Faith and Finances

The Christmas Season is upon us and is a time to celebrate the birth of our Savior. When it comes to buying gifts for loved ones, even the well-intended can find themselves succumbing to the pressure to go beyond their means in the purchasing of Christmas presents for others.

Is there a practical and God-honoring approach to buying presents? We submit that there is.

In This Episode We Look At:

Honoring the Lord by:

1. Carefully considering the financial resources we have.

2. Knowing how much we can comfortably spend on gifts. (Luke 14:28)

3. Talking and praying together about a budget; then asking for God's guidance in staying mindful of the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Looking for ways of being creatively frugal.

Some money-saving yet thoughtful gifts we have personally purchased in the past were:

A digital "Slide show" portraying a memorable time in the life of your loved one–perhaps with their favorite song playing. You can check out wondershare or Slidely through the link below (not affiliate).

And of course there are the homemade treats! You can't go wrong with chocolate dipped…just about anything, right? Take pictures of the treats to remember in the future.

Today's Resources and Links:

www.wondershare.net or for free online, Slidely

Holiday Recipes

www.kraftrecipes.com

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World:

Keep the reason for this Christmas Season in the forefront of your thoughts, motivations. and actions. Honor the Lord in all you do and enjoy His peace!

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

We hope you all had a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to dedicate an episode to this subject–please enjoy!

In This Episode We: Put our microphones in the faces of some friends and ask what they are thankful for. Troy and Tim share a memorable Thanksgiving from their lives.

Today's Resources and Links:

Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Special on YouTube

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Prayerfully approach this Christmas season with thanksgiving and ask the Lord for guidance and provision to purchase gifts in a manner that honors Him. Keep Christ in the forefront of all you do.

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

Why is it that so many Christians live without financial peace? Peace may often seem to be just beyond arms' reach if you find yourself asking the following questions:

• Do I make enough money?
• Why doesn't my money seem to stretch far enough?
• Am I burdened with too many bills?
• Does it seem that misfortune only happens to only me?

In This Episode We Look At:

Discontentment–we may believe the word means "not content." The Hebrew word mãr (discontentment) actually means: bitter, chafed, great bitterness, angry.

It's so easy to be discontent. We live in a culture whose recipe for happiness is "More!"

The Elusive Key: Gratitude

The phrase "give thanks" or "giving thanks" appears 98 times Scripture.

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." I Thes. 5:18

CONTENTMENT: Internal satisfaction which does not demand changes in external circumstances

Paul taught that he learned to be content:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Phil. 4:11

Today's Resources and Links:

The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom

Manual of Theology, First Part: A Teatise on Christian Doctrine

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Begin each day by thanking God for as many things you can think of during your prayer time and continue to thank Him throughout the day. Let gratitude choke out discontentedness.

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

It should be no surprise to us that the Bible states, "the love of money is the root of all evil." 1 Timothy 6:10

In This Episode We Look At: People do crazy things when they love money.

Both in modern times as well as in biblical times, people have done crazy and foolish things in the pursuit of money.

Money is not a big deal to God. Our attitude toward money IS.

With over 2,300 scriptures written on the subject of money, riches and possessions; we have plenty of wisdom and truth to teach us how to have the right attitude toward money.

The sooner we learn God's plan for money in our life, the sooner we can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy more peace and joy.

Our own money attitude may not be as being as extreme as the examples mentioned, but materialism and covetousness can be very subtle. It can slowly grow in the heart of the Christian.

The Healthy, Biblical view of Money

It is just a temporary tool to be used to God's glory.

All that we do not use for His glory will perish–we take nothing to Heaven with us.

Proverbs 3:27-28 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

We will not run out of resources for good works, because God cannot run out of resources.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Cor 9:8

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Financial World:

Acknowledge that all you have belongs to God and comes from God. The very reason we have breath, a heartbeat, and finances is to bring God glory!

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

Black Friday falls on November 25 this year. This shopping tradition is so named to reflect the day retailers become profitable the day after shoppers eat a bunch of turkey.

