This Christmas, we’re looking to the three wise men in Matthew 2 for timeless lessons in financial stewardship. Their journey reveals the importance of choosing the right guiding star, avoiding deceptive influences, and embracing new paths. Join me as we uncover how their wisdom can help us navigate financial uncertainty with faith, clarity, and purpose, aligning our resources with God’s truth this season.

In this episode, John discusses: 

Choosing the right guiding star for financial decisions

Avoiding deception in financial stewardship

Embracing adaptability in uncertain financial times

Aligning financial goals with God’s truth

Key Takeaways:

Financial decisions should center on God’s truth, helping us avoid distractions like societal pressures, market trends, or misplaced priorities that can lead us astray.

Staying spiritually grounded and prayerful enables us to discern and steer clear of deceptive influences, such as unwise advice or predatory financial practices, that undermine faithful stewardship.

The Magi’s decision to take a new path home highlights the importance of being adaptable in our financial journeys, trusting God’s guidance to reveal better opportunities and avoid potential pitfalls.

Aligning our financial goals with Scripture through intentional prayer and reflection helps us stay faithful in the face of challenges while keeping God’s purpose at the center of our choices. 

“As we're thinking about our financial goals and stewardship, when we devote that to prayer, God can show us new and unexpected paths toward our wise and faithful money journey. And that one path that we know is always true is Jesus.”  

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Christmas is here, and with it comes unique financial pressures—stretching budgets, meeting expectations, and planning holiday celebrations. But what if this season holds deeper lessons from the Nativity story?

In this episode, we’ll respectfully observe three ways God’s provision can bring peace and purpose to your Christmas: by being present, open, and simple. 

Together, as we celebrate this special season, we’ll explore how unexpected blessings and thoughtful simplicity can transform your holiday experience into one of joy and faithful stewardship.

In this episode, John discusses: 

Exploring financial pressures and expectations during the Christmas season

Lessons from the Nativity story and their relevance for us

Recognizing and embracing God's provision in unexpected ways

Christmas plans to focus on meaningful traditions and spiritual growth

Key Takeaways:

Be present by focusing on the resources and circumstances God has already provided, trusting that even when things don’t go as planned—God can use your current situation to accomplish incredible things.

Stay open to unexpected blessings, knowing that God often provides in ways we don’t anticipate

Reflect on how you might be the provision for someone else - consider how you can bring financial support, kindness, or encouragement to someone in need during this season.

Embrace simplicity, allowing space to celebrate the profound peace and humility of Christ’s birth in the Nativity.

“God may be providing something for you, but also be open to the opportunity that you may be the special provision for someone else in God's greater story.”  

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It's a special Giving Tuesday episode and I'm joined by Brandon Davis, president of National Christian Foundation (NCF) Carolinas, to explore how generosity brings love, hope and healing in the aftermath of disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

Brandon shares inspiring stories of resilience and practical ways to support impacted communities through giving and prayer, encouraging everyone to play a role in both immediate relief and long-term recovery.

 In this episode, we discuss: 

The transformative power of generosity

The role of generosity in supporting disaster relief and recovery

How NCF facilitates impactful giving

Integrating prayer and action in responding to crises

 Key Takeaways:

Generosity is a powerful expression of love and faith, as shown by NCF donors and so many others who have increased giving, sending more grants and funds to disaster relief.

Local non-profits and ministries have focused their mission into disaster recovery, clearing roads, housing volunteers, and more, aiding communities in Western North Carolina.

Prayer is central to impactful giving, inspiring donors to support with spiritual intent and sustained commitment. 

“Prepare the way with prayer. Sometimes we jump to doing without preparing the way with prayer. So, I have to remind myself and others around me constantly to prepare the way with prayer.”  - Brandon Davis

“My prayer is that [this episode] would inspire you and encourage you in your generous journey to impact the culture for God's glory, whether that is in Western North Carolina, your church, your city, your community, your nation, or somewhere else in the world.”  - John Putnam

Resources Mentioned:

How to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene: https://www.ncfgiving.com/stories/how-to-help-victims-of-hurricane-helene/

How to Give Effectively in Times of Crisis and Beyond: https://www.ncfgiving.com/stories/how-to-give-effectively-in-times-of-crisis-and-beyond/

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In this special Thanksgiving episode, we’re exploring the power of small, meaningful gestures that often have the greatest impact.

Inspired by a heartfelt story of a teacher and her student, we’ll reflect on how gratitude extends beyond material blessings to acts of kindness, connection, and love.

Together, we’ll discover how God’s hand is present in every small moment, calling us to recognize and share these blessings. 

In this episode, John discusses: 

The significance of small acts of kindness and their lasting impact

Gratitude for non-material blessings that nurture the soul

Recognizing God’s presence in daily life and gestures of care

The deeper meaning of Thanksgiving beyond physical abundance 

Key Takeaways:

Small, unintentional gestures like a teacher’s reassuring hand can profoundly impact someone’s sense of safety and connection, as seen in how Douglas cherished his teacher's presence without her even realizing it.

