Christian Talk FM

Most Christians want to be generous. But wanting to give and actually following through are two different things.

With so many worthy causes, competing needs, and financial decisions to consider, even the best intentions can become overwhelming. Without a plan, our giving can become reactive rather than purposeful, driven more by the requests we receive than by a thoughtful understanding of how God has entrusted us to steward His resources.

So, how can we move from good intentions to meaningful action?

Kendra VanderMeulen, CEO of the National Christian Foundation (NCF), joined the show today to discuss how developing a thoughtful giving strategy can help Christians become more intentional, generous stewards.

For more than four decades, NCF has helped believers put their generosity into action, facilitating more than $25 billion in grants to over 100,000 churches and charitable organizations.

According to VanderMeulen, one of the greatest obstacles to intentional generosity is simply the number of decisions involved.

What should we give? How much? When? And to whom?

Without a clear strategy, these questions can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Instead of giving with confidence and purpose, we may respond to requests as they arise, unsure when to say yes or no.

The solution begins with Scripture. Proverbs 3:9 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce."

Generosity isn't merely a financial transaction. It's an expression of worship and a recognition that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God.

VanderMeulen encourages Christians to begin by considering the causes and needs that stir their hearts. What brings you joy? What breaks your heart? Where do you see opportunities to participate in the work God is doing?

From there, consider the resources God has placed in your hands and how you might use them to serve others. And remember, developing a giving strategy doesn't have to happen overnight. The goal isn't perfection. It's taking one faithful step at a time toward greater intentionality.

When most people think about charitable giving, they picture writing a check or making an online donation. But cash represents only a portion of the resources many households possess.

VanderMeulen highlights an important distinction: Roughly 90% of charitable giving comes from cash, even though approximately 90% of wealth is held in other forms. That means some of the greatest opportunities for generosity may be found outside our checking and savings accounts.

Non-cash assets that may be suitable for charitable giving include appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, privately held businesses, and other investments.

Families can sometimes donate these assets directly to charitable organizations or donor-advised funds, potentially giving more efficiently while supporting causes they care about.

For Christians who have spent decades building a business, investing, or accumulating other assets, this opens the door to thinking about generosity in entirely new ways. Instead of asking only how much they can give from their income, they can consider how the wealth entrusted to them might bless others.

One of the most important principles in asset-based giving is to consider generosity before a major financial transaction.

For example, someone preparing to sell a business, investment property, or appreciated securities may have an opportunity to structure a charitable gift before the sale takes place.

Depending on the circumstances, donating an appreciated asset before selling it may reduce certain tax liabilities and increase the amount ultimately available for charitable purposes. Howe

Every parent wants their teen to become a responsible, independent adult. But could doing too much for your child actually be holding them back? Mark and Wayne discuss why preparing teens for adulthood needs to begin long before they turn 18. Mark shares ways to gradually transfer responsibility, teach essential life skills, encourage employment and establish expectations that help young adults become self-sufficient. You’ll also hear from Heartlight teen Eli, who shares how his desire for control led to defiance, substance use and conflict with his parents — and how learning to accept responsibility has changed his outlook and relationships. Tune in for practical guidance on helping your teen develop the maturity and independence they'll need to thrive beyond your home.

Is your teen spending too much time on screens, struggling to find motivation or expecting you to provide everything without lifting a finger? Mark offers a simple prescription: bit.ly/your-teen-needs-a-job

On today’s edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson shares a powerful conversation with Diet Eman, a Dutch resistance worker imprisoned by the Nazis for helping Jews escape to safety.

The post Courageous Choices, Part 1 appeared first on Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

Rob Jackson addresses common questions parents have when their children identify with the LGBT lifestyle. Offering guidance rooted in faith and love, Rob discusses topics such as gender confusion, same-sex attraction, and approaching difficult conversations. He reminds listeners to find hope in God while navigating their child’s journey.

Get "When Grace Meets Conviction" free with your gift

From Transgendered to Transformed

Get More Episode Resources 

Do you have a story or comment on how Focus on the Family impacted you or your family? Leave a message for Jim Daly!

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

At the peak of his career, Johnny Cash had done it all—living the ultimate rags-to-riches story of growing up on a cotton farm in the Deep South to becoming a Nashville and Hollywood sensation, singing alongside heroes like Elvis Presley and performing for several American presidents. But through all of this, Cash was troubled. In his search for peace, Cash became embroiled in controversy. But by the end of his life, Cash was speaking openly about his "unshakeable faith." What caused the superstar to turn from his conflicting passions to embrace a life in Christ? Join us to hear Greg Laurie share the rest of the story about this musical icon.

Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partners

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who truly holds authority over the leaders of this world? On this episode of Truth Talk Live, host Peter Rosenberger explores the sovereignty of God, the responsibilities of civil government, and the role of biblical truth in the voting booth.

France again is the embodiment

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

In the second hour, Kerby’s guest is Lee Strobel. Lee is bringing us his latest book, Seeing the Supernatural.

It’s going to be a great show. Don’t miss it.

Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/pointofviewradio and on Twitter @PointofViewRTS with your opinions or comments.

Looking for just the Highlights? Follow us on Spotify at Point of View Highlights and get weekly highlights from some of the best interviews!