Faith & Finance

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” - Psalm 127:3 Children are a precious gift from God—an inheritance to cherish and steward well. Along with the joy of welcoming a new baby comes a new layer of responsibility, including financial decisions that can shape your family’s future. A thoughtful checklist can help bring clarity and peace during a season that is both beautiful and demanding. Here are several key financial steps to consider after bringing a newborn home. Add Your Baby to Health Insurance In the midst of sleepless nights and constant diaper changes, don’t forget to update your health insurance. Most plans allow about 30 days after birth to add your baby to your policy. While reviewing your coverage, confirm that pediatric care, vaccinations, and potential hospital visits are included. The birth of a child qualifies as a life event, meaning you can make necessary adjustments to your plan. Review Your Life Insurance Coverage Life insurance is essential for parents—not for the baby, but for you. A common guideline is to carry term life insurance equal to at least 10 times the primary breadwinner’s salary. Don’t overlook the caregiving spouse either. Replacing the cost of childcare, household management, and daily care would be significant, making coverage for both parents wise and necessary. Update Your Budget A new baby brings new expenses—and often quickly. Consider creating a dedicated “baby” category in your budget to account for diapers, wipes, clothing, feeding supplies, and medical needs. You may need to shift funds from other areas to stay balanced. Planning now can ease stress later and help you adjust as needs evolve. Create or Update Your Will A will is not just about distributing assets—it’s where you designate a guardian for your child. While this can feel like a difficult decision, having a plan in place is essential. After prayerful consideration, choose someone who would care for your child with wisdom and love. You can always revise your decision later. A clear will can also prevent confusion or conflict and ensure your assets pass according to your wishes. As Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” That inheritance includes not only finances but also a legacy of faith and stewardship. Strengthen Your Emergency Fund If you don’t already have an emergency fund, aim to save three to six months of living expenses. If you had one before your baby arrived, you may need to increase it to reflect higher monthly costs. Unexpected medical bills, job changes, or major purchases—such as strollers or childcare—can quickly strain finances. A strong emergency fund provides stability during uncertain moments. Update Your Taxes and Withholding With a new child, you can claim an additional dependent on your tax return, which may qualify you for a child tax credit of up to $2,200 per child. You’ll also want to update your W-4 at work so your withholding reflects your new household size. This may increase your take-home pay throughout the year. Begin Education Savings Starting early can make a significant difference. A 529 plan allows tax-free investment growth for qualified education expenses, including private K–12 schooling, vocational training, and college. You can open a plan in any state, and family members or friends can contribute to it. New options like the Trump Accounts opening up in July of 2026—are government-seeded investment accounts designed to support future education, business startup costs, or homeownership—are also expanding the ways families can plan ahead. Protect Your Child’s Identity Finally, consider placing a credit freeze on your child’s file with the major credit bureaus. This simple step can help guard against identity theft and prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in their name. Stewarding the Gift Welcoming a child is one of life’s greatest joys—and one of its...

Homes hold memories. They hold family history, meaning, and for many, a lifetime of love. But as we age, the very places that once felt secure can quietly become harder—and riskier—to live in. Most homes in the U.S. were never designed for aging bodies. Yet many older adults feel emotionally and financially locked in. The result? Families delay important housing decisions until a crisis forces change. Today, we were joined by Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, about a lesser-known option that may help older adults move into safer homes—without taking on new required monthly payments. The Hidden Danger: Falls at Home Falls are far more common—and costly—than most people realize. Roughly 30 million older Americans fall each year. About one in five of those falls results in serious injury, often leading to hospitalization. The direct medical costs alone total nearly $50 billion annually. But the emotional and lifestyle costs for families can be even greater. What’s sobering is where these falls happen. Not in extreme situations—but in ordinary places: These everyday features become obstacles as mobility changes. Why So Many Homes Don’t Fit Aging Adults Most homes were built decades ago for young families in different stages of life. Only a small percentage include basic accessibility features such as: As a result, stairs, tubs, and tight spaces often push older adults toward assisted living or nursing homes—not because they want to move, but because their homes no longer support their safety. Why Many Families Feel “Stuck” Even when homeowners recognize their house isn’t ideal anymore, they often hesitate to move. There are two major reasons: 1. Emotional Attachment This is the home where children were raised, and milestones were celebrated. Letting go isn’t easy. 2. Financial Lock-In Many retirees either: They worry that selling means taking on a new mortgage payment—something they might regret later in life. So they stay…often until something goes wrong. A Little-Known Option: Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Many people assume a reverse mortgage is only for accessing equity in their current home. But there’s another option: using a reverse mortgage at the point of purchase. Here’s how it can work: For example: The key distinction? No required monthly mortgage payments for as long as the homeowner lives in the home. That opens the door to: A Shift in Thinking: Prevention, Not Reaction One of the wisest principles in Scripture is found in Proverbs 27:12: “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” Housing decisions in later life should reflect that kind of prudence. Rather than waiting for: Families can proactively ask: How can we use the housing wealth we’ve built to improve safety and quality of life—while we’re still healthy? When purchasing a home for the “fourth quarter” of life, it shouldn’t just be your best home—it should be your safest home. Stewarding Home Equity Wisely Interestingly, two-thirds of retirees still carry a mortgage. Even when downsizing, some may still need financing. A reverse mortgage for purchase can allow retirees to: Like any financial tool, it isn’t right for everyone. But for some families, it may provide a path forward they didn’t realize existed. Moving Forward Housing is more than real estate—it’s stewardship. It’s about safety, dignity, and wise preparation for the season ahead. If you’d like to learn more about whether a reverse mortgage for purchase could fit your situation, you can explore your options at Movement.com/Faith. As with any major decision, seek wise counsel, pray for clarity, and take steps not just to protect your assets—but to protect your well-being. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Movement MortgageTithing: A Fresh Look at an Ancient Practice (Article by John Cortines in Faithful Steward,...

