finances, are we "What we earn?" I someone who earns $200,000 somehow better than someone who earns less?
In This Episode, We Look At: Comparison and discontentment are the problem.
Though the world may measure you by income, we are not what we earn.
Net worth vs. true worth.
Resources and Links: 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain
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God has designed us for work. Not good news for younger folks with zero motivation (hang in there parents, it should get better). Outside of the paycheck we may not view work as pleasant activity, but God sees it differently.
This is Step Two in Bible Steps: Receiving God's Financial Promises and Peace.
In This Episode, We Look At: From the very beginning, we see God's directive that we are to work that we may eat (Genesis 1:28)
When we work, we are doing our part and God is pleased (Psalm 128:2).
Whatever work the Lord does provide, He wants us to do with excellency, unto Him, rather than unto man (Col. 3:23-24)
Resources and Links: Bible Steps: Receiving God's Financial Promises and Peace.
— Free Digital Download
Improve Your Faith and Finances: "We must do worldly jobs but if we do them with sanctified minds they become offerings to God." —A.W. Tozer
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There are countless books on the subject of finances and self-improvement available with simply a click. There are Step-by-step plans, "Baby steps", and systems ad nauseum. But, unless our personal beliefs about money are clearly identified and change to align with scriptural truths, we are not likely to experience lasting success.
In This Episode, We Look At: Followers of Christ have God's power, principles, and promises; the world does not. We are not limited in the ways the world is limited.
The biblical steps for financial health run contrary to conventional wisdom. This should excite those who walk by faith, as they will see God do the seemingly impossible.
Bible Step One: Full dependence on God.
Since our teen years we've fought for our independence; and it's quite a struggle returning to a place of dependence.
We need to demonstrate our dependence, which requires faith. This is by God's design.
God's system for teaching us to fully depend on Him, is the tithe. The tithe is not intended to meet a need that God has, but for us to return a portion of that which we love, to Whom we love—and then look to Him to provide for us with the remaining ninety percent. He promises to do just that. Will we trust Him?
Resources and Links: Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Spend some time in prayer in this matter of fully depending on God in your finances. Ask Him to search and know your heart and, if there is any doubt or fear, ask Him to help you. As you demonstrate your dependence on Him through the tithe, trust Him to meet your needs according to His ways.
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Many people feel like they just can't get to where they want to be in their finances: There never seems to be enough money to meet needs and wants; emergencies keep popping up—depleting the savings; then there's that mountain of debt.
How did we get here?
How do we get out?
In This Episode, We Look At: It's necessary to acknowledge that money is an instrument that can easily, and immediately, be used to satisfy pleasures for the moment.
Identify the financial temptations in your life.
View the temptation as a temporary obstacle between you and your desired, God-honoring goals.
Recognize that often the immediate wins over the later.
New, healthy money habits can be formed, but realize that temptations do not disappear.
Resources and Links: Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: There will always be obstacles to our God-honoring goals. Clearly identify and write out those goals, and in moments of temptation or trial, pause on think on your goals; then respond appropriately.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Not a lot of meat and potatoes here today, folks.
Troy and I share "stories of Christmases long long ago…"
And of course, we tie it all up in a nice "Avoid consumerism!" bow.
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Some people struggle with guilt, "Should I be giving more?"
Some people resist, "I want to give, but my family has needs and wants."
Many genuinely desire to know, How much should I give?
In This Episode, We Look At: Know the extremes: Not giving (hoarding/trusting money) and giving with no thought nor prayer.
Guidelines according to Scripture. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Giving is very individualized.
How much to keep?
It is wise to save a portion of all that you earn, and it is foolish (and against God's will) to hoard.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Trust in the Lord always, in finances and in provision, and ask for the Lord's help to grow in this grace of giving—He will not let you down.
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In work, business, and even ministry, there is often a personal drive to maximize productivity and achievements, in our own timeline and with our own strength and ability.
This will always hinder us from reaching full potential.
In This Episode, We Look At: When more becomes less. (John 15:4)
When less is more. (John 15:5)
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Through Christ we can do more with less, by His strength and ability—not our own.
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In my household, my wife insisted that Christmas music would not be played until after Thanksgiving. Now, a full week after Thanksgiving—Christmas is in full effect!
Before things get too crazy, we wanted to provide some practical biblical suggestions as you prepare for Christmas this year.
In This Episode, We Look At: Keep the purpose for this season a priority in your family.
Speak often of the priceless gift of Jesus; at meals, while shopping, while driving the kids to school.
Prayerfully plan ahead for gift giving.
Show the love of Christ while shopping. Retail employees are often sleep-deprived and stressed. A genuine smile and a warm greeting will not only catch them by surprise but may even be provide an open door to share the wonderful news of the gospel.
Lastly, your love is not measured by the amount of dollars you spend on your loved ones.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Let the world see the reason for this season within you!
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The Bible is chock-full of accounts where individuals have insisted on their instead of following God's ways.
Cain presented his offerings his way.
Abrahm protected himself and Sarai in Egypt his way, by lying.
Jacob obtained the birthright his way by deceiving his father.
King Saul proceeded with the required offering before battle—his way, and that lead ultimatley to his demise and loss of the kingdom.
Are we much different in our approach to solving issues in our lives?
In This Episode, We Look At: At the core of following God's ways is faith.
Many fear handling money by faith; they prefer to operate by sight.
We too easily give ourselves a pass, by handling money our way.
Resources and Links: Links, websites, books, resources here
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Give a single action item here
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As we prepare to gather with friends and family in observation of America's holiday, Thanksgiving, there are several ways in which we can show gratitude for Christ to the world around us.
In This Episode, We Look At: Giving thanks. We can audibly thank God for His goodness, and anything and everything He has done for you—while in public.
Look for opportunities to genuinely express "I thank God for that!" or "God is good!" These sincere expressions often lead to further conversation with those who are lost.
Expressions of thanks can be written and kept within the home, read together as a family.
Psalm 77:11 "I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old."
Giving gifts.
An offering to the Lord.
To meet a need of someone else.
To help a family.
To bless a missionary family.
Resources and Links: Samaritan's Purse
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Gratitude begins in the heart. Purpose in your heart that you will be grateful to the Lord for all that He has done for you, beginning at Calvary. This gratitude should be seen by those around you, allowing them to see the light of Christ within you!
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We are not asking "Why are you living?" rather, "What purpose drives you?"
In This Episode, We Look At: Behind every purpose (or goal) there is a value. So, for those driven to live for the moment, the value behind that drive may be pleasure. Those who seek one accomplishment after another may have respect, recognition, or honor as their value.
With all the hours we trade to earn money, it may seem that we are living for money, but that is not necessarily our value.
Those who live for financial gain will inevitably find their hearts drawn away from God.
Resources and Links: 2 Kings 5
Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches, by Chris Horst.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Measure every proposed purchase up against your personal mission statement and ask, "Is this in line with my values?"
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Is there an implied obligation that parents are to save up and leave their children an inheritance? Are we bad parents if we do not leave an inheritance? What about the verse in Scripture that says a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children?
In This Episode, We Look At: Saving or not saving for your children is a personal value.
Solomon warned against leaving an inheritance.
We'll talk about some "Do's and Don’ts" for those wishing to help out the kiddies.
Proverbs 13:22 is often misunderstood for meaning money rather than the family farm (which would provide the means for children's children to work the land, laboring for their income)
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Do plan wisely for the passing of whatever funds we may leave behind, utilizing beneficiary designations, or see an estate planning attorney for legal documents to do so.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Wealth is not always observed. The reality is that many Americans are quietly saving and accumulating wealth. You'll not see them living in the priciest houses in the neighborhood, nor driving the newest luxury car. Paycheck after paycheck they are willing to forgo the temporary pleasure that spending can provide, choosing rather to pay their "future selves."
In This Episode, We Look At: Accumulating wealth does happen quickly, which is a challenge as many of us today are conditioned to see and receive immediate rewards.
Time and diligence are key.
Lifestyle are required, and possible (You may be surprised by what you are able to do without).
Resources and Links: Proverbs 28:22 "He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him."
Christians and Wealth— Episode 03 of Faith and Finances which discusses whether it is right or wrong for Christians to accumulate wealth. This has been a sticky subject among Believers.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: "One of the greatest deterrents to accumulating wealth is the consistent hesitancy to consider the future."—Tim Rosen
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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The timing belt needs to be replaced in your car, you get a speeding ticket, someone in your family needs a PT scan not covered by your health insurance. We've all been there; the unexpected bills!
Life can hit with expenses that nearly knock the wind out of us. One sad statistic is that most American households could not handle an unexpected expense of $400.
You do not have to be part of this statistic.
In This Episode, We Look At: How to plan for the unexpected. First, acknowledge that expenses arise, and you do not have to be caught off guard.
Make the time to stop and consider all the possible expenses that may come up in one year's time: Consider your medical plan and the extent of your out-of-pocket responsibility; consider the condition of your automobile(s) and identify what parts may need to be replaced or repaired and research the cost ahead of time; consider the age and model of your cell phones and identify when they might need to be replaced—the same for computers.
Designate a specific, monthly dollar amount to add to savings.
Be keenly aware of your obstacles to saving; the desire of enjoying things today may be one of the biggest.
Realize that there may be a need that only God can meet—allow Him.
Resources and Links: Nearly Half U.S. Can't Afford Unexpected $400 Bill—link to article
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Striving to be faithful stewards, we should do our part in saving and planning for the unexpected, while trusting in the Lord's provision.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Our lives are driven by many pursuits. There are career pursuits, financial pursuits, relational, physical and even status pursuits.
How common is it to list "seek wisdom" at the first action item on one's daily planner?
In This Episode, We Look At: The Bible promises that those who pursue wisdom find life and obtain favor from the Lord. "Life" and "favor" can be easily overlooked, as we tell ourselves I have eternal life and I have favor of the Lord because of Christ, but we may be missing some key truths.
The word life in Proverbs 8:35 means green- as in vegetation, flowing- as in fresh water, and reviving- as in Spring time. This is the kind of life God wants us to have and we can experience such a rich life as we pursue wisdom.
Wisdom is greater than riches.
Proverbs 8:19 says, "My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than fine silver."
Verse 11 states, "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
The wisdom from above is pure and peaceable; the wisdom that is not from above is earthly, devilish, and sensual (See James 3:13-18)
Resources and Links: Proverbs 8, Acts 9:26-31, Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111:10
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Anything that can be imagined and pursued fails in comparison to seeking and obtaining wisdom.
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"What is God's will for my life?" is a common question among Christians.
That is a wonderful question to ask, as well as a spiritual goal to pursue. God has three wills for every person: Salvation (2 Peter 3:9), Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and to be Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:17-18).
If we are saved but not sanctified, we are not in God's will. If we are saved and sanctified, but not living Spirit-filled, we are not in God's will.
While this is helpful to know, you may be thinking, What does this have to do with money?
We should not fool ourselves into thinking that we are in God's will if we aren't yielding our finances to Him.
In This Episode, We Look At: It is God's will that we are to be completely dependent upon Him.
God uses money to develop trustworthiness in our lives. (Luke 16:11)
God proves His love for us by demonstrating that He is our Provider. (Matthew 7:7-11)
Improve Your Faith and Finances: When we fully embrace our role as steward and God's role as Provider, we will experience peace in the area of finances.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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I get asked regularly about students loans. Usually, the question is "What can I do about these loans?"
The percentage of college graduates who carry student loan debt is staggering, ranging from 66% to 88%, depending on the type of college or university they attended. The debt balances range from $23K to $160K, with the average in 2017 being $39K.
In This Episode, We Look At: The tough love answer to this question (which is Biblical truth) is to pay it. A "vow" has been paid, defer not to pay it (Ecc. 5:5)
In this episode we address a couple of methods which can be used to accelerate the elimination of student loan debt in record time.
We also talk about means of avoiding student loans and still have the college education paid for.
Resources and Links: U.S. Student Loan Statistics 2018
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are familiar with the term, ambassador, but do we know the implications of truly living as an ambassador?
In This Episode, We Look At: What is an ambassador?
Definition: an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country
We live in a foreign country (this brief life on earth), but we will not remain in this foreign country. We will return from where we have been sent.
It's so easy to lose sight of who we are, who has sent us, and why we are here.
Ambassadors are held accountable for their representation.
What are the consequences of failing to properly represent?
1 Corinthians 3:12-15
2 Corinthians 5:10
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Rewards earned and lost are real. We have these promises to motivate us to live with eternity in mind, to live further the Kingdom, and enjoy real, eternal rewards.
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I talk with my family frequently about the quality of food (or junk) that we put in our bodies. Yet there are times when I would see an amazing-looking dessert (just Google "Monster shakes") and all of a sudden I'm now telling my family how awesome this thing looks and that we ought to try it!
That is not integrity!
The healthy talk is somewhat recent in my life, but the junk food temptations stems from decades of bad habits.
In This Episode, We Look At: Deep seeded bad habits and bad behavior do not suddenly disappear overnight. This applies to financial habits and behaviors as well.
You cannot dig yourself out of a 20, 30, or 40-year hole in just weeks or months.
Financial integrity means handling money in a manner consistent with your beliefs—and words.
Listen as we provide an Integrity self-test for Christians .
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Saturate yourself in God's Word, seeking to learn what is acceptable, and then practice awareness of your own thoughts, words, and deeds.
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Many of us grew up being encouraged to "Be all you can be!" and to climb the ladder of success—which generally translates to more!
Learn more, do more, get more, keep more…
We do not want the opposite do we? Learn less, do less, get less, keep less…
In This Episode, We Look At: What is the problem with more?
Can Christians strive for more?
A biblical look at the real problem and how to avoid it.
What is the purpose for more?
The traps of seeking more for the purpose of more
The blessings and promises when we seek to honor God with more
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Seek God's will for your life, be faithful with that which He has provided, and He can entrust you with more. (Luke 16:10)
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Millennials get a bad rap for being easily dissatisfied with jobs, but that seems to be an unfair stereotype. Forbes reports that 60% of Millennials are currently open to a new job opportunity and are by far the most likely generation to switch jobs.
Interestingly, the data shows that it's largely the younger Millennials and not the older ones that job-hop.
In This Episode, We Look At: Job-hopping is not new. It has been common for all generations based on age, not culture.
Possible reasons for job-hopping
The downsides of job-hopping
Possible benefits to job-hopping
Resources and Links: Millennials Aren't Job-Hopping, Young People Are
Improve Your Faith and Finances: If you leave a job, keep a good name and don't burn bridges. Strive to gain and retain experiences from past jobs to apply to future jobs.
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Glenn Mosher has been a Presidential speech writer, Congressional aide, Capital Fundraiser, English Instructor, and Public Speaker who gained credibility and practiced integrity without ever losing humility or humor. He has raised over $75 million advocating for non-profit clients and designed programs of marketing excellence for companies and small businesses.
In This Episode, We Look At: Glenn's early years with Ronald Reagan
Glenn's assistance and guiding Tim when he started a Bible Study on his High School campus and the School Board told him that he cannot have a Bible Study on campus.
How and why Christians should stand for the Truth, the Gospel, and for our rights, even in the midst of vicious opposition.
Christians involvement in Government.
Resources and Links: Young America's Foundation
Clare Booth Luce Policy Institute
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Call or e-mail your State elected Officials and thank them for their work, and let them know you are praying for them. Don't be afraid to stand for your faith and for your country.
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We are pleased to share with you a previously aired interview with Ellie Kay, America's Family Financial Expert.
What do you do when you get married and then discover that your new spouse in debt to the tune of $40,000?
Today we'll hear from Bob and Ellie Kay and learn how they addressed this serious issue, how they paid off this debt in only two and half years, strengthened their marriage in the process, and built the foundation to put several children through college—while remaining debt free!
In This Episode, We Look At: The decisions and adjustments Bob and Ellie had to make and live with.
How they determined each other's financial roles and responsibilities.
How they got out of debt and paid cash for the necessities of life—all while honoring the Lord in tithes and offerings.
Resources and Links: The 60-Minute Money Workout: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances into Shape [Affiliate Link]
EllieKay.com
Ellie's Contact Page
Tim's blog post on the subject
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Decide to have open dialogue with your spouse and talk about your financials goals as well as frustrations. Purpose in your heart that you will not avoid serious talks regarding money.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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What comes to mind when you hear "Faith promise giving?" For some it means their church is embarking on a building program, for others it may mean that it is time to prayerfully consider committing to a large dollar amount, and praying that God provides for you to give it.
In This Episode, We Look At: Where did this term come from?
What does it mean, in practice, today?
Are there biblical principles to support it?
I've interviewed several respected pastors, and have asked them these questions. I was very pleased to find a consensus among them as to the meaning and practice of faith promise giving.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Look to God and ask: "How much can I trust you to give through me?"
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Is it acceptable for Christians to be prosperous?
Many are on the fence on the issue.
