Second Half Stewardship

Join us as we talk to Jocelyn White and Chuck Day, two leaders from International Justice Mission (IJM), to discuss their incredible work in protecting the poor from violence across the globe.

Discover IJM's approach to stewardship and their mission to strengthen local justice systems, rescue victims, restore survivors, and bring criminals to justice. Learn about their fight against slavery and forced labor, with inspiring stories of hope and lasting change.

Find out how you can be part of this global ministry and make a difference in the lives of millions.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-39-ijm-2

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Relevant Links:

• IJM: https://www.ijm.org/
• Advocate for IJM: https://www.ijm.org/get-involved/advocacy
• Family Conversation Resources: https://www.ijm.org/sharing-resources
• Give to IJM: https://www.ijm.org/give/freedom-partner
• Pray with IJM: https://www.ijm.org/get-involved/pray
• Finding Ruby Podcast: https://fightofmy.life/

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro

0:58 - How can we learn more about IJM?

6:04 – What do conversations with financial partners look like?

13:53 – Practically, how does giving help IJM?

20:27 – Aside from finances, what other ways can we support IJM?

22:31 – Final Thoughts

24:52 - Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Join us as we talk to Jocelyn White and Chuck Day, two leaders from International Justice Mission (IJM), to discuss their incredible work in protecting the poor from violence across the globe.

Discover IJM's approach to stewardship and their mission to strengthen local justice systems, rescue victims, restore survivors, and bring criminals to justice.

Learn about their fight against slavery and forced labor, with inspiring stories of hope and lasting change. Find out how you can be part of this global ministry and make a difference in the lives of millions.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-38-ijm-1

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Relevant Links:

• IJM: https://www.ijm.org/
• Advocate for IJM: https://www.ijm.org/get-involved/advocacy
• Family Conversation Resources: https://www.ijm.org/sharing-resources
• Give to IJM: https://www.ijm.org/give/freedom-partner
• Pray with IJM: https://www.ijm.org/get-involved/pray
• Finding Ruby Podcast: https://fightofmy.life/

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro

3:30 - Spencer opener

5:50 - IJM's founding & background

11:06 - Why did you start working with IJM?

15:59 - How has your background prepared you for working with IJM?

20:55 - The vision of defending the poor

25:33 - Challenges

30:57 - Commonality with areas of impact

37:23 - Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/

The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Join us for part 2 with Father Aaron as we discuss cultivating the soil of the heart. Drawing inspiration from the parable of the good soil in Mark 4, we'll explore the challenges of different types of soil in life—rocky paths, thorny grounds, and cultivated soil.

From the importance of confession and a flexible rule of life to the impact of sabbaticals. We'll discover how to cultivate your spiritual life, navigate challenges, and create space for God's transformative work in your heart.

https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-37-aaron-wright-2

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

0:38 - Mark 4 - The Parable of the Sower

5:55 - Critical practices to cultivate good soil

11:32 - Weekly, monthly, and yearly practices that bring life

18:56 - What do you think about sabbatical?

26:04 - What are the common "soil-killers"?

30:20 - Summary & Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/

The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Father Aaron Wright, the rector at Old North Abbey. Spencer and Father Aaron delve into the topic of stewardship, discussing how God owns everything in life, from resources to relationships.

Father Aaron shares his personal journey, and valuable insights into the evolution of stewardship over time and the importance of aligning personal calling with communal discernment.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-36-aaron-wright-1

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

0:32 - Father Aaron introduction & background

4:08 - How has your view of stewardship grown over time?

9:18 - What's been your discernment process with the Lord's call on your life?

14:14 - Stewarding your time

22:27 - Outro & Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC.

https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Do you find it challenging talking to your kids about money? What about your friends? Jesus invites us to be vulnerable with our struggles with other Christians. As well, he invites us into a lifelong journey of discipleship and multiplication.

In this episode, we discuss how we teach our own kids to use money. We share how we use strategies like the envelope system to help our kids manage money day-to-day. We also share ideas about how we can invite children into charitable giving.

Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or any other family member, we think these ideas can help spark generosity through this Christmas season!

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-35-kids-and-money

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:13 Money conversations are discipleship 3:30 Why are money talks hard? 7:30 Acts 20 12:50 Ways to disciple your kids to use money wisely 15:36 Envelopes for kids 23:35 Charitable giving conversations 27:18 Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/

The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

This week, Spencer and Austin finish their series with Michael Blue. We talk about the transformative concept of giving sacrificially, drawing inspiration from Acts 4:32.

Michael reflects on the potential pitfalls of individualism, cautioning against the danger of pride and ownership even when working diligently and living simply.

We explore the connection between grace, generosity, and the challenge of understanding sacrificial giving. Michael shares insights into the possibility of giving too much, urging practical wisdom to avoid financial pitfalls while maintaining a generous spirit.

Our conversation grapples with the balance between self-sufficiency and dependence on God, pondering the cultural influences on views about financial independence. We discuss the impact of these perspectives on evangelism, community, and the witness of the church.

