__Sooner or later, we all face financial challenges. Sometimes life throws us a curveball and we’re not ready to hit it, and sometimes our poor financial decisions come back to haunt us at the worst time. If you’re worried about your finances, you aren’t alone. According to a recent survey from Capital One and the Decision Lab, more than three-fourths of Americans wrestle with anxiety over their financial situation.__

God offers His children the privilege of prayer as a substitute for worry. As Paul told the Philippians, *“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”* (Phil. 4:6). But how should we pray about financial challenges, especially when we bring some of those challenges on ourselves? Here are three tips on praying through financial obstacles.

__Pray with a Focus on God’s Sovereign Provision (Matthew 6:25-34).__

God knows your needs before you ever approach Him in prayer, so pray confidently! He is more than able to meet your needs. In a society paralyzed by anxiety, much of it rooted in financial difficulty, God challenges His people to trade their trepidation for trust.

Jesus addressed anxiety during the Sermon on the Mount. He covered topics including our grocery budget (Mt. 6:26) and our clothing budget (Mt. 6:28-30). While those needs are important, trusting God is infinitely more so. Jesus calls His people to seek God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness first, not our daily needs. With that perspective, everything else will fall into place.

My mom is a fantastic prayer warrior. Anytime I share a need with her, her immediate response is, “Well, have you prayed about it?” I’ll admit that I don’t always enjoy that question. I’m usually better at worrying than praying. I try to tell her that I’m not worrying. I say I’m just “intensely curious.” But the excuse works with Mom about like it works with the Lord. It doesn’t. Jesus’s powerful counsel In Matthew 6 is more than a mere suggestion. The command, “do not be anxious,” appears three times in this passage, so Jesus is serious about calling us to trust in God’s sovereign provision.


![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1844e63f2ea441578a1cb71efea3fb1f.jpg/v1/fill/w_1108,h_746,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1844e63f2ea441578a1cb71efea3fb1f.jpg)


__Pray with Humble Honesty, and Repent if Necessary (Psalm 51:1-4).__

Sometimes we bring financial struggles on ourselves. We act unwisely with the resources God has entrusted to us, and the results are disastrous. God calls His children to steward His resources wisely, but we sometimes make a mess of our responsibility. We may face financial pressure because of sinful or unwise choices, so our prayers should include humility, contrition, and repentance.

King David understood that sin causes pain and addressed that pain in Psalm 51. There, David poured out his heart to God after Nathan confronted him for his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11 and 12). The king of Israel bore his soul before the Lord. He took personal responsibility for offending his Creator. He needed soul cleansing before he could begin trying to repair the damage his choices had caused.

Like all other sin, financial sins hinder our walk with God. Confession cleanses our soul so that we can align our hearts with the will of God. While we probably won’t enjoy immediate relief from the financial mess, we will experience immediate joy in knowing that our fellowship with God (and the joy of our salvation) has been restored.

> Like all other sin, financial sins hinder our walk with God. Confession cleanses our soul so that we can align our hearts with the will of God.

Ultimately, your walk with God is far more important than your net worth. If your financial challenges are self-inflicted because of selfish priorities, then honest confession of sin can bring peace and mental clarity. The blessing of a restored walk with God will help you focus on tackling your challenges in a way that honors your King.

#### Pray with Persistent Faith Because God Always Acts Justly (Luke 18:1-8).

Kids are experts at persistence. They ask the same question, repeatedly, until they either get their way or cause major problems. Trust me, I teach high school social studies! Students make bathroom requests, ask to see the nurse, and remember that they forgot their textbook (or, more likely, their phone). The requests never end, which is why my beard is turning grey!

In Luke 18, Jesus provided a striking example of persistence. He told the story of a widow in desperate need of justice. The problem was that the judge she faced was unjust. Scripture says that he, *“neither feared God not respected man”* (Lk. 18:2). What a horrible person to put in charge of justice! Repeatedly, the woman begged the judge to do the right thing, and eventually, she wore him down and got what she needed.

We need to be careful with this parable. Jesus doesn’t want us to irritate God until we get our way. Remember that God is a righteous judge who always acts righteously! Rather, Jesus uses a teaching technique called *Qal va-homer* (literally, “light and heavy”). The technique is an argument from the lesser to the greater. If the unjust judge rewards persistence, *how much more* will our righteous God give justice to his children when we persevere in prayer?

God always does what is right (Gen. 18:25). As we face financial challenges, we can pray with boldness, with confidence, with persistence, and with peace, because we know that God always does what is right.

So pray with a focus on Gods sovereign provision. He will take care of His children. Pray with humble honesty and repent of any selfishness that might have caused your financial crisis. Finally, pray with persistent faith because God always acts justly!

*[Images](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1844e63f2ea441578a1cb71efea3fb1f.jpg/v1/fill/w_1108,h_746,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1844e63f2ea441578a1cb71efea3fb1f.jpg) used with permission. *

You were meant for more. Your money was meant for more. You and your money are meant for an exciting, adventurous, and satisfying purpose. You were designed to live and give generously. And deep inside you know this and want this.

Christian Money Solutions

The More Than Money Podcast helps listeners get financially healthy for the sake of giving and living generously. In each episode, Art Rainer provides fun, practical, biblically-based financial advice through interviews and listener questions. Our goal with this podcast is for you to understand God's design for you and your money as you learn to give generously, save wisely, and live appropriately.

More than Money

Sooner or later, we all face financial challenges. Sometimes life throws us a curveball and we’re not ready to hit it.

How to Pray When Facing Financial Challenges

__Sociologist Christian Smith’s study on generosity yielded this observation: “People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way. Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others. . . . The data examined here show this to be not simply a nice idea, but a social-scientific fact.”__

Sure, receiving a gift is great, and our hearts should be full of praise to God for what He has given us—first and foremost His Son, but also thousands of other smaller gifts we seldom think about. We should be profoundly grateful for what others have given us too. But have you ever worked hard to find the perfect gift for someone you love? Or thrown a surprise party for someone or given them tickets to a concert or game? Or given a bag of groceries to a person in need? Don’t you get great happiness in the planning and giving of that gift? And isn’t your joy multiplied by the receiver’s joy?

__No Greater Privilege__

The thought that giving makes us happier than receiving seems counterintuitive. What could be better than receiving a gift? Don’t we love Christmas and our own birthdays? Isn’t it fun to get a package in the mail?

![](https://www.epm.org/static/uploads/images/blog/1985-Oregonian-Photo.jpg)

Once, I received a totally unexpected gift of a framed black-and-white photograph of me sitting at a desk in 1985, in front of my first book and my first computer (a Kaypro, for those over fifty who remember or care). My friend tracked down and bought the photo, taken by a photographer from the local paper more than thirty years ago.

Looking at the photo was like time traveling, and it brought back a flood of memories. Did my joy in receiving negate what Jesus said? No, because when I contacted the woman who had given it to me, she told of her utter delight in finding, framing, and sending it to me. As much as I enjoyed receiving it, she seemed to enjoy giving it even more. And though I’ve received a lot of great gifts over the years, many of those that make me smile the most are those I’ve given to my wife, daughters, friends, people I met in a store or on a plane, and even people I haven’t met who have received food, clothes, clean water, and the gospel through organizations my family and I have supported.