Are riches evil? Do we avoid prosperity?
In This Episode, We Look At: "Prosper" defined
Our ability to earn money comes from God
Labor is expected of us from God
Prosperity in the NT
Stewarding prosperity
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Seek to prosper in everything God has entrusted to you, to His glory. Be ready and willing to be used of the Lord in greater ways.
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Some Christians will appear to have more than others. Then there are worldly people who have a lot more.
Try as we may; we serve, we save, we sacrifice, but sometimes it just seems we can't get ahead. Is it fair?
In This Episode, We Look At: More is rarely the solution.
You do not want to trade trials with other Christians.
God's timing and plans are far superior than ours.
The folly of comparing ourselves with other Christians.
The wicked also increase.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: 1 Samuel 15:7 …for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Rather than concern ourselves with what others seem to have, let us focus on the intangibles treasures of the Lord: The privilege of abiding with Christ, wisdom which comes from God, and knowing the guidance of the Holy Spirit which, is in us.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Got a budget? Awesome! You are a step ahead of many. Yet, while drafting and agreeing upon a budget is a wise discipline, the budget itself does not get the job done.
In real life our spending does not always match our budgets…then the wheels fall off.
In This Episode, We Look At:
The importance of the monthly financial review.
Did your financial activity align with your planned spending plan?
Did you go over or under budget in areas?
Look back on your bank statements for potential escapees, areas where spending was not budgeted and not tracked.
Revisit long-time service bills to assure you are paying the lowest (fairest) rate: Homeowners and Auto Insurance are just two examples, and I share my personal experience in reducing both.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Inspect what you expect. Keep diligence in dollars—by regular review of your cash flow and making adjustments where necessary.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Eighty percent of divorcees attribute arguments over money as the leading contributor to the divorce.
There are going to be differences in how couples view money-related issues. So, what do you do when spouses do not see eye-to-eye in financial matters?
In This Episode, We Look At: Responses to avoid. "He's selfish", "She's immature", "he's irresponsible", "I'm the only one who cares in this marriage!"
Setting aside pride and addressing issues openly and lovingly.
Seek input and advice from older, godly couples.
Take a course together.
Avoid burying thoughts of bitterness, anger, and frustration.
Resources and Links: Rewired: Recognizing and Retraining Wrong Thinking, by
R.B. Oullette
Love and Respect, by Emerson Eggerichs
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Ephesians 4:1-3
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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God has given us emotions.
Emotions can help or hurt us.
There are God-honoring emotions, and there emotions that lead to sin.
In This Episode, We Look At: The emotions of Jesus.
The emotions related to the fruit of the Spirit.
Biblical warnings related to emotions.
Emotions that hurt or help our saving and investing efforts.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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The automation episode.
In This Episode, We Look At: Eliminating many mental distractions in our lives through a few clicks to set priorities in motion — automatically.
Your calendar.
Bills.
Saving.
Investing.
We'll look at many benefits, plus some "How-to" suggestions.
Resources and Links: Buffer
Hootsuite
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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The most-asked questions regarding life insurance I find are: "Should I buy life insurance?", "What type of Insurance?" and "How much Insurance should I have?"
In This Episode, We Look At: Life insurance defined. What is it's primary purpose?
Would your passing eliminate an income that a loved one is dependent upon?
Two main "types" of life insurance, their functions and pros and cons.
Help with figuring the amount of insurance coverage that is appropriate for your family.
Bonus: How to avoid being "sold."
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Take a quick inventory of your own financial planning. If the Lord were to take you home today, what would be the financial impact on your family? Have you taken steps to provide for them in your absence?
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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If you think about it, much of our Christian walk focuses on: How can I grow spiritually? How can I be more like Christ? Lord, help me to walk humbly and consider others.
In This Episode, We Look At: The personal benefits in: Becoming more Christ-like, Giving, and Tithing.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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It’s fine to have wants, as well as needs. How do you balance wants and needs financially?
In This Episode, We Look At: How we distinguishing wants from needs.
We should not view all wants as bad.
Jesus and His disciples enjoyed such “wants” as sumptuous feasts and leisure.
The key is that these wants were enjoyed with gratitude; they were not loved.
Proverbs 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Guard your heart against being driven by wants.
“You can have wants. Just don’t let the wants have you.”
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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You've got to love expectations! We have expectations in every area of our lives, and life gets interesting when our expectations are not met.
Spoiler alert… our character is tested.
In This Episode, We Look At: We see examples of expectations versus reality in both the Old and New Testaments.
The children of Israel had expectations of their Promised Land, flowing with milk and honey. They were not expecting giants nor day-long battles.
Even James and John (2 of the 12 disciples) were expecting to rule and reign here on earth—wrong again.
We can think we are saving and setting aside for our future, but our thoughts may not be in line with our reality. Same goes for the budget… Unless we inspect what we expect, reality may not be in line with expectations.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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There are many account-types to choose from when investing in the Stock Market; and the most popular does not necessarily mean the best.
In This Episode, We Look At: The income tax treatment of contributions as well as withdrawals from Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs.
Clarifying the IRS restrictions for each type of account.
With a better understanding of the benefits, as well as restrictions of each, you can better choose which course to take for your future income planning.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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According to a study prepared for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation, 84% of Americans have been solicited with a potentially fraudulent investment offer.
In This Episode, We Look At: Conmen and their schemes and why even "sophisticated" people fall for them
How stock picks from the "Smartest Guys on Wall St." led to devastating losses
Some tips to help you avoid getting duped
Resources and Links: Madoff with the Money, Jerry Oppenheimer
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Do we demonstrate a lack of faith in God when we save for our future?
Are we to trust God for future provision and NOT plan or make any effort ourselves?
In This Episode, We Look At: It is possible to accumulate wealth and then let our hearts turn to trusting that wealth instead of trusting God.
It is biblical to both trust God AND save for a future known need.
Trust. See Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Timothy 6:17
Save. See Proverbs 21:20, Genesis 41:33-36
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Just as we plan and labor for today's income, by faith, so too we ought to plan and work toward tomorrow's income—by faith, trusting in the Lord.
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There is no great mystery in our behavior—we do what we believe, not what we know.
In This Episode, We Look At: There are many great books available, as well as courses to take to improve our finances, but at the end of the day how we deal with money will be based on our deep-seeded beliefs and not our knowledge.
If someone really believes that holding onto money in a savings account is "a waste of money" then that person is going to have a hard time building up an emergency fund.
In order to change our financial behavior we must first change our financial beliefs.
The Christian should turn to Scripture to learn and adopt the principles of money in their own lives.
For example, the person struggling with debt could look to Proverbs 22:7. Someone who struggles with controlling impulse shopping could read and meditate on Luke 12:15 and Luke 14:28
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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There seems to be a steady flow of "new" retirement advice in blogs and online magazine articles. Yet, when I review the content I tend to see the same recycled recommendations; reduce spending—increase saving.
In This Episode, We Look At: Improving and securing your current and future source of income.
Leveraging your time in place of trading hours for dollars.
Making your money work for you. It is possible to get to the point where your money is earning more than you earn.
Identify today, your future benefit values; social security, pensions.
Know your minimum costs of living; identify what can be reduced or eliminated.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We are as giddy as grade-schoolers on the first day of summer! We want to thank you for making our 100th episode possible.
In This Episode, We Look At:
To celebrate this occasion, we invited the whole Faith and Finances Podcast team to join us behind the mics and share their thoughts.
Joining us today:
A vocal cameo from the Amazing Steve Stewart—we love you brother!
The "Voice" of the Faith and Finances Podcast into/outro and "up for sainthood" as the wife of Troy—Katrina Barrilleaux!
The driving force behind Tim—his wife Victoria.
The guy who creates our cool episode images—Matt Leckron and his wonderful wife, Karis.
We are looking forward to sharing the next 10 episodes with you; thank you for listening.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Today we discuss Jesus' parable of the vineyard owner and his laborers. With a quick read it is easy to see that they all received the same wages though many worked more hours than others.
In This Episode, We Look At: Jesus taught this parable in response to the exasperated disciples who complained to Jesus (in chapter 19) saying " Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" (emphasis added)
This parable really teaches the generosity of the Owner (representing God). Those who worked only an hour so were not only paid first, but they were paid the same amount as those who worked twelve or more hours. Those who worked all day supposed that they should receive more and grumbled when they did not. They missed the fact that they received what was promised to them.
This parable supports the earlier words of Jesus, in chapter 19 when he taught his disciples, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first" vs 30.
Those of us who have been saved practically "all our lives" will enjoy the same gift of salvation as those who trust in Christ on their death bed.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: It is best to guard our hearts against comparison with other Christians; what they own, how they live, how long they have been saved. "Godliness with contentment is great gain." Not one of us deserves salvation. All things in life we may receive above and beyond that priceless gift is further evidence of God's mercy and grace.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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"What's in your garage?"
Two-thirds of American homes have their garage so stuffed with "stuff" that their car will not fit.
In This Episode, We Look At: You could have a garage sale. The average profit is $500-$700. But, it's very time-consuming, you have competition of other garage sales and other events going on in your area.
Sell online. Don't even have to leave your house.
Online platforms bring more "eyeballs" to your stuff (in the thousands—compared those that would drive to your house for a garage sale)
What would you do with an extra $500? Pay off a debt? Boost savings/investments? Give to that need that has been on your heart?
These are good reasons to roll up your sleeve and starting clearing out stuff and start selling.
Resources and Links: 5miles.com
us.letgo.com
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Can you improve your health simply by eating different foods? In too many households processed foods are a regular staple and, because these foods do not satisfy, the tendency is to eat even more.
In This Episode, We Look At: The reality that there are delicious foods, brought to you by the God of Abraham, that can improve your health without breaking the bank.
Shifting dollars from processed, empty-calorie foods to whole foods can make your grocery budget stretch further.
Some food supplements can help meet a deficiency that your food is not supplying, while some supplements you can simply skip— and save a lot of money.
Resources and Links: Nutritional supplements I take, Chris Masterjohn, PhD
Good food, good enough, whole30.com
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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God has a zero tolerance policy for false (dishonest) business practices.
"A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight." Proverbs 11:1
Why tell this to Christians? We aren't thieves… right?
In This Episode, We Look At: Less obvious forms of being unjust with our money.
Sometimes it is out of naiveté.
Sometimes it may be a subconscious habit.
There are ways we may be stealing from our Employers.
In business dealings, there are ways we are tempted to be less than upright (disclosing commissions, not offering the best price)
In filing our taxes, there are many temptations to be less than upright.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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While America's government is of the people, by the people, and for the people, these are not exclusive prerequisites for Christian growth. As fiery and unsettling as our country's politics may be, there are many other countries with worse forms of government where Christianity is growing like wildfire.
In This Episode, We Look At: Honoring local governmental authorities (Romans 13:1)
We know perilous times will come (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
We are overly concerned with comfort.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Our trust is to be in Christ alone, not a politician nor government.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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I had the privilege of serving and speaking during the Spiritual Leadership Conference-Asia Feb 27 through March in Manila, Philippines.
In This Episode, We Look At: The purpose of the Conference; to share the need for sending laborers into the 10-40 window to reach the Lost.
The reason for the place of the Conference; churches in the Philippines proportionately send more missionaries to the 10-40 than American churches.
The product of the Conference; nearly 1,000 souls accepted Christ in Manila, 1,400 national pastors attended to be encouraged, challenged and equipped, and nearly 100 individuals surrendered to go to the 10-40 with the Gospel.
Resources and Links: You can listen to each preaching service and breakout session (soon after this Podcast airs) at this link:
https://slconferenceasia.com/media
Also available for listening are the preaching and breakout sessions from the previous two SLC Asia conferences.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Jesus used parables to teach spiritual truths, using terms and elements of life that people can easily relate to.
This parable is one of sixteen parables that are related to money. While we see that money is involved, it is not the heart of the parable.
In This Episode, We Look At: An employer (lord) leaves for a long journey; this is a picture of our Savior who has ascended into Heaven and will return again.
He entrusts his employees (stewards) with his wealth while he is away; God calls us to be faithful with what He has entrusted to us while we wait for His return.
He gives a portion to each of the three, according to their varying strengths and abilities; God knows our faithfulness (or lack of faithfulness) and gives to us accordingly.
After a long time their lord returns and has each steward give an account of their stewardship; we will all stand before the judgement seat of Christ and give an account of all that we have done in our lifetime- whether it be good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10)
The faithful are rewarded, the unfaithful lose what had been entrusted to him; Christ will reward our faithfulness, and everything that we have done selfishly, or by lack of faith, will be lost (loss of rewards).
Improve Your Faith and Finances: If we would live each day being mindful that Christ may return at any moment, we would be more inclined to live faithfully for Him — we do not want to be found unfaithful.
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Many times our attempts to be efficient and save money actually costs us a lot more, in money and time.
In This Episode, We Look At: Paying for a gym membership for our health and fitness goals, while buying food that is contrary to our goals.
Being overly concerned over mortgage interest while paying double-digits on credit card balances.
Not delegating, and "doing-it-yourself."
Resources and Links: E-Myth Revisited, by Michael Gerber
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Financial mistakes can be very costly.
While our parents most likely encouraged us to learn from our mistakes, it's even better to learn from the mistakes of others.
In This Episode, We Look At: Identifying, ahead of time, some potential financial mistakes.
Learn the often long-term consequences of those mistakes.
How to avoid them altogether.
A few we look at:
"I'll save and invest later."
Tapping into the 401(k) for today's expenses.
A lesson from the king of regrets, Solomon.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Seek to learn from the mistakes others have made. Stay tuned for the upcoming book by Tim and Troy which will reveal twenty-four financial travesties and how to avoid them.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Our tendency is to focus on today's pleasures, blessings, and rewards. And we have our own definitions of the rewards we desire.
In This Episode, We Look At: God often rewards us today with increased opportunities;
newly opened doors to serve, the privilege of new responsibilities, and even new friendships and enriched relationships. (Mark 10:29-31)
Throughout Scripture, God directs our attention to the eternal.
God's definition of a reward so much better, yet counter-intuitive, than our definition.
Resources and Links: Proverbs 11:18 The wicked worketh a wicked work:
But to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. (emphasis mine)
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Christ has rescued us from sin and damnation, and yet still desires to reward our faithful service. May we be mindful each day whom we really serve and long for the day when we stand face to face with Him!
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Today's episode was recorded at Moses Lake Baptist Church during a Faith and Finances Conference
In This Episode, We Look At: The incredible benefits of being purchased possessions of a holy, gracious God.
Our part in God's financial plan.
What financial stewardship look like today.
Resources and Links: Moses Lake Baptist Church
Information on Tim's public teaching
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So you've got a budget… very cool!
I get a fuzzy feeling when my budget is written and my wife and I agree upon it. However, I get a sick feeling a month later when I learn that we did not stay within our budget.
Going over budget in one or more areas creates a shortage in others. In other words, something is not getting paid.
In This Episode, We Look At: Choosing a preferred method to write and track your budget.
If you have not yet developed a budget, we invite you to listen to Episode 14, "A Biblical Approach to Money Management."
A budget should be mutually agreed upon (spouses) and flexible.
Pay the big bills via auto-pay, assuring they get paid, and on time.
Mortgage, Auto loan, and Health Insurance are some examples.
Decide which budget items can be paid with cash, eliminating the chance of over-spending; if the grocery budget this week is $200 bring only $200 in cash and resist using your debit or credit card.
Schedule a regular interval for sitting down and reviewing your progress (weekly is advised when this is new to you).
Inspect what you expect
Resources and Links: There are several budgeting programs available, and more are being developed on a regular basis. As of the date of this recording, a few rise to the top:
YNAB (not an affiliate)
Mint
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Purpose to control your dollars, so that they do not control you. Decide where your dollars should go, write out that plan (budget) and follow it, checking your progress weekly.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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What does Retirement look like today?
Are we stressing to have everything ready by age 65?
In This Episode, We Look At: While we do not find retirement in the New Testament (the Levities in the OT were required to retire at age 50), there are certainly principles that help us with that issue today.
The importance of preserving your ability to earn an income today, and today.
We look at the value of your unique experiences and skill sets.
The possibility of continuing the work you enjoy and not retiring.
Transitions into other fields vs retiring, including entrepreneurial pursuits.
Mini retirements. Yep, taking a month or more off as a sabbatical— getting a taste of retirement, then back to work you enjoy.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Continue the discipline of saving and investing for your financial future, strive to the best at what you do, and seek to learn a new skill, or improve existing skills.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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How do offerings fit into the Christian's life?
Is there a command?
In This Episode, We Look At: Giving demonstrates Christ's lordship in our lives.
Giving doesn't empty me of resources, it transfers my resources from earth to heaven.
Christians give generously,
God does not exist for me, I exist for Him.