What if the Bible doesn’t just give us advice about money—but reshapes the way we think about it entirely? The messages we absorb from culture shape our fears, our goals, and even where we look for security. But Scripture offers a different foundation—one that brings clarity, freedom, and purpose to every financial decision. Ron Blue—co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and a pioneer in biblical financial stewardship—joined the show today to share how Scripture reframes our assumptions about money and calls us into a deeper, more faithful way of living. The False Promise of Security One of the most powerful cultural assumptions about money is that it provides security. We spend much of our lives trying to answer the question: How much is enough? But Scripture turns that question upside down. True security, the Bible teaches, isn’t found in wealth, savings, or income—it’s found in God alone. Culture urges us to pursue more, feeding discontent and anxiety. Scripture calls us instead to pursue faithfulness. Money can create the illusion of certainty. But it cannot protect us from life’s ultimate realities. It cannot buy peace. It cannot purchase eternity. Only God provides the kind of stability that lasts forever. Contentment Is a Spiritual Choice Many people feel that no matter how much they have, it never feels like enough. Scripture addresses that tension directly. Hebrews 13:5 calls us to “be content with what you have,” reminding us that contentment isn’t a financial outcome—it’s a spiritual posture. Contentment grows when we trust that God knows our needs and promises to provide for them. Gratitude replaces striving. Peace replaces fear. Joy replaces comparison. Fear often sits beneath our financial habits—the fear of not having enough or losing what we already have. But Scripture gently redirects our hearts: God is our provider, and He will supply what we need when we need it. From Ownership to Stewardship Another assumption Scripture overturns is the idea that what we have belongs to us. The Bible consistently teaches that God is the true owner of everything. He created it. He sustains it. And for a season, He entrusts resources to us. That changes the central question of our financial lives. Ownership asks: What do I want? Stewardship asks: What does God want? When we see money as something entrusted to us rather than as something we possess, it reshapes how we spend, save, give, and plan. We begin to live not as controllers, but as faithful trustees—managing God’s resources for His purposes. Scripture also helps us understand a difficult reality: people receive different amounts of resources. God loves each of us equally, but He treats us uniquely. He knows what each person needs and what each can faithfully steward. That perspective invites trust instead of comparison. Much like a loving parent treats each child according to their personality and needs, God provides for each of His children differently. What we have today is not random—it reflects His wisdom and care. The Next Faithful Step When Scripture reshapes our understanding of money, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s faithfulness. The question becomes simple and practical: What is my next faithful step? Not how much more can I accumulate. Not how secure can I make myself. But how can I steward what God has entrusted to me today? That perspective brings freedom. It replaces pressure with purpose and transforms money from a source of anxiety into a tool for worship, generosity, and trust. Because in the end, the Bible doesn’t just change what we do with money—it changes what we believe about it, and ultimately, who we trust to provide. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Tithing: A Fresh Look at an Ancient Practice (Article by John Cortines in Faithful Steward, Issue 3)Christian Credit CounselorsSocial Security Administration (SSA.gov)Our...

Many investors feel a real tension today. They want their portfolios to reflect biblical convictions. They care about justice, stewardship, and human dignity. Yet they’re also navigating volatility, inflation, and economic uncertainty. When markets feel unstable, the question quietly surfaces: Do I have to choose between faithfulness and financial performance? The answer may surprise you. Today, we sat down with Stella Tai, Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis Manager at Praxis Investment Management, one of the country’s oldest faith-based mutual fund families and a valued underwriter of this program. Our conversation centered on whether values-aligned investing can truly pursue both impact and competitive returns—even in uncertain times. The Tension Investors Feel In strong markets, impact investing can sound inspiring and straightforward. But when markets grow choppy, many investors feel drawn into survival mode. “I need to focus on returns.”“I can’t afford to think about impact right now.” Stella noted that this tension isn’t just financial—it’s spiritual. People of faith don’t want to pull back from caring about stewardship or community flourishing. But they also worry: Will my returns suffer if I invest with conviction? That’s an honest question. Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 21:5 that “the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” There’s a difference between being responsive and being reactionary. When anxiety drives decisions, fear often replaces conviction—and that’s when costly mistakes happen. Discipline Over Panic At Praxis, stewardship in uncertain markets begins with discipline. Stella described three anchors: Financial rigor in every market cycle.Integration of impact with fundamentals.A long-term orientation. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that discipline may feel painful in the moment, but it yields a peaceful fruit of righteousness. That’s true in spiritual formation—and in investing. What Values-Aligned Performance Actually Looks Like One common misconception is that screening companies based on faith convictions automatically sacrifices performance. Stella explained that Praxis uses what’s called benchmark tracking. In simple terms, that means aiming to closely track the broader market while thoughtfully excluding companies that don’t align with biblical values. The goal isn’t to “beat the market.” It’s to minimize what’s known as “tracking error”—the gap between a fund’s returns and its benchmark. In other words, you can seek market-level returns while owning companies that better reflect your convictions. Over full market cycles—not just in a single quarter—faith-based investors should expect competitive returns. That commitment to consistency is central. Impact Beyond Screening Screening is often the most familiar strategy in values-aligned investing. But real impact doesn’t stop there. Praxis recently released its Real Impact Report, highlighting a framework that includes multiple strategies—from screening and shareholder advocacy to direct community investing. One powerful example involved long-term engagement with a large utility company in the Southeast. Instead of divesting, Praxis used its ownership stake to advocate for: The company published just transition metrics and began tracking progress. That’s what patient, long-term engagement looks like. Rather than stepping away, they stayed invested—believing transformation often happens through steady, faithful presence. Where to Begin If you’re intrigued by impact investing but feel overwhelmed, start with clarity. Ask yourself: Then consider working with an advisor familiar with faith-based investing options. You don’t have to master every strategy. Firms like Praxis Investment Management handle the research, engagement, and implementation. Your role is simpler—and profound: to say, "I want my money to reflect my values." When multiplied across many investors, even small portfolio decisions can move markets toward...

J.I. Packer once wrote, “What matters in life is not what you make of it, but what God makes of it for you.” That contrast becomes especially clear when it comes to money. When circumstances shift, and uncertainty rises, the quiet question surfaces: Will there be enough? Our culture tells us peace comes through self-provision—earning more, saving more, planning better. But Scripture invites us into a different posture: resting in a Father who provides. Look at the Birds: Provision Begins with Relationship In Matthew 6:26, Jesus directs our attention upward: “Look at the birds of the air…your heavenly Father feeds them.” Birds don’t build financial models or stockpile reserves. Yet God sustains them. Jesus’ point isn’t irresponsibility—it’s relationship. Behind every plan, paycheck, and effort stands a God who sees, knows, and provides. Throughout Scripture, this truth repeats like a steady drumbeat: Genesis 22:13–141 Kings 17:14–16Matthew 17:27 From Genesis to Revelation, God’s provision is precise, purposeful, and personal. Every Need, Not Every Wish Paul echoes this promise in Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Notice what Paul doesn’t say. He doesn’t promise every want, preference, or wish list. He promises to meet every need. And that supply doesn’t flow from our economy, our income, or our investments—it flows from God’s riches. Provision is not sourced in us. It’s sourced in Him. Jesus Is Our Provision The truth goes even deeper. Jesus doesn’t just provide—He is our provision. In John 6:35, He says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” Peace, then, is not found in financial comfort or problem-free living. It’s found in the presence of Christ. When we forget this, we drift into two familiar traps: Fear:What if there isn’t enough?Self-reliance:I’ll make sure there’s enough. Both pull us away from trust. The Source Behind Everything We Have Scripture reminds us that God provides not only resources but the ability to obtain them. Moses tells Israel, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Our skills, opportunities, work ethic, and even our capacity to earn—all come from Him. When that truth settles in, something shifts. Financial security stops being something we manufacture and becomes something we receive. Trusting God as provider doesn’t lead to inactivity. It frees us to work, plan, save, and give with joy. Our efforts become acts of stewardship rather than self-provision. Money becomes a place of spiritual formation rather than fear. That’s why Jesus teaches us to pray for “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Not because God lacks resources—but because our hearts need daily dependence. Daily bread cultivates daily trust. Where Are You Looking for Provision? Take a moment to ask: Whether you’re in a season of abundance or a season of need, Jesus doesn’t just promise provision—He gives Himself. And He invites you to trust Him day by day. When we trade fear for faith, striving for surrender, and self-reliance for dependence, we discover the deep joy of resting in a Father who sees and provides. Go Deeper: A Daily Journey of Trust This is the journey explored in Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Devotional to Faithful Stewardship. It’s an invitation to trust God as Provider, Owner, and Treasure in every financial decision. You can pick up a copy—or place a bulk order for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. And if you’re using the FaithFi app, you’ll find excerpts woven into the first 21 daily Rhythms, helping you connect your financial decisions with your spiritual life each day. Start today by establishing a new rhythm—seeing your money not as your security, but as an opportunity to trust the God who provides. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine...