If we understand what Scripture says about how giving touches lives for eternity, stores treasures for us in Heaven, and brings us great happiness here and now, we’ll realize there’s no greater privilege than to live lives of overflowing love and joyful generosity. It’s a no-brainer.

__The Payoff of Loving Jesus and Others__

On a trip to Ukraine, my pastor friend and I spent the evening with a large family, feasting and singing hymns and laughing and exalting Jesus together. We felt bad when we learned our hosts had served an entire month’s ration of butter at the meal, but we were assured there was nothing they would rather have done than open their hearts and home to brothers in Christ. It was humbling to be served when we had envisioned ourselves going to serve them. Giving is a great equalizer among God’s people.

To the selfish person, the giver’s behavior appears foolish and against his best interests. (Why part with a month’s ration of butter to serve rich visitors who have unlimited amounts of butter at home?) Scripture says the opposite: *“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty”* ([Proverbs 11:24, NIV](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/Prov%2011.24)). The Message puts it this way: “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.”

__I’ve certainly known generous people who were facing serious problems, but I’ve never known a generous soul—of any income level—who was chronically unhappy. Sure, we all struggle with life’s tough circumstances. But I’ve found in life what studies confirm: even in hard times, loving, generous people always default not only toward gratitude but happiness. That wonderful Ukrainian family might have missed their butter, but the payoff of loving Jesus and us by showing hospitality was, to them, a far greater treasure.__

*[Images](https://www.epm.org/static/cache/53/24/53249b7ceb494127528051e4581b9845.jpg) used with permission. *

Eternal Perspective Ministries, founded and directed by author Randy Alcorn, is focused on investing in what lasts for eternity, and helping others to do the same.

Eternal Perspective Ministries

Articles

People rightly say that money cannot buy happiness. But money and happiness are still related in a curious way.

Giving, the Gift of Happiness

__Has your lifestyle changed in the last two years? Have you run up higher balances on credit cards? You wouldn’t be alone.__

Inflation reared its ugly head two years ago, causing many to dip into savings or slide into debt— both of which are unsustainable. What’s the answer? Maybe it’s time for a budget overhaul.

There’s something to understand about the inflation numbers you hear in the news, such as, “Inflation fell to 3.2% last month on an annualized basis.” Some folks think that means prices went down, but it really only means that the rate of price *increases* has gone down.

If prices increased 3.2% for the period, you must also understand that they will stay that way, month after month, even if the rate of inflation continues to fall. You rarely, if ever, see prices ratchet backwards. In a nutshell, it means that if inflation were suddenly 0%, the harsh effects of the last two years would still be with us.

Coupled with that disturbing trend is that wages have not kept pace with inflation. According to Bankrate, [60% of workers](https://www.creditkarma.com/about/commentary/americans-say-their-financial-situation-worsened-in-2023-what-will-2024-bring) say their paychecks have fallen behind inflation over the past 12 months. That’s up from 55% who said they were losing ground to inflation last year.

__If prices continue to rise and your paycheck doesn’t keep pace, what do you do? It seems some people have been tapping into their savings to make up the difference. Some 40% of Americans have depleted savings they built up during the pandemic.__

Others decided to use their credit cards. The [Federal Reserve](https://fortune.com/recommends/credit-cards/average-credit-card-debt/) reports that credit card debt rose sharply in 2023, despite soaring interest rates. Credit card balances increased nearly $50 billion in 2023 alone, to reach an all time high of just over $1 trillion.

Savings will run out, credit cards will be *maxed* out, so if you can’t increase your income, you have to scale back your lifestyle. That means trimming your budget, or maybe giving it a complete overhaul.

Some things that would have the biggest impact on your budget take a lot of time to implement, such as downsizing to a smaller house or getting rid of a car payment. __For now, we’ll just look at a few things that you can do right away.__

__First, freeze your impulse spending and you do that by freezing your credit cards.__ That doesn’t mean freezing your credit with the three credit bureaus, although that is another good idea. It means *actually freezing* your credit card or cards in a big chunk of ice in the freezer. That way you won’t carry them around and be tempted to use them.

“Ah, but what about *online* impulse spending?” you ask. A fair question. Your online accounts probably save your credit card information, so you’ll have to login in and delete them from your accounts. That way you’ll have to thaw the cards out of the ice before you can use them online. Maybe the urge to spend will be gone by the time the ice melts.

All of that may sound silly, but it works, and we *know* that because studies show you save from 10% to 30% by using cash only. Just take out a budgeted amount of cash for various spending categories to get you through the week. Leave your debit card at home. When the money’s gone, you have to stop spending.

__Next, double** up on meal prep.__ When you’re preparing a meal, double or even triple the recipe and put the extra meals in the freezer. Now you’re asking, “That’s nice, but how does it save money?” Here’s how:

The next time you’ve had a rough day, you’re on the way home and you feel too tired to make a meal. You want to hit the drive thru to get fast food. For a family of four, that could be $50. But wait— you don’t have to stop, because those frozen dinners are waiting for you in the freezer (maybe next to your frozen credit cards). Just pop a meal in the micro and save some serious cash.

__Okay, here’s one more way to fight inflation and get your budget back in the black: have your spouse or a friend cut your hair.__ You can start watching Youtube videos showing how to do it. There are plenty of them. Buy the necessary equipment, such as barber’s scissors and combs— maybe even an electric razor. It’s worth the expense and it will pay for itself soon enough.

Many shops are now charging close to $20 for a haircut. If you cut your own hair, you can save almost $250 a year.

__Here’s one more trick that can help you slay the inflation dragon: lower the temperature in your water heater.__ Most are set to around 140 degrees fahrenheit, but they only need to be at 120 degrees. Your water heater accounts for 20% of your monthly electricity cost, and lowering it to 120 degrees could cut 10% from your electric bill— every month. That will quickly add up.

__There are some ways you can cut back on spending today to counteract inflation. Let us know how it works out!__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Is%20Your%20Budget%20Due%20an%20Overhaul?&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

FaithFi

Has your lifestyle changed in the last two years? Have your card balances increased?  Maybe it’s time for an overhaul.

Is Your Budget Due an Overhaul?

(Originally published on the Christian Community Credit Union Blog)

If you’re like most people, transportation is one of your three  largest expenses. The other two are housing and food. The larger the  expense category, the more important it is to make good decisions in  managing the category well.

#### Just the facts

Buying a car can be a very emotional decision. Even if you’re not “a  car person,” there’s a lot of cultural pressure around cars. For one  thing, doesn’t it look like just about *everyone* is driving a  newer car? The older your car gets, the more left behind you may feel.  Planned obsolescence only increases the temptation to buy. Car  manufacturers make frequent stylistic changes to their products, wanting  to spur sales by making older models look outdated. When it comes to  buying a car, what’s a well-meaning, stewardship-minded Christian to do?  More specifically, is it okay to take out a car loan?