"God's money has a higher purpose than my affluence" - Randy Alcorn
Christians Give regularly. 1 Cor 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Voluntarily 2 Cor 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Barnabas voluntarily gave the proceeds of the land he sold to meet a unique and great need. Acts 4:36
Sacrificially
2 Cor. 8:2-3 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
Cheerfully 2 Cor. 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Proportionately Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Queitly Matthew 6:1-4
Obediently 1 Thes. 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Ask the Lord to seek and know your heart, and to impress on you how and when He would have you give, then respond in faith and love, trusting God to provide for you.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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'Tis the season for resolutions and goals.
I love goals. Resolutions? Not so much. Why? The Average Joe (or Josephine) excitedly set out on his/her resolutions and then abandons them after about 2 1/2 weeks (on average)
In This Episode, We Look At: The lack of accountability is a major contributor to abandoned resolutions
I am a proponent of moving forward, improving various areas of our lives, which are generally defined in Annual measurements — and I believe that is where the problem lies.
A 365 Day goal can seem overwhelming on Day three for example, or especially after a set back and we're starting all over— with only 362 days to go!
A 13 Week Goal seems to be more effective.
Taken one week at a time
Focusing on one day at a time.
[In Episode 17, we covered Habits]
It is One-quarter of year.
Choose a measurable goal that you would like to accomplish in a shorter period of time:
Weight loss? Can do!
Improve strength? Can do!
Write that Book? Can do!
Lower cholesterol? Yep!
Key: Daily focus, weekly review
-
Track daily action steps in a journal of digital file
-
Each day of the week, have your goal (13 week) written at the top
- List up to three Action steps you will accomplish TODAY
- Do this before you go to sleep the night before
Example: Goal : Reduce belly measurement by 3 inches
That breaks down to 1/4" per week - doable.
Daily actions steps : Consume less than 80 grams of carbs. Drink 6 cups of water. Workout
Example: Increase savings balance by $5,000 (year)
That is $1,250 for the quarter— $96/ week > $13.73/day
Daily Action steps: (Varies per individual)
Be a Saver and not a Spender today
Eat each meal at home >transfer $ from checking to savings
- Review your own progress at the end of each day.
Example: Did I consume less than 80 grams of Carbs?
Yes? Check it off. No? Be honest with yourself and write down what happened and what correction will do tomorrow in order to achieve your daily goal
- Review your progress for the past week.
This is SELF-accountability
This is important! There will be failures, missed goals, but they can be improved/corrected for the next week!
List your wins (activities completed)
List what needs to be improved next week.
Resources and Links: Best Self Journal
Panda Journal
Michael Hyatt's Full Focus Journal
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Clarify a measurable 13-week goal, or two, then break your action steps to weekly and daily targets. Review your own progress each night before you go to bed, then at the end of each week.
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There has certainly been an evolution of how we conduct commerce. It appears the majority of financial transactions today are paperless—just numbers transferring dollars.
But how do we answer the question, "Should we invest in BitCoin?"
In This Episode, We Look At: Speculating versus prudent investing
Biblical wisdom to consider before rolling the dice with Bitcoin.
“Hot investments” of the recent past and the fallout that followed.
When anything is increasing in value at rates that seem mathematically impossible, it's time to be skeptical. When you hear enthusiasts proclaim "This time is different, new paradigm, new technology that never existed before." put your boots on. –Ric Cochran
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Breathe. Do your due diligence—do not invest in something because “everybody is doing it.” Ask yourself, “Will God be honored in this?”
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We must admit that It's a Wonderful Life is a must-see family favorite
for the Christmas season. In today's episode we decide to have fun in picking out the many financial lessons that can be gleaned from this 1946 award-winning classic.
In This Episode, We Look At: * The main character's family business * The compassionate capitalism demonstrated by the family business * The Scrooge archetype—Mr. Potter * What does insolvency mean for a bank? * What is a "run on the banks"? * How much have things changed 71 years later? * Why don't banks hold onto our money? Where does it go? * Our lives are worth more than $8,000 (You'll have to watch the movie to understand the reference).
Resources and Links: It's A Wonderful Life, DVD through Amazon
It's A Wonderful Life, HD Digital Copy through Amazon
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Long after the toys and gifts are broken or forgotten, our families will remember the Christmas experience.
In This Episode, We Look At: Several ideas to create a memorable Christmas season including:
Go to church: What better place to be on Christmas Eve than in the house of the Lord, celebrating the birth of our Savior?
Involve your children in bringing a gift to Jesus—whatever is on their heart.
Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
At home:
The Tone: Dads, you are the example of Christ in your family. Are you "prayed up?" It's so easy for us to get in the flesh with pressure and planning. The Enemy does not want Christ honored…
Put Christ first: One danger of being saved a long time and having many Christmases under your belt is losing just how special and precious the Christmas story is to us. Read the Bible—even if the kiddos protest, "Dad! We want to open the presents!"
Luke 2:1-39 includes the prophesy that Jesus Christ came to die and save us from our sins.
Isaiah 9:6-7 prophecy of the birth of our Savior as God in the flesh
Exhibit gratitude: They will be influenced by your example.
Traditions: It's interesting how our children will remember family traditions as they grow into adulthood, and then establish traditions for their own families.
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TV shows like "American Greed" draw us in with curiosity and then feed our focus on other people's greed.
"It's someone else's struggle or sin, not mine."
It's funny how easily we can measure how much is too much for others, but can't seem to find that "too much" point for ourselves.
Proverbs 20:6
Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness.
Research conducted by Pew Research found that 57% of those Americans surveyed believed that Americans are greedy.
In This Episode, We Look At: "Those Greedy Christians!"
Sadly, the evidence revels that the more money Christians make, the less they tend to give. Evangelical Christians give 4 percent of their income on average. That average drops to 2.43% we include all those who identify as Christ-followers in the United States.
What happened to all of the wishful promises of, "When I make more money, I'll give more!" or the more common, "When I win the Lottery–I'll be a BIG GIVER!"
Taking Inventory—Identifying Greed in our lives
Comparison: the self-inflicted pressure to keep up with others or have what they have. (Mine eye doth affect my heart)
Overspending: Often not weighing the difference between needs and wants, buying impulsively, going beyond the budget
Proverbs 27:20
Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
Entitlement
Hoarding—"When I have saved up enough for me, then I can start giving to others."
Ecc. 5:13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
Luke 12:20-21
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: The Cure: Generosity
The tithe keeps us dependent on God and is an effective remedy for greed. Then, as we see God provide and honor our tithing we can grow in cheerful giving.
Acknowledging God as the priority He should be in our lives helps us grow in grace and to have an eternal perspective on all things temporal. When it "clicks" in our heads and hearts that we can't take money with us AND that we cannot out-give God, we can be free to give generously.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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What is success? Searching that on Google brings up 949 million hits making it a pretty popular subject!
The World is very preoccupied with success. But how is success measured?
Have you ever felt the pressure of not "arriving" yet? Or, perhaps you are not in the career that could be paying you the most? "What if I was meant to be in marketing instead of working for UPS?"
Let's be real, that kind of pressure can be debilitating—if we let it.
In This Episode, We Look At: The Drive to Excel
There is nothing wrong with having a drive to excel. As a matter of fact, we are taught in Scripture that we are to do all things with excellence as to the LORD! That's the key! What is behind your drive to succeed?
Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men
Be careful in your source of motivation:
“Motivational Speakers and Thought Leaders often place the emphasis on SELF”
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Too much success or success in the wrong area
God's Word can keep us grounded and striving for success that really matters for all of eternity.
King Solomon was the most successful man in recorded history. We learn much from him.
Notice what he wrote in Proverbs 27:7
The full soul loatheth an honeycomb;
but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
And in Proverbs 30:8-9
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me food convenient for me: Lest I be FULL, and DENY thee, and say, Who is the LORD? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
GOD HONORING SUCCESS
Now notice what King David, Solomon's father, teaches about TRUE success:
Psalm 4:7
Thou hast put gladness in my heart,
More than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
Gladness from the LORD—joy, is worth much more than great riches!
The majority of people in Biblical times made their living by farming their land. If your crops and wine "increased", that meant you had an abundant harvest which equated to riches. You would rejoice over such a bountiful harvest, and God's Word teaches us that the gladness in our hearts that only comes from God is so much better than all those riches.
Going back to Solomon to take this subject home…
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" Ecc 12:13-14
Whatever you set your hand to do, do it heartily, as unto the LORD—that is great success!
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Value the gladness from God in your heart higher than temporal success and you'll experience real success!
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Today we decided to provide a financial quiz. We'll ask the questions, give you some time to choose your answer, then we'll discuss what we believe the answers to be.
Give yourself $5 for every question you answer correctly (Put it in savings—you'll be glad you did!)
In This Episode, We Look At: * Your current income doubles by the year 2032 and the prices of goods and services doubles as well, how much will your 2032 income allow you to buy?
A. Less than today
B. Don’t know
C. More than today
D. The same amount as today
- If you maintain a comfortable lifestyle
with your current income today and do not receive any increase in earnings over the next ten years, you should be able to maintain the same lifestyle.
A. True
B. False
- If your checking account has a balance of $300 and the bank posts a "Debit" of $50, will your balance change to:
A. $350
B. No change
C. $250
- Your gross earnings for the current pay period are $2,100. Your paycheck (or direct deposit) was $1,612. How much were your earnings for that pay period?
A. $2,100
B. $1,612
C. $1,890
- To establish, or increase your credit score, it is recommended that you:
A. Buy something on your credit card and pay it off when you receive the bill. Debitize!>
B. Buy something that you need and make monthly payments for 6 months to a year to establish a pay history.
C. Frequent the Payday Advance office before every Payday
- Noah starts investing $100 per month at age 23 and stops all together at age 33 (that's ten years). Bradly starts investing $100 at age 35 and continues until age 65 (thirty years).
With the same investments and the same rate of growth, who will have more money at age 65?
A. Noah
B. Bradly
- A 15 year mortgage is better than a 30 year mortgage .
A. False
B. It Depends
C. True
- If your take-home pay is $3,200, you should be able to pay a rent or mortgage of $1,600
A. True
B. False
C. Not advisable
- Investing only in one stock, the company you work for, is safer than investing in an index fund, because you know your company very well.
A. True
B. False
- If your credit card balance is $2,000 and the interest rate is 20% compounded annually, how long would it take for your balance to double if you made no payments?
A. Less than 2 years
B. 2 to 4 years
C. 5 to 9 years.
D. Over 10 years
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Let's face it, we are human and we want all of God's promises.
"Take care of all my needs and wants, protect me and my family, advance my career…"
Some may think, “I’m a child of the King—so I should be living like a king!”
1 Corinthians 4:8
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
Paul Chappell recently wrote:
The idea that a Christian will only receive good things from God and coast through life on a bed of blessings sounds good and draws large crowds and television audiences. But it is not the reality of life presented in Scripture.
David—hunted by Saul—no wrong doing
Paul—numerous physical afflictions and sometimes fear
God's children are very precious to Him and it brings Him pleasure to work in and through our lives!
In This Episode, We Look At: Our Lives are not meant to be Passive
"God will do this for me" "He will take care of that"
Make no mistake, God does everything He says He will do.
It is His power that accomplishes great things, not ours, but… there is work for us to do.
Our part in God's promises—What God Requires of us
This is the Key.
We cannot earn God's favor and we cannot earn salvation. It is a gift of God by grace through faith.
God wants us to live the Christian life fully dependent on God and growing stronger in our faith.
He has given conditions (actions on our part) to many of His promises for us—for the purpose of our seeing how great He is.
Protection: Trust Him
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
Answers to prayer: Abide in Christ and His words in you
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
"abide"- dwell, remain, reside
Provision: Seek the Lord
Psalm 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Similar to this is Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Finances: Give first
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you ; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
Malachi 3: 10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be meat in mine house,
And prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts,
If I will not open you the windows of heaven,
And pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Honour the Lord with thy substance,
And with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty,
And thy presses shall burst out with new wine
2 Cor 9:10
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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There is a lot of talk on the subject of renting vs buying.
While counselling and advising couples, I often hear them say something like, "We can't wait to get a house. We are just throwing money away renting a place!" and "Besides, a home purchase is an investment."
Is this true?
In This Episode, We Look At: "Is your home an investment?"
Definition (Investopedia): investment
A)An investment is an asset or item that is purchased with the hope that it will generate income or will appreciate in the future.
B)In an economic sense, an investment is the purchase of goods that are not consumed today but are used in the future to create wealth.
We look at the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining a home, a brief look at 15 year versus 30 year mortgages, and the importance of financial margin.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: It is wise to save and invest for your financial future beyond the payment of your primary residence.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Little regrets can happen daily.
For many of us, regrets are realized years or even decades later in life. We may wish that we had spent more time with family, taken better care of our health, and saved more money.
For the child of God there will be a day when we stand before Him, and no doubt have many regrets about our stewardship of this life:
"I should have shared the Gospel with my family and neighbors!"
"I wasted so much precious time on things that are meaningless now!"
There is a tendency in older people to be mindful of their own mortality and then start focusing on making the most of their life.
Don't wait until you are older to start living for what really matters.
In This Episode, We Look At: The Key
In his later reflective years, King Solomon gives us the key to living a life without regrets.
The key is the phrase, “under the sun.” Used 29 times in the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon concludes that if a person’s desires and motives are focused on this present life on earth (which is under the sun), then he will have indeed wasted his life—it was all vanity.
Ecc. 1:14-15 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
Vanity, from the Hebrew hebel, basically means “emptiness.” Everything done for this world, will pass away with this world, 1 John 2:17.
The Change
What is the solution to avoid having regrets in our lives?
Center our affections and motives above the sun (unto Heaven, above the world).
Col. 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sittith on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on the things above, not on things on the earth.
Seek first His kingdom, His righteousness, and His will.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
In essence, Jesus is saying, "Seek my ways, live for me, live righteously, and I will take care of all your needs."
Those things which are done above are what impacts eternity. 1 Corinthians 3:14 instructs us, “If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon (the foundation of Christ), he shall receive a reward.”
Everything we do in obedience to God
Reaching the lost for Christ (Matt. 28:19)
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Loving our neighbors (Matt. 22:39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Transferring our earthly treasures for heavenly treasures (Matt. 6:20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal
Solomon's words to close us out:
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" Ecc 12:13-14
Improve Your Faith and Finances: It helps us to be continually mindful that today is a gift and today is the day to live for Christ.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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In This Episode, We Look At: A Mortgage is not Consumer debt weighing on your shoulders.
No one is going to offer to buy your credit card debt
A mortgage should not be viewed as a sin, citing Romans 13:8 "Owe no man any thing".
The Bible warns about being/staying in debt and encourages prompt repayment.
If borrowing were a sin and not simply frowned upon, then we would be enablers to others' sin because the Bible encourages us to be liberal in lending and ready to forgive!
Deut. 28:12, Psalm 37:21,26
You can sell your home, and the mortgage balance is taken on by the buyer (and you may pocket some equity in the proceeds).
It is leverage; you can live in that home as long as you make the payments. It is the cost of living in your chosen home.
Long-term
Buying a home with a mortgage is not a short-term purchase. There is more risk of loss in the short-term due to fluctuating values.
Your primary residence is NOT an investment
It is a cost.
It is collateral.
Cosigning for a loan. Nope!
A credit score is intended to reflect one's financial responsibility and history of paying bills on time.
If a grown child's credit score is not sufficient to get their mortgage, then it is self-evident… perhaps they should not take on a mortgage.
Co-signing is assuming the responsibility for the debts of another person. If the person who you signed up to help does not make the payments—you are legally responsible.
Scripture teaches not to do it:
Proverbs 11:15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
Proverbs 22:26-27 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?
The FTC states: "You are being asked to guarantee this debt. Think carefully before you do. If the borrower does not pay the debt, you will have to. Be sure you can afford to pay if you have to, and that you want to accept this responsibility."
And… "The creditor can collect this debt from you without first trying to collect from the borrower.* The creditor can use the same collection methods against you that can be used against the borrower, including suing you or garnishing your wages. If this debt is ever in default, that fact may become a part of your credit record."
“When I sign for someone else, I am saying, “I will answer for all of this person’s financial decisions, wise or unwise. I’m now legally and financially accountable for whatever he chooses to do.”
—Randy Alcorn
Resources and Links: Rent Reporters
Improve Your Faith and Finances: If you desire to help an adult child, prayerfully consider avoiding cosigning on a loan. Help by gifting some money or offer counselling and advice.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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How often do we resign, throw up our hands, and say, "I can't fix my marriage", "I can't get on top of my finances", or "I can't quit lusting"?
It seems our first response is "I." "I can't"…and that is true. We cannot do anything good on our own. (Romans 7:18)
I submit that our focus is way off and the Devil loves it. He constantly reminds us of our failures, sin, mistakes, and incompetence. He is wrong.