In This Episode We Look At: A battle plan to divide and conquer on Black Friday: Make a list (check it twice) for those you will buy presents for.

Don't let family pressure or comparisons cause you to spend more on anyone than you can afford

Make a rough list of gift ideas for each recipient

Without this focus, you are more likely to overspend

Determine the maximum amount of money (cash/debit) you will spend on Christmas presents. Resolve beforehand not to exceed that amount.

Remember that going over your budget may lead to the inability to pay other bills, creating, or adding to DEBT.

Utilize online services to save time, get lower prices, and find free shipping.

US News and World Report last year posted "The 7 Best Websites to Find Black Friday Deals". We list them below quoted from that article.

Today's Resources and Links:

TheBlackFriday.com for a comprehensive database of Black Friday sales from major department stores, retailers and specialty stores.

Gottadeal.com an active message board where people share the latest leaked ads and tips on how they're navigating Black Friday sales.

Amazon.com with a Countdown to Black Friday event for the weeks until Thanksgiving.

Slickdeals.com the Black Friday shopping forecast for savvy shopping tips and insights.

BFAds.net at-a-glance rundown of stores that have recently posted Black Friday discounts on various items – and a heads up on Cyber Monday specials.

Bradsdeals.com take a look at product guides for specific items so you know where to go for the best price on TVs, tablets, laptops, Apple gadgets and other hot items of the season.

Blackfriday.com boasts an easy-to-navigate listing of sales and a feature where you can track your favorite deals, print out a wish list and share it with friends and family. A complementary mobile app helps you save products to wish lists with a few screen taps.

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Prayerfully consider a reasonable amount of money that your family can allocate to the purchasing of Christmas gifts. Resolve to stay within that budget and don't let family or peer pressure cause you to buy gifts you cannot afford.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Do you have any Black Friday shopping tips or suggestions? We'd love to hear it. Our number to leave your message is: 401-753-2484 (401-75-FAITH). Or you can comment on Facebook or Twitter.

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

October is harvest time here in the United States.

As an alternative to Halloween, many of our churches plan Harvest Festivals for family fun.

There are three seasonal conditions of the harvest: when the crop is green (not ripe), when it is white (ideal for harvesting), and when it rots.

Jesus said, in John 4:35,

Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

In This Episode We Look At:

Today is the day to reach the lost

What holds us back from having an urgency to reach the Lost?

A failure to consider their eternal condition/fate

The temporal outlook

Using our finances to impact eternity

The Tithe–God uses the tithe for many things:

Supporting the Pastor who dedicates his life to study, preaching the Word, reaching the Lost, and disciplining new believers.

Meeting the financial needs of the church; property, utilities, benevolence, and outreach.

Supporting missionaries–financial resources are needed in order to bring the gospel to all nations.

We can also buy Bibles and gospel tracts. The Gideons are a good example (hotel rooms, graduation, military). Souls have been saved through finding a Bible in a hotel room.

We can send money to a Bible-translating ministry; who will print and distribute The Bible in other languages.

Using our time to reach the lost

What if you carried gospel tracts each day and determined not to go home until you've handed out at least one tract?

What if you purposed to ask at least one person each day about their eternal security?

Today's Resources and Links:

The Gideons International

Done, what most religions don't tell you about the Bible, Cary Schmidt

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Get stocked up on some good gospel tracts and purpose to hand one out every day before the sun sets. Ask God to bring you to a soul who needs the Savior!

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

"God wants you rich!"

"Live like a child of the King–healthy and wealthy!"

Sounds appealing, right?

Wikipedia describes Prosperity Theology as "…a religious belief among some Christians that financial blessing and physical well-being is always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth."

There are many proponents of this health and wealth gospel; from international TV evangelists to neighborhood church pastors.

The problem is… The Bible disagrees.

In This Episode We Look At:

Scripture is inerrant. It is without error and it does not contradict itself.

The prosperity gospel is man-focused rather than God-focused. It can only be justified by isolating portions and fragments of Scripture.

The love of wealth (the desire for wealth) can drive both man and nations to idolatry.

