Faith and Finances
189 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★ - 13 ratingsFaith and Finances provides Christ-focused financial teaching and approaches each financial topic with the premise, "What does the Bible say about that?"
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Episodes
138: Bible Steps—Faithfully Labor
January 11, 2019 08:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBGod has designed us for work. Not good news for younger folks with zero motivation (hang in there parents, it should get better). Outside of the paycheck we may not view work as pleasant activity, but God sees it differently. This is Step Two in Bible Steps: Receiving God's Financial Promises and Peace. In This Episode, We Look At: From the very beginning, we see God's directive that we are to work that we may eat (Genesis 1:28) When we work, we are doing our part and God ...
137: Bible Steps to Receiving God's Financial Promises and Peace—Step One
January 04, 2019 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBThere are countless books on the subject of finances and self-improvement available with simply a click. There are Step-by-step plans, "Baby steps", and systems ad nauseum. But, unless our personal beliefs about money are clearly identified and change to align with scriptural truths, we are not likely to experience lasting success. In This Episode, We Look At: Followers of Christ have God's power, principles, and promises; the world does not. We are not limited in the ways the w...
136: Breaking Out of the Self-Defeating Financial Cycle
December 28, 2018 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBMany people feel like they just can't get to where they want to be in their finances: There never seems to be enough money to meet needs and wants; emergencies keep popping up—depleting the savings; then there's that mountain of debt. How did we get here? How do we get out? In This Episode, We Look At: It's necessary to acknowledge that money is an instrument that can easily, and immediately, be used to satisfy pleasures for the moment. Identify the financial temptations in y...
135: The Christmas Episode!
December 21, 2018 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBNot a lot of meat and potatoes here today, folks. Troy and I share "stories of Christmases long long ago…" And of course, we tie it all up in a nice "Avoid consumerism!" bow. Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Facebook Tim Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter
134: How much to give versus how much to keep?
December 14, 2018 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBSome people struggle with guilt, "Should I be giving more?" Some people resist, "I want to give, but my family has needs and wants." Many genuinely desire to know, How much should I give? In This Episode, We Look At: Know the extremes: Not giving (hoarding/trusting money) and giving with no thought nor prayer. Guidelines according to Scripture. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Giving is very individualized. How much to keep? It is wise to save a portion of all that you earn, a...
133: Anti-Productivity
December 07, 2018 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBIn work, business, and even ministry, there is often a personal drive to maximize productivity and achievements, in our own timeline and with our own strength and ability. This will always hinder us from reaching full potential. In This Episode, We Look At: When more becomes less. (John 15:4) When less is more. (John 15:5) Improve Your Faith and Finances: Through Christ we can do more with less, by His strength and ability—not our own. Share Your Thoughts...
132: Preparing for Christmas
November 30, 2018 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBIn my household, my wife insisted that Christmas music would not be played until after Thanksgiving. Now, a full week after Thanksgiving—Christmas is in full effect! Before things get too crazy, we wanted to provide some practical biblical suggestions as you prepare for Christmas this year. In This Episode, We Look At: Keep the purpose for this season a priority in your family. Speak often of the priceless gift of Jesus; at meals, while shopping, while driving the kids to s...
131: Our Ways vs God's Ways
November 24, 2018 17:06 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBThe Bible is chock-full of accounts where individuals have insisted on their instead of following God's ways. Cain presented his offerings his way. Abrahm protected himself and Sarai in Egypt his way, by lying. Jacob obtained the birthright his way by deceiving his father. King Saul proceeded with the required offering before battle—his way, and that lead ultimatley to his demise and loss of the kingdom. Are we much different in our approach to solving issues in our lives? ...
130: Honoring the Lord at Thanksgiving
November 16, 2018 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBAs we prepare to gather with friends and family in observation of America's holiday, Thanksgiving, there are several ways in which we can show gratitude for Christ to the world around us. In This Episode, We Look At: Giving thanks. We can audibly thank God for His goodness, and anything and everything He has done for you—while in public. Look for opportunities to genuinely express "I thank God for that!" or "God is good!" These sincere expressions often lead to further convers...
129: What are you living for?
November 09, 2018 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBWe are not asking "Why are you living?" rather, "What purpose drives you?" In This Episode, We Look At: Behind every purpose (or goal) there is a value. So, for those driven to live for the moment, the value behind that drive may be pleasure. Those who seek one accomplishment after another may have respect, recognition, or honor as their value. With all the hours we trade to earn money, it may seem that we are living for money, but that is not necessarily our value. Those w...
128: Are Inheritances Biblical?
November 02, 2018 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBIs there an implied obligation that parents are to save up and leave their children an inheritance? Are we bad parents if we do not leave an inheritance? What about the verse in Scripture that says a good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children? In This Episode, We Look At: Saving or not saving for your children is a personal value. Solomon warned against leaving an inheritance. We'll talk about some "Do's and Don’ts" for those wishing to help out the kiddies....
