Count Your Blessings: The Power of Gratitude

Focusing on the eternal treasure we have in Christ brings contentment. Jesus offers a peace the world cannot give: 

Gratitude shifts our hearts away from jealousy toward contentment rooted in Christ. The hymn's refrain encourages a simple yet powerful practice: 

When was the last time you paused to reflect on the blessings in your life? Set aside time today to list every blessing you can think of, big or small. It’s a great activity for the entire family—kids included—and you might be surprised at how much you have to be thankful for!

Acknowledge the Giver of Every Good Gift

While counting blessings is a valuable practice, as Christians, we’re called to take it one step further. James 1:17 reminds us: 

We should not only count our blessings but also recognize that every blessing is a gift from God. Take a moment to thank Him for each item on your list, and let gratitude renew your joy.

Johnson Oatman’s hymn ends with a final reminder: 

Whatever you face, remember that gratitude can lift your spirit and strengthen your faith. Count your blessings, embrace gratitude, and remember God is with you through every trial. Let’s start counting today, knowing that our faithful God is at the heart of every blessing!

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I borrowed money from my 401(k) to buy a home but had trouble paying. My plan converted the loan to a hardship distribution with a 35% tax penalty. How can I avoid this penalty?
• My wife will be 62 in August. She's retired, but we still file taxes jointly. I was thinking about her taking her Social Security early. Would it be taxed since I still work?
• I own a land-flipping and splitting business. We are about $5.5 million in debt and have brought in about $1.2 million in average revenue over the last few years. What is a good debt-to-income ratio for a small business like mine?
• I need $175,000 to finish building our final home. My accountant suggested I borrow from one of my rental properties instead of taking it from my IRA and paying taxes. I'm struggling with that - I don't want the monthly payments. Should I just take the money from the IRA and pay the taxes or borrow from the rental property?

Resources Mentioned:

• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App