What if the greatest change you could make in your financial life didn’t start with budgeting, investing, or earning more—but with surrender? We don’t usually think of surrender as a financial word. Yet Scripture places it at the center of faithful stewardship. The life-changing truth that God owns everything reshapes how we live, give, and manage what we’ve been entrusted. The First Question Scripture Asks About Money When we talk about finances, we tend to ask familiar questions: How much do I have? How much do I need? Am I doing well? They’re natural questions—but they’re not the first question Scripture asks. From the beginning, the Bible establishes that God is the owner. Before humanity ever managed a garden or named a creature, God formed, filled, and ruled creation. Psalm 24:1 declares it plainly: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Simply put, God is the owner—and we are the stewards. For many of us, that’s a familiar idea. But familiarity doesn’t always lead to surrender. We may affirm God’s ownership in theory while living as if everything depends on our effort. We say, “I worked for this,” or “I earned this.” Yet Scripture adds an essential truth: “It is He who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Even our ability to work is a gift from God. Faithfulness, Not Outcomes Jesus reinforces this perspective in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30). A master entrusts resources to three servants. Two invest faithfully. One buries what he’s been given out of fear. When the master returns, he doesn’t praise them for increasing his net worth—he commends their faithfulness. That distinction matters. The world measures success by outcomes. God measures success by trust and faithfulness. If God owns everything, then we are not owners—we are managers. Scripture uses the term oikonomos, meaning household manager: someone who manages resources they didn’t create, for purposes they didn’t define, under a master they serve. At first, that may sound restrictive. In reality, it’s freeing. If I’m not the owner, then I’m not the ultimate provider or protector. The weight shifts from my shoulders to God’s. As Ron Blue often says, “If God owns it all, you can’t lose anything.” Ownership carries pressure. Stewardship carries trust. Everyday Decisions Become Worship When we truly embrace stewardship, ordinary financial decisions take on spiritual meaning. The Puritan preacher Thomas Watson once wrote, “What we keep we may lose. What we give to God is kept forever.” Paul echoes this in 1 Timothy 6:7: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” That reality isn’t meant to discourage us—it’s meant to liberate us. When we stop clinging to what we cannot keep, we’re free to invest in what we can never lose. What Does God Expect From Us? If God owns everything, what does He ask of us? Jesus answers simply: “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). Faithfulness isn’t about the size of what we manage—it’s about surrender. And surrender always begins in the heart. When we embrace God’s ownership, two gifts follow: Humility—Hope— Where Is God Inviting You to Surrender? Where might God be inviting you to shift from being an owner to a steward? In your giving? Your planning? Your savings or lifestyle? Or in the quiet belief that your security depends more on markets than on the God who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10)? Stewardship isn’t about God getting something from you. It’s about God doing something in you. It reorders the heart so money takes its proper place—not as a master, but as a tool. If this idea resonates with you—that God owns it all and stewardship begins with surrender—I invite you to explore it further in Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. You can learn more or order a copy for yourself, your church, or your small group at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob...

Over the coming decades, women will steward a majority of the wealth being passed from one generation to the next. For many, that responsibility will arrive suddenly—during seasons of grief, transition, or new beginnings. Yet within that shift lies a remarkable opportunity for wise and faithful stewardship. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors and cofounder of Women Doing Well, joins us on today’s show to share what she has learned after spending years studying this moment and walking alongside women as they step into it. A Quiet but Significant Shift Today, research consistently shows that women are inheriting a large portion of generational wealth. One primary reason is longevity—women often outlive their spouses by several years, placing financial responsibility squarely on their shoulders. In fact, nearly 95% of women will become the primary financial decision-maker at some point in their lives. Many step into that role unexpectedly, often while navigating grief, life transitions, or new responsibilities. The result is a profound shift happening quietly across generations—one with real implications for confidence, stewardship, and generosity. When Women Doing Well surveyed more than 7,300 Christian women—the largest study of its kind—one insight stood out: only about 6% felt confident or equipped to manage the resources God had entrusted to them. The issue wasn’t a lack of desire. It was a lack of clarity, confidence, and inclusion in financial conversations. Many women had the responsibility, but not the preparation. That gap can feel overwhelming, especially when decisions arrive suddenly. Generosity Is Already There One of the most encouraging discoveries from the research was this: Christian women are already remarkably generous. They give more of their time and money than many of their peers. The desire to live generously is not something that needs to be created—it’s already present. What many women want isn’t simply to give more, but to give well. The opportunity is to help generosity grow from clarity and confidence rather than from fear or obligation. A strong correlation emerged between biblical understanding and generosity. The more women understood stewardship—recognizing God as the Owner and themselves as managers—the more purpose-driven their giving became. Discipleship shifts generosity from pressure to purpose. It reminds us that giving is not a test to pass, but a response to God’s grace. From Overwhelm to Clarity: A Real Story One woman, whom we’ll call Clara, had always given generously. But after inheriting a significant sum of money, she felt pulled in every direction—“a dab here, a little there,” without a sense of impact. Through a process of discernment and clarity, she began narrowing her giving while increasing her investment in areas aligned with her calling. Her response captured the transformation: “You’ve given me the freedom to say no so I can say a better yes.” Clarity didn’t reduce her generosity—it deepened it. For many women, financial responsibility begins in the midst of grief. In those moments, wisdom matters. One helpful principle, often shared by trusted mentors, is this: avoid making drastic financial changes during the first year after a major loss. Decisions will need to be made, but there’s rarely a need to rush. It’s also vital to seek wise counsel. A trusted advisor who understands both financial realities and biblical stewardship can provide guidance, and bringing along a trusted friend or family member can offer needed perspective and emotional support. Finding Purpose Before Decisions Financial clarity often begins with personal clarity. Understanding how God has uniquely wired you—your experiences, passions, and calling—can shape how you steward resources. Many women find their generosity aligned with their life story: adoption, education, justice, poverty relief, or ministry areas where God has already been at work. Stewardship becomes more...