127: Accumulating Wealth Quietly
October 26, 2018 07:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBWealth is not always observed. The reality is that many Americans are quietly saving and accumulating wealth. You'll not see them living in the priciest houses in the neighborhood, nor driving the newest luxury car. Paycheck after paycheck they are willing to forgo the temporary pleasure that spending can provide, choosing rather to pay their "future selves." In This Episode, We Look At: Accumulating wealth does happen quickly, which is a challenge as many of us today are condit...
126: Expect the Unexpected
October 19, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBThe timing belt needs to be replaced in your car, you get a speeding ticket, someone in your family needs a PT scan not covered by your health insurance. We've all been there; the unexpected bills! Life can hit with expenses that nearly knock the wind out of us. One sad statistic is that most American households could not handle an unexpected expense of $400. You do not have to be part of this statistic. In This Episode, We Look At: How to plan for the unexpected. Fir...
125: Wisdom Over Wealth
October 12, 2018 07:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBOur lives are driven by many pursuits. There are career pursuits, financial pursuits, relational, physical and even status pursuits. How common is it to list "seek wisdom" at the first action item on one's daily planner? In This Episode, We Look At: The Bible promises that those who pursue wisdom find life and obtain favor from the Lord. "Life" and "favor" can be easily overlooked, as we tell ourselves I have eternal life and I have favor of the Lord because of Christ, but we...
124: Personal Finances and God’s Will
October 05, 2018 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21.7 MB"What is God's will for my life?" is a common question among Christians. That is a wonderful question to ask, as well as a spiritual goal to pursue. God has three wills for every person: Salvation (2 Peter 3:9), Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), and to be Spirit-filled (Ephesians 5:17-18). If we are saved but not sanctified, we are not in God's will. If we are saved and sanctified, but not living Spirit-filled, we are not in God's will. While this is helpful to know, you may be...
123: What About Student Loans?
September 28, 2018 07:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBI get asked regularly about students loans. Usually, the question is "What can I do about these loans?" The percentage of college graduates who carry student loan debt is staggering, ranging from 66% to 88%, depending on the type of college or university they attended. The debt balances range from $23K to $160K, with the average in 2017 being $39K. In This Episode, We Look At: The tough love answer to this question (which is Biblical truth) is to pay it. A "vow" has been paid,...
122: The Absentee Ambassador
September 21, 2018 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20 We are familiar with the term, ambassador, but do we know the implications of truly living as an ambassador? In This Episode, We Look At: What is an ambassador? Definition: an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country We live in a foreign country (this brief life on earth),...
121: Having Financial Integrity
September 14, 2018 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBI talk with my family frequently about the quality of food (or junk) that we put in our bodies. Yet there are times when I would see an amazing-looking dessert (just Google "Monster shakes") and all of a sudden I'm now telling my family how awesome this thing looks and that we ought to try it! That is not integrity! The healthy talk is somewhat recent in my life, but the junk food temptations stems from decades of bad habits. In This Episode, We Look At: Deep seeded bad hab...
120: Is There a Problem with “More?”
September 07, 2018 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBMany of us grew up being encouraged to "Be all you can be!" and to climb the ladder of success—which generally translates to more! Learn more, do more, get more, keep more… We do not want the opposite do we? Learn less, do less, get less, keep less… In This Episode, We Look At: What is the problem with more? Can Christians strive for more? A biblical look at the real problem and how to avoid it. What is the purpose for more? The traps of seeking more for the purp...
119: Job Hopping
August 31, 2018 07:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBMillennials get a bad rap for being easily dissatisfied with jobs, but that seems to be an unfair stereotype. Forbes reports that 60% of Millennials are currently open to a new job opportunity and are by far the most likely generation to switch jobs. Interestingly, the data shows that it's largely the younger Millennials and not the older ones that job-hop. In This Episode, We Look At: Job-hopping is not new. It has been common for all generations based on age, not culture. ...
118: Christians and Government: An Interview with Glenn Mosher
August 24, 2018 07:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBGlenn Mosher has been a Presidential speech writer, Congressional aide, Capital Fundraiser, English Instructor, and Public Speaker who gained credibility and practiced integrity without ever losing humility or humor. He has raised over $75 million advocating for non-profit clients and designed programs of marketing excellence for companies and small businesses. In This Episode, We Look At: Glenn's early years with Ronald Reagan Glenn's assistance and guiding Tim when he started a...
117: Ellie Kay Interview Rewind
August 17, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBWe are pleased to share with you a previously aired interview with Ellie Kay, America's Family Financial Expert. What do you do when you get married and then discover that your new spouse in debt to the tune of $40,000? Today we'll hear from Bob and Ellie Kay and learn how they addressed this serious issue, how they paid off this debt in only two and half years, strengthened their marriage in the process, and built the foundation to put several children through college—while rema...