In This Episode, We Look At: The Power within us
How often do we overlook the fact that the Holy Spirit actually dwells within us? How incredible and indescribably powerful is that?
2 Cor. 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
You see, it is not our power, but His!
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Whether they be financial, relational, or carnal, remember who you are in Christ before you face the challenges of each day.
You are God's child—John 1:12
You are Christ's friend—John 15:15
You are justified—Romans 5:1
You have been bought with a price—1 Corinthians 6:20
You are a new creation—2 Corinthians 5:17
You are more than a conqueror—Romans 8:37
You are born of God and the evil one cannot touch you—1 John 5:18
You are righteous and holy—Ephesians 4:24
You are hidden with Christ In God—Colossians 3:3
You are the light of the world—Matthew 5:14
You are a citizen of heaven—Philippians 3:20
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you—Philippians 4:13
You are free from condemnation—Romans 8:1,2
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Daily review these truths of who you are through Christ!
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Family communication has its challenges today.
A good old fashioned, face-to-face conversation has been reduced to a text message; with abbreviated words to boot, lol! And there are topics that require our focus and clear communication but many prefer to avoid them—like money.
Perhaps we can blame it on Emily Post's book of Etiquette (1922), which lambasted talk of money.
It seems generations of parents for almost 100 years have carried on her view of money-talk as taboo.
In This Episode, We Look At: Communication about money
According to an Ally Bank survey, 7 out of 10 people consider it rude to talk about money.
It does seem that millennials are breaking the trend; "more than half readily disclose their income, savings, or debts to other people, Ally found."
This is one area that I am "with the Millennials".
Plan your talks
45% said they would rather plan a dinner discussion for the topic of money rather than talk on the fly.
During a drive
When writing a tithe check, offering, or giving online
While shopping
Read Scripture and discuss
Read money-related stories
Concepts
A good starting point is the Value of Money.
Earning
What does it take earn money? Explain trading labor or a service for income.
The importance of learning a trade and developing a skill.
"Does money come easily, or is their a cost to obtain money?"
Spending
How to determine what a product is worth—should you buy it?
"Which do you want more—That fidget spinner or your $5?"
Saving
Your child may not be able to buy what they want with the money they earned this week. Teaching them the principles of saving, they hold onto a portion of what they earn, and in time, have enough to make that purchase.
Teach them Proverbs 6:6 and Proverbs 21:20
Credit
When the time is appropriate, teach them the truth about credit cards.
It is not money to spend
The credit company does not love your child, but wants to make money off of them.
Teach Proverbs 22:7
There is power in paying cash for purchases, including "emergencies".
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Model financial stewardship to your family.
Your walk talks louder than your talk talks.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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It is easy for us to find ourselves buying into the ever-increasing consumerism of our culture.
"I need this, this, this… and this…"
Consumerism:
NOUN
- the protection or promotion of the interests of consumers.
- the preoccupation of society with the acquisition of consumer goods.
Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of men are never satisfied
Madison Ave knows this and they fully exploit it.
In This Episode, We Look At: A Subtle Creep Consumerism can be very subtle: Think of all the areas in our lives where we have to "upgrade"—cell phones, online subscriptions, streaming services, food delivery services.
Our monthly expenses slowly creep up (Because "it's just another $20/month" right?) and we find ourselves saying "I can't afford…"
According to Creditloan.com, the average family spends $2,827 per year on entertainment which includes: fees/admissions, toys/hobbies, and audio visual services/equipment.
That's about $235 per month. That isn't terrible unless you are struggling with debt, can't seem to save money, or otherwise have no idea where your money is going.
Not so Subtle Creep Auto $9,049 per year on transportation…
Ouch!
That's car payment/lease, Gas, Uber, maintenance, etc.
Hello $754/month!
Clothes The U.S. apparel industry today is a $12 billion business and the average American family spends $1,700 on clothes annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Storing our Stuff Americans have 3X the space than we did 50 years ago. Americans spend $24 billion each year just to store their stuff.
Even secularists agree that we would be happier with less stuff!
Balance Even if you strive for the minimalist lifestyle, it's difficult to journey through life without some stuff.
I believe we easily forget that God's Word teaches us that our lives are merely vapors—here for a brief moment, then gone.
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Wouldn't we focus more on eternity if we lived daily with the knowledge that our lives are indeed brief; and not the "flash-in-the-pan" life here on earth?
Resources and Links: Graham Hill: Less stuff, more happiness
Improve Your Faith and Finances: We can survive with less.
Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Proverbs 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Today we take a close look at the parable Jesus taught in Luke 12:13-21, what prompted Him to teach it, and how it relates to us.
In This Episode, We Look At: Setting: Jesus is speaking to a large crowd (innumerable)
As He had been addressing Lawyers and Pharisees (warning them of their hypocrisy), one in the crowd interrupts Jesus to ask Him to make his brother split their inheritance.
Jesus responds, and said unto him "Man, who made me judge or a divider over you?"
He warns us of covetousness:
That's the lust for something we do not have or longing for more (God also equates covetousness with idolatry Col. 3:5).
And he said unto them "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." vs 15
"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
We are introduced to a "business man" who was successful as evidenced by the word "rich".
There is nothing inherently wrong with being a successful business person.
The man saw that he had enough wealth to last a lifetime
Luke 12:17-18
And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
He was done and ready for early retirement!
We do not hear him saying, "I can now give to the poor and build temples."
God calls him out
Luke 12:20
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
He had grand plans for his life. He was not planning on dying that night!
Jesus warns the crowd (us)
v21
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
Resources and Links: Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Which kingdom are you building?
Identify which kingdom you are building; whether it be the temporary one of wood, hay, and stubble or the eternal one.
Resolve to "be toward God" and make an eternal difference!
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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It's amazing how money can often make monsters out of us. If you've ever borrowed from, or loaned money to others, you may have experienced how the relationship between lender and borrower can become strained.
In This Episode, We Look At: Non re-payment of a debt can lead to the severing of relationships
Jesus teaches that when we lend, do not expect re-payment.
Luke 6:34-35
And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
The person who borrows is expected to repay
Psalms 37:21
The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again:
but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Non-forgiveness can hinder your walk with Christ
Matthew 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses
Psalm 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear me:
We are not suggesting that if you are in the loan business, to forgive all loans!
Improve Your Faith and Finances: When helping someone in need, do so without expectation of money being returned. You've done it unto the Lord.
Proverbs 3: 27-28 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. 28 Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee
Proverbs 21:26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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A popular little book has the title, "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff!"
While there is certainly truth to that—don't make a mountain out of mole hill, don't major in the minors… we also challenge you not to miss the little things that can change lives!
In This Episode, We Look At: The Tongue
James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
What a difference a kind word can make in someone else's life!
How often are we preoccupied with our own cares and easily miss the opportunity to simply say a kind word.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver
Time
James Boswell, the famous biographer of Samuel Johnson, often referred to a special day in his childhood when his father took him fishing. The day was fixed in his adult mind, and he often reflected upon many of the things his father had taught him in the course of their fishing experiences together.
It occurred to someone much later to check the journal that Boswell’s father kept and determine what had been said about the fishing trip from the parental perspective. Turning to that date, the reader found only one sentence entered: “Gone fishing today with my son; a day wasted.”
Treasure
You may receive a cost-of-living pay increase of 2% and think it no big deal.
Contact your HR Dept and increase your 401(k) contributions by that same 2%.
A 2% increase on a $5,000 monthly income is $100 per month.
Because it is pre-tax, every dollar goes into that 401(k).
That could grow into an additional $500,000 in retirement for a 30 year old!
Pay off debt quickly
Most of us have heard the coffee example (brew at home).
While it won't make you rich, taking that $2 a day (week days) and adding it to your minimum payment on a $2,000 credit card balance will pay it off in 36 months instead of 10 years.
Resources and Links: Christians Conquering Credit, Part 3, Blog post by Tim Rosen
Improve Your Faith and Finances: We encourage you to be mindful of the seemingly small things in your life that have the potential to do great good to both yourself and others.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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CJ writes, "I try to give what I can when I can; stopped trying to tithe years ago when I had larger sums of money—stepping out on faith—only to get totally destroyed financially. Last time I gave larger amounts regularly, I had a home emergency pop up that led to several overdraft charges in the checking account. I still have a joyful heart when I can give what I can."
In This Episode, We Look At: In response:
The tithe is a spiritual issue, not a mathematical or economic one.
It is God's design that we are to be completely dependent on Him.
Deut. 14:23 that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always.
The tithe belongs to God—it is His, not ours.
Lev. 27:30 it is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD
It requires faith
Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11,Heb.10:38
Our flesh fights to operate by sight, especially in finances
Who is more capable of providing finances for us? God or ourselves?
Whose ways work better? Our ways or God's ways?
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
When we do it our way and resist God's ways; we experience poor results.
Haggai 1:6
Ye have sown much, and bring in little
ye eat, but ye have not enough;
ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink;
ye clothe you, but there is none warm;
and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
Caution: Experience does not determine truth
"I tried it and it didn't work."
God's Word does not change, thus the truth does not change
Improve Your Finances: Remember that this is a spiritual battle. Satan does not want your faith strengthened. God has designed the tithe for that very reason—the strengthening of your faith. Trust God by honoring Him and managing money His way.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Are you hoping to receive an inheritance?
Are you putting pressure on yourself to leave an inheritance to your "children's children?"
Let's look at both; hoping to receive and planning to leave.
In This Episode, We Look At: Hoping to receive an inheritance.
If you have family who leave assets behind, those should pass to beneficiaries as opposed to being tied up in probate.
If you are good at managing your current income, then you will likely manage an inheritance well. If you are not responsible with the income you currently manage—chances are you are in for an extra dose of stress!
Unearned riches tend to magnify one's character—to the negative as well as the positive.
Luke 16:10
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
If your hope is in the inheritance, then your hope is misplaced
It is not the answer to your financial needs.
Scripture clearly teaches the importance of labor.
Proverbs 12:27
The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
Proverbs 14:23
In all labour there is profit:
But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury
Ecclesiastes 2:18-19
Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
Stressing to leave an inheritance
Many Christians reference Proverbs 13:22 concerning inheritance.
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children:
And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just, and believe that if they are to be a good man, then they need to save, avoid medical costs in their older years so that they can leave their grandchildren an inheritance
Is that what the verse means?
Not in context to the original audience who understood property ownership and farming at that time…
It meant to keep the land in the family so that they may continue to farm and therefore make a living for future generations.
As in Ezra 9:12
Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.
It does not command to pass on unearned wealth to grandchildren.
When we pull a verse out without its historical context, we get different meanings, i.e. "Remove not the ancient landmark" in Proverbs 22:28.
Beginning in verse 22; Solomon is warning against robbing the poor and avoiding debts.
The landmark marked the boundary lines of land ownership. To move the landmark was to steal land because you moved the property line!
Improve Your Faith and Finances: If you are the recipient of an inheritance, remember that you have just received an increase and honor the Lord first (Prov 3:9-10). In doing so, you set yourself up to enjoy His blessings and promises.
Seek godly counsel if you are not accustomed to handling larger amounts of money.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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People often ask me if a Christian investor can be broadly diversified and avoid immoral companies?
In This Episode, We Look At: What factors would be utilized to determine whether a company is immoral or not
Do they sell alcohol?
Do they sell pornography or Rated R movies?
Do they support Planned Parenthood?
Do they financially promote lifestyles that God says are sinful?
Do they directly or indirectly financially support human trafficking?
Investment products aimed at screening company stocks based on morals
Are they expensive?
How much is someone paid to sell you one?
Spending your money on their products and services is much more support than owning a few shares of their stock
The shares of stock you buy today are sold on the secondary market—you are not buying them from the company.
Don't want to support immoral companies?
Don't buy pornography, alcohol, drugs, etc.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: If you wish to have a real impact on companies that you consider moral, purchase products and services directly from them. That will have a greater impact on their financial health than owning shares of their stocks.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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The most overlooked aspect of financial health has little to do with having the right strategy, having more income, or being excellent at math. Many writers don't want to talk about it because it doesn't sell books.
We are talking about self-control.
In This Episode, We Look At: Money is an area where many lack self-control
In his book, Behavioral Finance & Wealth Management, Michael Pompian states that The Saving Decision "…reflects an individual’s relative preferences over present versus future consumption."
In other words, "Do I want to buy this now or would I rather save my money for something more important later?"
Holding onto money in savings is not exciting
There is a huge temptation to do something that is exciting or more enjoyable with that savings.
It requires self-control. Having money that is accessible is very important in life.
Some solutions to self-control problems
Negative motivation
Automate savings/paying bills
Reward substitution
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Identify the weakness to your financial health. Is it due to behavior or an unhealthy belief? Decide on a different response to your unhealthy financial behavior.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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While I certainly recommend having up to 6 months of living expenses saved up, we ought to completely depend on the Lord and not trust in our savings.
In This Episode, We Look At: Could you save enough to withstand a worst-case financial scenario? Should that even be the goal? We should not strive to replace the role God has in our financial life.
God's role is Provider, even when (and especially when) it seems impossible.
We may find ourselves in a devastating financial situation where we see no way out.
God's promises and His ways are beyond our understanding. God can do the miraculous.
This is where faith trumps sight—and that’s exactly what God wants.
His ways may seem impossible. The last thing that would make sense during a financial crisis is to give.
In 1 Kings 17, we meet a widowed woman who has no substance and is about to make a final meal for her and her son. The solution to her dire situation, as communicated by God through His prophet, Elijah, is to feed the prophet first. Put yourself in her shoes for a second. How hard would it be to follow those counter-intuitive instructions?
She obeyed and God did the miraculous! He fed Elijah, fed the widow, her son, and continued to feed them as promised.
God often uses others to meet our needs
Paul teaches (in 2 Cor. 8) that we have financial resources to meet each other's needs. I may be used to help a believer in need. Then, I may be in a season when I am in need and another believer may be used to help meet me.
God will sovereignly work beyond our understanding to do the impossible. Col. 3:20-21
We cannot expect to handle and work through the worst of financial crisis by our own planning, strength, or wisdom.
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Wisely steward the financial resources God has entrusted you with and trust in Him always. Look for opportunities to meet another's needs. Do so by faith in the name of Jesus. Be open to the possibility that God may meet a later need through someone else.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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The internet, developing science, and our own personal experience have turned our thinking upside down in so many areas.
In This Episode, We Look At: We turn conventional beliefs on their ear, from cars to food; from fitness to finances.
Is sodium bad for your health? Does it cause heart disease? (We are not doctors, but we share some recent research).
Does a longer workout at the Gym equal greater health benefits?
Should we be prepared to retire by age 65?
Should we strive for the biggest tax refund?
We have fun in this episode and we hope it causes you to challenge some of your own conventional wisdom.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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The average American will easily work over 100,000 hours during the course of their working years. This is a huge portion of our lives. It should not be solely for a paycheck.
In This Episode, We Look At: God thinks bigger!
"We must do wordly jobs, but if we do them with sanctified minds, they become offerings to God" - A.W. Tozer
God is our supervisor and rewarder. A Christian does not merely work for an earthly employer.
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Col. 3:23-24
We will not always be treated well or fairly
The "Golden Rule"
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. Luke 6:31
Phil. 2:14-15 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Cultivating and working in the physical world is a powerful way to imitate our Creator, and the early Christians understood this. — Chad Hovind
Reach the Lost
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
According to the research conducted by the Christian Law Association, you have the Constitutional right to share your faith in the workplace. It is limited to non-work time such as non-paid breaks, and when there are 15 or more employees who also are allowed to talk about their personal interests.
If you are asked a question related to faith in the course of conversation with customers, you are allowed to answer.
Be mindful that you are on company time and getting paid to work; not share your faith.
Resources and Links: Christian Law Association Audio
Improve Your Faith and Finances: Consider your place of employment as a mission field. Remember that the Spirit of God, which raised Jesus from the dead, dwells in you to give you power and guidance to live to the glory of God. Purpose to honor Him in your words and deeds.
Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Why do we complicate our finances? The rules of financial health are simple.
- Honor the Lord
- Spend less than you earn
- Save a portion
- Avoid debt
In This Episode, We Look At: It's our behavior that drives our finances.
Do we consider God when making money decisions? We remind ourselves that we work hard and that we deserve nice things. We pay now and deal with the consequences later.
We have no one telling us what to do.
We either self-destruct or flourish based on the decisions we make. Doing it our way can be expensive, frustrating, and even destructive.
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Prov 16:25
We have no clear, written financial path to follow.
We wing it and try to do our best.
Let's look at those basic rules again, but focusing on God's ways instead of our ways (Isaiah 55:8).
