Faith and Finances

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10

We've heard many opinions and interpretations of this verse.

If we think that this verse means that Jesus wants us to have an abundance of money to spend on ourselves, and live large with an abundance of possessions, we are heading toward misery.

What an abundant life is not.

It cannot be the accumulation of money and things, as Jesus warned, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15

True abundance, against the wisdom of man, is found in giving.

Jesus declared, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

This is counterintuitive because we want to believe that the opposite is true, that receiving and obtaining more is better.

Giving is The Good Life - Randy Alcorn

"God takes our stinginess or generosity personally. To give lavishly is to be rich toward him; to hoard or spend on ourselves without regard for others is to be impoverished toward God." - Randy Alcorn

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

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Jesus said, "For ye have the poor always with you." Matthew 26:11a

There are amazing promises to those who consider the poor.

"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing" Psalm 41:1-3

Here we see three consecutive verses, in the Psalms, with specific and wonderful promises for those who will consider the poor.

In this age, who are the poor which the Scriptures are referring to? Are they the individuals who hold up signs on the street corner? Maybe not.

The Bible speaks of four distinct groups of the poor and specifies which groups we are to help, and which not to help.

The First Group: Those who are poor due to tragedy.

These are commonly widows, those who have become disabled, or diseased. We are to help this group.

The Second Group: Those who are oppressed or exploited.

In Biblical times we see this in the children of Israel.

Today we see this in human trafficking as well as citizens of countries whose dictators oppress and kill their people. We are to help this group.

The Third Group: Those who are poor because they are lazy (slothful).

We are not asked to give money to this group, they are instructed to work so they can eat.

The Fourth Group: Those who are poor because they choose to forgo material acquisitions for the sake of the kingdom of God and to serve others.

We do not see this as often as was seen in history, though there are some missionary situations where they are content to live sparsely, though we are called to financially support missionaries.

Prayerfully ask the Lord who He would have you to help. This could be in the form of a meal, even a financial gift (assistance with paying a utility bill, or groceries) and count on God's provision and blessings to you, as you honor Him in your giving.

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

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Many are familiar with the tax-saving benefits of owning and contributing to an HSA. Today we will look at a feature that allows it to work as an additional source for future income.

Contributions are tax-deductible.

Funds in the account have the opportunity for growth through choosing mutual funds.

Potential tax-free income. Under current laws, you can submit a receipt and invoice for a medical expense that you paid in the past, and be reimbursed from HAS funds tax-free. This means you can save up your receipts and bills for many years, then submit them, progressively during your retirement years (or earlier) to supplement your retirement income with these tax-free reimbursements!

Qualifications: You must have a high deductible health insurance plan and not be covered by a second health plan.

Contribution limits are: $3,500 for individuals, and $7,000 for families (2019 limits).

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

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We hear a lot of talk about a coming recession. The 24/7 news cycle would have you to worry and panic (I think that's one of their goals).

There is no need.

So, what's a Christian to do, to prepare for a recession?

First. What is a recession?

It is a natural part of the business cycle. Economies expand and they also contract. When an economy contracts the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) decreases. When this occurs for two consecutive quarters (six months) an expert government committee officially declares a recession.

The good news is, recessions are temporary.

Steps to consider taking, in preparing for a recession:

Always trust God above circumstances, people, and employment.

Increase your value as an employee (now would be a great time to start).

Do extra work. Do more than is asked of you. Make yourself available for extra work, or other areas of responsibility. Increase your knowledge of your industry (read books, take online classes).

Reduce unnecessary expenses.

Increase savings now, building a bridge for a potential income gap.

Freshen up that resume.

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

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Christians can go to prison-because of financial matters (theft). They can divorce over financial matters, and can even keep themselves out of the will of God, due to their heart and actions in financial matters.

The wealthiest twenty-five pastors in America are prosperity preachers.

We memorize Scripture to help keep us from sinning (Psalm 119:11) and we use Scripture in spiritual battle (Ephesians 6). Jesus quoted Scripture in response to Satan's temptations.