__Let’s try to answer that question by considering three others.__

#### 1. Why do you want to buy?

Do you actually *need*  to buy a car? If you’re a recent  college grad with a new job that requires you to have a car to get to  work, maybe you do. Or, maybe your car is so old or in such bad shape  that it’s dangerous to drive. Of course, those aren’t the only “valid”  reasons to buy a new or newer used car. But there may be some *less-than-good* reasons  to buy, such as just being bored with your current car, even though  it’s still in good shape, or feeling the pressure to keep up with what  your friends or co-workers are driving. So, the starting point is  determining whether you actually *need*to buy a car.

#### 2. Can you afford to buy?

(Proverbs 22:7)If you’re intent on buying but it’ll require a loan, there are no  biblical prohibitions against borrowing. However, there is this  cautionary note: “The borrower is slave to the lender.”

Take an objective look at whether a car payment will fit on your cash  flow plan (a.k.a., “budget”). The ideal place to begin in drafting a  cash flow plan is with generosity because the Bible teaches us to make  generosity our financial starting point (Proverbs 3:9). It also says  it’s wise to build a reserve of savings (Proverbs 21:20). Ideally, you  would allocate at least ten percent of your monthly gross income to  generosity and ten percent to saving/investing.

After making provision for those priorities, enter all of your  essential expenses (such as your mortgage or rent, food, utilities, and  insurance), and then your discretionary expenses (i.e., entertainment,  vacations, clothing, and gifts). Is there any room for a car payment? If  so, how much of a monthly payment could you afford?

#### 3. What are the best terms?

If you decide to finance a car, be intentional about the details.  There may be some especially long loans available to you, such as loans  that stretch out to seventy-two or even eighty-four months. While  signing up for such a loan will make the monthly payments lower than a  shorter-term loan, you will, of course, have the loan for a longer  period of time. Plus, you’ll end up spending more on interest over the  life of the loan.

From a strictly objective financial perspective, it is best to borrow  no more and for no longer than necessary. That may mean holding off on  your car purchase for a while, if possible, to save for a larger down  payment. Or, it may mean opting for a less expensive car.

#### Make the decision with care.

Remember, the process of buying a car can be fraught with emotional  landmines. “Everyone else” seems to be driving a newer car, and the  latest models can make your car look outdated. So, before heading to the  showroom, pray about the decision and run some numbers. If you decide  to finance a purchase, carefully consider the terms of the loan.

__[Image](https://www.mycccu.com/resource-center/blogs/matt-bell-is-it-biblical-to-borrow-to-buy-a-car/)__ used with permission

If you’re like most people, transportation is one of your three largest expenses. The other two are housing and food.

Is It Biblical to Borrow to Buy a Car?

__Investors increasingly desire to see their investments align with their values. They want to know that their investments are making a difference in the world by supporting the causes they care about.__

But as Christians, we hold a higher standard than just personal values. We are called to __stewardship.__

*So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will trust you with what is genuine?* Luke 16:11 (CSB)

We know that our financial resources are gifts from God, and how we use them in this life has eternal consequences. We don’t want to use our God-given wealth to build a secure financial future while compromising our integrity through investing in companies and organizations that don’t align with biblical values.

Our faith guides how we live, so it should also guide how we invest. That’s why more and more Christian investors are turning to __faith-based investing.__

When most Christians think about faith-based investing, the first thing that usually crosses their minds is Christian values screening or excluding investments in companies and organizations that don’t align with biblical principles.

But a robust faith-based investment strategy is about more than simply avoiding these companies. It’s also about making the Christian voice heard in the marketplace. That’s where proxy voting comes in.

__What is proxy voting?__

When you buy stock in a company, you’re buying a piece of ownership in that company, and owners get a say in how their company does business.

Corporations hold shareholder meetings, usually at least once a year, in which all of their “owners” can gather, receive an update on the company and vote on matters of corporate policy.

Shareholders can’t always attend these meetings in person. However, they can delegate their right to vote to another individual or a firm, known as a proxy, who votes on their behalf and according to their instructions.

__Proxy voting can make the Christian voice heard.__

No corporation is perfect. Even the quality companies that pass a Christian values screening process could have policies or business lines that may not align with every Christian’s personal convictions.

At GuideStone®, we engage with the companies we’re invested in to encourage more God-honoring business practices through proxy voting. This allows us to share our faith and make an impact for God’s Kingdom. We strive to use our voting rights as a Kingdom voice in the marketplace.

Before 2023, we had delegated proxy voting responsibilities to our mutual fund sub-advisers. However, we felt led to find a better way to make our voice heard.

In July of last year, we brought proxy voting in-house by __developing proprietary voting guidelines__ and __working with a leading proxy advisory firm.__ We now stand in a better position to exercise our shareholder voting power in accordance with our Christian values and the values of our investors.

For example, it’s no secret that in recent years, many companies have become heavily politicized, enabling ideological and religious discrimination to work their way into corporate cultures. Many employees (especially evangelical Christians) are reluctant to share their perspectives and ideas at work if they differ from their company’s predominant ideological bent out of fear of hurting their careers.

Thankfully, this proxy season saw many proposals on a wide range of companies’ ballots asking for reports on __viewpoint discrimination,__ which GuideStone enthusiastically supported. We stood up on behalf of other Christians by making our voice heard.

GuideStone has also demonstrated the Christian commitment to defending the __sanctity of life.__ Some companies collect a lot of personal data in the course of their business. Sometimes, law enforcement agencies need access to this information when investigating illegal activity.

We recently voted against a proposal that we believed encouraged certain companies to not comply with law enforcement if they were seeking data related to illegal abortion activities.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls Christians the *“light of the world”* and tells us that we should let our light shine before others so that they can see our good works and give glory to the Father. Making the Christian voice heard through proxy voting is a vital part of a faith-based investing program and serves as a way of letting the Christian light shine and making a difference in the world.

__Our calling is to serve Christ in all we do.__

GuideStone has been helping Christian investors align their faith with their finances for over 50 years. We can put your dollars to work in a way that honors the Lord and helps you achieve your financial goals.

To learn more about our investing strategies, visit us at *[GuideStoneFunds.com*.](https://www.guidestonefunds.com/?utm_source=faithfi&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=proxy_voting&utm_id=1358250) You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Proxy%20Voting%20for%20the%20Kingdom%20with%20Brandon%20Pizzurro&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to a podcast related to this topic.

__Brandon Pizzurro__ leads the investment-related lines of business within GuideStone as Chief Investment Officer. In this capacity, he serves as president of GuideStone Capital Management, LLC, the investment adviser to GuideStone Funds and GuideStone Investment Services®, which provides investment advisory services to nonprofit institutions. He is also an Interested Director of the Board of Directors of GuideStone Funds.
Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Funds invested in accordance with the faith-based investment restrictions of GuideStone Financial Resources may not be able to take advantage of certain investment opportunities due to these restrictions, which may adversely affect investment performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
__*You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the GuideStone Funds® before investing. For a copy of the prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call 1-888-GS-FUNDS (1-888-473-8637) or visit [GuideStoneFunds.com/Funds](https://www.guidestonefunds.com/Funds) to view or download a prospectus. You should readthe prospectus carefully before investing.*__
GuideStone Funds® shares are distributed by Foreside Funds Distributors LLC, not an advisor affiliate. GuideStone Capital Management, LLC, an affiliate of GuideStone Financial Resources®, provides investment advisory services for the Funds.