Honor the Lord: Prov. 3:9-10
Spend less than you earn: Prov. 27:23
Save a portion: Prov. 21:20
Avoid debt: Prov 22:7
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Review the Basic Rules and their supporting scriptures. Which of these are you lacking financially? Implement one missing rule into your finances this week; while seeking and trusting the Lord to guide and provide.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Dr. Bryan Stensaas is a Vietnam veteran, church planter, has an accredited Ph.D. in education, and is a former radio host and college instructor—but most of us know him as a Veteran Missionary to Uganda.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Bro Stensaas and speak with him about some of his experiences in the field and what God has taught he and his wife, Cheri, in their 32 years of serving as Missionaries.
In This Episode, We Look At: From the Gulf of Tonkin, to the plateau in Uganda, we'll hear the incredible story of how God orchestrated His plan for Bryan Stensaas's life.
Bro Stensaas candidly shares mistakes he's made along the way and what he believes today's Missionaries ought to do to prepare for life in the field. His story of how God greatly expanded his reach and multiplied his preaching efforts will inspire you. His financial and deputation advice will surprise you (It surprised us).
We will also hear how God used peripheral neuropathy to bring Bro Stensaas back to the States and how He is greatly using him here—far from the tropics of Uganda which has been his home for the last 21 years.
Today's Resources and Links: Bryan Stensaas on Facebook
For a financial gift to the work in Uganda through Bro Bryan's son, Keith Stensaas: http://kstensaasfamily.com/partner/
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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What comes to mind when you hear the word "rich?"
Maybe an unattainable goal?
Other people? A few select? Sin?
In the New Testament, people equated wealth with spirituality. The Pharisees were wealthy—the common folk looked up to them spiritually and were impressed with them financially.
In This Episode, We Look At: Is God against His people being rich?
No… But neither is it His design that all His children would be rich in financial resources.
"If you have real character, money will not spoil it. Persons with genuine character can handle adversity and prosperity." S Truett Cathy
Wealth that will actually last
Riches passing through the hands of eternally minded Christians can do great things for the Kingdom of God. See Matt. 6:20
Yesteryear: J.C. Penney was saved after the Great Depression and the loss of his personal wealth. Soon after, he began giving cheerfully and sacrificially to the cause of Christ and other benevolent pursuits.
Cautions
Riches can also bring on great destruction in the life of a Christian:
comparisons, the desire for more, and love and lordship of riches.
Psalm 62:
If riches increase, set not your heart upon them
Today's Resources and Links: Wealth, Is it Worth it? by S. Truett Cathy
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Practice viewing the money you give to the Lord as treasure that will last forever (much longer than the things we enjoy during this life). Every day brings you further away from today's treasures and closer to heavenly treasures.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Is Capitalism a Christian system?
Gov. William Bradford made a poor decision in the early days of what would become the Massachusetts Bay Colony:
He believed that devout Christians would all work together equally for "The Greater Good."
Collectivism (socialism) failed miserably. Many simply didn’t want to labor to produce food—over 50% died.
In This Episode, We Look At: Here are a handful of freedoms granted not only in our founding documents, but in Scripture as well.
Freedom: to assemble and of religion—1st Amendment
This is often taken for granted. We have freedom in Christ (Romans 8:2) and we have individual freedoms in this great nation.
Property rights: 5th Amendment to the Constitution
In Acts 4:36-5:1-5, Barnabas "having land, sold it, and gave it".
It belonged to Barnabas and he could do as he wished. He chose to sell it and give it.
Ananias and Saphira also owned property. Whilst it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?
Incentive: also demonstrated in the Bible
"…endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"
2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
There exists an incentive to work; there is really no ceiling for income/wealth creation.
Rule of Law: (rather than the authority of man)
"The state cannot grant rights to individuals, since our rights are God-given and hard-wired into us. The role of the state is to protect God-given rights. When the state attempts to overrule God's rule as the Grantor of rights, it is putting itself in the place of God , which is evil. This is one reason why socialism is a failed economic system. It is also the reason why God opposes socialism and advances the foundations on which capitalism is based." –Chad Hovind, Godonomics
Today's Resources and Links: Godonomics by Chad Hovind
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Remember these wonderful freedoms afforded to us by our God and these Founding Documents. Exercise them to the glory of God.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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I believe we start our adult lives with the erroneous and dangerous belief that revolving debt—and the interest payments that go along with it—are normal and acceptable.
In This Episode, We Look At: The average American pays a significant amount of interest every month; profiting a lender and not themselves. They do it for the privilege of having something now and paying for it later.
The average interest paid in car loans is $895 per year ($74 per month) according to a recent Experian survey.
The average interest paid on credit card debt is $855 per year ($71 per month) according to a report by TransUnion.
The interest rate charged by the IRS for repaying taxes due is over 3%
The average interest paid on student loans is $641 per year ($53 per month).
It's worth pointing out that some households are way above average!
With approximately $200 or more per month being paid out in interest payments, we ask you: Are you earning at least $200 per month on your savings/investments?
Are you making some company profitable more than yourself?
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Commit to change your financial course if you have revolving debt. Stop paying interest to strangers (loan companies) and start paying yourself by eliminating consumer debt.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Considering all the innovations that supposedly save us time—we are a people who tend to live life at a frenzied, break-neck pace.
In This Episode, We Look At: Culture celebrates living a busy life
We have a myriad of digital notifications constantly chiming for our attention. We have habitually check multiple e-mail accounts much too often.
We applaud multi-tasking.
We have more innovation and technology than our parents had growing up
Today:
The average American works less hours, earns significantly more (adjusted for inflation), and enjoys more leisure time than those of just two generations ago.
We are able to communicate with loved ones around the globe using a device that fits in the palm of our hand.
We vacation more frequently and fly more frequently for less money than those of two generations ago.
More patients survive heart attacks and are cured of diseases that would have killed those of two generations ago.
And yet we feel as stressed and pressed for time as those two generations ago—all while sleeping less!
The missing element in our daily lives
No innovative breakthrough is going to increase our peace.
We can earn more money and still be stressed.
We can have more time on our hands and still be stressed.
Are we coming before the throne room of our Holy God and being still?
Do we drop to our knees and acknowledge His holy presence? Or do we pray silently to ourselves while we shower, dress, eat, and drive?
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God"
Psalm 4:4 "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still"
Are we doing all the talking when we pray?
Solomon admonishes, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." Ecc 5:2
May we encourage you to wake up earlier to have this sweet time with your Heavenly Father?
Mark 1:35 "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
We can trust that Jesus knows we are weak, tired, and need our sleep. Believe that He can provide the rest we need when we commit such time to Him.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Commit to giving a set time to the Lord. Make it a time when you will be still before Him and listen for His still small voice.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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Our lives are surrounded by technology. It is at play in every aspect our lives, and yet some have not harnessed technology to improve their finances.
It's the Twenty-first Century—come on in, the water's fine!
In This Episode, We Look At: Here are some tools we can utilize to improve our finances from the moment we receive a paycheck.
Pay Day: Set up Direct Deposit if you have not yet
Tithe/Offerings: If your church offers online giving it gets your financial gift to the church quicker and out of your checking account sooner
Bill Pay: Automate paying bills
Automate Savings: Fire and forget
Automate Investing: Beyond a company 401(k), invest monthly from your checking account to your investment account and remember the Roth IRA
Add to savings through purchases (takes the change up to the nearest dollar of purchase and sends to your savings with Acorns or your bank/credit union)
Today's Resources and Links: Digit
Acorns
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Schedule an hour on your calendar to automate these systems. Intentions will not get the job done.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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We are interesting creatures when it comes to money.
Can you identify with some of these adjectives regarding money?
Affluent, Broke, Stressed, Generous, Stingy, Protective, Easygoing, Frivolous, Spendthrift, Content, Discontent, Boastful, Lavish, Conservative, Bitter, Joyful, Jealous, Grateful
All of these money attitudes stem from the heart. Scripture supports this conclusion.
There are over 2,300 verses in the Bible directed toward money and possessions.
That's twice as much as faith and prayer combined—why is that?
In This Episode, We Look At: Our hearts are drawn to trust and love money.
Psalms 62:10
If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.
Matthew 12:34
for of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
When we feel we do not have enough money we worry.
When we feel we have enough (or even too much) money, we trust in money rather than God.
Proverbs 30:8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
Lest I be full and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD?
Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of God in vain.
There is no money in Heaven
We either use money for God's purposes and are rewarded or we use money according to our own purposes and lose rewards.
Ecc. 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
Today's Resources and Links: Live Lighter, Love Better, by Cary Schmidt
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Commit to de-throne money as lord in your heart; choosing rather to love and trust Christ alone.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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I'm no fan of learning by making mistakes, but there is value in learning not to repeat that same mistake.
It's easy to remind ourselves of past money mistakes and convince ourselves that we are still that person who failed—so why try?
In This Episode, We Look At: You can turn things around and improve your financial health
For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again:But the wicked shall fall into mischief.
Proverbs 24:16
Change your thinking
("I'm a spender." "I just can't save" "I was born this way")
When you change your thinking, you change your money beliefs
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: qfor the tree is known by his fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Mat 12:33–35
Take appropriate and corrective action
One person in the Bible who is famous for his huge, financial failure is the young man whom we know as The Prodigal Son. He spent his inheritance on riotous living.
And, when he "came to himself" he thought up a plan and took action: "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,"
Luke 15:18
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Practice viewing money in light of Scripture and as a means to equip you for every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)
This can help you avoid regrets, increase your joy and peace, improve your relationship with your spouse, and greatly impact the kingdom of Heaven.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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How easy is it for us to accept our own dishonesty?
In This Episode, We Look At: Do we embellish our tax returns or expense reports?
Company time—If we are texting, making personal phone calls, or just chillin', while being paid, then we are stealing from our employer.
Entertainment—We do not view ourselves as pirates.
Have you found ways to watch movies without needing to buy or rent them?
Do we download free music that has not been offered as free from the owner or company that owns it?
"Everyone else is doing it" will not help us when we stand before Jesus Christ and give an account for all we have done in life. 2 Cor. 5:10
"…that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: No matter how popular or publicly acceptable an activity may be, if it even "smells" like it is dishonest, run from it. Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself:But the simple pass on, and are punished. What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
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The just shall live by faith.
This truth is stated four times in Scripture.
We also know that "without faith it is impossible to please God."
Do we then demonstrate faithlessness if we accumulate savings and invest?
In This Episode, We Look At: In many areas of our lives we tend to lean on faith and ignore action
We have a tendency to think that God will take care of us when considering our future financial needs.
That is true to an extent; (Matthew 6:33) but, what is our part in effort and labor?
Consider the source of your income today
It is very likely that you sought the Lord to help you and guide you concerning your present job.
An interview was conducted during which you presented yourself and your qualifications.
You had to prepare for your job or career with college education or prior work experience.
Your ability to work comes from the Lord (Deut. 8:18).
What about Pastors and Missionaries in retirement years?
We think, "Surely God will provide for their future income because they gave their whole lives to His service."
Our human minds look to a reward system in this life. But God's rewards for New Testament believers are in Heaven.
There are countless blessings in serving the LORD.
We see God do amazing works through changing lives and healing people.
None of this excuses full-time servants from the need to plan for their future income through their own savings efforts, Missions boards, or Deacons' planning.
How does planning and working for today's income differ from planning and working toward tomorrow's income?
We know that our bodies of age, weaken, and are prone to injury and disease.
We should plan now, put forth effort now, and save now, in order to have resources to provide an income LATER.
Proverbs 6:6
Today's Resources and Links: Spiritual Leadership Conference Session, "Should Christians Save and Invest for the Future?" taught by Tim Rosen
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Determine to put forth effort in planning and saving for your future source of income for when you can no longer work to earn a paycheck.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
We want to help you prepare your teen for their future, financial independence—from you!
In This Episode, We Look At: The Starting Point: Your influence
Some of you are thinking, "We're doomed!" The most impactful action you can take to help your teens is to set the best example .
Not only are they watching you; they are listening to you.
Include Them in Family Finances
Include them when you review or write the family budget and when you shop or pay bills.
Teach Them the Value of Money.
Talk about how various work efforts demand higher compensation, but that in all labor there is profit. Proverbs 14:23
Teach them the importance of learning a skill or trade.
Help Them to Live Within Their Means
Explain the Credit Industry
Credit card companies are after their own benefit and their offers are designed to cause failure and indebtedness.
While credit cards provide easy access to what teens want, there are over-limit fees which lead to much higher interest rates and late fees which quickly add up.
Today's Resources and Links: Money Matters for Teens, Larry Burkett
The Richest Man in Babylon, by George Clason
The Wealthy Barber, by David Chilton
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Make the decision to talk openly and objectively with your teens about money. Involve them in household finances as often as you feel is appropriate.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
The investing experience can stir a flurry of emotions; most common are fear and greed.
There are also many traps that investors fall into. Christians are not exempt from these traps.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
In This Episode, We Look At: Being anxious to increase wealth
God warns us of the dangers of desiring to get rich quick. In Proverbs 28 verse 20, we are made aware that, ”A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” And in verse 22, “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”
Pleasure and pain
We look at our statement and half of our portfolio is down (US Large stocks)—Pain
The other half is up (Bonds)—Pleasure
The temptation is to flee pain by dumping the one that went down and put that money into the one that went up. That is common investor (bad) behavior. Doing that breaks ALL the investing rules!
False bravado
We can feel euphoric because the markets continue going up. We think that we should be making a higher rate of return and are tempted to increase our risk level.
Stick with the written plan.
Greed
Greed can creep into our hearts. What Christian wants to readily admit that they are greedy?
Trusting money
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:17
Pride (self-sufficiency)
We can be easily impressed with what "we" have done; based on impressive sums in our financial statements.
Proverbs 30:8-9 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Covetousness
Compared to others, we are not content with where we are in life financially.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Approach investing with the heart of a servant who is managing God's resources. Trust Him and guard your heart daily from worldly wisdom.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
King Solomon is known for being the wisest person who ever lived. The fame of his wisdom spread across the known world. That's no small feat considering how slow information travelled without the internet!
In 1 Kings 9 and 10 we read that King Solomon had a navy and "shipmen that knew the sea." What comes to your mind when you read, “a navy of ships?” For me, I start hearing “Anchors Aweigh” in my head, along with images of battleships of all sizes. Go Navy!
In This Episode, We Look At: Solomon taught reducing risk through diversification
This background helps us understand the practical application of Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth."
Increase expected growth
There are investment categories that have a higher expected rate of return than individual stocks.
Diversification in the stock market today
Owning investment categories with dissimilar price movements.
Hypothetically, when Investment A moves down, Investment B is likely to go up or stay level.
Global diversification
There are many countries, in addition to the good old United States (about 44 of them), that have free markets and publicly traded companies which produce goods or services. A country is said to have a Free Market when there is: Rule of Law, Property Rights, and Patent Protection.
Fixed income provides a "cushion" from the volatility of the markets
For example: Short-term Bond Funds and Intermediate Bond Funds
Today's Resources and Links: Morningstar
A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Look closely at your investment plan's list of investment choices to identify funds that are not closely related to each other. Diversify your portfolio by contrasting Large and Small, U.S. and International, and Bond Funds.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Entering into the investing world with a healthy, realistic view of the various risks is vital to a successful experience. Without some risk, there is no respectable growth.
If you search online for the word risk, you’ll find:
–verb. “to expose to the chance of loss.”
So, why take any risk at all?
For the investor there is an expected reward for the risk taken—the growth of an investment.
In This Episode, We Look At: Some risks can be eliminated, some mitigated, and others can be taken on with confidence
Liquidity Risk (not having access to your money) – can be eliminated
Inflation Risk – can be mitigated
Single Company Risk – can be eliminated through diversification
Capital Risk – can be mitigated through:
Proper Diversification
Owning many asset classes that are dissimilar
Including fixed income in the portfolio to decrease market volatility
Volatility – Prices and values tending to fluctuate sharply and regularly
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Remember that the investor anticipates a reward for the risk taken (over a long period of disciplined investing) and several risk factors can be eliminated or mitigated in your portfolio. Seek advice from a licensed, Registered Investment Advisor Representative before investing.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Matthew 25:16
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
In This Episode, We Look At: Let's put ourselves in the sandals of these servants:
Your boss just handed you a life's fortune and expects you to use it to make more money….
What do you do? What did the servants do?
We can safely assume that the faithful servants sought guidance. What sources of wisdom did they have access to in the 1st century?
Scripture.
In the first century they had access to the law of Moses, the Psalms, the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Prophets.
Godly Counsellors
It is both wise and profitable to seek counsel from godly men or woman whom you respect. Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
Professionals who have a good name (reputation)
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favour rather than silver and gold.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Determine to seek counsel and learn about investing before placing your money in the stock market.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Without a clearly defined personal purpose for investing, enough will never seem to be enough. Without clear goals, the answer to the question, “How much is enough?” will always be, “More.”
In This Episode, We Look At: Many get nervous or anxious when they do not know if they are on track to have enough money for their future.
It is not God's plan for His children to worry. Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing
There are those who have more than enough now and for their future, but are still driven to have more.
