Second Half Stewardship

In this episode, Spencer and Austin discuss how we can't be good stewards without believing that God is our provider. From "My body, my choice!" to "Don't tread on me!" society tells us to pursue self-fulfillment, while the Bible calls us to find contentment and joy in Christ.

They unpack Philippians 4:10-13 where Paul expresses contentment in times of plenty and scarcity, because Christ strengthens him.

Discover steps to shift your perspective and live a life anchored in God's provision. Don't miss this discussion on embracing a deeper connection with God as your ultimate source of joy and fulfillment.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-29-contentment-in-all-seasons

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 1:55 You do you! 4:50 Philippians 4 7:40 Contentment in all seasons 12:00 How much is enough? 14:25 Responding to God's provision 17:30 Memento Mori 20:06 Next Steps

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.

Austin and Spencer explore how the pursuit of success and financial independence can lead Christians away from their faith. Drawing insights from the biblical accounts of Solomon and David, they highlight the dangers of self-reliance and the importance of trusting in God as the ultimate provider.

Discover how breaking the link between success and personal gain can lead to a more meaningful and joyful life in Christ. Join us as we discuss this important topic and learn to live counterculturally in a world that idolizes independence.

Alan and Katherine Barnhart's story: https://generousgiving.org/alan-and-katherine-barnhart/

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-28-guard-against-success

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 Success can erode dependence on God 2:51 Worshipping independence 4:44 1 Kings 11 8:51 Repentance is crucial 12:17 Sin is deceptive 14:24 Success without devastating effects? 19:09 Idolizing success 20:27 Admonition to live counterculturally 22:20 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.

Pentecost, and the sending of the Holy Spirit, caused the early church approach to finances radically. In this episode, Spencer and Austin explore the cultural significance of language, individualism, and communal sharing in light of the Holy Spirit's work.

Discover how the first Christians lived with radical openness to God and each other and how their example challenges us to reconsider our own attitudes toward money and generosity. Dive into Acts 2 and 4 with us and discover the profound lessons we can apply in our lives today.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more thought-provoking discussions on faith, culture, and life. Don't miss out on future episodes that will inspire and challenge your perspective.

Join us in embracing radical openness and living out the transformative message of the Gospel in our modern world.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-27-generosity-in-acts

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 1:15 Language is foundational to culture 2:53 Do we need other people? 7:13 Acts 2 9:47 Private Ownership // Shared Resources 12:54 Acts 4 15:25 A Resurrection Mindset 18:50 Are you willing to be needy? 21:26 Radical Openness to God

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.

Spencer and Austin explore the deep-seated human fear of insufficiency and the quest for "enough." They draw insights from frugal multimillionaires and everyday individuals, revealing our vulnerability and desire for control.

The conversation centers on God's process of providing, with a focus on biblical accounts of Adam and Eve, as well as the Israelites in the desert. They explore God's unconventional ways of providing which challenge us to trust God not ourselves.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-26-trust-god-as-provider

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 1:00 God provides in His time 2:45 The fallacy of wealth 5:53 Exodus 16 9:46 God's provision is unconventional 13:45 Gathering more than we need 16:22 Whose story am I living? 22:46 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.

There is an alarming rise in the levels of anxiety in modern culture, especially after the pandemic. From a spiritual perspective, what is one way that we can press back against the fears that often entangle?

We discuss how placing our trust in God's provision can bring rest and peace in the midst of life's uncertainties. Join Spencer and Austin as they uncover the choice between anxiety and faith, and the transformative power of re-anchoring ourselves in God's care.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-25-embrace-jesus-as-provider

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 1:30 Anchoring to Jesus 4:00 Progress without God? 5:17 Matthew 6 7:50 Jesus repeats himself about provision 11:30 What are my needs? 13:58 Choosing to embrace God, not fear 15:40 Does abundance dull our soul? 17:50 Who is provider? 20:27 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.

How can Christians honor God with their giving? In this episode, we explore the crucial topic of giving with a focus on how Christians can honor God with their finances. We discuss the cultural trend of impulsive giving and advocate for a thoughtful process in determining where to give. Understanding that everything belongs to God causes us to consider the importance of stewardship and trust in God as the ultimate provider.

We will walk through a process that follow's Wesley Willmer's book God and Your Stuff. As you maintain a God-centered perspective, you can establish a process for selecting organizations and individuals that align with biblical principles, such as supporting the local church and advancing the spread of the gospel.

When determining where to give, you need to clarify priorities, concentrate giving efforts on a select number of institutions or individuals for more meaningful relationships and effective impact. You might even be challenged to give beyond your comfort zone, as seen in the biblical examples of the widow's mite and the generous giving of the church in Macedonia.