For many girls in Uganda, one opportunity can alter the course of their entire future—and that opportunity often begins with education. Around the world, poverty creates barriers that shape a child’s path long before adulthood. But through the work of ministries and local partners, those stories are being rewritten with hope, dignity, and the love of Christ. Aaron Griggs joins the show today to share how Cross International is helping young women stay in school, discover their God-given purpose, and step into a future that once felt out of reach. The Mission: Serving the Most Vulnerable Cross International exists to serve some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children and families for the glory of God. Rather than operating independently, the ministry works through trusted local churches and organizations across Africa and other regions—partners who understand the communities, relationships, and long-term needs on the ground. This approach allows them to provide immediate help—such as food, clean water, and education—while also fostering sustainable, long-term change. Local leaders remain present long after programs begin, ensuring care that is relational, consistent, and rooted in the Gospel. The Everyday Realities of Poverty For many families in countries like Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia, daily challenges are not simply inconvenient—they are life-altering. When children cannot attend school, their opportunities shrink dramatically. For girls in particular, the consequences are often more severe—and more permanent. Why Girls Are Especially Vulnerable When resources are scarce, girls are often the first to be pulled out of school. In some communities, families facing desperate financial strain may feel forced to arrange early marriages for daughters—sometimes as young as 11 or 12—simply to survive. This leads to a heartbreaking cycle: Without intervention, the very pathway that could break the cycle—education—remains inaccessible. Local Partnership in Action: Project Princess Initiative One of Cross International’s key ministry partners in Uganda is the Project Princess Initiative, based in Kampala. Together, they walk alongside vulnerable girls by: The goal is not only academic success but whole-person transformation—spiritual, emotional, practical, and relational. As many girls grow older, something remarkable happens: they begin mentoring others. The hope they received becomes the hope they give. Karen’s Story: From Hopelessness to Purpose Karen, a young woman from Uganda, once faced a future filled with uncertainty. After her father abandoned the family, her education stopped. Surrounded by poverty, drugs, and despair, she felt trapped and hopeless. Through Project Princess, everything changed. She returned to school. She encountered mentors who reminded her of her worth in Christ. She discovered a future she never thought possible. Karen eventually attended college and studied economics—an opportunity few girls from her background ever experience. Today, she mentors younger girls facing similar challenges and speaks passionately about the role of faith in her transformation. Her story reflects a powerful truth: when education, mentorship, and the Gospel intersect, lives change. Why Faith Matters in Education Cross International’s work centers on more than academics. While education opens doors, true transformation begins in the heart. Their approach focuses on the whole person: Education alone can inform the mind. The Gospel renews the heart and reshapes identity. Together, they empower girls to become who God created them to be. How You Can Get Involved Scripture calls believers to care for the vulnerable. Psalm 82:3 urges us to “defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” For many, generosity becomes a practical way to live out that calling. Through partnerships like this: A relatively small gift can create a lasting impact—helping a child...

Trusting God for our financial needs feels especially real when life gets tight. When savings shrink, markets fluctuate, or expenses rise faster than income, the pressure exposes what—or who—we truly rely on. Long before budgets, retirement accounts, or emergency funds existed, one man stood on a mountain believing God could provide in the most impossible circumstances. His story in Genesis 22 gives us one of the most powerful names of God in all of Scripture: “The Lord Will Provide.” And it offers a blueprint for faithful stewardship today. Provision Is Forged in Pressure Trusting God’s provision rarely happens in comfort. It’s forged in seasons when resources feel thin, and the future looks uncertain. Throughout Scripture, God’s people learn His faithfulness not at banquets, but in deserts. Not in surplus, but in scarcity. Whether wandering in the wilderness, facing famine, or standing before overwhelming odds, they discover that provision isn’t merely about resources—it’s about relationship. God is not simply someone who provides. He is the Provider. But biblical faith isn’t naïve optimism, nor is it passive resignation. Faith rests in God’s character, moves forward in obedience, and trusts Him with the outcome. Abraham on the Mountain Genesis 22 is one of the clearest pictures of this kind of faith. God asks Abraham to offer Isaac, his son of promise. It’s a shocking command, and we’re meant to feel its weight. Isaac is the one through whom God promised to build a nation “as numerous as the stars.” Without Isaac, the covenant appears to collapse. Yet Abraham obeys. Before climbing the mountain, he tells his servants, “Stay here with the donkey; the boy and I will go over there and worship; then we will come back to you” (Genesis 22:5). Notice what he says: we will come back. The author of Hebrews explains Abraham’s reasoning: “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19). Abraham trusted that God’s promise was more certain than the circumstances he could see. And when Abraham raised the knife, God intervened—not before the climb, not halfway up the mountain, but at the exact moment when obedience and trust met. A ram was provided in Isaac’s place. It’s there Abraham names the place: “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). What “The Lord Will Provide” Really Means To say God provides isn’t to say He always provides in the way we expect. It means His character is generous, attentive, and faithful. He knows our needs before we ask. He meets them according to His wisdom—not our timeline. That shifts how we think about financial provision. Scripture commends diligence. “The hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4). It warns against laziness. But diligence and provision are not the same thing. We work. God provides the harvest. Modern financial fear often comes from trying to secure every possible outcome. We want guarantees. We want certainty. We want control. But the great enemy of faith isn’t need—it’s self-reliance. When we believe we are our own providers, we shoulder a burden we were never designed to carry. The apostle Paul writes, “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Notice the scale and the source: According to His riches, not ours. Three Ways Trust Changes Our Stewardship When we truly believe God provides, three things begin to shift. 1. We Plan Without Panic Wisdom plans for the future. Scripture affirms preparation and foresight. But planning becomes idolatry when it tries to eliminate dependence. Trust allows us to budget, save, and invest without fear driving every decision. Our spreadsheets serve us—they don’t rule us. 2. We Give Without Fear Generosity flows from security. If we believe God replenishes, we can release. Hudson Taylor famously said, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” When God is our provider, generosity becomes an act of...

Henry Drummond once wrote, “To become like Christ is the only thing in the world worth caring for…before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain.” Those words cut straight to the heart of how Scripture defines success. In a culture that measures achievement by accumulation and applause, Jesus offers a very different scoreboard—one centered not on what we gain, but on who we become. The Success Story We’ve Been Taught It’s easy to believe that if we could just reach a little higher, earn a little more, or move a little faster, we’d finally arrive. We see this impulse at the very beginning of Scripture. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve weren’t lacking anything, yet they believed something better was being held back (Genesis 3). At the Tower of Babel, humanity declared, “Let us make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4). Success, in their minds, meant defining greatness on their own terms. That same instinct shapes us today. We measure success by paychecks and promotions, by titles, trophies, and the size of our homes or portfolios. And in a world that equates success with accumulation, it’s hard not to wonder: Am I successful yet? Will more finally be enough? Jesus’ Warning About the Illusion of More Jesus speaks directly into that tension in Luke 12:15: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” He then tells the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21). A man experiences an abundant harvest and decides to tear down his barns to build bigger ones. He reassures himself: “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” On the surface, it sounds like success. He planned ahead. He saved. He prepared. But Jesus calls him a fool. Listen to the language: my barns, my grain, my goods, my soul. There’s no gratitude, no dependence on God, no concern for others. His definition of success was accumulation, and his confidence rested entirely in what he had stored up. God’s response is sobering: “This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20) Jesus concludes, “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). The story is meant to shake us awake. It exposes how easily we confuse preparation with control and wisdom with self-reliance. God isn’t measuring success by what we store—He’s measuring it by what we surrender. A New Definition of Success The apostle Paul understood this well. By every cultural standard of his day, Paul had succeeded. Yet he wrote: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). Paul didn’t lower the bar for success—he replaced it. Scripture tells us God’s goal for our lives plainly: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). That’s the metric. Not income. Not influence. Not recognition. Christlikeness. So it’s worth asking: What scoreboard are you watching right now? Whose applause are you chasing? If your goals are rooted in impressing others or securing more for yourself, satisfaction will always feel just out of reach. But if your goals are rooted in becoming more like Christ, you’ll discover a kind of success that cannot be taken away. Jesus invites us to measure progress differently. Instead of asking, “Did I win today?” we can ask, “Did I look a little more like Jesus today?” In God’s economy: And God delights in what is done faithfully—even when no one else sees. Jesus puts it plainly: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) Real success isn’t what you gain. It’s who you become in Christ. Aligning Our Hearts With What Lasts This is one of the reasons I wrote Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Devotional to Faithful Stewardship. Each day is designed to help...