Solomon warned, “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this also is vanity.” Ecc. 5:10
Most investors have a general idea as to why they want to invest. How much money will that goal require?
Knowing the future dollar amount needed (roughly) will help you know how much to invest each month to reach your goal.
Begin with the end in mind.
Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: Ecc. 7:8
Consider your future required income, then work backwards. Use the 4% rule.
Example: Desired income = $40,000/ year.
Withdrawing 4% annually from an $1,000,000 balance is $40,000 per year
Today's Resources and Links: www.calculator.net
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Prayerfully consider your potential future financial need. Use a financial calculator to obtain an approximate monthly investment amount to meet that need.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Matthew 25:15
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
In This Episode, We Look At: The lord of these servants knew their work ethic very well.
We see that their lord distributed to each servant his wealth according to the faithfulness they have previously displayed.
We see that he displayed grace by giving a portion to his servant that perhaps had not previously displayed faithfulness while in his presence—yet he gave him an opportunity to be faithful in his absence.
God has called all of His children to be faithful stewards in every area that He has entrusted us with.
God knows our individual hearts and He knows if we are faithful or unfaithful. He gives to each of us according to our varying levels of faithfulness and trustworthiness.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10
Are we currently faithful with what God has already entrusted to us as opposed to waiting for more before we start honoring Him?
The starting place for financial faithfulness…
As we acknowledge that everything belongs to the Lord, we need to also acknowledge that the tithe is the Lord’s.
The heart that desires to cheerfully honor the Lord with finances will find that there will be more to honor the Lord with.
There is that scattereth and yet increaseth. Proverbs 11:24a
…And he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6b
Today's Resources and Links: Books referenced in this episode:
If God is Good, by Randy Alcorn
The Root of Riches, by Chuck Bentley
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Purpose to honor the Lord with what He has currently entrusted you with. God works through those whose hearts desire to do more for the kingdom of God.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
In this episode, we'll join Tim as he teaches one of several sessions in his Faith and Finances Series.
In This Episode, We Look At: Why are there so many verses in Scripture on the subject of money? The majority are aimed at our heart.
Our actions come from our beliefs. Our beliefs come from our hearts.
If we desire to improve our Faith and Finances, we need to address what we believe about money. Who is the true Owner, what does stewardship mean, and, what does stewardship look like in our world today?
There are financial promises in God's Word that are contingent upon our faith and action.
Understanding our true citizenship
As Christians, we are primarily citizens of Heaven. Real treasure is what we lay up in Heaven; through both giving (Matt. 6:20) and in whatsoever we do unto the Lord.
"Without a doubt, the single greatest contributor to our inability to see money and possessions in their true light is our persistent failure to see our present lives through the lens of eternity." - Randy Alcorn
Today's Resources and Links: Ambassador Baptist Church's Podcast on iTunes
Faith and Finances, Eternal Promises for Today's Resources by Tim Rosen
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Acknowledge God's true ownership and choose to manage your finances as a Manager of God's resources. The Owner bears the burden, and the Owner will take care of you!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
We naturally look around and view many things as "ours." Our house, our car, our dog, our kids…
We regard money as a private matter and perceive ourselves as the absolute owner of all we possess. In reality, God is the absolute owner of all things.
In This Episode, We Look At: Your view of who owns the money you manage greatly impacts how you handle that money.
If we look and operate through the temporal lens; we are going to experience temporal results:
- Worry over having enough money to take care of ourselves and our families.
- Trusting in the balance of our savings or investments.
- Having more than enough with seemingly no needs, which may lead us (even unsuspectingly) to “…be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord?” (Proverbs 30:9).
- Loving money and the things that money brings more than we love God.
- Pain for ourselves and our families. “But they that will (to desire) be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:9).
However, if we view money and possessions, by faith, through the eternal lens of Scripture, we can avoid the aforementioned turmoil.
We learn in God’s Word that God not only owns the earth “…and the fullness thereof," but also "the world, and they that dwell therein” (Ps. 24:1). He owns us.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and oye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s 1 Cor. 6:19
This passage uses very clear language: “ye are not your own” – “bought with a price” – “body, and…spirit, which are God’s.”
We can be free of money-related stress, worry, fear, doubt, and covetousness.
Think about that! Why worry over something that is not yours? All is His. The owner bears the burden of ownership, not the manager(steward). Our job is to manage whatever the owner entrusts to us.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Consciously put on your "Manager's Hat" every morning, acknowledging that you are managing the resources you have (from God) for God, and according to His will. His ways are so much better than our ways!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Matthew 25:18 *But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and* ***hid*** *his lord’s money.*
While most of us would hesitate to align our thinking with the unfaithful steward, there are still many hindrances that we allow to keep us from saving and investing for the future.
In This Episode, We Look At: Obstacles that keep us from investing:
Time
Time seems to be the most prominent deterrent. I don’t have spare time to try and learn about investing; there are more important matters that require my full attention. {editor's note from Troy: This was my problem for decades. I'm a smart guy who simply didn't bother to put much thought into personal finance.}
Money
Many believe they do not have the resources to start investing, or they view the amount they are able to invest as too insignificant to make an impact.
That belief can lead to putting off action, resulting in the thought that they will start investing when they are making more money.
Misconceptions
- Some people struggle with the belief that they could actually accumulate a large sum of money for the future. $500,000 or $1,000,000 seems unattainable to them.
- Another misconception is that investing is an activity through which people lose a lot of money. It’s a dangerous game that only the pros can play.
We are comfortable with the “Here and Now”
Suddenly we find ourselves with all of these needed bills and very little financial breathing room.
One day we wake up and realize we are not twenty anymore, and that we are way behind in this business of saving!
We Spend
“Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship” –Benjamin Franklin
Of course we have no problems spending money in areas that bring us pleasure, satisfaction, or areas we deem as important.
Today's Resources and Links: Article: "Why We Don't Save, and How to Change That", by Tim Rosen
Article: "How to Boost Your Retirement Confidence"
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Think 5, 10, and 20 years down the road. Should the Lord tarry His return, you will still need income. Saving and investing are the more effective means to prepare for such time. I want to encourage you to determine to take care of you and your family by planning for your financial future.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
In the parable of the talents we read that the faithful servants doubled their master's money by trading. As we seek to increase the wealth God has entrusted us with today, where should we look?
In This Episode, We Look At: Interest rates are very low in recent years and we certainly wouldn't turn the banks seeking to grow our money.
With the best savings account interest rates of around 1% and long-term inflation rates averaging 3%; the math is simple. An attempt to grow wealth through bank interest rates will result in the rapid reduction of buying power.
The Equities Markets
When planning for the future, investing money to increase its future value is not only logical, but almost necessary.
Investing certainly provides the potential for incredible growth of our assets. It also opens the door to potential pitfalls, snares, and destruction—mostly from investor behavior.
Growth comes from the markets themselves, not from investing gurus or by following suggestions from financial TV shows.
Emotions Can Work Against Us
Our instincts are to flee pain and pursue pleasure. This is wonderful when dealing with lions, and tigers, and bears (Oh, my!), but harmful when it comes to investing in equities. We expect volatility and endure it–not try to avoid it.
When markets move downward and the media highlights the fall, nervous investors are tempted to follow their fear and sell when values are down—thus suffering a loss.
Investing in equities (stocks) is a long-term discipline. It's helpful to know that the S&P 500 has a long-term expected rate of return of about 10%. Even with all the downturns in history, it has made up for down years to achieve this average.*
*For Educational purposes only. Seek the guidance of a licensed investment advisor prior to investing any of your own money.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in stocks involves volatility and the potential of loss of capital.
Today's Resources and Links: www.TimRosen.tv for more information on prudent investing.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Consider tuning out the media, especially when it comes to the stock market and the economy. You will normally not receive prudent answers to investing questions, nor receive peace of mind.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Experts estimate that you will need 70% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your standard of living.
Do you expect your standard of living to be 30% less expensive than your current standard?
According to the US Dept. of Labor, fewer than half of Americans have calculated how much they need to save for retirement. Yet, the average American will spend 20 years in retirement.
Also consider that you could be physically unable to work earlier than your current planned date of retirement.
In This Episode, We Look At: Planning your future source of income
More than 21 million American workers expect to rely on Social Security in retirement. Unfortunately, 56% admit to not having a good understanding of social security benefits.
Many who reach retirement age will continue to work, utilizing their years of experience and wisdom in a capacity that they may enjoy more than having to work for someone else.
Who is saving for Retirement?
76% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. The majority cannot handle a $500 unexpected expense.
29% of workers say they have less than $1,000 saved for retirement.
56% of workers say the total value of their investments is less than $25,000.
Source: Employee Benefits Research Institute, Retirement Confidence Survey, 2010c
Why are we in this position?
We have the "I'll catch up later!" mindset. We might try to catch up later, but it gets harder the longer you put it off.
In many cases you cannot make up for lost time without having to invest a much greater dollar amount every month.
You can plan for your future with minimal pain
It's amazing what you can accumulate with a modest monthly contribution over the course of years.
A twenty-year-old who invests $100 per month in equities may accumulate over $1 million by age 65. (hypothetical calculated at 10.5% average annual return)
Someone who waits until they're 30 to invest $150 per month until age 65 may still accumulate over $400,000. (hypothetical calculated at 9% annual return)
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Commit to invest an amount every month for as long as you are employed. Increase that monthly investment as your pay increases and as you pay off certain bills—like credit cards and car loans.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Ah, marriage! It's that moment when two hearts become one and each one instantly understands the other and agree on all matters…
Now back to reality.
In This Episode, We Look At: We all have our individual beliefs
Destructive Beliefs lead to: Stress, shame, guilt, fear, pain, selfishness, worry, doubt, suffering; potential sins such as covetousness, greed and idolatry.
Healthy Beliefs lead to: Love, joy, peace, energy, passion, fun, accomplishments
Paying the personal price
There is a personal price we pay when we do not identify and resolve conflicting beliefs about money. These include:
Income, savings, giving, helping others, confidence, satisfaction, relationships, communication, personal happiness, health, well-being
Replace the destructive belief with a true, healthy belief
Example: I could replace a destructive belief of “There's no point in having a savings; something always comes up."
With: “Praise God I have an income and can find some extra dollars to save for when things come up.”
Lastly: Put your new belief(s) into action
Today's Resources and Links: Faith and Finances: Eternal Promises for Today's Resources, By Tim Rosen
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Seek first to understand your spouse before you desire to be understood. Identify each other's strengths. Apply those strengths to your finances.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
As Christians we live in the world, but are not of the world.
This means that we must use discernment regarding the world's view of money, riches, and success.
As Christians, we have the ONE resource with the guidance we need—The Bible.
In This Episode, We Look At: What is the Purpose of Money?
The World says “To pursue happiness and acquire power.”
God’s Word teaches that it is to equip us for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
If you give to God, church, or missionaries…..
The World says you will have less for you and your family.
God’s Word teaches that we will “increase”.
Proverbs 11:24-25
There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth;
and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
The liberal soul shall be made fat:
and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
If you want something…..
The world says, “Get it, you deserve it, charge it”.
God’s Word teaches us to save and avoid covetousness.
Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise;but a foolish man spendeth it up.
Colossians 3:5
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
The World
Measures you financially by how much money you make, accumulate, and what you spend it on. We are even valued and identified by what we do for a living; as if our worth equals our career title.
God
Measures you by what you do with what He has entrusted you with.
Luke 19:17
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: God's ways are not our ways. His ways—His plans for us are so much greater than we can imagine. When we purpose to view and handle money through the lens and direction of His Word, we reap His peace, provision, and promises.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Newsflash—we live in a materialistic world. While Troy and I enjoy our share of "things" in this life, we realize that we are not immune to pull of materialism.
In This Episode, We Look At: The world measures you by what you have
And it's answer to abundance is, "More!"
Materialism is finding fulfillment in anything or anyone rather than God
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15
Materialism is trusting in money, instead of trusting in the Lord
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1 Timothy 6:17
The unintended consequences of materialism
We are drawn to idolatry: Colossians 3:5
Self-destruction: 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Loss of opportunity to impact eternity
Escaping the trap of materialism
Stop and think: Luke 15:17
Remember the Lord's ownership: 1 Cor 6:19-20
Work your plan: Luke 15:18
Abundant living
Contentment: Phi 4:11
An Eternal Mentality
The Riches of His glory
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Ask the Lord to "search me O God, and know my heart, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
We need God's daily searching to keep materialism from getting a hold of our hearts.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
If you have a Pastor that preaches the Word of God without compromise, that is something to be thankful for and to rejoice over.
Pastors face many challenges, temptations, and bear burdens that the average church member may be unaware of.
In This Episode, We Look At: A Pastor's Calling:
Preach the Word—this of course requires hours of study, prayer, and preparation
Nurture the body of Christ—through discipleship and personal investment in their lives.
Common Challenges for Pastors:
An "extra helping" of temptations and spiritual attacks
Critical church members: complaints, gossip, and a wrong view of financial support
The need to compartmentalize; often preaching moments after counselling others over a sin issue
Carrying extra burdens
Supporting Your Pastor:
Pray regularly for his protection as well as a guarded heart and mind
Be in your place:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
Speak well of him and defend him (try to avoid throwing blows!)
Encourage and participate in his financial support
Today's Resources: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:17
"Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things."
Gal 6:6
"Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."
1 Cor. 9:14
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Before Christ ascended into Heaven, He used parables to teach and prepare us for His departure from earth.
In Luke 19 verse 12's parable, the nobleman (representing Christ) tells his servants, "Occupy till I come", as he is about to depart.
What is occupying in the 21st century defined for us?
In This Episode, We Look At: Beginning with the end in mind: In both parables of the faithful stewards (Luke 19 and Matthew 25), they were all required to give an account of their stewardship upon their master's return.
They were either rewarded for their faithfulness or lost what they were entrusted with because of their unfaithfulness.
Redeeming the Time, for the days are evil: Time is a valuable and finite resource. We each have a fixed amount.
How will we steward the time gifted to us?
Walk in the Spirit. Then we will be led by the Spirit to do God's will–not ours.
What is in Your Hand? What have we been entrusted with, to Occupy with, until the Lord returns?
- The gospel
- Your calling
- Your testimony
- Your family
- Spiritual gifts, abilities (teaching, compassion, discernment)
- Resources (monetary and other physical)
Today's Resources: 2 Peter 3:10-11 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.
Ephesians 5: 14-16 Wherefore he saith, lAwake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: We can occupy more effectively when we are mindful that our lives are as a vapor. We can be called home to Heaven at any moment.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
1 Cor. 6:19-20
Scripture teaches us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost and that our bodies belong to God. His Word says that we are to glorify Him in our body and in our spirit.
In This Episode We Look At: Are we taking care of the temple?
Are we doing our part to attain and/or maintain health so that we can better serve the Lord?
What kind of rationalizations do we tell ourselves when we consume food that should not enter our bodies? As Christians, we are not exempt to the consequences of neglecting our health.
Our Actions are going to come from our closely-held beliefs
If we believe that we can eat unhealthily "a little bit here, a little bit there"–we will reap the consequences.
If we believe that we should be faithful stewards of our health; we will seek to eat better and move more!
Practical Steps for improved, healthy temples:
- Remember your protein and veggies
- Consistency pays off (small adjustments adhered to consistently)
- Do cardio (see your doctor first if you haven't done cardio in a while or quickly have loss of breath)
- Get Stronger: utilize exercise such as squats, pushups, pull ups, and lunges
- Get plenty of sleep–make it a priority
Today's Resources and Links: Mark Sisson's recommendations on diet and fitness.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Start with one modest and measurable adjustment to your eating habits (like, eliminating processed sugar) and show yourself that you can stick with it. You will see a marked difference in your stamina and your waistline.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
This time of year is crowded with lists, ambitions, goals, and resolutions. I’m a huge advocate for written goals. I’ve also witnessed far too many individuals abandoning their New Year's resolutions and commitments simply from being overwhelmed in the enormity of new tasks to tackle.
In This Episode We Look At: Financial goals are great to have and we should have them.
They need to be specific and measurable; we can't strive for "I want to better with my money this year."
I advise against too many financials goals for one period - you are more likely to get frustrated and quit when attempting to tackle "7 new ways to handle your money".
The One activity that can impact your entire financial picture:
Have a clear picture of where every dollar is going.
Write it out or print it out. Have a clear listing of where all your dollars are going.
This one activity is very eye-opening and will lead you to the starting point of taking control over your money versus your money controlling you.
A goal to be debt-free can be attained when you map your "outflow" of dollars and intentionally re-direct money toward eliminating debt.
Today's Resources and Links: The ONE Thing, by Gary Keller.
Psalm 112:5-7
A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth:
He will guide his affairs with kdiscretion.
