Faith And Finances

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 experienc

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   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about to

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.   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

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

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 Rewa

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

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 prior

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     Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to s

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. Podcast on Facebook Tim Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter

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   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

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   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Fac

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

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 tem

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.   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

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.   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

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.   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

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!   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or co

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   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 Websi

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 do

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. Podcast on Facebook Tim Website or Twitter Troy