“Give us this day our daily bread.” These seven words from the Lord’s Prayer are so familiar that we can easily miss how radical they are. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:11, He invited them to trust God for provision—not all at once, but one day at a time. In a world obsessed with tomorrow, this simple request calls us back to dependence, humility, and trust in God’s care today. Daily Bread in the Wilderness The idea of daily bread takes us back to Israel’s journey through the wilderness. In Exodus 16, God fed His people with manna each morning. It was enough for the day—no more, no less. When they tried to store extra, it spoiled. The lesson wasn’t primarily about food; it was about trust. God was teaching His people that He—not their stockpiles or strategies—was their provider. Today, we work, budget, plan, save, and invest—and Scripture commends those practices. Proverbs celebrates diligence, and Joseph’s preparation in Genesis 41 helped save entire nations. Trusting God isn’t passivity, and faith isn’t irresponsibility. But here’s the tension: our planning must never replace our dependence. When Jesus taught us to ask for daily bread, He was establishing a rhythm—trusting God with today rather than burdening ourselves with controlling tomorrow. When Financial Anxiety Feels Close to Home For many people, this teaching hits close to home. We live in a time of economic anxiety. Budgets are tight, housing is expensive, and the future often feels uncertain. And if we’re honest, money doesn’t just expose financial fears—it reveals deeper questions: Will I have enough? Will I make it? Does God see me?Will He take care of me?Jesus speaks directly to those fears in Matthew 6:25–26: “Do not be anxious about your life… Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Jesus isn’t calling us to ignore real needs. He’s inviting us to rest in real care. Birds still work—they gather, build, and hunt—but they don’t live in anxiety. They don’t wake each morning wondering whether God will provide. Provision is built into creation because God is faithful. Three Responses to Daily Bread Trusting God for daily bread shapes the way we live. It invites three important responses: gratitude, contentment, and generosity. 1. Daily Bread Invites Gratitude When we ask God for what we need today, we’re reminded that what we have today is a gift. Gratitude pushes back against the relentless pressure for more—more comfort, more security, more status. Ecclesiastes reminds us, “Everyone to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them… this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19). Even the ability to enjoy what we have is grace. 2. Daily Bread Invites Contentment Contentment doesn’t mean settling for less—it means refusing to treat the future as the only place where peace exists. Paul writes, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). That learning happened within real circumstances, not after ideal ones arrived. Contentment grows as we trust God in the present moment. 3. Daily Bread Invites Generosity When we trust God to provide for today, our grip loosens. Fear tightens our hands; trust frees them. In 1 Kings 17, a widow shared her last flour and oil with Elijah, trusting God’s promise—and God sustained her household through the drought. The lesson isn’t that generosity guarantees prosperity. It’s that generosity reveals where our security truly lies. Trusting God Through Everyday Financial Habits Trusting God for daily bread often expresses itself in very ordinary financial decisions. “The wise store up choice food and olive oil.”Yet even the wisest planning must remember this: financial stability is not ultimate security. No account balance is large enough to silence fear if our hope rests in money. At the same time, there is no scarcity so deep that God cannot sustain His...

Younger investors are reshaping the markets—from crypto and AI to ETFs and gaming. But with so many new platforms, trends, and voices competing for attention, how can believers invest wisely across generations? Matt Bell, Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, has been tracking these shifts closely, and he joins the show today to share his insights and highlight both what’s changing and what remains timeless—especially when biblical wisdom guides our financial decisions. The Surge of Younger Investors Since 2020, millions of new investment accounts have been opened—many by Gen Z and millennials. In fact, a significant portion of today’s investors entered the market during the early pandemic years, despite dramatic market volatility. Why? Several factors converged: Instead of retreating when markets dropped, many younger investors leaned in. How Younger Investors Are Engaging the Market Differently Compared to previous generations, younger investors tend to: ETFs, in particular, appeal to younger investors because they trade like stocks, often have lower costs, and allow for more active participation. At the same time, themes like cryptocurrency, gaming-related funds, and sports gambling investments show the sharpest generational divide—drawing the most interest from the youngest investors. A Cultural Shift in Investing Interest in newer asset classes isn’t limited to younger investors anymore. Crypto, AI, and alternative investments are gaining traction across all age groups. Major developments—such as the approval of Bitcoin ETFs and growing conversations about private equity in retirement plans—signal that the investing culture is evolving rapidly. But rapid access can create risk. Availability and hype can outpace understanding. New investment options often carry complexity, and without careful research, investors may unknowingly take on risks they don’t fully grasp. The Social Media Effect One of the most defining features of today’s investing landscape is the role of social media. Anyone can build a following and offer financial advice—even without credentials. In a crowded digital space, the loudest voices often gain the most attention, not necessarily the wisest ones. That’s why discernment matters. Before acting on advice: Wise investing has always required counsel, patience, and humility—traits that don’t trend easily online. The Opportunity of Starting Young Despite the risks, the growing interest in investing among younger generations is largely positive. Time is one of the most powerful tools in investing. Starting early allows compounding to work over decades, creating opportunities for steady growth and long-term stability. Encouraging young investors to begin is wise. Helping them begin wisely is even more important. How Parents and Mentors Can Guide the Next Generation For parents, grandparents, and mentors, the goal isn’t to criticize younger investors—it’s to walk alongside them. Start by affirming their interest. Then introduce principles that shape a healthier approach: These conversations can help shift the focus from chasing trends to building a thoughtful strategy. Why Process Matters More Than Trends In fast-moving markets, a clear investment process becomes essential. Emotion—fear when markets fall and greed when they rise—is one of the greatest risks investors face. A disciplined strategy helps guard against impulsive decisions. For believers, process also reflects stewardship. The money we manage ultimately belongs to God, and our responsibility is to steward it wisely and intentionally. A thoughtful plan helps investors stay grounded when markets—and headlines—shift. Understanding What You Own One practical test of wise investing is simple: can you clearly explain what you own and why? If an investment can’t be explained in plain language, it may not be fully understood. And stewardship requires understanding. Clarity leads to better decisions. It also protects...