Proxy voting can make the Christian voice heard

Making an Impact for the Kingdom Through Proxy Voting

__One of the enemy’s favorite tools for discouraging Christians is the question, “What if?” Unfortunately, those “What if” questions lead right down the road to fear.__

The Bible reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. You don’t have to let the “What ifs” defeat you.

How many times have you worried about your finances, asking those scary “what if” questions such as,

- *“What if I lose my job?”*
- *“What if I don’t have enough money for retirement?”*
- *“What if something bad happens to me or my loved ones?”*

The problem with this kind of thinking is that it focuses on events that haven’t happened yet or may never happen. We can’t control the future, but we certainly like to worry about it? God knows this about us, which is why Jesus reminded his disciples in Matthew 6,

*“… do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?*

We can’t control the future, but we can put our “What if” worries in the hands of the One who does. It doesn’t matter how mixed-up or complicated the circumstances are. God isn’t overwhelmed by them.

__When circumstances seem impossible, we have a choice: give in to that “what if” fear or trust God’s provision and help. We can change our “what if” mindset to an “even if” trust in God.__

Do you remember the story of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego from Sunday School or VBS? The Book of Daniel tells the story of these three young Israelites, captives in Babylon, who demonstrated unwavering faith in the face of persecution.

They refused to worship the king’s idol despite the threat of death by fire. As the three men are led to the fiery furnace, they say to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:17-18:

*“If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”*

The three young men acknowledged God’s power to save and the importance of doing the right thing, no matter what. They accepted God’s sovereignty, even if it meant not being delivered from hardship. Their trust in God wasn’t conditional on the outcome but rooted in God’s character.

In moments of financial anxiety, you can embrace that same trust. In Christ, you can replace your *“What if”* mentality with an *“Even if”* trust in God. You can believe that the Lord will give you what you need when you need it, *even if* it doesn’t look exactly the way you planned.

__How does *“Even if”* change our worries?__

- “What if I lose my job?” becomes “Even if I lose my job, I will trust the Lord.”
- “What if I can’t afford retirement?” becomes, “Even if I can’t afford retirement, I will trust the Lord.”
- “What if something bad happens to me or my loved ones?” becomes, “Even if something bad happens, I will trust the Lord.”

Accepting that God’s plans don’t always match ours can be challenging. The Bible acknowledges that life will have its worries and troubles. However, faith means trusting God’s sovereignty, *even if* we struggle, knowing He works out all things for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

Your challenge is to make a list of the things you’re worried about. Write them out as “What if” questions, and then cross out “What if” and replace it with “Even if.” Submit these worries to the Lord, and He will begin to fill your heart with the *spirit of* *power, love, and self-control* that His Word promises.

Scripture is full of promises for believers who put their complete trust in the Lord, but Isaiah 41:10 is one you should memorize and meditate on whenever you worry about finances, or other cares of life:

*Fear not, for I am with you.  Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.*

__If you or someone you know struggles with financial anxiety and the “What ifs” that lead to fear, visit [Faithfi.com](https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows) and pick up a copy of our new 21-day devotional, *Look at the Sparrows*. This resource will reassure and strengthen you with biblical truth and daily spiritual encouragement.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=%E2%80%9CWhat%20If%E2%80%9D%20or%20%E2%80%9CEven%20If%E2%80%9D?&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

One of the enemy’s favorite tools for discouraging Christians is the question, “What if?” because it can lead to fear.

“What If” or “Even If”?

__Do  you feel like your generosity has turned stale? You give, but the act  seems robotic. You are just going through the motions. If you find  yourself in a place where generosity is cold and detached, consider  asking yourself these ten questions before the next time you give:__

__1. Do I know what God teaches about generosity?__

Soak your mind and heart in Scripture. Spend some time in God’s Word, reading what He says about giving generously.

__2. Have I sought out God in prayer about my generosity?__

Seek out God’s guidance with your generosity. Prayerfully ask God what He desires you to give.

__3. Have I considered what God has given me?__

Spend time thinking about the good gifts God has given you, including His one and only Son.

__4. Did I thank God for His generosity?__

After considering the  good gifts God have provided you, thank Him. Acknowledge that He is the  source for all things in your possession.

__5. Does this gift represent my first and best?__

Proverbs 3:9 tells us that we are to give God our first fruits. For most of us, this represents our gross income.

__6. Is this gift proportional to what God has given me?__

Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern of proportionally or percentage-based giving. We give according to what God has given us.

__7. Is this gift sacrificial or comfortable?__

Gifts that were  celebrated in Scripture were sacrificial, not comfortable. In God’s  economy, amount sacrificed always supersedes amount given.

__8. Have I talked and prayed with my spouse about this gift (if married)?__

If you are married, giving should be a unified act of worship.

__9. Have I talked to my children about our gift (if you have kids)?__

If you have children, make sure they know generosity is a priority. Teach generosity with words and actions.

__10. Did I ask God to use this in the way that brings Him the most glory?__

As you give, ask God to multiply the gift in ways you could never imagine and make an impact for all eternity.

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/blog/10-questions-to-ask-before-you-give)__ used with permission

Generosity

Do you feel like your generosity has turned stale? You give, but the act seems robotic.

10 Questions to Ask Before You Give

The four gospels reveal that  Jesus regularly spoke on the topic of money and possessions. The Gospel  of Luke captures many of these teachings. As we read Luke and the money  lessons the book provides, we see that Jesus wasn’t concerned about our  relationship with money for the sake of financial well-being. He was  concerned about money because he was concerned about our hearts.

Here are three of the many money lessons that can be garnered from Luke. Feel free to use them in your personal study.

__1. Our response to God’s generosity is generosity (Luke 8:1-3).__

The beginning of Luke 8 tells of three  women—Mary, Joanna, and Susanna. According to Luke 8:2, Jesus performed a  miracle in the lives of these women, curing them from disease and evil  spirits. In response, the women followed Jesus and used their resources  to support his ministry. Jesus’s generosity changed their lives and, in  response, they also were generous. Our response to God’s generosity is  generosity.

__2. A heart committed to money hinders a heart committed to God (Luke 16:13-15).__

Jesus had just ended the Parable of the  Shrewd Master when he said these well-known words—“You cannot serve both  God and money.” Now, Jesus could have chosen anything that has the  potential to be an idol—"You cannot serve both God and sports.” But he  chose money.

Why?

First of all, Luke tells us that there were  Pharisees around Jesus who loved money and the admiration of people.  Certainly, Jesus was targeting them. And Jesus makes it clear that their  hearts, which were serving money instead of God, would be judged.

But Jesus also teaches that money has a  unique tie to our hearts, not just the Pharisees’ hearts. For all of us,  money management reflects heart management. And while money is meant to  be a means for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom, the  means can quickly become an end. We can easily find ourselves placing  our hope in money rather than God, and we will always find ourselves  serving whatever we identify as our hope. It will be either money or  God. It won’t be both. A heart committed to money hinders a heart  committed to God.

