Years ago, my friend, Mark, with wise counsel, donated 20% of his stock in his family business to a donor advised fund. This action resulted in a significant tax refund that he used to fund God’s work!   Furthermore, every year when his company distributed profits, his donor advised fund would receive 20% of the dividends tax-free to give to charity! […]

Bob had faithfully tithed from his paycheck for many years but had never considered what God might want from his business. After attending a Business by the Book seminar, Bob was reminded that God owned Bob’s business as well as his paycheck.  Bob had never considered that God may desire a tithe from his business profits. Bob loved God and […]

Veteran’s Day was an expansion of what was originally Armistice Day. The original celebration was set for November 11th because the Armistice agreement that ended World War I was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.    Armistice Day was later expanded to include a celebration of all who have served our country, […]

Early in my ministry, I sat next to Frank at a generosity event. We were asked to pretend that we had just been given $100,000, and to make a list of charities and the amounts we would support.  After looking at my list, Frank noted, “Rick, you didn’t list the ministry you lead.” Frank continued, “Could it be that you […]

As I was pondering my friend Frank’s recent passing, I recalled the first time I ever had lunch with Frank.   He had just returned from his attorney’s office. Frank shared with me his legal situation and how his attorney had recommended handling it.   When he asked me my thoughts, I felt led to gently share some concepts from the Bible […]

Jason Ballard was preparing to become an Episcopal priest when he found himself confronted with housing issues that needed solutions. Looking for answers, he met with his local Bishop.   Jason was surprised when his Bishop encouraged him to build houses instead of becoming a priest. Jason’s calling has resulted in him being featured on 60 Minutes as the first person […]

Movie producer and actor, Stephen Kendrick, was an inspiration to me recently. Stephen shared that when he and his brothers began working with Sony as their movie distributor, they asked to begin their meetings in prayer.   At first, it was awkward for these Sony executives. But when these executives began to see God answer the Kendrick Brothers’ prayers, things changed.  […]

At a recent conference, Stephen Phelan, Movement Mortgage’s Chief Pastoral Officer, shared three common employee needs within the workplace. Let’s address the second need – having friends during a crisis.   As an employer, you have the best opportunity to show that you are a friend that cares during an employee’s family, financial, or medical crisis.  A friend of mine had […]

Stephen Phelan, Movement Mortgage’s Chief Pastoral Officer, shared at a conference I attended about Movement Mortgage’s approach to caring for their team members. After exploring the needs of their teammates, Movement Mortgage concluded that everyone had three common needs within the workplace.   All need friends at work, friends during a crisis, and each needs to have purpose in their work.  […]

Halloween is a strange holiday that seems to have a tension between good and evil. Some historians believe it began with Christian roots tied to All Saints Day.   Others speak of Halloween’s pagan roots. Today, however, it seems that there is very little sign of Christianity in this holiday.   In the workplace, Halloween can spark conversations. I wouldn’t rob the […]