Surely he shall not be moved for ever:
The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings:
His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Review your bank statements and list the total dollars that are being allocated to variable expenses such as: shopping, entertainment, dining out, and personal care. Identify amounts that can be reduced in these areas then re-allocate those dollars to more important areas such as: savings, giving, debt-reduction.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Tim and Troy take liberty in this episode to read to you, our beloved listener, the classic poem, "Twas the Night Before Christmas".
Since Troy is from New Orleans, he has to add a Cajun flavor to this iconic tome.
In This Episode We Look At: Cajun Troy reading Louisiana's beloved, "Cajun Night Before Christmas" in a Cajun accent.
Tim rescues this classic piece of literature with an English interpretation!
Today's Resources and Links: Cajun Night Before Christmas - words on the Web
Twas the Night Before Christmas - Clement Clark Moore
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Have a wonderful Christmas. Celebrate Christ's birth. Love God and one another!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Giving gifts has been an internal part of celebrating Christmas around the world for over two thousand years. The Magi brought their physical gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, to Jesus as an act of worship.
They were valuable gifts, and the recipient was more than worthy of their worship.
Where are we in our worship of Christ today?
In This Episode We Look At: Gift-giving is an expression of our love and thoughtfulness.
Do we include Jesus in our annual gift-giving?
What is worship?
Worship defined:
- the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity:
- the acts or rites that make up a formal expression of reverence for a deity; a religious ceremony or ceremonies:
- adoration or devotion comparable to religious homage, shown toward a person or principle:
Giving to the Lord is an act of worship:
- We give something we value (money, time), to whom we value.
- It is an expression of our love and adoration.
The Gift has a cost (money, time, skill). 2 Samuel 24:22,24
The successful person has learned how to make money, but the significant person has learned how to give it away”
Ken Blanchard
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Involve the whole family and prayerfully talk about what the family can give to Jesus: bringing treats to a widow, sending gifts to the children of Missionaries, or giving a special offering for something that your church building/property needs.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Sleep… Who doesn't enjoy a good night's sleep? Research shows us that many people do not.
But, what does this have to do with Finances?
It has a lot to do with stewardship. The lack of sleep can definitely impact your stewardship.
In This Episode We Look At: The adverse effects of poor sleep habits on our health. Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.—Psalm 127:1–2
We discuss real-world health crises due to sleep deprivation; it's more common than you may think.
God is the Provider of sleep; Psalm 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:
For thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
Troy and I share practical methods you can use to help improve the quality and quantity of your sleep.
Sleep is a reward for "…he who labors." Ecc. 5:12
The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
The consequences of over indulgence of sleep. Proverbs 20:13
Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty;
Open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread.
Today's Resources and Links: Live Lighter, Love Better by Cary Schmidt
Stewarding Life by Dr. Paul Chappell
Best Night Sleep article on HuffPost
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Decide to make adequate sleep a priority. Schedule your sleep time and keep to your schedule.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
The Christmas Season is upon us and is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. When it comes to buying gifts for loved ones, even the well-intended can find themselves succumbing to the pressure to go beyond their means in the purchasing of Christmas presents for others.
Is there a practical and God-honoring approach to buying presents? We submit that there is.
In This Episode We Look At: Honoring the Lord by:
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Carefully considering the financial resources we have.
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Knowing how much we can comfortably spend on gifts. (Luke 14:28)
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Talking and praying together about a budget; then asking for God’s guidance in staying mindful of the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Looking for ways of being creatively frugal.
Some money-saving yet thoughtful gifts we have personally purchased in the past were:
A digital “Slide show” portraying a memorable time in the life of your loved one–perhaps with their favorite song playing. You can check out wondershare or Slidely through the link below (not affiliate).
And of course there are the homemade treats! You can't go wrong with chocolate dipped…just about anything, right? Take pictures of the treats to remember in the future.
Today's Resources and Links: www.wondershare.net or for free online, Slidely
Holiday Recipes
www.kraftrecipes.com
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Keep the reason for this Christmas Season in the forefront of your thoughts, motivations. and actions. Honor the Lord in all you do and enjoy His peace!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
We hope you all had a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to dedicate an episode to this subject–please enjoy! In This Episode We: Put our microphones in the faces of some friends and ask what they are thankful for. Troy and Tim share a memorable Thanksgiving from their lives. Today's Resources and Links: Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Special on YouTube
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Prayerfully approach this Christmas season with thanksgiving and ask the Lord for guidance and provision to purchase gifts in a manner that honors Him. Keep Christ in the forefront of all you do.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Why is it that so many Christians live without financial peace? Peace may often seem to be just beyond arms' reach if you find yourself asking the following questions:
- Do I make enough money?
- Why doesn't my money seem to stretch far enough?
- Am I burdened with too many bills?
- Does it seem that misfortune only happens to only me?
In This Episode We Look At: Discontentment–we may believe the word means "not content." The Hebrew word mãr (discontentment) actually means: bitter, chafed, great bitterness, angry.
It's so easy to be discontent. We live in a culture whose recipe for happiness is "More!"
The Elusive Key: Gratitude
The phrase "give thanks" or "giving thanks" appears 98 times Scripture.
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thes. 5:18
CONTENTMENT: Internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances
Paul taught that he learned to be content:
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Phil. 4:11
Today's Resources and Links: The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom
Manual of Theology, First Part: A Teatise on Christian Doctrine
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Begin each day by thanking God for as many things you can think of during your prayer time and continue to thank Him throughout the day. Let gratitude choke out discontentedness.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
It should be no surprise to us that the Bible states, "the love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Timothy 6:10
In This Episode We Look At: People do crazy things when they love money. Both in modern times as well as in biblical times, people have done crazy and foolish things in the pursuit of money.
Money is not a big deal to God. Our attitude toward money IS. With over 2,300 scriptures written on the subject of money, riches and possessions; we have plenty of wisdom and truth to teach us how to have the right attitude toward money.
The sooner we learn God's plan for money in our life, the sooner we can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy more peace and joy.
Our own money attitude may not be as being as extreme as the examples mentioned, but materialism and covetousness can be very subtle. It can slowly grow in the heart of the Christian.
The Healthy, Biblical view of Money It is just a temporary tool to be used to God's glory.
All that we do not use for His glory will perish–we take nothing to Heaven with us.
Proverbs 3:27-28 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
We will not run out of resources for good works, because God cannot run out of resources.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Cor 9:8
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Acknowledge that all you have belongs to God and comes from God. The very reason we have breath, a heartbeat, and finances is to bring God glory!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Black Friday falls on November 25 this year. This shopping tradition is so named to reflect the day retailers become profitable the day after shoppers eat a bunch of turkey.
In This Episode We Look At: A battle plan to divide and conquer on Black Friday: Make a list (check it twice) for those you will buy presents for. Don't let family pressure or comparisons cause you to spend more on anyone than you can afford
Make a rough list of gift ideas for each recipient
Without this focus, you are more likely to overspend
Determine the maximum amount of money (cash/debit) you will spend on Christmas presents. Resolve beforehand not to exceed that amount. Remember that going over your budget may lead to the inability to pay other bills, creating, or adding to DEBT.
Utilize online services to save time, get lower prices, and find free shipping. US News and World Report last year posted "The 7 Best Websites to Find Black Friday Deals". We list them below quoted from that article.
Today's Resources and Links: TheBlackFriday.com for a comprehensive database of Black Friday sales from major department stores, retailers and specialty stores.
Gottadeal.com an active message board where people share the latest leaked ads and tips on how they’re navigating Black Friday sales.
Amazon.com with a Countdown to Black Friday event for the weeks until Thanksgiving.
Slickdeals.com the Black Friday shopping forecast for savvy shopping tips and insights.
BFAds.net at-a-glance rundown of stores that have recently posted Black Friday discounts on various items – and a heads up on Cyber Monday specials.
Bradsdeals.com take a look at product guides for specific items so you know where to go for the best price on TVs, tablets, laptops, Apple gadgets and other hot items of the season.
Blackfriday.com boasts an easy-to-navigate listing of sales and a feature where you can track your favorite deals, print out a wish list and share it with friends and family. A complementary mobile app helps you save products to wish lists with a few screen taps.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Prayerfully consider a reasonable amount of money that your family can allocate to the purchasing of Christmas gifts. Resolve to stay within that budget and don't let family or peer pressure cause you to buy gifts you cannot afford.
What Are Your Thoughts? Do you have any Black Friday shopping tips or suggestions? We'd love to hear it. Our number to leave your message is: 401-753-2484 (401-75-FAITH). Or you can comment on Facebook or Twitter.
If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
October is harvest time here in the United States.
As an alternative to Halloween, many of our churches plan Harvest Festivals for family fun.
There are three seasonal conditions of the harvest: when the crop is green (not ripe), when it is white (ideal for harvesting), and when it rots.
Jesus said, in John 4:35,
Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
In This Episode We Look At: Today is the day to reach the lost
What holds us back from having an urgency to reach the Lost?
A failure to consider their eternal condition/fate
The temporal outlook
Using our finances to impact eternity
The Tithe–God uses the tithe for many things:
Supporting the Pastor who dedicates his life to study, preaching the Word, reaching the Lost, and disciplining new believers.
Meeting the financial needs of the church; property, utilities, benevolence, and outreach.
Supporting missionaries–financial resources are needed in order to bring the gospel to all nations.
We can also buy Bibles and gospel tracts. The Gideons are a good example (hotel rooms, graduation, military). Souls have been saved through finding a Bible in a hotel room.
We can send money to a Bible-translating ministry; who will print and distribute The Bible in other languages.
Using our time to reach the lost
What if you carried gospel tracts each day and determined not to go home until you've handed out at least one tract?
What if you purposed to ask at least one person each day about their eternal security?
Today's Resources and Links: The Gideons International
Done, what most religions don't tell you about the Bible, Cary Schmidt
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Get stocked up on some good gospel tracts and purpose to hand one out every day before the sun sets. Ask God to bring you to a soul who needs the Savior!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
"God wants you rich!"
"Live like a child of the King–healthy and wealthy!"
Sounds appealing, right?
Wikipedia describes Prosperity Theology as "…a religious belief among some Christians that financial blessing and physical well-being is always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth."
There are many proponents of this health and wealth gospel; from international TV evangelists to neighborhood church pastors.
The problem is… The Bible disagrees.
In This Episode We Look At: Scripture is inerrant. It is without error and it does not contradict itself.
The prosperity gospel is man-focused rather than God-focused. It can only be justified by isolating portions and fragments of Scripture.
The love of wealth (the desire for wealth) can drive both man and nations to idolatry.
Reference 1 Timothy 6:9-10 and Hosea 13:6
Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant.
Paul counted all the riches and prestige that he forsook as dung.
The Apostles all died as martyrs except for John.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Exercise discernment in comparing claims which appeal to the flesh with the truth of Scripture.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
In this episode we share an interview with Dr. Don Sisk.
Dr. Sisk is the President/General Director Emeritus of BIMI and joined Lancaster Baptist Church as the chairman of the missions department of West Coast Baptist College in 2003. He has preached at over 1,700 Missions Conferences in over 60 countries.
Dr. Sisk and his wife, Virginia, travel to churches around the world to encourage and train missionaries.
In This Episode We Look At: How Dr. Sisk heard God's clear calling into ministry in 1954.
We learn of Dr. Sisk's part in establishing what is now the oldest and longest running Baptist church in Okinawa, Japan–The Senri New Town Baptist Church.
We learn the meaning and benefits of Faith Promise Giving.
"If I had not been obedient to the tithe, I would not have been obedient to the faith promise giving. If I had not been obedient to faith promise giving, I could not have preached it to other people." - Dr. Don Sisk Dr. Sisk responds to the questions: "Do you see a disconnect with the body of Christ and the current support of Missionaries?" and, "What would you say to the Christian who is struggling financially and says, 'I want to give to missions but cannot see how.'?"
Today's Resources and Links: Where Only God Could Lead: The Life Story of Don Sisk [Affiliate Link]
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Missionaries are men, women, and children who have obeyed God's specific and clear call on their lives to go and reach the lost with Gospel of Christ.
They often leave behind family, friends, and comforts. We should not view them as "those poor missionaries". We should hold them In high esteem. It is biblical that we support them and view them as champions of the Gospel!
In This Episode We Look At: * The Lost are reached, Eternity is impacted
"We were made for only one person and one place. Jesus is the person and heaven is the place."- Randy Alcorn
I find that of all of God's promises related to our finances, the majority are related to giving in support of the gospel.
- "Fruit" is added to your account
Phil 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
- We experience God's greatness is supplying our need even as we give
Phil 4:19, taken in proper context; But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Paul writes this to a church that, despite their poverty, is faithfully giving in support of "missionaries". This church at Philippi had a rich history of sacrificial giving.
- God's Word promises resources for continued giving
2 Cor. 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness…
Paul references Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, And the snow from heaven, And returneth not thither, But watereth the earth, And maketh it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Begin or increase your missions giving by prayerfully trusting God. God is your Provider and He will not run out of resources to give through you!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Our number to leave your message is: 401-753-2484 401-75-FAITH
Finding a balance in managing time in our lives is often a daunting task.
- Earning a living requires a good number of hours in our day, including a commute for some.
- We should be getting about 7-9 hours of sleep
- We need to have quality time with our families.
- We have errands to run, bills to pay, and the pursuit of some form of exercise or sports.
- We would also like to enjoy some vacation time.
Sometimes it can feel overwhelming trying to "squeeze it all in".
In This Episode We Look At: Identifying three time frames to plan for: past, present, and future.
Having an understanding of these time frames allows you to strike a financial balance.
Without a plan, many will find themselves out of balance.
A few biblical examples are:
The Prodigal Son–Luke 15 12:13
The Rich Fool–Luke 12:19-20
The Unjust Steward–Luke 16:2-5
We can and should strike a balance.
It is possible to pay down yesterday's debts, save for today's expenses, and invest for the future.
- Identify your disposable income (income minus expenses).
- Divide that sum across the two or three that apply to you.
- Faithfully contribute to each and increase contributions often (at least annually).
Today's Resources and Links: Tim's Blog series on "Christians Conquering Credit"
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Divide your financial efforts across two or three applicable time frames. Allocate dollars toward debt, today's savings, and tomorrow's investments.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Many of us start out our adult lives in financial reactive mode.
Needing their own place to live, many young adults will naturally rent a place, bringing with it a slew of new bills: electricity, gas, water, internet, groceries.
It is easy to understand how we can get to the point where it feels like we are working just to pay bills. For many it may feel as if money controls us, instead of us controlling our money.
The good news is that we can turn this around. We can get to the position of controlling money matters, rather than letting money matters control us.
In This Episode We Look At: Two Financial Muscles to Train:
The Proactive Muscle
The First Step: Assess
You need a clear picture of your current financial system. [fitness illustration: What do beginners need to do?"]
Everyone has a financial system; although many of us are uncertain as to what it really looks like.
Write out a list of your monthly totals for everything.
The second Step: Choose to reduce/eliminate
The wonderful news is that as adults, we have the power to choose our path.
The majority of the time we make a conscious decision to take on bills and obligations - they are rarely thrust upon us.
The Building Muscle
By flexing the Proactive muscle, you've recaptured monthly sums that can now work for you in building financial health.
What can an extra $100 or $300 a month do for you?
Debt Elimination–an extra $100 or $300 a month can be the difference between paying off your consumer debt in months versus 11 to 20 years!
Savings–Those recaptured dollars can quickly build the 3-6 months living expenses fund that you absolutely need.
Giving–Perhaps it's been on your heart to give more to the work of the Lord, but the burdens of bills have prevented you. $100-$300/month can have a great impact on eternity.
Investing–Consistent, monthly investing of even a modest sum can result in an amazing accumulation of wealth for your future. And in many cases, it's not too late if you haven't started. $300 invested monthly at an average of 8% growth amounts to approximately $275,000 in 25 years.
Today's Resources and Links: Against The Grain, Avoiding The Financial Pitfalls of Conventional Wisdom - Tim Rosen [Affiliate Link]
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Choose a time and place where you (and your spouse if married) can go through these two exercises undistracted. Be sure to bring print outs of your last two or three month's bank statements.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Our call-in number: 401-753-2484 401-75-FAITH. You are invited to leave a recorded message.
Our lives are driven by habits.
We may have healthy habits or we may have negative and destructive habits.
What you do is habit and what you do not do is a habit.
In This Episode We Look At: Identifying your own money habits
What is the first financial transaction you make on payday?
Are you addicted to receiving those Amazon boxes on your doorstep?
Not saving or investing–is a habit.
Many habits cannot be eliminated, but they can be changed
Establish an "anchor" habit. One habit that creates other supportive habits. An example would be the habit of logging everything that you eat to develop the habit of avoiding M&M's and other sweets; because it is not motivating to report that you ate a bag of M&M's.