__3. In God’s economy, amount sacrificed supersedes amount given (Luke 21:1-4).__

Jesus and his disciples were watching the  rich bring their large gifts to the temple treasury. It is possible the  disciples were impressed by their giving. But Jesus pointed out someone  the disciples likely missed—a widow who gave only two coins. He said  that she gave more than anyone else because she gave all she had. The  point was that God is less concerned about what is placed in the  offering plate and more concerned about what is left in the bank  account. God is glorified in sacrifice, not necessarily the amount. In  God’s economy, amount sacrificed always supersedes amount given.

__As believers, we should take Luke’s money  lessons to heart. May we be sacrificially generous, fully committed  disciples of Christ.__

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/blog/3-money-lessons-from-luke)__ used with permission

Here are three of the many money lessons that can be garnered from Luke. Feel free to use them in your personal study.

3 Money Lessons from Luke

<p><i>“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” -</i> Isaiah 1:17</p><p>Widows are often unprepared to face a range of difficulties, including grief, social isolation, and, of course, financial challenges. Valerie Hogan joins us today to discuss some ways we can help.</p><p>Valerie Hogan is an attorney, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a member of <a href="https://kingdomadvisors.com/">Kingdom Advisors</a>, as well as the co-author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wise-Women-Managing-Money-Budgeting/dp/0802424260/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7_zhjgm-aYQKk5swb7ZMOzoqE9HiV-5a0h12gLGXtrTZ2H0603TbhTifc7GnMUlQwrbirRsrpywDx65VW1EQhHMqQ7IuO1rSgGAjw4g0y0uViIVzDMMq_f4Ty51YLruvHjNhcQERnJeKCfSi9Q5BL_UtICPd2bnogkyxQnjgHuBx4KYQLjqc4TNMI31GcH1x0IwMtksXFcz9zsEStco1zH0oRKJYhVUMsUfZ8gXjy4s.GZ1a6_P7yGoMAHOV5WKgTRNKNsHlRUOJpi6MNDkioGw&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=wise+women+managing+money&amp;qid=1711226997&amp;sr=8-1"><i>Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More</i></a> with Miriam Neff. </p><h3>Helping Widows Build Financial Confidence</h3><p>More than 60% of married women outlive their husbands, and over one million new widows are added in the U.S. every year. Caring for widows is not just a societal need but a biblical mandate found in James 1:27, where God calls us to look after widows in their distress.</p><p>So, how can we help a widow gain financial confidence?</p><h3>1. Respect the Time to Grieve</h3><p>Grief is deeply personal, and everyone experiences it differently. We should respect each widow’s unique process. Some may grieve privately, while others are more open, but either way, it’s essential to allow them space. During the grieving period, it's advisable to hit the pause button on major financial decisions. While some decisions must be made immediately, delaying non-urgent matters can prevent unnecessary stress and mistakes.</p><h3>2. Be Aware of Public Financial Vulnerability</h3><p>Widows, especially those who receive large life insurance payouts, may be targets for fraud or manipulation. Valerie pointed out that the public nature of some financial settlements makes widows particularly vulnerable. Protecting them by creating a safe environment is crucial. This includes ensuring that the widow is surrounded by trustworthy advisors who have her best interest at heart and are okay with hearing the word “no” from her as she processes her financial decisions.</p><h3>3. Understand the Emotional Impact of Finances</h3><p>Widows often feel financially vulnerable, whether dealing with new-found debt or suddenly managing a large sum of money. The emotional weight of making financial decisions without their spouse can be overwhelming. Offering encouragement and empowering the widow to make decisions at her own pace is critical. Advisors and loved ones should simplify financial conversations, avoiding overly technical terms and ensuring the widow fully understands her options.</p><h3>4. Offer Help, But Respect Autonomy</h3><p>It’s natural for family members or friends to want to step in and help immediately, but it’s essential to offer help when the widow is ready to receive it. Giving the widow space to express what kind of assistance she needs, as everyone’s journey is different. </p><p>Rather than rushing into action, it’s better to gauge the widow’s readiness and provide support based on her preferences.</p><h3>5. Choosing the Right Financial Advisor</h3><p>A widow should feel seen and heard by her financial advisor. If she worked with an advisor while her spouse was alive, she should assess whether that advisor truly understood her goals and concerns. If a change is needed, it’s worth interviewing several advisors, including those with faith-aligned advice, such as <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Certified Kingdom Advisors (CKAs)</a>. </p><p>Finding the right advisor is crucial for the widow’s financial future and well-being.</p><h3>6. Empower Her to Say "No"</h3><p>Widows are often bombarded with advice from well-meaning friends and family and potential financial offers. Helping a widow say "no" is critical. Whether declining to sell her house or refusing a product offer, she should feel comfortable making decisions in her own time without pressure. People with her best interests will respect her choices, even if they don’t align with their suggestions.</p><h3>7. Equip Her for Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning</h3><p>Widows often play a crucial role in wealth transfer, even if they were not previously involved in the family’s financial planning. Advisors should ensure that the widow is well-prepared to handle this responsibility. Rather than focusing solely on the next generation, the widow’s role in the financial plan should be prioritized, giving her the tools and knowledge to steward the family’s wealth.</p><p>Helping widows gain financial confidence is a deeply rewarding and biblically rooted responsibility. Whether you are a family member, friend, or financial professional, offering support during this challenging season can make a lasting difference. It’s about empowering widows to make decisions on their own time and helping them navigate the challenges that come with grief and financial vulnerability.</p><p>For those looking for trusted financial advisors, consider a <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)</a> through <a href="https://faithfi.com">FaithFi.com</a>, where you can find faith-aligned professionals who understand the unique needs of widows.</p><p>If you’re a widow, check out <a href="https://widowsconnection.org/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw3vO3BhCqARIsAEWblcDZ_-MQgrs8bbsLPmBTmDnbzLa5Zws9OS-_wLQIsq0gMaM9-nkDD-saArozEALw_wcB">Widow Connection</a> to join a supportive network that has helped over 10,000 women move forward with confidence and hope in this next chapter of life. </p><h3>On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:</h3><ul><li>My son was told in a financial class to borrow against rentals to buy more rentals, even though other courses say to pay off debt. Is that biblically correct?</li><li>My father-in-law offered to loan us $30,000 from his retirement account to make repairs on the house we live in with him. But he said we'd have to help pay the taxes on that withdrawal. Is that a better option than getting a regular loan for the repairs?</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wise-Women-Managing-Money-Budgeting-ebook/dp/B099PJ1RNV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WY49GBGOQGKO&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.L1ppzm0uT8wPVszkPqK68s5fE_rE9s8tY0wyLA_WiBYnBntojUwvrDGn-tXowaghnmD4rm4Snba3tIAxn8uEOvGd5n4h7tvrPPKVmbdZ2c_j_Y0BYstlMYfLj3iwIyk9iBsSiEeHcbNexwZBbUnK52Z5i4uXyDM8ezNTfLCQvD_xub_4VEEv2kCbVzlCcVf6JDz-s5ioreLGwMRAsS-qhtiO3r059hnd0rFx7wZESWY.60snlJDoq155D8mTLM62V3DSZwHMpvZa76XykUlbNYg&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=wise+women+managing+money&amp;qid=1727821991&amp;s=digital-text&amp;sprefix=wise+women+managing+mone%2Cdigital-text%2C125&amp;sr=1-1">Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD.</a></li><li><a href="https://widowsconnection.org/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw3vO3BhCqARIsAEWblcDZ_-MQgrs8bbsLPmBTmDnbzLa5Zws9OS-_wLQIsq0gMaM9-nkDD-saArozEALw_wcB">Widow Connection</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows">Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi App</a></li></ul>
<p><p>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith &amp; Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network </a>and <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com </a>where you can join the FaithFi Community <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give </a>as we expand our outreach.</p></p>

Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

Faith & Finance with Rob West

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” - Isaiah 1:17

Widows are often unprepared to face a range of difficulties, including grief, social isolation, and, of course, financial challenges. Valerie Hogan joins us today to discuss some ways we can help.