We explore practical guidelines for evaluating institutions, ensuring transparency, integrity, and the spiritual maturity of their leadership. While doing so, we also advocate for partnerships built on joy and peace rather than pressure or manipulative tactics.

Throughout the episode, we hope that you cling to the reminder that God is your provider and that He owns it all! We hope that you seek joy in giving through the Father, knowing that God's provision and reward await faithful stewards. Despite the challenges in determining where and how to give, there is the potential for deep joy and fulfillment in honoring God with their finances.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-24-wisdom-in-giving

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 2:11 Impulse Giving 7:18 1 Chronicles 29 9:48 What are my motives for giving? 11:51 Establish a process for determining recipients 14:47 Clarify your priorities 16:24 To whom will you give? 18:50 How much will you give? 21:11 What should a donor expect? 23:27 Things to make you pause 25:45 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.

Choosing where to give charitably can be incredibly overwhelming. Friends, churches, and organizations always have needs, and God regularly gives us opportunities to help those in need. How can you determine the best places to give charitably? Where does the Bible suggest that you give financially?

Cameron Doolittle's book Joy Giving gives some helpful insights into ways to categorize giving decisions. He urges us to consider giving first to our local congregation (church) and those who teach us. Then to give to people who are proclaiming the Gospel. Finally, we give to people who are in need.

Today we mention several organizations that we love, such as IJM and Hope International. There are thousands of other fantastic organizations that you can give to. We hope that this conversation will help spur you on to be a joyful partner to those institutions you choose to give to.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-023-where-to-give

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 1:36 Cultural Perspectives on Giving 4:26 Joy Giving 5:53 Giving to Your Church 7:16 Giving to Missionaries 10:37 Giving to People in Need 13:25 Loving People through Giving 14:45 The Idol of Self-Sufficiency 17:00 Posture of Prayer in Giving 22:05 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.

Conversations about charitable giving often revolve around how much you should give. What if that is the wrong question to ask? What if a more important question is how much should you keep?

As we explore a biblical view of giving, we begin with the belief that God is our provider. Then we live in response to His generosity towards us. If God has given us abundance, why should we not give abundantly?

Join us as we discuss Biblical giving!

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-22-how-much-to-give

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 3:12 The Church's Perspective on Giving 6:57 The Danger of Comparison 8:00 Hebrews 13 10:09 Where does your money flow effortlessly? 15:04 Who is your provider? 21:41 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.

Giving money to church, missions organizations, or other charities can at times feel unsatisfying. Why is that? What causes us to feel apathetic towards giving? God desires that we experience fullness of life with Him, and this can come as we participate with Him in His work in the world through giving.

Often times, however, we miss out on the joy of participating with God in giving because we are focused on ourselves. What do I get when I give? We are inundated with images and messages of the good life: a bigger house, nicer car, more extravagant vacation. When we focus on our pleasure and joy, then we often spend more on ourselves than we ought to, or we store more for ourselves than we need.

Joy in giving comes as we redirect our aim from ourselves to seeing and savoring Jesus. As we begin to turn from ruthlessly trying to satisfy our desires to walking with the Father, then our delight in the Father grows. As our joy with God grows, then it becomes easier to participate with God in giving to His kingdom in joy.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-021-no-joy-in-giving

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 2:57 Maximize happiness? 4:32 Nonprofit oversight 6:05 Sin postures towards giving 7:54 What is our target? 8:25 Revelation 21 11:48 How do stewards respond? 14:16 Holy fear 15:40 Relationships with partners 20:00 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.

Gifts. Talents. Calling. These are all words that we regularly use to describe what we think that we are good at and where we should serve. To know when and where to use our gifts, stewards need to listen to God and listen to the body of Christ.

When you login to your favorite social media site you might be greeted with a quick quiz that will tell you what kind of dog you are, or what the best job for you would be. Rather than falling trap to another clickbait title, what if we called a friend and prayed together.

God has given us an incredible family of faith that we get to serve alongside. Through the diverse global church, we get to walk with people towards seeing and savoring Jesus Christ!

Join us as we talk about listening to God and serving the church where He leads you! He might call you to lead in ways that you never expected!

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-20-serve-the-church

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 2:54 Cultural view of gifts 3:49 Romans 12 6:15 Giving ourselves first to God 8:46 Identity in Christ 10:55 Jesus Speaks Farsi 12:06 In Tribulation: Growth 12:59 Serving through challenge 15:08 Choosing not to use your gifts 18:18 Stewarding our gifts 20:57 Closing

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.