116: Faith Promise Giving
August 10, 2018 07:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBWhat comes to mind when you hear "Faith promise giving?" For some it means their church is embarking on a building program, for others it may mean that it is time to prayerfully consider committing to a large dollar amount, and praying that God provides for you to give it. In This Episode, We Look At: Where did this term come from? What does it mean, in practice, today? Are there biblical principles to support it? I've interviewed several respected pastors, and have asked ...
115: The Prosperity Puzzle
August 03, 2018 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBIs it acceptable for Christians to be prosperous? Many are on the fence on the issue. Are riches evil? Do we avoid prosperity? In This Episode, We Look At: "Prosper" defined Our ability to earn money comes from God Labor is expected of us from God Prosperity in the NT Stewarding prosperity Improve Your Faith and Finances: Seek to prosper in everything God has entrusted to you, to His glory. Be ready and willing to be used of the Lord in greater ways. ...
114: Why Do They Have More Than Me?
July 27, 2018 07:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBSome Christians will appear to have more than others. Then there are worldly people who have a lot more. Try as we may; we serve, we save, we sacrifice, but sometimes it just seems we can't get ahead. Is it fair? In This Episode, We Look At: More is rarely the solution. You do not want to trade trials with other Christians. God's timing and plans are far superior than ours. The folly of comparing ourselves with other Christians. The wicked also increase. I...
113: My Financial Tune Up
July 20, 2018 07:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBGot a budget? Awesome! You are a step ahead of many. Yet, while drafting and agreeing upon a budget is a wise discipline, the budget itself does not get the job done. In real life our spending does not always match our budgets…then the wheels fall off. In This Episode, We Look At: The importance of the monthly financial review. Did your financial activity align with your planned spending plan? Did you go over or under budget in areas? Look back on your bank statements...
112: Money, Marriage, and Peace!
July 13, 2018 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBEighty percent of divorcees attribute arguments over money as the leading contributor to the divorce. There are going to be differences in how couples view money-related issues. So, what do you do when spouses do not see eye-to-eye in financial matters? In This Episode, We Look At: Responses to avoid. "He's selfish", "She's immature", "he's irresponsible", "I'm the only one who cares in this marriage!" Setting aside pride and addressing issues openly and lovingly. Seek ...
111: The Impact of Emotions
July 06, 2018 07:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBGod has given us emotions. Emotions can help or hurt us. There are God-honoring emotions, and there emotions that lead to sin. In This Episode, We Look At: The emotions of Jesus. The emotions related to the fruit of the Spirit. Biblical warnings related to emotions. Emotions that hurt or help our saving and investing efforts. Improve Your Faith and Finances: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23 ...
110: Forget About It
June 29, 2018 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBThe automation episode. In This Episode, We Look At: Eliminating many mental distractions in our lives through a few clicks to set priorities in motion — automatically. Your calendar. Bills. Saving. Investing. We'll look at many benefits, plus some "How-to" suggestions. Resources and Links: Buffer Hootsuite Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Faceboo...
109: What to Know About Life Insurance
June 22, 2018 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBThe most-asked questions regarding life insurance I find are: "Should I buy life insurance?", "What type of Insurance?" and "How much Insurance should I have?" In This Episode, We Look At: Life insurance defined. What is it's primary purpose? Would your passing eliminate an income that a loved one is dependent upon? Two main "types" of life insurance, their functions and pros and cons. Help with figuring the amount of insurance coverage that is appropriate for your fami...
108: What's in it for me?
June 15, 2018 07:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBIf 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 Tw...
107: Wants and Needs
June 08, 2018 07:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBIt’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. ...
106: Great Expectations
June 01, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBYou'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 d...
105: IRA vs Roth IRA
May 25, 2018 07:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBThere 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 plannin...
104: The Evil Empire
May 18, 2018 07:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBAccording 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, Jer...
103: Save… but Trust
May 11, 2018 07:00 - 33 minutes - 23.5 MBDo 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 Fait...
102: Beliefs Drive Behavior
May 04, 2018 07:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBThere 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 f...
101: Retirement Noise
April 27, 2018 07:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBThere 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 ear...
100: Today We Celebrate our 100th!
April 20, 2018 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBWe 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...
099: The Parable of the Vineyard Laborers
April 13, 2018 07:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBToday 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...
098: The Spring Purge
April 06, 2018 10:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MB"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 wo...
097: Food and Finances
March 30, 2018 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBCan 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. ...
096: Just Weights in an Unjust World
March 23, 2018 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBGod 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 w...
095: Politics and Personal Finance
March 16, 2018 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBWhile 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. ...
094: Perspective from the Philippines
March 09, 2018 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBI 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 acc...
093: The Parable of the Talents
March 02, 2018 08:00 - 35 minutes - 25.1 MBJesus 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 a...
092: Stepping Over Dollars
February 23, 2018 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBMany 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 Though...
091: Avoiding Financial Mistakes
February 16, 2018 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBFinancial 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 o...
090: Present and future rewards
February 09, 2018 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBOur 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 coun...
089: Personal finance God's way—recorded live
February 02, 2018 08:00 - 45 minutes - 31.7 MBToday'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...