Valerie Hogan is an attorney, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a member of Kingdom Advisors, as well as the co-author of Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More with Miriam Neff.

How We Can Help Care for Widows with Valerie Hogan

Where timeless biblical wisdom meets today's financial decisions.

Become Wise With Money

Our trusted partner, Christian Credit Counselors, offers a debt management program that can get you out of credit card debt 80% faster while honoring your debt in full.

Struggling with credit card debt but don’t know where to start?

Our debt management program helps people avoid bankruptcy, debt settlement scams, and quick fixes that ruin credit.

Christian Credit Counselors

Silence is not an option. Your boldness can set people free.

Talking about money is challenging and uncomfortable.

We teach church leaders the biblical perspective on finances.

Christian Stewardship Network

Compass helps people worldwide to know Christ more intimately in one of the most personal arenas of life, finances. We teach what the Bible says about money, nothing less, & encourage people to discover God’s truth & experience life change.

Learn, Apply, and Multiply What the Bible Says About Money and Possessions

Compass helps people worldwide to know Christ more intimately in one of the most personal arenas of life, finances.

Compass Financial

Discover the secret of "winning by not losing".

Profit & Peace of Mind - No Matter What's Happening in the Market

Since 1990, do-it-yourself Christian investors have relied on SMI for proven strategies and trustworthy guidance.

Sound Mind Investing

Financial health is just a means to a greater end. I want to see you in a place where you are living and giving generously, advancing God's Kingdom, without the hindrance of debt or any other financial barrier.

Give generously. Save wisely. Live appropriately.

Investing can be more than just returns

Eventide

Every Investment Has An Impact

Join a movement of investors, fund managers and leaders who believe that God owns it all and he cares deeply about why and how we steward his investments.

Faith Driven Investor

God is raising up an army of Gospel Patrons who will partner to build the church, bless the world, and finish the Great Commission.

Join the Movement

Behind every great movement of God are generous leaders who partner with those who proclaim the gospel. We call them Gospel Patrons.

Gospel Patrons

Do you have a giving strategy? We would love to help you explore all the opportunities to make the most of what God has given you.

Do you have a Giving Strategy?

NCF helps people create a giving strategy based on biblical principles, so they can be wise stewards of all they have and experience the joy of greater generosity.

National Christian Foundation

Most conversations about giving end with an ask for money. Generous Giving hosts free events that help explore Jesus-like generosity without asking for anything in return. This leads to stronger families and deeper relationships with God.

Explore the Joy of Generosity

We exist to spread the message of biblical generosity in order to grow generous givers especially among those entrusted with much.

Generous Giving

Are you ready to lay down anything in your life preventing you from following Jesus?

Find Joy and Freedom in a Life of Surrender

The Ron Blue Institute seeks to be a thought leader with great influence committed to changing the way Christians think, act, and communicate about financial stewardship, empowering the church, and changing the world.

Ron Blue Institute

We’re glad to share the financial and spiritual advantages that CHM offers, and they look forward to helping you discover if this is the right healthcare solution for you.

Want more information on CHM’s budget-friendly, biblical and compassionate healthcare solution?

We’re not insurance—we’re the better, biblical solution to taking care of your medical costs. Through our biblical community, brothers and sisters in Christ are here to meet the need of eligible medical bills while lifting you spiritually

Christian Healthcare Ministries

We believe you can make a positive difference when your investment decisions are motivated by your faith and values.Investing together, impacting the world.

INVEST IN PRAXIS MUTUAL FUNDS

Praxis Mutual Funds has a rich history as a leading faith-based family of mutual funds designed to help people integrate their finances with their values. With Praxis,your investments can make a difference for you, and the world around you.

Praxis Mutual Funds

FatihFi App

We are a Bible-believing, Christ-centered nonprofit organization teaching Biblical principles and reaching people in need.

Explore our articles, podcast, and courses.

Educational resources for Biblically faithful investing

Inspiring an authentically Christian practice of modern investing.

Eventide Center for Faith & Investing

But it doesn’t have to be. Join a Faith Driven Entrepreneur Group today.

Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey.

Faith Driven Entrepreneur is a movement dedicated to gathering one million Christ-following entrepreneurs and equipping them, so they can fulfill their call to create and transform the world around them.

Faith Driven Entrepreneur

After nearly 20,000 meetings with people just like you, helping them grow in wisdom, confidence and joy, and coaching millions more over radio, television and digital media, we'd love to help you, too!

Money’s not bad, but it’s also not easy.

God is too good and life is too special to let money hold you back.  Get hope-filled coaching so you can steward wisely and live faithfully.