Every day, we’re faced with financial decisions—some small, some life-shaping. We decide how to spend, save, give, borrow, invest, and provide for our families. But behind each of those choices lies a deeper question: where do we go to find wisdom? Many assume the Bible is a spiritual book meant only for spiritual matters, not for the realities of modern financial life. After all, Scripture was written thousands of years ago. There were no index funds, tax-advantaged accounts, or credit cards in ancient Israel. So how could it possibly speak to retirement planning, debt, generosity, or contentment today? Yet what Scripture offers isn’t a financial playbook—it’s something better: timeless wisdom rooted in the character of God. Timeless Wisdom, Not Financial Formulas Biblical wisdom isn’t about giving us modern strategies or formulas. It’s about helping us understand who God is, who we are, and what we were made for. Until we know the Author, we won’t trust His instruction. And without trusting His instruction, we won’t build our lives—financially or otherwise—on His Word. The primary purpose of Scripture isn’t merely to tell us what to do. It’s to reveal who we belong to. It introduces us to the God who provides, who owns all things, who defines true success, and who calls us to steward not just money, but all of life. Once that foundation is laid, Scripture certainly does speak to how we live. The apostle Paul writes: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable… that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Financial decisions are included in those “good works.” The Bible isn’t irrelevant to a modern economy—it’s indispensable. Biblical Principles for Modern Money Decisions The questions people wrestle with today aren’t new. Scripture addresses the very issues many of us face: Diversification:“Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land”Debt and co-signing:“Be not one of those who give pledges”Living below your means:“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it”Planning ahead:“The prudent sees danger and hides himself”Generosity:“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way”Seeking wisdom:“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God”These aren’t technical instructions about financial products. They are heart-level principles that guide every generation, in every economy. Financial Wisdom Is Relational Biblical wisdom is not merely practical—it’s relational. Scripture doesn’t just tell us what to do; it shows us why God is trustworthy. It reveals a Father who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10), who feeds the birds of the air (Matthew 6:26), who gives good gifts to His children (James 1:17), and who never abandons those who walk by faith (Hebrews 13:5). Much of our financial anxiety isn’t ultimately about money—it’s about trust. And trust doesn’t come from spreadsheets or strategies. It comes from knowing the God who inspired Scripture. When we know Him, financial obedience becomes freedom rather than drudgery. Living below our means becomes contentment. Avoiding debt becomes a matter of wisdom rather than fear. Giving becomes a joyful response to grace. Planning becomes stewardship instead of self-reliance. Ancient Words, Timely Guidance Scripture is ancient, but it is not outdated. Technology changes. Markets change. Financial products change. But the human heart does not. Because the heart hasn’t changed, God’s Word still speaks. It equips us for every season of life, every financial decision, and every act of stewardship. The Bible never treats money as evil, but it refuses to let it become a savior. It presents money as a tool—good when stewarded wisely, dangerous when worshiped, and temporary, no matter how well invested. That’s why the goal of biblical financial wisdom isn’t accumulation—it’s transformation. Becoming Faithful...

Monks and money don’t seem to go together—but maybe they should. Early Christian monastics developed a biblical approach to possessions that offered freedom from fear and created space for generosity. Their example continues to resonate with believers navigating modern financial pressures. Dr. Shane Enete, Chair of the Finance Department at Biola University, joins the show today to help us explore what he calls “monk finances,” drawing on early Christian history to uncover insights that remain strikingly relevant today. Why Monks and Finances Feel Like Opposites For many people, the idea of monks and money in the same sentence feels contradictory. That perception has historical roots. In the early centuries of the church, some believers reacted to growing spiritual complacency by withdrawing from society. These early monks sought lives of radical devotion and discipline. In extreme cases, they rejected material possessions entirely, viewing the physical world—and even the body itself—as spiritually dangerous. But this wasn’t the final word on monastic life. Leaders like St. Anthony and St. Benedict helped reshape the movement. They recognized that God created the material world before the fall; therefore, possessions, work, and even money could be used for His glory. Instead of rejecting material things, they began developing thoughtful, disciplined ways to steward them. Out of that shift came a surprisingly rich theology of money. Recovering a Biblical View of Possessions As monastic communities formed, they began to rethink how Christians should live with resources. Rather than treating money as evil, they saw it as necessary for life—but not as a source of identity or security. Their approach emphasized moderation, equality, and shared responsibility. Their guiding principle was simple: Meet your needs, then help meet the needs of others. Money became a tool for self-sufficiency that led to hospitality, not a means of achieving independence from God. This perspective echoed the Apostle Paul’s teaching to the early church, especially in communities wrestling with wealth and inequality. In many ways, the monks’ worldview stands in contrast to modern financial culture. Where today’s systems often prioritize accumulation and long-term personal security, the monastic tradition emphasized dependence on God and care for neighbor. Economic Sufficiency vs. Economic Security One of the most striking insights from monastic life is the distinction between economic sufficiency and economic security. The monks worked hard. They cultivated gardens, produced goods, and provided for themselves. But they intentionally stopped short of building wealth for personal protection. Their goal was sufficiency—having enough to live and to share. A well-known story about St. Anthony illustrates this progression. After initially living in isolation, he began growing food to avoid burdening others. Eventually, he expanded his efforts to feed visitors and care for those who came seeking wisdom. His work produced enough for his needs and created margin for generosity. That pattern shaped monastic communities: They believed the danger came when financial planning shifted from provision to self-protection—when wealth began to replace trust in God. Guarding the Heart from the Love of Money Monks viewed wealth with a sober realism. They saw it as useful but spiritually risky. Money, they believed, has a way of whispering false assurances: “You’re safe. You’re secure. You don’t need God.” To guard against this, monastic communities developed “rules of living”—structured rhythms that shaped how they worked, spent, and shared. These practices served as guardrails, protecting their hearts from drifting into consumption and self-reliance. The goal wasn’t deprivation. It was clarity. They wanted money to remain a servant, never a master. The Power of an “Economy of Excess” One of the most compelling ideas to emerge from monastic life is...

From ancient times to modern markets, gold and silver have captured people’s attention—especially during seasons of uncertainty. It’s one reason more believers are asking whether precious metals belong in their investment portfolios. The question isn’t simply financial; it’s also about stewardship. Where do metals fit—and where don’t they—when we’re seeking to make wise, faithful decisions with what God has entrusted to us? A Long History as a Store of Value Precious metals are among the oldest forms of money in human history. For thousands of years, gold and silver have served as a store of value. Even today, in an economy dominated by fiat currencies, they still carry an aura of stability and permanence. There’s a practical reason for that: governments can print more dollars, but they can’t print more gold or silver. As a result, investors often turn to metals during periods of inflation, geopolitical tensions, or financial instability. They’re commonly viewed as a hedge—an asset that may preserve purchasing power when confidence in broader systems begins to waver. That perception holds some truth. But it’s also important to separate reality from myth. Precious metals are not magic assets, and they don’t function like traditional growth investments. How Precious Metals Differ from Traditional Investments They Don’t Produce Income Stocks may pay dividends, bonds generate interest, and real estate can produce rental income. Precious metals, by contrast, do not produce income. They simply exist as assets whose value rises or falls over time. That doesn’t mean they can’t appreciate. But it does mean their return profile is fundamentally different from owning productive assets. Gold sits still; businesses build. Prices Can Be Volatile Metals are often described as “safe,” yet their market prices can swing sharply. There have been extended seasons when gold and silver prices barely moved—or declined—reminding investors that stability and growth are not the same thing. Costs Matter Owning physical metals involves more than just the purchase price. Coins and bars often carry premiums, and they require storage, insurance, and security considerations. For those who prefer not to handle physical metals, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and similar vehicles offer another path. These track the price of gold or silver without the logistical challenges of storing them, making them a practical option for many investors. Allocation Is Key Financial professionals who favor precious metals typically recommend keeping them as a small portion of a diversified portfolio—often around 5%, and rarely more than 10%. When metals dominate a portfolio, they can crowd out assets better suited for long-term growth. What Scripture Says About Wealth and Security The Bible references gold and silver frequently—not only as commodities, but also as symbols of value, beauty, craftsmanship, and worship. Yet Scripture consistently warns against placing our trust in them. Paul writes, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God” (1 Timothy 6:17). The issue isn’t money itself; it’s misplaced hope. Gold cannot redeem us, rescue us, or ultimately secure our future. Only the Lord can do that. Proverbs echoes this truth: “The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale” (Proverbs 18:11). The key word is imagine. Wealth—even in solid forms like precious metals—can create an illusion of safety. That’s especially important to remember because metals often attract attention during periods of fear. But fear is not a reliable investment strategy. Wisdom is. Fear rushes; wisdom moves slowly, with patience and prayer. Three Principles for Faithful Investors 1. Metals Are a Tool, Not a Treasure Precious metals don’t need to be spiritualized or demonized. They’re simply one part of God’s created resources—useful when held with...