Gratitude during Thanksgiving should extend beyond material wealth to include recognizing kindness, meaningful moments, and God’s hand in everyday life.

The story of Douglas and Mrs. Klein illustrates that the most meaningful blessings are often subtle, born from acts of care and guidance that reflect God’s love and presence.

Thanksgiving invites us to reflect on the unseen blessings in our lives, such as opportunities for generosity, moments of connection, and the reassurance that God holds every resource, dream, and moment in His care.

“Gratitude is also born from the things that money can't buy—kindness, safety, and just being present—reinforcing how God calls us to recognize His hand in every small thing.” 

Resources Mentioned:

A Teacher Told Her Students to Draw What They Were Thankful for—This Was One Student’s Moving Response - 2021 - Reader's Digest Editors: https://www.rd.com/article/thanksgiving-story/

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With the holiday season fast approaching, we’re excited to bring back a popular encore edition focusing on thoughtful tips for shopping success. As Black Friday deals and holiday shopping preparations ramp up, this episode offers practical, faith-centered tips to help you navigate the season with intention. From creating a budget, to finding meaningful ways to give, these timeless insights will inspire wise and joyful stewardship. Tune in to make the most of your holiday shopping while staying grounded in what truly matters!

In this episode, John discusses: 

The significance of planning and budgeting for a successful holiday shopping season

The importance of aligning shopping habits with values and thoughtful stewardship

Practical strategies to navigate deals, discounts, and shopping trends wisely

The role of generosity and meaningful gift-giving during the holidays 

Key Takeaways:

The National Retail Federation estimates that 92% of consumers participate in winter shopping, with 69% prioritizing gifts for loved ones and an average spend of $833 per person in 2022, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful financial planning for a generous holiday season.

Lay the groundwork by setting a realistic shopping budget, crafting a detailed gift list with ideas and costs, and researching deals early to align your shopping with your overall financial commitments.

Maintain focus by avoiding impulse buys, enlisting an accountability partner for support, and holding onto receipts to take advantage of price matching or return policies.

Prioritize security by shopping with trusted retailers, using payment methods with fraud protection, and choosing meaningful gifts that reflect your faith and a spirit of stewardship. 

“As you are shopping for those that you love and care for, as you are being generous to those in need this holiday season, may these 10 tips serve you well as you are wise and faithful in your financial stewardship.”  

Resources Mentioned:

NRF's Surveys on Consumer Sentiment and Retail Trends Across the Holiday Season: https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/winter-holidays

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In this episode, we’re diving into how to stay grounded and present in your financial journey, making choices that honor wisdom and your faith. Together, we’ll explore ways to focus on today’s opportunities without letting future worries distract us from God’s purpose. Join us as we uncover how aligning our financial mindset and faithful actions bring peace, clarity, and a deeper sense of stewardship in every season.

 In this episode, John discusses: 

Practical steps to align finances with faithful values

The importance of being present-focused rather than overly future-focused with financial decisions

Strategies to reduce financial anxiety and cultivate a stable financial foundation

Biblical wisdom as a guiding framework for financial stewardship and daily money management 

Key Takeaways:

Begin with prayer to invite God’s guidance into financial decisions, aligning your heart an mind with His, and establish a plan that helps you prioritize faithful actions and make intentional money choices.

Prioritize giving as a foundational step to aim focus at stewardship, reinforcing the recognition of God as provision, and practice spending less than you earn to maintain financial stability.

Avoid debt, especially for lifestyle expenses, to preserve your freedom and future opportunities, and establish a back-up fund to provide confidence and stability in the face of unexpected financial challenges.

Seek wise counsel from trusted advisors and mentors who offer Kingdom-minded perspectives, enabling you to refine your financial plans and ensure alignment with long-term faith-centered goals and practices. 

“I pray that these seven practical steps to be wise, faithful, and present will help you reflect God's goodness and wisdom in all your money choices.”  

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Do you ever feel like you just can't make your budget stick?

You’re not alone! 

In today’s episode, we’ll uncover why so many budgets falter and explore how taking a few simple steps can make all the difference.

Join us as we dive into practical ways to build a budget that truly sticks, empowering you to steward your money with purpose and peace.

 In this episode, John discusses: 

The importance of consistent budgeting practices

Common challenges that make sticking to a budget difficult

How mindset shifts can improve long-term budget success

Practical steps for removing distractions and staying financially focused 

Key Takeaways:

Achieving budgeting success requires a fundamental shift in mindset, viewing budgeting as a faith-driven journey rather than just a numbers game, focusing on aligning financial decisions with core personal values, spiritual goals, and life purpose.

Consistently reviewing and refreshing your budget allows it to stay relevant to your current financial needs and spiritual objectives, ensuring it remains a true reflection of both where you are now and where you aim to go, all while staying connected to your faith.