Smarter Stewardship

<p>Many folks with 401ks and IRAs probably don’t think much about proxy voting…but it can be a powerful tool for the Kingdom.</p><p>As investors, we have an opportunity to make our Christian values known to the companies in our portfolio. We just need to take advantage of it. Brandon Pizzurro joins us today to tell us how.</p><p>Brandon Pizzurro is the President and Chief Investment Officer of <a href="https://www.guidestonefunds.com/Faith">GuideStone Capital Management</a>, an underwriter of <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/show">Faith & Finance</a>.</p><h3>What Is Proxy Voting?</h3><p>When you purchase stock in a company, you become an owner, and as an owner, you have a say in how the company operates. This voice is exercised through shareholder meetings, typically held annually. At these meetings, shareholders can vote on corporate policies and other important matters. However, many shareholders are unable to attend these meetings in person. In such cases, they delegate their voting rights to another person or firm, known as a proxy, who votes on their behalf.</p><p>If you invest in a mutual fund, you technically own shares of that mutual fund, not directly in the underlying companies. The mutual fund company, being the legal owner of those corporate shares, holds the right to vote. With hundreds of stocks in some funds, attending every meeting would be impractical. As a result, mutual funds often use proxy firms to cast votes for them.</p><h3>GuideStone's Faith-Based Approach to Proxy Voting</h3><p>GuideStone Funds has a unique history with proxy voting, guided by Christian principles. Their investment strategies align with Christian values, even though no corporation is perfect. Recognizing this, GuideStone aims to engage with companies they invest in, encouraging them to adopt more God-honoring business practices. Proxy voting allows them to be a voice for faith in the marketplace, striving to use their influence to advance God’s Kingdom.</p><p>Previously, GuideStone delegated proxy voting to sub-advisers. However, they felt the need to make their voice clearer. In 2023, GuideStone brought in-house proxy voting, developed proprietary guidelines, and partnered with a proxy advisory firm. This move enables them to better align shareholder voting with their Christian values and those of their investors.</p><h3>An Example: Standing Against Discrimination</h3><p>One issue GuideStone addressed during this proxy season was “debanking,” a practice where banks refuse services based on social or reputational risk. Some banks have denied service to individuals or organizations solely due to their religious or political views. This growing trend reflects a larger issue of ideological discrimination in corporate cultures, where employees may feel unsafe to express their beliefs.</p><p>This year, many companies included proposals on their ballots addressing viewpoint discrimination. GuideStone proudly voted in favor of these proposals, advocating for freedom of expression and religious liberty.</p><h3>Why Proxy Voting Matters</h3><p>As Christians, we are called to be the <i>“light of the world”</i> (Matthew 5:14-16). Proxy voting is one way we can let our light shine in the marketplace, using our voice to reflect God’s values. More Christians are seeking to align their faith with their finances, and GuideStone is dedicated to helping them do so through faith-based investing strategies. By putting dollars to work in ways that honor God, investors can achieve both their financial goals and make an impact for His Kingdom.</p><p>For more information on faith-based investing and proxy voting, visit <a href="http://guidestonefunds.com/Faith">GuideStoneFunds.com/Faith</a>.</p><h3>On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:</h3><ul><li>My daughter and her husband want to buy a $900,000 home. They have $300,000 for a down payment. I suggested they keep their paid-off $350,000 condo and get a loan against it for the new home's down payment rather than selling it. What do you think of this approach?</li><li>I'm almost 59 years old, and my daughters have asked me to stay with one of them for a while to help her get on her feet. I'm going to sell my house, and I don't owe anyone anything. I'm unsure what to do with the money from selling my home. Can you provide any advice?</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.guidestonefunds.com/Faith">Guidestone Funds</a></li><li><a href="http://bankrate.com">Bankrate.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows">Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi App</a></li></ul>
<p><p>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith &amp; Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network </a>and <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com </a>where you can join the FaithFi Community <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give </a>as we expand our outreach.</p></p>

Many folks with 401ks and IRAs probably don’t think much about proxy voting…but it can be a powerful tool for the Kingdom.

As investors, we have an opportunity to make our Christian values known to the companies in our portfolio. We just need to take advantage of it. Brandon Pizzurro joins us today to tell us how.

Brandon Pizzurro is the President and Chief Investment Officer of GuideStone Capital Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.

Proxy Voting for the Kingdom with Brandon Pizzurro

<p>English statesman Francis Bacon once wrote, <i>“Money is a great servant but a bad master.”</i></p><p>If we don’t learn to manage money wisely to take control of it, it will soon master us. It’s one way or the other. Today, Bob Lotich tells us how to be the master and not the servant when it comes to money—and he makes it pretty clear, as well.</p><p>Bob Lotich is a high-performance financial coach and Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®) and has been named a top-20 influencer in personal finance. His wife Linda and his award-winning website, <a href="http://seedtime.com">SeedTime.com</a>, and <a href="https://seedtime.com/podcast/">SeedTime Money Podcast</a> have reached over 50 million people in the past decade. He is also the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Money-Rich-Life-Financial-ebook/dp/B094GP8MP1?ref_=ast_author_mpb"><i>Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact</i></a>. </p><h3>The Wake-Up Call: A Breakdown Leads to Breakthrough</h3><p>Bob’s story, which began in 2002 when his car broke down while he was on his way to deposit a paycheck, is one that many can relate to. He described how that moment of crisis led to a deep spiritual awakening about finances and stewardship.</p><p>Unfortunately, the car breaking down prevented him from depositing his paycheck and paying rent on time. Facing the stress of a possible late fee he couldn’t afford, Bob realized that his financial life was on shaky ground. He describes this moment as a "house of cards" that collapsed.</p><p>In his frustration, Bob prayed for wisdom, and that simple prayer became the catalyst for a profound change. God responded, leading Bob to learn about biblical stewardship and practical financial management.</p><h3>Biblical Wisdom: Earning, Saving, and Giving</h3><p>As Bob delved into the Bible, he came across a quote from John Wesley that changed his financial perspective: <i>"Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can."</i> This idea, combined with scriptural truths, inspired him to view money not as a burden but as a tool for good.</p><p>Bob reflected on passages like:</p><ul><li><strong>Proverbs 13:11:</strong> <i>"Gathering money little by little makes it grow."</i></li><li><strong>1 Timothy 6:17-19:</strong> Paul’s admonition to the rich to be generous.</li><li><strong>Proverbs 22:7:</strong> The borrower is slave to the lender, which motivated Bob to eliminate debt.</li></ul><p>These verses reinforced the idea that managing money well is not about hoarding wealth but using it for God’s purposes.</p><h3>Financial Unity in Marriage</h3><p>Bob also emphasized the power of financial unity in marriage. Once he and his wife Linda aligned their financial goals with biblical principles, their relationship strengthened. They not only eliminated stress but achieved impressive financial milestones, like paying off their house by the age of 31. Bob’s story reminds us that peace in one’s finances can be a unifying force in marriage, helping couples move forward faster together.</p><h3>The Four Keys to Earning More</h3><p>Bob shared four essential principles for increasing earnings in today’s digital age:</p><ol><li><strong>Operate within God-given gifts and passions:</strong> Work aligned with your gifts gives you an "unfair advantage."</li><li><strong>Continue learning and developing your skills:</strong> Hone your craft to glorify God.</li><li><strong>Solve significant problems:</strong> You’re compensated in proportion to the size of the problem you solve.</li><li><strong>Work where demand is high:</strong> Identify where there’s a need and meet it.</li></ol><p>These principles guide believers to increase their earnings while keeping their hearts focused on God’s kingdom.</p><h3>The Joy of Giving</h3><p>One of the most impactful parts of Bob’s message was his perspective on giving. He and his wife created a "seed account," setting aside money each month specifically for giving. By praying and waiting for opportunities, giving became not just a duty but a joyful, fun part of their lives. This practice reminds us of the joy Jesus spoke of when He said, <i>"It is more blessed to give than to receive"</i> (Acts 20:35).</p><h3>Enjoying God's Provision</h3><p>Finally, Bob encouraged believers to enjoy the financial blessings God provides. He highlighted the importance of gratitude and appreciating what we have. Whether earning, saving, or giving, we can find joy in every aspect of financial stewardship.</p><p>Bob’s journey teaches us that financial freedom isn’t about accumulating wealth for ourselves but about managing what God has entrusted to us with wisdom and generosity. We can design a life of eternal impact by earning, saving, giving, and enjoying God’s provision.</p><p>If you’re looking for more practical tips and biblical wisdom, Bob’s book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Money-Rich-Life-Financial-ebook/dp/B094GP8MP1?ref_=ast_author_mpb"><i>Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact</i></a> is a great resource to guide you on this journey.</p><h3>On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:</h3><ul><li>My identity was stolen over a year ago, and it was used to take out a student loan in my name. It's now showing up on my credit report as a collections item. The college says they don't do credit checks for loans. I'm still determining whether to address this now or wait to see if anything else pops up.</li><li>I'm interested in buying a small home. I'm 60 years old, and my husband has land, so I wanted to know if it was the best time to build a house with the current interest rates. Would it be better for me to get a modular home instead of building a new one?</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Money-Rich-Life-Financial-ebook/dp/B094GP8MP1?ref_=ast_author_mpb">Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact by Bob Lotich</a></li><li><a href="http://seedtime.com">Seedtime.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows">Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi App</a></li></ul>
<p><p>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith &amp; Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network </a>and <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com </a>where you can join the FaithFi Community <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give </a>as we expand our outreach.</p></p>

English statesman Francis Bacon once wrote, “Money is a great servant but a bad master.”