What happens when we stop drifting financially and start stewarding intentionally? When God’s purposes shape our financial decisions, money takes its rightful place—not as a source of identity or security, but as a tool that brings clarity, freedom, and faithful living. That conviction is at the heart of our conversation today with Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, about an upcoming gathering designed to help believers live it out in practical ways. Why Purpose Matters When It Comes to Money Brian explains that the idea for the conference begins with a familiar phrase: money is just a tool. While that’s true, tools are always created with intention. A hammer isn’t good or bad—but it’s designed for a specific purpose. When we don’t understand what money is for, we risk using it indiscriminately, assuming every financial decision is wise simply because it seems practical. Scripture calls us to something better: stewardship shaped by God’s design. When we understand His purposes for money, our decisions become clearer—and our faithfulness more intentional. Introducing Money on Purpose That’s the vision behind Money on Purpose, Compass Financial Ministry’s global conference happening February 26–28, 2026, in Orlando. Over three days, attendees will experience: Each keynote explores a specific purpose of money through a biblical story or character from both the Old and New Testaments, followed by workshops focused on real-life application. One of Compass's strengths has always been its ability to make biblical stewardship accessible, regardless of where someone is on their financial journey. This conference reflects that same heart. Whether you’re a young adult seeking guidance, a parent shaping financial values at home, or a church leader looking to integrate stewardship into discipleship, Money on Purpose is designed to meet you where you are. Workshop topics range from biblically grounded investing to navigating economic uncertainty—all anchored in God’s Word. What often surprises attendees most, Brian notes, is how comprehensively Scripture speaks to modern financial questions. When people realize their real concerns are addressed in God’s Word, something shifts. Just as powerful is the community. Being surrounded by like-minded believers moves the experience beyond information toward transformation. People leave not only knowing what to do, but encouraged, supported, and eager to see God work through their obedience. What Participants Walk Away With Compass’s mission is simple but profound: to help people grow closer to Jesus, live free to serve Him, and help fund the Great Commission. Those who attend Money on Purpose leave with: That’s what purposeful stewardship is ultimately about. When we handle money on purpose—God’s purpose—we discover greater freedom, direction, and joy in stewarding what belongs to Him. To learn more or register for the Money on Purpose conference, visit CompassFinancialMinistry.org, where you’ll find full details on sessions, workshops, and the event schedule. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Compass Financial MinistryYour Money Counts: Money on Purpose Conference 2026Movement MortgageOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...

Banking isn’t usually the first place we think about living out our faith. Yet for many believers, where we bank is becoming an important part of faithful stewardship. Financial institutions don’t just hold our money—they decide how it’s used, invested, and leveraged for impact. That’s why faith-based banking is gaining attention. It offers Christians an opportunity to align everyday financial decisions with deeper convictions about money, integrity, and service. Today, we sat down with Aaron Caid, Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) and AdelFi, to talk about why believers may want to reconsider where they bank—and what truly matters when evaluating a financial institution. Start With the Basics: Stewardship Still Requires Excellence Before talking about faith alignment, there’s a practical reality we can’t ignore: a bank still needs to do its job well. Good stewardship requires systems that are secure, efficient, and reliable. Strong digital tools, responsive customer service, and clear processes aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. A banking partner should simplify your financial life, not complicate it with friction, confusion, or outdated technology. In other words, expecting excellence from your bank isn’t selfish. It’s wise. Once the basics are covered, a deeper question emerges: Does this institution share your values? Every bank makes decisions about how money is used and where it’s invested. Those choices reflect a worldview—whether explicit or not. Faith-aligned banking starts from a biblical understanding of stewardship, integrity, and service, recognizing that money is a tool entrusted by God, not an end in itself. Where we bank, then, quietly reflects what we believe about the purpose of money. Faith That Shows Up in Action One of the distinctives of organizations like Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) and AdelFi is that faith doesn’t remain a mission statement—it’s lived out through tangible generosity. Collectively, these organizations have more than 125 years of supporting Christian ministries, missionaries, church-planting efforts, and disaster relief. Together, they’ve given millions of dollars toward Christ-centered work around the world. Their impact goes beyond large-scale initiatives. Recent efforts include: Operation Christmas ChildThis is what it looks like when banking becomes a shared mission rather than a purely transactional relationship. Red Flags That May Signal It’s Time to Reconsider Your Bank Regardless of where you bank today, there are warning signs that may indicate your institution isn’t serving you—or your values—well: These issues don’t just affect convenience—they affect stewardship. What the AdelFi Transition Means for Members With the merger of Christian Community Credit Union and AdelFi, members are already seeing expanded services, greater reach, and enhanced capabilities. The combined organization will soon operate under the AdelFi Christian Banking brand, positioning it as the largest Christian banking solution of its kind. The goal is simple: better serve individuals, families, churches, ministries, and Christian-owned businesses—while amplifying Kingdom impact. When financial services function well and align with your faith, your money can serve both your everyday needs and God’s Kingdom purposes. As a special opportunity for Faith & Finance listeners, you can earn up to a $400 bonus when opening a qualifying high-yield checking or savings account—or a Visa cash back card. Visit FaithFi.com/Banking and enter code “FAITHFI” to learn more. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) | AdelFiNational Christian Foundation (NCF)Sound Mind Investing (SMI)Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The...

Scripture reminds us that wisdom often begins with counting the cost. As the average age of a first-time homebuyer approaches 40, many people are asking an important and sincere question: Is now the right time to buy a home—or should we continue renting? That question usually reflects a desire to make a wise, lasting decision—one that supports long-term stability rather than undermining it. Before comparing monthly payments or imagining life in a new space, it’s worth taking a clear-eyed look at what it truly costs to move from renting into homeownership. The Upfront Costs Many First-Time Buyers Miss One of the biggest surprises for first-time buyers is the sheer cost of getting into a home. The pre-approval and closing process involves numerous expenses, including appraisals, inspections, credit reports, earnest money, title searches, loan origination fees, and closing costs. Taken together, these can add up to thousands of dollars before move-in day ever arrives. For renters transitioning to homeownership, these costs are typically paid out of pocket. That’s one reason many advisors encourage having close to 20% of the purchase price available—not only for a down payment, but to create margin for the entire process. This isn’t about delaying dreams unnecessarily; it’s about ensuring homeownership doesn’t begin with financial strain. Many renters feel a growing weariness with paying rent month after month, especially compared with building equity. That desire for something tangible and lasting is understandable—but it’s important to remember that rent is not wasted money. Rent pays for shelter, safety, maintenance, and predictability. It meets a real and ongoing need and, in that sense, pays for a valuable service. During certain seasons of life, that flexibility and stability can be a wise and intentional choice. Understanding What a Mortgage Really Includes It’s also helpful to understand how a mortgage payment actually works. A typical payment includes principal, interest, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and often private mortgage insurance if you own less than 20% of the home’s value. In some cases, HOA fees are also added. In the early years of a traditional 30-year mortgage, a significant portion of each payment goes toward interest rather than reducing the loan balance. Thirty-year mortgages can still be wise—they keep payments manageable and allow flexibility if you want to make extra principal payments—but they are designed to be long-term loans. Early equity growth often comes more from market appreciation than from paying down the balance. Rising home prices can create fear about waiting too long, pushing buyers to act before they’re ready. While market trends are worth paying attention to, they shouldn’t be the deciding factor. A home should fit your current season of life and support your responsibilities and priorities—not stretch your finances or limit your ability to live and give faithfully. It also helps to release the pressure of finding a “forever home.” On average, first-time buyers stay in their homes seven to ten years. Career changes, growing families, and life transitions often make moving a natural part of the journey. The first home simply needs to perform well in the current season. Rising Costs Don’t Disappear with Ownership Rising rents are another common frustration, especially when lease renewals result in higher monthly costs. But owning a home doesn’t eliminate rising expenses. While a fixed-rate mortgage keeps principal and interest steady, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance typically increase over time. Even after a mortgage is paid off, those costs remain. Maintenance is another reality worth considering. Once you own a home, repairs are your responsibility—roofs, plumbing, electrical systems, and heating or cooling issues can bring unexpected expenses. While insurance offers protection, deductibles and coverage limits often mean high out-of-pocket costs, and...

