Faith And Finances

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

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

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

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

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   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

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.   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

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. Podcast on Facebook Tim Website or T

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

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

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 prac

"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   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

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

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

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

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,

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 faithfu

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. Podcast on Facebook Tim Twitter Troy Twitter

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. Podcast on Facebook Tim Twitter Troy Twitter

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 y

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   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 Twitter Troy Twitter