Be sure to check out Michael's book, Free to Follow, for more insights into biblical stewardship and the transformative power of living with an eternal perspective.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-34-give-sacrificially

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:31 Acts 4 4:48 Do we misunderstand grace? 7:39 Can you give too much? 8:59 Where is your trust? 15:11 Is our evangelism hindered by wealth? 18:45 How does eternity impact your money? 23:44 Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/

The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

In this episode we continue our conversation with Michael Blue about living simply and making spending decisions with God's Kingdom in mind.

Explore the counterintuitive nature of simplicity in the context of financial stewardship and how it aligns with seeking first the Kingdom of God. Michael draws on wisdom from Richard Foster's book Celebration of Discipline and Freedom of Simplicity, emphasizing that it's not just about frugality but cultivating an attitude of contentment.

The conversation unfolds with a real-life scenario involving oak trees on Michael's property, infected with oak wilt. The decision-making process becomes a profound lesson in seeking God's will and trusting His guidance in financial matters. Discover the importance of asking the question: How does this spending decision help me know God more and join in His work?

As we reflect on the challenges of living simply in a culture driven by consumerism, we highlight the transformative power of listening to God, being content, and waiting on His timing. Tune in for valuable insights that will inspire you to approach spending decisions with a heart inclined toward God's wisdom.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-33-embrace-simplicity

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster: https://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-Special-Anniversary-Spiritual/dp/0062803883/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster: https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Simplicity-Richard-J-Foster/dp/0060628324/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1700663002&sr=8-1

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps 0:00 Intro 1:27 What does it mean to live simply? 6:35 Wrestling with Simplicity 11:09 God's love surpasses our mistakes 14:22 Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/

The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

In this episode, we have a special guest, Michael Blue, who is the director of discipleship for the Ron Blue Institute. He's also an attorney and a thought leader in stewardship. Join us as we dive into the heart of stewardship and explore the concept of "God owning it all" and how we respond as faithful stewards.

We're discussing key insights from Michael's book, "Free to Follow." This video is just the beginning of a series where we'll delve into working diligently, living simply, and giving sacrificially.

In this episode, we explore the idea of "working diligently" and how it's related to our identity, purpose, and responsibility. We discuss how the modern perception of work can sometimes lead to discontentment and how the early Christian community shared resources and supported one another.

We also touch on the challenges of living out the Acts 2 model in today's society and the importance of intentional community and proximity in building a culture of sharing and accountability.

Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion with Michael Blue. If you have questions or insights to share, feel free to reach out to us. And don't forget to check out Michael's book, "Free to Follow," linked below.

We hope you enjoy this conversation and find it inspiring in your own journey of stewardship. Thanks for watching!

Free to Follow: https://ronblueinstitute.com/free-to-follow/

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-32-work-diligently

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 Overview of Free to Follow 4:17 Grace is Transformative 10:23 Different Perspectives on Work 15:34 2 Thessalonians 3 22:39 Acts 2 Living - How can it be done? 26:16 Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/

The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Welcome back to our two-part look at what Jesus teaches about money in the Bible. In this video, Austin and Spencer continue examining five key themes related to Jesus' teachings on money and possessions:

1. God is our provider 2. Relationship with Jesus is most valuable 3. We live exchanged lives 4. Money competes with God 5. Use money to care for the poor

This video features many passages from the gospels where Jesus addresses money, including his teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, parables, and instructions to his disciples.

We emphasize the countercultural nature of Jesus' financial ethics and how they challenge our cultural norms and personal tendencies regarding money.

Our hope is that reflecting on Christ's words will transform our hearts and align our use of money with the values of God's kingdom.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-30-jesus-and-money-2

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Recap of Episode 30 2:50 Theme 4: Money is a direct competitor to God 14:16 Theme 5: God wants us to use money to share His love with others 25:30 Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/

The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Was Jesus neutral about money? Austin and Spencer discuss what Jesus actually taught about money and possessions. Over the next two episodes, they will cover five themes that emerged from Jesus' teachings on this topic. Join us for the first three in this episode!

We analyze several impactful passages where Jesus proclaims God as our ultimate provider, declares that a relationship with Him is infinitely more valuable than any earthly riches, and conveys that our lives are not our own - God owns everything.

This is episode 1 of a 2-part series that unpacks 5 critical biblical themes surrounding Jesus' teachings on money and material wealth. Austin and Spencer provide context around each passage and wrestle with the challenging implications for Christians today.

If you want to gain clarity on how Jesus' instructions should shape our perspective and handling of finances and possessions, don't miss this conversation.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-30-jesus-and-money-1

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps 0:00 Intro 2:00 Today's Outlook 3:14 How does the church approach money? 8:00 Theme 1 - God is our Provider 11:30 Theme 2 - Relationship with Christ is greater than wealth 15:25 Theme 3 - We live exchanged lives 25:10 Disclosures

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/

The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.