If we don’t learn to manage money wisely to take control of it, it will soon master us. It’s one way or the other. Today, Bob Lotich tells us how to be the master and not the servant when it comes to money—and he makes it pretty clear, as well.

Bob Lotich is a high-performance financial coach and Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®) and has been named a top-20 influencer in personal finance. His wife Linda and his award-winning website, SeedTime.com, and SeedTime Money Podcast have reached over 50 million people in the past decade. He is also the author of Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact.

Simple Money, Rich Life with Bob Lotich

<p>One of the enemy’s favorite tools for discouraging Christians is the question, “What if…?” Unfortunately, those “What if” questions lead right down the road to fear.</p><p>2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:</p><p><i>“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”</i></p><p>How many times have you worried about your finances, asking those scary “what if” questions like:</p><ul><li>“What if I lose my job?”</li><li>“What if I don’t have enough money for retirement?”</li><li>“What if something bad happens to me or my loved ones?”</li></ul><p>We all have these fears, often driven by uncertainties about the future. The problem with “what if” thinking is that it focuses on events that haven’t happened—and may never happen. We can’t control the future, but we often let fear about it consume us. Yet, God knows this struggle, and Jesus offers a comforting reminder in Matthew 6.</p><h3>Trust in God's Provision</h3><p>In Matthew 6:25-27, Jesus tells his disciples:</p><p><i>“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?</i></p><p>Jesus challenges us to move our focus from anxious thoughts about the future to trust in the One who holds the future. God isn’t overwhelmed by the complications of life. Our circumstances, no matter how tangled, are never beyond His ability to work out.</p><h3>Changing "What If" to "Even If"</h3><p>When life feels uncertain, we have a choice: give in to the "what if" fears or trust God's provision and guidance. Rather than living in the grip of fear, we can transform our “what if” questions into “even if” statements of faith.</p><p>Let’s take a cue from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three young Israelites were faced with the threat of death in a fiery furnace because they refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. Their response in Daniel 3:17-18 was full of courageous faith:</p><p><i>“If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”</i></p><p>Their trust in God was unwavering, not based on whether or not they would be saved from the fire, but rooted in who God is. They embraced an “even if” mindset, trusting God’s sovereignty regardless of the outcome.</p><h3>Applying "Even If" Faith to Financial Anxiety</h3><p>In moments of financial worry, we can embrace the same kind of trust in God. What if you lose your job? Even if you do, you can trust God to provide. What if you can’t afford retirement? Even if that happens, God will still be your provider. What if something bad happens to you or a loved one? Even in those moments, God is present, and His grace will be sufficient.</p><p>Here’s how we can change our worries:</p><ul><li>“What if I lose my job?” becomes “Even if I lose my job, I will trust the Lord.”</li><li>“What if I can’t afford retirement?” becomes “Even if I can’t afford retirement, I will trust the Lord.”</li><li>“What if something bad happens?” becomes “Even if something bad happens, I will trust the Lord.”</li></ul><h3>Faith in God’s Sovereignty</h3><p>Accepting that God’s plans may not always align with ours is challenging. The Bible doesn’t promise that life will be worry-free. But it does promise that God will be with us through it all. Faith in God’s sovereignty allows us to trust Him, even in the face of uncertainty, knowing that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).</p><p>I challenge you to take a moment and write down your “what if” worries. Then, cross out the “what if” and replace it with “even if.” Submit your anxieties to the Lord, trusting that He will fill you with peace, strength, and hope.</p><p>As you navigate financial anxieties, lean on God’s promises. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 41:10:</p><p><i>“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”</i></p><p>If you or someone you know is struggling with financial anxiety, I invite you to check out <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi’s</a> new devotional, <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows"><i>Look at the Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</i></a>. This resource will strengthen and encourage you to trust God in the midst of your financial concerns.</p><p>Visit <a href="http://faithfi.com">FaithFi.com</a> to learn more and start your journey from “what if” to “even if” today.</p><h3>On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:</h3><ul><li>I'm a teacher in my 20s, and I've been able to amass a little bit of savings, but my salary is not going up with the rate of inflation, and I'm starting to have to dig into my savings. I tithe 10% with every check, but I will need to pull from my savings to continue to do that. But if I pray about this and don't tithe, I feel guilty about it, so I’m looking for some wisdom on this.</li><li>I have a fairly large portfolio, and I'm just wondering: If the stock market starts to dip, what is your opinion on moving everything to cash?</li><li>Recently, I heard you say that you can freeze your credit because I received an email that said my Social Security is on the dark web due to the data breach from the national public data. I'm figuring out how to do this quickly and efficiently. Should I email them or call them? If I call them, do I have to contact each credit company?</li><li>I'm about $26,000 in credit card debt. My husband walked out on us and stopped paying the bills, so we racked up more debt. My credit score has dropped significantly. We're doing okay without major expenses, but now we must pay lawyer fees and replace the roof. What's the best option—a home equity line or something else?</li><li>I just found a $154,000 home near my new job, which I started a week ago. I don't have much to pay for a down payment, but the monthly cost would be about the same as my rent. Is it wise to buy this house right now, even though I don't have a large down payment?</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.equifax.com/">Equifax</a> | <a href="https://www.transunion.com/?atvy=%7B%22248034%22%3A%22exp.+b%22%7D">TransUnion</a> | <a href="https://www.experian.com/">Experian</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows">Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi App</a></li></ul>
<p><p>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith &amp; Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network </a>and <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com </a>where you can join the FaithFi Community <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give </a>as we expand our outreach.</p></p>

One of the enemy’s favorite tools for discouraging Christians is the question, “What if…?” Unfortunately, those “What if” questions lead right down the road to fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

How many times have you worried about your finances, asking those scary “what if” questions like:

“What if I lose my job?”
“What if I don’t have enough money for retirement?”
“What if something bad happens to me or my loved ones?”

We all have these fears, often driven by uncertainties about the future. The problem with “what if” thinking is that it focuses on events that haven’t happened—and may never happen. We can’t control the future, but we often let fear about it consume us. 

Yet, God knows this struggle, and Jesus offers a comforting reminder in Matthew 6.

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