A financial anchor habit for the Christian could be honoring the Lord first with your paycheck. This strengthens your dependence upon God and causes you to consider how you spend the remaining income. This can develop into other supporting habits like budgeting and adding to savings.
Today's Resources and Links: The Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg [affiliate link]
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Identify just one money habit that should be replaced with a healthier habit and make that one change. An example could be the habit of over-spending when shopping. The replacement habit would be to bring only the cash budgeted for grocery shopping. Not only will you not go over budget, it is possible that you may spend less as it is emotionally harder to spend cash than swipe a card.
Bonus Idea:
Create the habit of carrying Gospel tracks with you and be prepared to feed a hungry person. Be a blessing by giving them food and a gospel track in Jesus' name.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
We love sweets and deserts just as much as the next guy, but even common sense says that that one's diet shouldn't be mostly Snickers and ice cream.
Wanting to be faithful stewards in finances, we dive into a discussion of the cost of unhealthy eating versus the cost of healthy eating.
In This Episode We Look At: The cost of junk food
How much of our hard-earned income goes to purchasing food with little or no nutritional value?
The personal and national cost of obesity
Poor food choices create many unneeded costs: over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, doctor visit co-pays, and medical treatments.
The personal and national cost of treating diabetes
In addition to out-of-pocket expenses, loss of wages due to diabetes can be devastating. Also consider the personal and emotional price of missing important life events due to illness or premature death.
The savings created by eating responsibly, and practical tips for identifying delicious and nutritious foods
It's amazing what happens when we start eating highly nutritious foods instead of empty- calorie foods; our energy increases and we do not have the need to eat as much as before.
A practical look at exercise
You don't have to workout until you puke. For many, a simple daily walk around the block is a great start to increasing metabolism and energy levels.
Today's Resources and Links: Oh, How Sweet It Isn’t – Chris Chadwick
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Take a close look at everything you plan to put in your mouth and ask, "Will this help me or hurt me?" Decide to stock the fridge with foods which God made (and He made them good!)
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Our call-in number: 401-753-2484 401-75-FAITH
There are some things in this life that we desire more than others. People often desire such things as attention, fame, wealth and the accumulation of possessions.
Those all have a common factor: we can physically see them.
I submit that Christians tend to overlook the most valuable riches–the ones that are normally not seen or felt.
How often do we focus on fleeting riches, when all along we have Christ's power within us to live boldly and victoriously for Him.
In This Episode We Look At: The riches of Christ's power within us
"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." Eph 1:19
The Riches of Redemption
We were once condemned while still living and the wrath of God abode on us. We were children of the Devil.
"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" Eph. 2:2
The Riches of our Inheritance
"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." Eph. 1:18
Today's Resources and Links: Col. 1:27 "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:"
Acres of Diamonds, Temple University website
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Daily, ask God to search your heart (Psalm 139) and provide guidance to His will in your life. Consciously yield to His will, not your own. You can confirm God's will by reading His Word.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
There are countless books on the subject of money management and many more web articles on the subject. While many can be of practical help; as Christians, we have the most valuable resource–God's Word.
In This Episode We Look At: Eight steps to biblical money management and how to apply biblical principles to today's financial needs.
Some of the topics we work through: Honoring the Lord with our substance, Paying Ourselves, Avoiding Assumptions, and the inevitable "Writing a Budget"
Tim expounds on Scripture that is focused on helping to have victory in the area of finances. That further enables us to experience peace, joy and a godly testimony.
Today's Resources and Links: The Faith and Finances Cash Flow Worksheet [Follow the link and then either download or make a Google Docs copy for yourself]
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Download our Cash Flow Management Worksheet and work together to fill in your own dollar amounts. Having a visual helps in your efforts to improve your financial world.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Children love to be rewarded with treats or candy for learning Bible verses.
Teens love to be rewarded with cash or privileges like driving Dad's car.
Adults love being rewarded with bonuses from work, gifts, or even a trip to somewhere beautiful!
Who doesn’t love rewards?
In This Episode We Look At: God is the creator of the reward system. He wants us to live and strive for eternal rewards. Sometimes these are physical rewards, and sometimes they are privileges.
Heaven is not a reward; it is a gift (Eph. 2:8-9).
There are Temporal Rewards:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. 6:33
The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. Proverbs 10:3
But heavenly rewards are forever.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Matthew 6:20
Today's Resources and Links: The Law of Rewards, by Randy Alcorn [Affiliate Link]
Revelation 20:6
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Be mindful that all we do for Christ will be eternally rewarded; while all we do for self will perish.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
What do you when you get married and discover your spouse has over $40,000 in debt?
Today we'll hear from Bob and Ellie Kay about how they addressed this serious issue and paid this debt off in only 2 1/2 years. Hear how this strengthened their marriage and set the foundation to put several children through college while remaining debt free!
In This Episode We Look At: What decisions and adjustments they had to make and live with.
How they determined each other's financial roles and responsibilities.
How they got out of debt and paid cash for the necessities in life; all while honoring the Lord in tithes and offerings.
Today's Resources and Links: The 60-Minute Money Workout: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Finances into Shape [Affiliate Link]
EllieKay.com
Ellie's Contact Page
Tim's blog post on the subject
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Decide to have open dialogue with your spouse and talk about your financial goals and frustrations. Purpose in your heart that you will not avoid serious talks regarding money.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
I am resigned to the fact that I am aging; my declining vision reminds of this. I can no longer simply buy a pair of prescription glasses and go on my merry way. My continually declining vision demands that I regularly replace my lenses.
Recently I went in to have my lenses replaced, left my current glasses at the store, and had to resort to wearing an older pair of glasses.
This was not good... I experienced headaches, got drowsy while reading, and couldn't read fine print.
It was evident I was seeing my world through the wrong lenses! I contend that our default financial lens is the temporal–the here and now. But Scripture teaches of another lens that may seem ethereal or fictional–eternity.
In This Episode We Look At: We as Christians are already citizens of Heaven.
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." Phil. 3:20. Conversation, as used here is not dialogue. The Greek word politeuma (pa -lē-tyu-ma) means, "the commonwealth of citizens".
This life is very short. Very Short!
We often hear the world proclaim, "Life is short so…live it! Have fun while you can, Carpe Diem!"
The world believes that this life is the best there is. That is wrong
The reality is that this present life is infinitely shorter than our eternal life. We are wise to put more effort into preparing for our eternal life, rather than allowing this temporary life to distract us from what really matters.
This life and this earth will soon pass away with all its lusts.
Everything that we may treasure here on earth will be destroyed.
This is NOT the best that God has to offer. The best is coming: a new heaven and a new earth without sin and corruption–as God had originally intended. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." Rev. 21:1
The correct perspective is an eternal one.
In Acts, we see that all their wondrous works were done "in the name of Jesus Christ"–giving Him glory and impacting eternity!
If we pause and consider our own daily actions, which can we truthfully say we are doing in the name of the Lord Jesus?
Today's Resources and Links: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" Psalm 90:12
"Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cast down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not." Job 14:1-2
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves, treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal". Matthew 6:19-20
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: Begin each day prayerfully, acknowledging that it is "…appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement." and purpose in your heart - by God's strength - to live fully for Him today. Our words and actions do impact eternity.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
As parents, we want the best for our precious children. Does that include paying for their college education?
In This Episode We Look At: Parents should prioritize providing for their household: Avoid saving for college if it is detrimental to the family's financial health.
Continue (or begin) your financial commitments to the Lord: Ecc 5:5 "better is it that thou shouldest not vow, that that shouldest vow and not pay"
The Problem with Student Loans: Don't be hasty in moving toward indebtedness.
Those that choose to save and invest for their children's education: Remember that time passes quickly! Start when they are very young–time is a factor.
Today's Resources and Links: DOL Scholarship search tool
Financial Aide Resources
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: Talk with your teenagers about various careers that they find interesting. Help them research average salaries and required education for those fields. Build a plan to prepare now for the education required.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
There is obviously a disparity in beliefs, evidenced by a Barna study reporting that only 16% of evangelical Christians tithe.
In This Episode We Look At: The Purpose of the tithe: According to Scripture it is, "…that ye may learn to fear the Lord thy God always." Deut. 14:23. What does that mean to us today?
The Great Divide: Various reasons why many Christians do not tithe.
What we miss out on when we do not honor the Lord with the tithe.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: If you are not currently tithing, decide to take a step of faith (and strengthen your faith) by committing to prayerfully honor the Lord with thanksgiving for His provision and trust Him to provide for you!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
"Is it OK to play the lottery?"
"Can Christians play the lottery?"
"Is playing the lottery a sin?"
These are common questions when considering buying one of those tickets or "Scratchers."
Sometimes entertaining the thought of just how much good you can do with the winnings: build churches, feed the poor, send missionaries—almost justifies the act.
What does Scripture say? While we do not find the words "Lottery" or "Scratchers" in the Bible; let's consider the principles that apply in an effort to guide us in this matter.
In This Episode We Look At: The desire that drives one to play the lottery. Often the lottery is looked at as a potential way out of financial woes; indicating someone is discontent with their current finances. Jesus warns of covetousness in Luke 12:15, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
It is diligent and wise labor that brings financial profit. Proverbs 14:23 "In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury." Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."
The warnings of wealth. They that desire to be rich, "…fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Today's Resources and Links: Lotto winner wishes he had torn up ticket
A treasury of terribly sad stories of lottery winners
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: When you hear the news of a pending, enormous jackpot payout; decide to "set your affections on the things above, not on things on the earth." Rehearse in your mind and heart all the things you are thankful for.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
This week we have the privilege of bringing you a great interview with Dr. Tom Shepherd. He is currently Chief Operating Officer of Lancaster Baptist Church, West Coast Baptist College, Striving Together Publications, and Lancaster Baptist School.
We believe it will be a blessing and an encouragement to you as you learn Dr. Shepherd's journey of working as CEO of several Hospitals, to retiring as Vice President of DeVry, and then coming out of retirement and into ministry.
In This Episode We Look At: * Dr. Tom Shepherd holds several distinguished degrees including Doctor of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Shepherd shares with us, while serving at a very young age as CEO of Diagnostic Hospital, how God lead him to various career and company changes which stretched and grew his faith. * By faith, he started a healthcare company while having eight children to feed. One of his endeavors was even a 21,000 turkey farm! Later, Tom was recruited by DeVry to serve as the Executive Vice President of their Medical Veterinary School. * While his career path has been quite impressive, what's more remarkable is the decision Dr. Shepherd made after a well-deserved retirement; returning to work! But this return wasn't for monetary reasons. We will learn how he was called and what inspired him to come on board with Lancaster Baptist Church and Ministries. * There are many decisions in life and career that are not black and white; not morally right or wrong. So how can we know where God wants us to work? And where does He want us to serve? I believe we can learn a lot from Dr. Shepherd's life, career, and ministry experience!
Today's Resources and Links: * Tom on Twitter * "The Fourth Quarter", Dr Don Sisk [Affiliate Link] * "Good to Great" [Affiliate Link] * "Essentialism" [Affiliate Link]
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: * Is God challenging you in your current career? Is He leaning on your heart about ministry? Remember that the purpose of our lives is to glorify God. * Are you approaching traditional retirement age? Consider how you may apply your skills and work experience to serve the Lord during your "Fourth Quarter".
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs reported in 2002 that the fastest-growing group of bankruptcy filers was those age 25 and younger (U.S. Congress 2002).
In a 2009 survey on credit card use among undergraduate students, 84% of students said they needed more education on financial management topics, 64% would have liked to receive information about financial management topics in high school (Sallie Mae 2009).
There is a great need for financial literacy among young people.
How can we help our children?
In This Episode We Look At: * The powerful impact of our influence * Children quickly pick up our attitudes toward money, whether they are good or bad, healthy or unhealthy. What do your children hear when you talk about money matters? What do your children see when you shop, budget, and pay bills? * Teach Financial Bible Principles appropriate for their age: Tithing, Helping Others, Saving, and Pleasing the Lord with our finances.
Today's Resources and Links: * Money Matters for Kids, by Larry Burkett [Affiliate Link] * My Giving Bank [Affiliate Link] * 2 Free Ideas for Kid's Banks: Idea 1—Idea 2
One Thing You Can Do Today to Help Your Children With Finances: * Remember that is more important to nurture a child's heart as you teach them about money, than to manage their behavior. Read the Scripture that applies to the principle you are teaching. This also helps them to hide God's Word in their heart.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
According to the Federal Reserve’s Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2014, 47% of households indicate that they would have great difficulty handling an unexpected $400 expense.
No one likes unexpected expenses. There are plenty of other ways we would enjoy spending that money. But this report points to a heavier matter. If so many households are unprepared for such a modest expense, where do we stand in our preparation for our future income needs?
In This Episode We Look At: * Four hindrances that keep us from saving and investing; Time, Money, Misconceptions, and Presuming God's grace will make up for our lack of planning. * Scripture teaches us that is it wise to save for a known future need. * Saving for our family's financial future requires faith and action. * We discuss practical applications for saving and investing today.
Today's Resources and Links: * Budgeting worksheet- Feel free to save a copy and use how you'd like.
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: * Decide to make saving and investing a priority after tithing and offerings. Diligently look through your monthly household expenses and capture dollars that can be directed toward savings and investing.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
There are plenty of programs and systems out there that teach you how to get out of debt. Unfortunately, without knowing the biblical principles and addressing the heart; staying debt free is unlikely.
Today we will look at credit in terms of indebtedness.
In This Episode We Look At: * The incredible financial similarities between Christians and the world * Bible principles that speak to the heart of debt problems such as: Learning to be content, fleeing covetousness, and avoiding materialism * Avoiding debt altogether. We discuss Proverbs 22:7 where the rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender
Today's Resources and Links: * Christians Conquering Credit: Part One * 11 Questions to Ask Ourselves About Debt by Randy Alcorn * The Skit Guys "Meet The Sanders: Bailout"
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World: * Purpose in your heart and mind to honor the Lord in your finances by saving for needed purchases and avoid getting yourself into debt. Remind yourself of the many financial promises of God: Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 3:9-10, and 2 or 9:8-10
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
The questions are often asked:
"Is it Okay for Christians to be wealthy?"
"Is it right, wrong, or what?"
Let's see what the Bible says about that subject.
In This Episode We Look At: * Wealth is a matter of the heart—throughout both the Old and New Testaments, we see the subject of wealth directed toward the heart * The Purpose of wealth: + To meet our needs + To further the Kingdom + To help our neighbor- especially those of the household of faith * Warnings regarding wealth: we are not to desire to be rich, love wealth, trust wealth, or hoard wealth
Today's Resources and Links: * Hosea 13:6-9 * Matthew 19:16-22 * 1 Timothy 6:6-19 * The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn [Affiliate Link]
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: * While chained as a prisoner in a Roman prison, Paul wrote, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Phil. 4:11). How much does it take to get us feeling discontent? Remember that all we have is from God. Thank God daily for His provision (James 1:17), honor the Lord with your substance, and remember that, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." (Luke 16:10)
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Regardless of how well we may prepare, financial struggles strike in different forms and at various times in our lives. What is the nature of these struggles and what counsel does the Bible offer?
In This Episode We Look At: * Two categories of financial struggles: A Father-filtered trial or a self-inflicted struggle; and how to discern each * The biblical approach to handling each type of financial struggle * Reviewing some of God's promises related to our finances
Today's Resources and Links: * 1 Peter 1:6-7
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: * Remember that the desired result in every financial trial is that your faith would be strengthened to the glory of God; and that (strengthened faith) is actually more valuable than gold (the money we are struggling about).
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
It's natural to look around and view things like houses, cars, family, and possessions as ours.
Even toddlers learn on their own that the thing they want is "Mine!" We've read Scripture and are likely familiar with "This earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof", but we very likely miss the powerful implications of acknowledging God's ownership.
In This Episode We Look At: * The incredible biblical truths related to God's ownership of our families, careers, finances, future, and even our very selves * Our individual skills and ability to earn income are from God; so we can fully trust Him * God's ownership of our cares and trials, and how that should impact our daily walk with Him
Today's Resources and Links: * Faith and Finances [Affiliate Link]
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith And Finances: * Consciously and prayerfully acknowledge that all that you have is from God and rightfully belongs to Him. Enjoy the peace of knowing that God takes excellent care of all that is His!
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.
Welcome, and thank you for choosing to listen to the Faith and Finances Podcast. You will hear Christ-focused financial teaching, addressing each financial topic from the viewpoint of, "What does the Bible teach about this?"
In This Episode We Look At: * A brief background of Tim Rosen and his teaching ministry * A brief background of Troy Barrilleaux * The vision of the Faith and Finances weekly Podcast
Today's Resources and Links: * www.TimRosen.org * Faith and Finances [Affiliate Link]
One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances: * Join us each week as we search Scripture for wisdom and guidance in the area of finances and learn practical applications for your financial life today.
What Are Your Thoughts? If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.