Identifying and eliminating any “financial idols” - small or large - —like impulsive purchases, unused subscriptions, or habitual overspending—helps you clear distractions that can derail your budget, ultimately creating more space for intentional, values-based financial choices.

Building a sustainable budget means starting with small, manageable spending adjustments that gradually strengthen your budgeting focus, empowering you to experience financial peace while also helping you avoid burnout or frustration along the way.

“When you align your budget with your faith, you're placing your treasure, your heart, and your mind in God's hands, bringing more peace and purpose into your budgeting process.”  

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Today, we’re diving into the 'costumes' we can wear, many supported by our financial choices, shaping how we—and others—see ourselves. But what if we could trade those for some truly lasting 'clothing'? 

We’ll explore how aligning with God’s design for us, rather than creating appearances, can bring freedom and clarity on our financial journey. 

Join me to uncover how to step confidently into being "you and true", far away from the pressures to impress.

In this episode, John discusses: 

Finances as a reflection of personal identity

Social pressures influencing financial choices

Authenticity versus appearance in financial life

Biblical guidance on true financial peace

Key Takeaways:

Financial choices often serve to portray various desired financial images, but this can lead to a false sense of self-worth and a disconnect from our true identity.

Social pressures, especially through social media, can amplify the desire to "keep up with the Joneses" and fuel money choices aimed at temporal markers of success.

Financial peace grows from avoiding material “costumes or images" and embracing God's salvation and righteousness and our identity in Him.

Practicing wise and faithful stewardship reflects on whether financial decisions are made to impress others or to align with biblical principles and God’s greater purpose. 

“You are already dressed for success, my friends—not by the world’s standards, of course, but by God’s gifts and provision. He has clothed you with His righteousness and salvation.”  

Resources Mentioned:

Dave Ramsey says 'very few people' who look like they have money actually do — what he says is the true test: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dave-ramsey-says-very-few-104300376.html

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In this episode, we continue exploring the beauty of letting go—just as fall leaves drop to make way for new life, financial desires can be released to create room for spiritual and financial growth.

We’ll take a practical look at common financial spending habits that can derail budgets. With thoughtful strategies rooted in scripture and intentional planning, you’ll discover how to align your desires with God’s greater purpose.

Join us as we uncover how small changes in spending can bring peace, margin, and greater kingdom impact!

In this episode, John discusses: 

How daily financial choices influence overall well-being

Managing personal desires to maintain financial stability

The challenges of balancing short-term wants with long-term goals

Finding harmony between financial habits and spiritual alignment 

Key Takeaways:

Frequently dining out, driven by the ease of convenience, can derail financial plans, with the average American spending over $3,000 annually on eating out, but planning meals ahead of time and limiting restaurant visits to special occasions can save significant resources.

Impulse shopping, fueled by sales and spontaneous spending, causes households to spend $5,400 annually, but creating a pause—like waiting a day or two before making non-essential purchases—can help curb unplanned spending.

Travel and vacations, while valuable for rest and rejuvenation, can strain finances if not managed wisely, and opting for simpler trips or alternating between vacations and 'stay'cations can reduce financial stress while still creating meaningful memories.

The pressure to upgrade technology frequently leads 26% of consumers to prioritize new gadgets over bills, but keeping devices longer allows can improve cash flow and help align resources with more intentional financial goals. 

“When we surrender those desires, something amazing happens that God can bring new life from what we release.”  

Resources Mentioned:

90% of Americans don’t like to cook—and it’s costing them thousands each year

Consumers cough up $5,400 a year on impulse purchases

Nearly 30% of Americans Prioritize Buying the Latest Tech, Like iPhone 15, Over Paying Bills

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In this episode, we're exploring the beauty of letting go of certain financial desires that may be holding you back and how that can lead to deeper freedom and kingdom impact. 

Just like the fall leaves that shine brightest before they fall, our money choices can become truly vibrant when we surrender them. 

We'll discuss practical steps for identifying and letting go of those desires that might be getting between you and God, and how this shift can create space for new growth in both your financial and spiritual life. 

Join me as we learn to embrace the art of letting go and discover a richer purpose for our resources.

In this episode, John discusses: 

Surrendering material desires for greater impact

Balancing wants and needs with a higher purpose

Using prayer to guide financial decisions

Key Takeaways:

By releasing personal financial desires that focus solely on self-interest, you can align your resources with God’s greater plans, creating new growth and opportunities.

A striking study revealed what Americans spend on non-essential items, highlighting a significant opportunity 

Taking inventory of your financial desires is crucial, as it encourages you to identify and intentionally direct financial aspirations

Surrendering certain material desires through prayer and meditation allows you to discover a profound sense of freedom and purpose, transforming your financial choices and yielding new spiritual growth that positively impacts your life and the wider community.

“When the leaves fall, they enrich the soil, and your surrendered desires... they will yield new growth, not only in your financial life, but deeply in your spiritual life.”  

Resources Mentioned:

Americans Spend $18,000 Per Year on Non-Essentials: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/americans-spend-18-000-per-153406769.html

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