Counterfeits are dangerous precisely because they look convincing. The same is true of spiritual sayings that sound biblical but quietly distort how we think about God, stewardship, and money. Many believers can quote phrases that feel deeply spiritual—comforting even—but when placed under the light of Scripture, they don’t actually appear there at all. Or worse, they twist what Scripture truly says. These “counterfeit verses” often shape how we view success, risk, provision, and dependence on God without us even realizing it. To explore this issue, we sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager of FaithFi and a regular contributor to Faithful Steward. Taylor is also the lead writer behind Look at the Sparrows and Our Ultimate Treasure. In his recent article, Counterfeit Verses: How to Spot The Sayings That Aren’t in the Bible, Taylor traces this problem all the way back to the beginning. “Did God Really Say?”—The First Counterfeit Taylor begins in Genesis 3, when the serpent approaches Eve with a deceptively subtle question: “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1). This moment is critical because the enemy doesn’t begin with an outright lie. Instead, he distorts what God has said and, in doing so, undermines God’s character. The implication isn’t merely that the command is questionable—but that God Himself may be withholding something good. Once Adam and Eve doubt God’s goodness, disobedience follows naturally. That same pattern persists today. Many modern financial lies—whether cultural narratives or counterfeit verses—aren’t blatant falsehoods. They’re half-truths. They sound wise. They feel spiritual. And because they’re close enough to the truth, they feel safe. Like a ship that veers off course by only one degree, the deviation seems harmless at first. But over time, it leads somewhere very different from what was intended. At the heart of every counterfeit is the same ancient question: Can God really be trusted? Counterfeit verses don’t come with warning labels. They borrow biblical language, appeal to our emotions, and speak to real desires—hope, comfort, identity, and security. Sometimes they even quote Scripture, but rip it out of context. The danger isn’t familiarity with Scripture—it’s fragmented familiarity. When we know verses as slogans rather than as part of God’s larger story, we become vulnerable to subtle distortions. The goal, however, isn’t suspicion or cynicism. It’s discernment—learning to recognize when a truth has been nudged just slightly off course. Studying the Real Thing: A Lesson from Counterfeit Currency Taylor uses a powerful illustration from the film Catch Me If You Can. Frank Abagnale Jr. succeeds as a forger not by inventing fake money from scratch, but by studying the real thing in obsessive detail—down to the ink, paper, and watermarks. Ironically, that expertise later makes him invaluable to the FBI. Banks don’t train tellers by showing them every possible fake. They train them by handing them genuine currency until authenticity becomes instinctive. The same is true of Scripture. Discernment doesn’t come from memorizing every error—it comes from knowing God’s Word so deeply that when something sounds “almost right,” you can feel that it isn’t. Common Counterfeit Verses That Shape Our View of Money “Money is the Root of All Evil” This misquote radically reshapes our theology of money. If money itself is evil, then wealth becomes suspicious, and stewardship feels compromising. But Scripture says something far more searching: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10). The issue isn’t possession—it’s devotion. Scripture doesn’t demonize money; it disciples our hearts. “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves” This phrase flips the gospel upside down. It places self-sufficiency at the center and turns God into a backup plan. Biblically, grace always comes first. God meets us in our need, not our strength. Stewardship, then, isn’t...

What would you call a marriage where spouses see “eye to eye” about money? Some might call it bliss. It’s true that most couples at least occasionally quarrel about their finances. But could a better understanding of each other’s values help spouses avoid that bickering? Shaunti Feldhahn thinks so, and she joins us today to talk about it. Shaunti Feldhahn is a Harvard graduate, former Wall Street analyst, social researcher, best-selling author, and a prominent public speaker. She is the co-author of Thriving in Love and Money: 5 Game-Changing Insights about Your Relationship, Your Money, and Yourself, written with her husband, Jeff, and has co-authored several other books with him, revealing impactful truths about relationships at home and in the workplace. A Lesson Learned Over Dinner Shaunti and her husband, Jeff, learned this lesson early in their marriage. Living in New York, they often ate out due to their demanding schedules. However, a seemingly small issue—ordering a Diet Coke—would trigger recurring arguments. Jeff, concerned about their financial future and mounting student loan debt, saw the expense as unnecessary, while Shaunti viewed it as a simple enjoyment that enhanced her meal. It wasn't until years later, during their research for their book Thriving in Love & Money, that they realized their conflict stemmed from differing values. Jeff prioritized financial security, while Shaunti valued the experience and enjoyment of a meal. Once they uncovered this, they could communicate more effectively and honor each other's perspectives. The Root of Money Conflicts in Marriage Financial disagreements often arise because couples fail to recognize and respect each other's values. In Shaunti and Jeff’s national study, they found that: For example, one spouse might see value in spending money on a gym membership for networking and health benefits, while the other might believe household essentials from Costco are a better use of resources. The key takeaway? Neither perspective is wrong—both are rooted in deeply held values. The Power of Communication The solution to money conflicts isn’t just budgeting or financial planning; it’s communication. It’s crucial that couples discuss not just what they want to spend money on, but why it matters to them. By having open and honest conversations about financial priorities, couples can: While couples can work through these issues on their own, it can be very beneficial to seek guidance from financial advisors—especially those with a biblical perspective. Kingdom Advisors, for example, are trained to address not just the numbers, but the relational and spiritual aspects of money management. Advisors can help couples navigate tough conversations, align their financial goals with their values, and ultimately steward their resources in a way that honors God and strengthens their marriage. At the heart of every financial decision in marriage lies an opportunity to foster unity rather than division. God cares just as much about the marriage as He does about the finances. By understanding and honoring each other’s values, couples can turn money from a source of conflict into an instrument of peace and purpose. ———————————————————————————————— Shaunti Feldhahn’s full article, “Money in Marriage: It’s a Matter of Value,” appears in the 1st issue of Faithful Steward magazine. When you become a FaithFi Partner with a monthly gift of $35 (or $400 annually), you’ll receive Faithful Steward magazine and other exclusive resources to help you grow as a faithful steward. Visit FaithFi.com/Partner to learn more. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Thriving in Love and Money: 5 Game-Changing Insights about Your Relationship, Your Money, and Yourself by Shaunti and Jeff FeldhahnOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from...