Our enemy uses money issues in the arsenal of attacks toward us, and we need the Truth to guide us (he cannot stand against the Truth).

This week we are providing a list (abbreviated) of scriptures you can work on memorizing, to help in varying areas of money.

Understanding True Ownership

The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Psalm 24:1

Guarding our hearts regarding money

"…if riches increase, set not your heart upon them." Psalm 62:10

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Earning money

"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground." Genesis 3:19

"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4

"For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy thou shalt be, and it shall be well with thee." Psalm 128:2

"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any work not, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Tithing

"Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10

"And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place where he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of the corn, of the wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks, that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always." Deuteronomy 14:23

Saving

"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." Proverbs 21:20

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." Proverbs 6:6-8

Being wise with money

"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds." Proverbs 27:23

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2

Sharing

"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 neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee." Proverbs 3:27

God's truths are greater than riches

"I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches." Psalm 119:14

Work on memorizing one passage at a time, "hiding" God's word in your heart. It helps to walk, or pace, while you say the verse(s) out loud; your brain more effectively stores that memory when your body is in action.

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

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We are distracted people. There is everything from minor distractions (the doorbell rings) to major distractions (insert favorite social media platform here.)

In truth, the enemy, Satan, is expertly skilled at distracting us. You see, if we are distracted, mentally, emotionally, or physically, we will easily forget our true calling - reaching the Lost and impacting this world for eternity.

When we live with a worldview of life, our affections are set here, on earth, and our efforts not only seem empty but bring emptiness.

Try as we might, building a kingdom on earth is much like earning money and placing it in a bag with holes. Wait, that's in Scripture!

Everything we see, touch, and strive for "under the sun" will pass away, meaning (literally), that it will all burn.

The solution is to seek those things that are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God, and "set your affections on the things above not on things below." (Col. 3:1-2)

The Treasure Principle - by Randy Alcorn

2 Corinthians 4:8 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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

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We all have needs. God even designed our lives to bring us to dependence on Him. This dependence is voluntary, He does not force of to depend on Him.

Do you desire to be closer to God? Did you know that in Scripture we are taught that we are to make the first move, draw near to God, then God moves, and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

In money matters we have need for:

Food, shelter, and clothing. Our first move is to seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, then His move is…and all these things (food, clothing, shelter) shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

We need money to run our household and other day-to-day expenses.

Our move is to honor the Lord with our substance and with our tithe, then God's move is to fill our barns with plenty and our vats with new wine (in other words, more than enough resources to meet our needs.)

We desire to have money to give to the Lord and kingdom purposes.

Our move is to give by faith, and God's move is His promise to feed us as we give and provide more resources for our continued giving (see 2 Cor. 9:10)

We have a couple more moves we discuss in this episode, so listen all the way through!

God's promises and provisions in finances are actually conditioned on our move first, by faith. And, we know from Scripture that the just shall live by faith!

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

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Today's twenty-somethings have many tools and technologies available to them that did not exist a generation ago. They also face different challenges than were faced twenty years ago.

The importance of trusting and depending on God.

Learning to honor the Lord in your finances.

Developing the habit of paying yourself with each paycheck.

Continue learning.

Obtain low-cost life insurance to cover the risk of a lost income (if married.)

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

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Matt Website or Twitter

How much of our lives do we leave up to God? How much of life is our responsible. This is an intriguing question and we tackle this subject in today's episode.

We know that we are to trust God and depend on Him, completely.

We also know that it is not God's plan for His children to worry or fret.

What then would be considered our part in planning and preparing for surprise events in life?

We find in Scripture that we are to labor to earn income.

We ought to save money for life expenses and future needs.

We look at the role of appropriate types of insurance and Estate Planning: Disability, Life, Living Trusts

Focus on preparing, within your means. We should all save a portion of our income on a regular basis. As Christians, we are called to do our best in the work place. If you are able, buy life insurance with no bells and whistles for the lowest price, from a reputable company.

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

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Tim's Faith and Finances Website or Twitter

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Matt Website or Twitter