Reference 1 Timothy 6:9-10 and Hosea 13:6

Jesus humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant.

Paul counted all the riches and prestige that he forsook as dung.

The Apostles all died as martyrs except for John.

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Exercise discernment in comparing claims which appeal to the flesh with the truth of Scripture.

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

In this episode we share an interview with Dr. Don Sisk.

Dr. Sisk is the President/General Director Emeritus of BIMI and joined Lancaster Baptist Church as the chairman of the missions department of West Coast Baptist College in 2003. He has preached at over 1,700 Missions Conferences in over 60 countries.

Dr. Sisk and his wife, Virginia, travel to churches around the world to encourage and train missionaries.

In This Episode We Look At:

How Dr. Sisk heard God's clear calling into ministry in 1954.

We learn of Dr. Sisk's part in establishing what is now the oldest and longest running Baptist church in Okinawa, Japan–The Senri New Town Baptist Church.

We learn the meaning and benefits of Faith Promise Giving.

"If I had not been obedient to the tithe, I would not have been obedient to the faith promise giving. If I had not been obedient to faith promise giving, I could not have preached it to other people." - Dr. Don Sisk

Dr. Sisk responds to the questions: "Do you see a disconnect with the body of Christ and the current support of Missionaries?" and, "What would you say to the Christian who is struggling financially and says, 'I want to give to missions but cannot see how.'?"

Today's Resources and Links:

Where Only God Could Lead: The Life Story of Don Sisk [Affiliate Link]

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

Missionaries are men, women, and children who have obeyed God's specific and clear call on their lives to go and reach the lost with Gospel of Christ.

They often leave behind family, friends, and comforts. We should not view them as "those poor missionaries". We should hold them In high esteem. It is biblical that we support them and view them as champions of the Gospel!

In This Episode We Look At:

• The Lost are reached, Eternity is impacted

"We were made for only one person and one place. Jesus is the person and heaven is the place."- Randy Alcorn

I find that of all of God's promises related to our finances, the majority are related to giving in support of the gospel.

• "Fruit" is added to your account

Phil 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

• We experience God's greatness is supplying our need even as we give

Phil 4:19, taken in proper context; But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Paul writes this to a church that, despite their poverty, is faithfully giving in support of "missionaries". This church at Philippi had a rich history of sacrificial giving.

• God's Word promises resources for continued giving

2 Cor. 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness…

Paul references Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, And the snow from heaven, And returneth not thither, But watereth the earth, And maketh it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Begin or increase your missions giving by prayerfully trusting God. God is your Provider and He will not run out of resources to give through you!

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.

Our number to leave your message is: 401-753-2484 401-75-FAITH

Finding a balance in managing time in our lives is often a daunting task.

• Earning a living requires a good number of hours in our day, including a commute for some.
• We should be getting about 7-9 hours of sleep
• We need to have quality time with our families.
• We have errands to run, bills to pay, and the pursuit of some form of exercise or sports.
• We would also like to enjoy some vacation time.

Sometimes it can feel overwhelming trying to "squeeze it all in".

In This Episode We Look At:

Identifying three time frames to plan for: past, present, and future.

Having an understanding of these time frames allows you to strike a financial balance.

Without a plan, many will find themselves out of balance.

A few biblical examples are:

The Prodigal Son–Luke 15 12:13

The Rich Fool–Luke 12:19-20

The Unjust Steward–Luke 16:2-5

We can and should strike a balance.

It is possible to pay down yesterday's debts, save for today's expenses, and invest for the future.

• Identify your disposable income (income minus expenses).
• Divide that sum across the two or three that apply to you.
• Faithfully contribute to each and increase contributions often (at least annually).

Today's Resources and Links:

Tim's Blog series on "Christians Conquering Credit"

One Thing You Can Do Today to Improve Your Faith and Finances:

Divide your financial efforts across two or three applicable time frames. Allocate dollars toward debt, today's savings, and tomorrow's investments.

What Are Your Thoughts?

If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts.