There are people who reason, *If I give generously, I’ll have to worry about where the money will come from to replace what I’ve given.* But Jesus actually says the opposite. Immediately after He commands us not to store up treasures on Earth but store them in Heaven ([Matthew 6:19-21](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matt%206.19-21)), He says we are to adopt the right perspective (verses 22-23) and serve the right master—God, not money (verse 24).

Our Lord immediately follows this statement by saying three times, *“Do not worry”* ([Matthew 6:25](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matt%206.25), [31](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matthew%206.31), [34](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matthew%206.34), NIV). Anyone who is investing in the right treasury, adopting the right perspective, and serving the right Master has nothing to worry about. In contrast, those who invest in the wrong treasury (Earth, not Heaven), adopt the wrong perspective (the temporal, not the eternal), and serve the wrong master (money, not God) have every reason to worry.

*“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”* ([Romans 8:15, ESV](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%208.15)). Since we can’t serve two masters, our fear of not having enough reveals our true master.

Jesus specifically tells us not to worry about life’s necessities—food, drink, and clothes. Then He says, *“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”* ([Matthew 6:33](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matt%206.33)). According to our Lord, giving isn’t what leaves us short of material provision. In fact, it’s part of the solution to our material needs. God promised to provide for givers in Old Testament times ([Malachi 3:8-11](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Mal%203.8-11)). And Jesus promised the same in the New ([Luke 6:38](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%206.38)). When we give away our treasures, we are seeking God’s Kingdom first. And therefore, *“all these [material needs] will be added to”* us.

Paul told the Philippians, *“I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God”* ([Philippians 4:18, CSB](https://biblia.com/bible/csb/Phil%204.18)). Their financial gifts were gifts to God. Since they gave so generously to provide for him and his work, Paul was confident God would provide the same for them: *“My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” *([Philippians 4:19, CSB](https://biblia.com/bible/csb/Phil%204.19)). This is a familiar promise, but most people don’t realize that in context, it is specifically for givers who have stretched themselves to become sacrificial partners in Kingdom ministry. *“For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times” *(v.16).

In some cases, God’s provision is obvious—we get an unexpected check in the mail or are given something we thought we’d have to buy. One time Nanci and I discovered an error we’d made in our bank balance, finding we had significantly more money than we realized.

In other cases, God’s provision is less obvious but equally generous. A washing machine that should have broken down a decade ago keeps working. A car with more than two hundred thousand miles runs for three years needing no repairs. A checking account that should have dried up long before the end of the month somehow makes it through. As God miraculously stretched the widow’s oil supply in Elisha’s day ([2 Kings 4:1-7](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Kings%204.1-7)), and as He made the Israelites’ clothes and sandals last forty years in the wilderness ([Deuteronomy 8:4](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Deut%208.4)), I’m convinced He sometimes graciously extends the life of things that would normally need replacement.

The God who fed a million-member family in the wilderness for forty years, fed five thousand with one boy’s lunch, and who is perfectly capable of turning water into wine and stones into bread, will not have any trouble providing whatever He knows you need.

*[Image](https://www.epm.org/static/cache/6f/38/6f3821a6f9faab9ddad924747183d679.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

Some say, "If I give generously, I’ll have to worry about where the money will come from to replace what I've given."

If We Fear God, We Can Trust His Provision

## Time and time again, we read in the Scriptures that wealth and riches are deceptive and dangerous. Jesus even goes as far as to say, *"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."* The Bible overwhelmingly conveys that this pursuit is dangerous, yet most of the world, including many Christians, is fixated on becoming rich.

Pursuing wealth is not a new thing. In the gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples the story of the unjust steward who was mismanaging his master's money (Luke 16:1-13) and warns them, *"You cannot serve God and money."* The Pharisees who were also listening to this story ridiculed Him, and this show of contempt was motivated by their favorable view of being rich in material possessions.

The Pharisees believed that being rich was a sign of being spiritual. The wealthier a person was, the more he was thought to be favored and blessed by God, a reward for his righteous conduct. In contrast, poor people were believed to be sinful and under God's judgment because of their unrighteous conduct.

Of course, this view isn't supported by the Scripture, and Jesus' response shows that he opposes this belief. He said to them, *"For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”* (Luke 16:15 ESV) Furthermore, he knew their hearts and was not impressed with their outward appearances or wealth.

## Jesus isn't against someone having riches or wealth. He is, however, against riches getting between him and his people and when it's used to divide people instead of bringing them together.

At this time, America and many other countries are experiencing social unrest. A significant part of this is due to economic inequality. It is not the scope of this article to dive into the reasons for this growing inequality, but rather to point it out because regardless of which side of the debate you land on, the answers will not be found in government policies, higher taxes for the rich, or any number of strategies our leaders are suggesting. The answers lie in the hands of every person, and more so for those of us who the gospel has enlightened.

We have one Creator, God, Savior, and Provider from whom comes all that we have. The wealthy person's wealth comes from and belongs to God. So do the poor person's few possessions. There is nothing that we have that hasn't been given to us. __Our responsibility and response to this provision will define our stewardship and determine our reward.__

## The Rich Man and Lazarus

After addressing the contemptuous response of the Pharisees about money, Jesus shares what I believe is one of the most sobering stories he ever told. The story of The Rich Man and Lazarus is universal. Though Jesus was specifically addressing the disbelief and disobedience of the Pharisees, the implications and warnings also apply to us, and we must take them seriously.

*"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side."* (Luke 16:19-23 ESV)

There's something that immediately stands out in this passage. The rich man "was clothed," which hints at the fact that God clothed him and gave him his wealth. Similarly, the poor man "was laid" at the rich man's gate. We are not told who carried him to the rich man's gate, but it isn't a stretch to believe that due to his poor health, he could not have done it on his own.

Both the rich man and Lazarus were, in different ways, provided by God. The rich man was given everything he needed and more. Lazarus was given the opportunity to receive what he needed daily by the charity of others.

Now, you and I can debate whether it was fair for the rich man to have so much while Lazarus lived in poverty and suffering, dependent on others. That's what the world is doing right now; arguing over what's fair and equitable and trying to convince their respective leaders to create laws to force equality. __Yet, it's worth noting that Jesus doesn't address the inequality or fairness of the situation, but he does hit at the solution.__

Jesus continues the story: *"And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment."* (Luke 16:24-28 ESV)

Though Abraham doesn't directly say it, he implies that the rich man's lack of compassion in sharing his abundance with Lazarus, and likely with others, is the reason for his current situation. The fact that there's no argument or rebuttal is sufficient to conclude that he knew he hadn't believed and obeyed the Scripture.

The Law of Moses gave clear instructions on how to deal with the poor and warnings on how not to (see Deuteronomy 15:7-11 ESV). Yet, by ignoring them and living selfishly he missed the opportunity to be part of God’s plan to bring provision to Lazarus. People are asking for equality through force. Jesus is offering equality and prosperity to all people through acts of obedience and generosity.

Knowing his faith was justified, the rich man's concern turns to his still-living brothers, who were apparently living similar lives as he had, and pleads with Abraham in an effort to help them avoid his fate. *"But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"*

It's hard to believe that anyone would ignore the warnings of a person who was raised from the dead, but that's what Abraham is suggesting, that even if someone came back from the dead to speak to the rich man's brothers, they would not repent, and they would not change.

Well, guess what? Someone did come back from the dead. Sometime after telling this story, Jesus was crucified, buried, and after three days rose from death, and the Pharisees who loved money still didn't believe in him and didn't repent of their selfish ways. Though they had the law and knew what they should do, they rejected it and Jesus.

This parable isn't about money, though Jesus tells it in response to the Pharisee's ridicule of his view on money. No, this parable is about believing in God and obeying his laws and commandments, which teaches us how we should manage his provision, including wealth, as well as other principles necessary for godly living.

## You cannot serve God and money.

You cannot be truly committed to God, use money in the way you see fit, and ignore what God says you should do with his stuff! That's the sobering message of this story.

__The rich man was not unrighteous because he had wealth; he was unrighteous because he chose to live for himself and disobey God's instructions, ultimately leading him to reject God.__ Lazarus was not righteous because he was poor; he was righteous because he depended on and trusted in God for his provision.

## Who are you dependent on?

Who influences you in the management of your money? Is it God's word and his voice, or your wants and desires? Your stewardship reveals your commitment to God and his word and, ultimately, your future reward. Choose rightly.

## For Further Reading:

[Financial Surrender](https://www.moneywise.org/sound-mind-investing/financial-surrender-3622)

[4 Things You Can Do to Make Sound Financial Decisions in Financially Lean Times](https://www.moneywise.org/christian-stewardship-network/4-things-you-can-do-to-make-sound-financial-decisions-in-financially-lean-times-3870)

[Stewardship for the Entire Congregation](https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2022/6/13/vvxvh5zavyyobbh8f0kpu1yik5n4rf)

[12 Ways to Leverage Giving Data: A Ministry-First Approach To Generosity](https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2022/6/8/12-ways-to-leverage-giving-data-a-ministry-first-approach-to-generosity)

[The High Stakes of Stewardship](https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2022/5/11/the-high-stakes-of-stewardship)

We teach church leaders the biblical perspective on finances.

Christian Stewardship Network

Blog

The Bible overwhelmingly conveys that this pursuit is dangerous, yet most of the world is fixated on becoming rich.

The Danger of Wealth

## If you go for a walk in the bustling cities of Jakarta, Mumbai, or Nairobi, much of it will feel quite foreign to the average American, but then you will encounter the familiar sight and smells of McDonalds or Starbucks.

If you step inside, there are some interesting local adaptations, such as McDonald’s completely vegetarian menu in India. Franchise businesses around the world have seen steady growth in the past few decades, particularly in Brazil, China, and Mexico, as emerging economies have grown rapidly and their citizens have acquired taste for these ‘aspirational foods.’ Many developed markets are reaching brand saturation with high competition and limited room for growth. Over 60% of the International Franchise Association members (US-based franchisors) currently franchise or operate in international locations, and 16 percent generate between 25-30 percent of revenue from international activities.

At Faith Driven Entrepreneur, we have been reflecting on how we might see greater social and spiritual impact through entrepreneurship and how Faith Driven Investors can support and finance this. Every day, we meet incredible entrepreneurs who have beaten the odds and, through hard work and ingenuity, have built vibrant businesses. But sadly, we also meet entrepreneurs who are struggling. They may have a great concept and some traction, but they are unable to scale and don’t achieve their potential.

The reasons for this include:

- Most enterprises are opportunistic and not strategic.

- Many founders lack core business skills or experience.

- In many cases, they are isolated, without support structures or a strong team.

- They lack proper operating systems and corporate governance.

- They can’t access sufficient growth capital.

Franchising offers a powerful model to address these challenges and to achieve scale and impact through replication. In the US, the success rate of franchises is significantly higher, and that is reflected in the lower cost of capital and in the willingness of banks to lend to them. Franchising offers several advantages over traditional business growth models, all of which serve to reduce risk and increase the likelihood of success:

- It provides a proven business model.

- There is an established operating model with defined systems and processes.

- It offers a trusted, credible brand. This is really important in countries with low safety and quality standards.

- The franchisor provides for the franchisees with additional support services, such as training, quality control, advertising, and marketing.

- The franchisee generally contributes capital, entrepreneurial skills, operational oversight, and local market knowledge. They have ‘skin in the game.'

Done well, franchising should be a win/win, as both franchisor and franchisee have a vested interest in the business succeeding.

From a Christian perspective, franchising is also a powerful way of transmitting a values-based culture and being a witness for the Gospel, often in countries which are closed. While missionaries might be blacklisted, doors are flung open to welcome in foreign brands. Franchises can offer more than hamburgers and fries—delivering incredible social impact such as standardized medical care, potable water, education, and clean energy at the base of the pyramid. Some incredible examples that we’ve encountered recently include:

- A KFC franchise in Spain is owned by a Christian brother who operates 9 outlets with 180 employees and expects to double in the next 12 months. In his leadership training for his employees, he is able share his faith motivation and lead them in integrating values in their lives. He works closely with a local church and is able to support their ministry with profits from the franchise.

- A chain of fitness gyms operating in countries which are often hostile to Christianity is one of the largest disciple-making movements in the world. They have tens of thousands of members who would rarely, if ever, attend a church or encounter the Gospel. These members come to their gym weekly and develop deep relationships with the local owner who has an opportunity to disciple them and connect them with a local church.

- Jibu, a water purification company in East Africa, provides water filtration technology to franchisees. Clean water is a massive need—in Uganda, 51% of the population lack access to clean water, while 786mm people worldwide face this challenge. Jibu has grown rapidly to 137 franchises in 7 countries.

- And, of course, closer to home, well-known US franchises such as Chick-Fil-A, Auntie Anne’s, and Popeyes have created cultures which love their employees, who in turn love their customers—providing a powerful platform for leadership development and Christian witness.

These examples above also illustrate two different types of approaches to franchising:

- __Outside In Approach__ – There are proven established businesses (usually from developed markets) that have proven and predictable operating systems (e.g., KFC)

- __Inside Out Approach__ – Opportunities that originate in local markets (e.g., Jibu)

So, if franchising has such potential, why don’t we see more of it? The reality is that, for both approaches, the barriers and costs to entry remain significant.

For an international franchisor, it is challenging to enter a new market, particularly one which is significantly different from his/her home market. In particular, establishing market demand, adapting the business and operating model to local tastes or customs, and finding the right owners with aligned vision and values can be extremely difficult.

For the local franchisor who has a vision to scale, the expertise to do this is scarce, and the growth capital is practically non-existent.

__The Franchise Studio model__

To solve these challenges, we are developing a Franchise Studio model. This combines the talent selection and development model of an accelerator, the strategic advice and investment of a VC fund, and the hands-on operational support to develop the franchise model and scale it. The founding teams do not need to have their “world changing idea” in place. They are just highly motivated, capable individuals who are motivated by their faith and looking for an exemplary opportunity to create a flourishing business which can grow for greater social and redemptive impact. The Studio assesses, mentors, and disciples these potential founders to determine the best “franchise fit,” often working closely with other Christian accelerators who have a pool of alumni.

![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c755f8a7eb88c63adc29a19/6624e37c-5680-4217-9a6c-fefc47ac18bd/Reuben-Coulter-WP-pic1-768x416.png?format=2500w)

The Studio can then match the founding teams with either an Outside In or Inside Out opportunity.

1. In the Outside In approach, the Studio can take on master franchise rights for the market and can develop, grow, and support a franchise model on behalf of the franchisor. It can also act as a franchisor agent—matching the opportunity with a founding team and collecting a finder’s fee for a founder referral to the franchisor. The Studio would also participate with the franchisor in co-funding the franchise opportunity. The Franchisor is assured of a local partner with aligned values, strong ability to execute, and a pipeline of talent to expand the business as it scales.
2. In the Inside Out approach, the Studio identifies and invests in businesses in the local market which have gained some traction and works with the founding team to develop a franchise business model.

The value addition that a Franchise Studio offers includes:

- Screening and selecting values aligned, high-capacity teams

- Assisting in product validation

- Providing seed investment to quality teams with validated products

- Contributing expertise and mentorship

- Developing roadmap and operational systems for scale

- Providing centralized administrative functions for cost effectiveness

- Delivering advice and support from franchise experts in the Faith Driven movement

- Providing Kingdom impact and transformative input and guidance to investees

Over the next 12 months, we will be testing and validating the Franchise Studio model in East Africa. If faith driven franchising matures to even a fraction of the size that commercial franchising has reached, it will have achieved sufficient scale to impact millions of people in emerging and frontier markets—providing them with an opportunity to become followers of Christ, to access essential goods or services, and to experience life to the full.

__Acknowledgments__

Special thanks to the Faith Driven franchise working group for their contributions and leadership on this journey—especially Henry Kaestner, Tony White, and Ray Barreth.

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

If you go for a walk these bustling cities, much of it will feel quite foreign to the average American.

Faith Driven Franchising – Turbo-Charging Entrepreneurship & Impact in Emerging Markets

Many of the changes brought on by COVID were temporary, but some, especially in the workplace, are here to stay.

There’s no doubt that the pandemic caused a domino effect through society. COVID sparked the [Great Resignation](https://www.investopedia.com/the-great-resignation-5199074#:~:text=What%20Is%20the%20Great%20Resignation,of%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic) which in turn led to many ways of doing things differently in the workplace.

A century ago, the song “How Ya Gonna Keep Them Down On the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree” swept the nation. It was about American soldiers returning from World War I. They would never be the same.

A similar thing has happened to workers in the wake of COVID. Due to office shutdowns, employers have bent over backwards to keep work flowing, giving employees flexibility like never before, including working from home.

This trend was already underway to a limited extent, but analysts say the pandemic catapulted the workplace decades into the future, practically overnight.


## Organizational psychologist Anthony Klotz, the guy who coined the term the Great Resignation, now says many of those changes are here to stay.


Klotz predicted a year ago this month that COVID would spark mass resignations. He was certainly right. A record [48 million](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/22/great-resignation-continues-as-44percent-of-workers-seek-a-new-job.html) workers left their jobs in 2021, and the trend continues, with four and a half million saying “I quit” this past March alone.

Employers are paying a lot more attention to the needs of employees in an effort to retain them and recruit new hires, instituting policies to help with physical, mental and financial health.

Klotz says the result is a series of changes that might not have taken place for another 30 years, most notably job flexibility and expanded work-from-home opportunities. The result is that millions of workers have now learned they can do their jobs anywhere. 

It’s not a matter of keeping them “down on the farm.” Workers have proven they can be productive on a farm, or anywhere else, at their kitchen table or even the local coffee shop. All they need is broadband Internet.

Many are not going back to the office now that they’ve “seen Paree.” Millions of workers are moving to the suburbs and rural areas and keeping their jobs without having to commute, or looking for new opportunities that allow them to work remotely.

For employees that must come into the office, employers have stepped up onsite changes, including things like a 4-day work week and greater flexibility with hours.

It’s not like they have a choice. A study by [CareerBuilder](https://resources.careerbuilder.com/news-research/careerbuilder-workforce-and-labor-market-data) showed that job announcements giving employees work-from-home opportunities now draw seven times more applications than onsite positions. 

These jobs run the gamut of fields, with managers, tutors and therapists being among the most popular with applicants looking for remote work opportunities.

Applicants are insisting on flexibility and wellness like never before. A LinkedIn [survey](https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-strategy/global-talent-trends-report?trk=MarkLinkedInPost-global-talent-trends-2022) found that nearly two-thirds of job seekers now say that the chance to better balance work and home life is a top priority.

Another survey by the Pew Research Center revealed some of the main factors driving the Great Resignation and leading to the changes. Workers who left their jobs in 2021 cited low pay, a lack of advancement opportunity and employer disrespect as the chief reasons they quit.

The respondents who found new jobs said they now have a chance for more flexibility, opportunities to advance, and better pay than with their previous employers.


## Another change sparked by COVID is the huge increase in the number of people leaving jobs to start their own businesses. The Census Bureau reports that applications to form new businesses hit 5.4 million in 2021.


Which are these companies offering perks, such as work-from-home and hour flexibility? It’s no surprise that topping the list is Zoom Video Communications. Social distancing and office shutdowns caused the number of people “zooming” for meetings to skyrocket and the company is now having a surge in new positions.

The computer company Dell is also on the list, along with the travel app Hopper. Intuit is also in the mix, offering “work from home” for tax professionals, including attorneys and CPAs.

The health field is well-represented, with United Health, Trusted Health and BroadPath Health Solutions all giving their employees the opportunity to work from home, among other benefits.

If you want a new job experience that offers more flexibility and the chance to work from home, there’s never been a better time to start looking.

You can also __[listen](https://www.moneywise.org/search?q=Workplace%20Changes%20Here%20To%20Stay&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

Biblical Wisdom For Your Financial Journey

MoneyWise

Many of the changes brought on by COVID were temporary, but some, especially in the workplace, are here to stay.

Workplace Changes Here To Stay

God’s Word tells believers to “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” But it seems that economics is making that ever more difficult. We’ll talk about it with Chad Clark.
Our guest Chad Clark is normally behind the scenes, making things happen as the Executive Director of MoneyWise. But he’s also a keen observer of financial trends, so he joins us to talk about the rising cost of raising a child. Clark shares some interesting statistics about what it costs to be a parent these days.
<ul><li>According to the Brookings Institute, a married couple with two children will spend upwards of $310,605 to raise both children thru age 17.</li><li>Raising kids these days includes a range of expenses: housing, food, clothing, healthcare, child care, diapers, haircuts, and things like sports equipment or dance lessons.</li><li>And raising kids isn’t getting any less expensive. In the short term, inflation is going to continue to play a substantial role.</li><li>Prices for food at home <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-inflation-hit-households-in-july-higher-prices-for-food-electricity-and-alcohol-consumed-at-home-11660160532?mod=article_inline">were up 13.1% in July</a> compared with the year before, adding pressure to household budgets.</li><li>Even though inflation eased a bit in July, down to 8.5%, food prices continued to climb in July, up 10.9% on an annual basis.</li><li>Clark shares four financial keys to raising kids:</li><li>1. Have a spending plan</li><li>2. Track your expenditures</li><li>3. Communicate with your spouse</li><li>4. Communicate with your children </li></ul>On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: 
<ul><li>How should you go about preparing to sell your home?</li><li>What is the best way to evaluate a financial advisor?</li></ul>RESOURCES MENTIONED: 
<ul><li><a href="https://www.moneywise.org/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor</a> </li></ul>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to <a href="mailto:questions@moneywise.org">Questions@MoneyWise.org</a>. Also, visit our website at <a href="http://moneywise.org/">MoneyWise.org</a> where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app.

MoneyWise is a daily radio ministry of MoneyWise Media. Hosted by Rob West and Steve Moore, the program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

MoneyWise with Rob West

Psalm 127 reads, “Children are a heritage from the Lord like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.” ﻿God’s Word also tells us to “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” but it seems that economics is making that difficult.

The Cost of Raising a Child With Chad Clark

When a loved one dies, are you responsible for his or her debts? Rob West says it depends...

The MoneyWise Minute is a great way to be reminded of God's financial principles with actionable items you can easily apply to your daily life.

MoneyWise Minute

When a loved one dies, are you responsible for his or her debts? Rob West says it depends...

Debts Remaining After the Death of a Loved One

One way to control expenses over the long-term is to invest in your health. Rob West shares about the benefits of being a good steward with your body!

One way to control expenses over the long-term is to invest in your health. Rob West shares about the benefits of being a good steward with your body!

Investing in Your Long-Term Health

Finding peace in uncertain times is a true blessing, but we all know that’s easier said than done. Fortunately, there are positive and practical steps you can take to increase your faith in God’s promise to provide. We’ll go over several of them today on MoneyWise. 
<ul><li>We’ve all experienced uncertainty in our lives and the anxiety and worry it causes. In those times it’s important to keep a clear head and avoid making some common mistakes with your money.</li><li>So the first thing you can do to find peace is open God’s Word. It’s the antidote for the fear that arises during times of uncertainty. That fear can lead to irrational thinking and irrational behavior, but the Bible says to "Fear not" over 300 times.</li><li>The most effective way to overcome fear is to have God's perspective—He's never surprised and He's in total control of all circumstances. He's going to use it for his purposes and kingdom growth.</li><li>If you have a long-term financial plan, consider whether your plan will stand the test of time. This is a battle best fought on your knees in prayer to God that He’ll show you the right path.</li><li>The next practical step is to focus only on what you can control. You can't control the Federal Reserve, the stock market, or the GDP, but you can control what God provides you to steward and manage.</li><li>When you look at what Scripture says about money, you’ll see that God plays a role and you play a role. He's ultimately the owner and controls everything. He's also responsible for your provision.</li><li>Your part is confirming that you have a solid spending plan that includes giving and debt reduction. The free MoneyWise App will help you set up that spending plan and manage it so you know where every dollar is going. Just look for “MoneyWise, biblical finance” at your app store.</li><li>Now here’s a very practical step you can take to overcome fear: Stop looking at your investment accounts every day — or several times a day. Forget the daily headlines. </li><li>Fixating on the financial news is actually harmful to your decision-making process.</li><li>Instead, stick to your long term financial and investment plans and focus on your daily study of God’s Word. Re-focus on having an awe of God, and all of your short-term concerns come into proper focus.</li><li>Your next step is to keep up your giving. Sadly, one of the first things many people cut during times of uncertainty. So I challenge you not to do that, but instead to trust God as an act of obedience and worship, even in difficult times.</li><li>Giving breaks the power that money can have over your life. Giving shows where you've ultimately placed your trust as you hold on loosely to everything. And as a follower of Christ, you should give more if you're doing okay, because many people aren’t.</li><li>God's given you resources, financial and otherwise, to use for His honor and glory. </li><li>So look around for someone who might need your help. It demonstrates your faith and will give you peace.</li><li>Now, I mentioned your spending plan earlier. Let me add that it should be long term, as well. You need to stick to it. One of the fundamentals of planning is that it helps you make better short-term decisions. A long-term perspective of your finances is really an eternal perspective. Your spending plan shouldn’t have to change in times of uncertainty, because it anticipates uncertainty.</li><li>How does a budget do that? By having a category for emergencies. If you don’t have one, start now. Put away something every payday until you have 3 to 6 months’ living expenses in liquid savings. That’s how you plan for uncertainty and doing it will give you great peace of mind.</li><li>If you have debt and you’re struggling to keep up with it, let your creditors know. Run toward them, not away. They may be willing to reconfigure your monthly payments. You can also contact Christian Credit Counselors. They can help you pay off obligations in full 80% faster.</li><li>Last but certainly not least on your list to find peace in uncertain times is, pay attention to what God may be telling you. Spend time with him and listen for His guidance and wisdom and trust Him in your daily actions and decisions.</li><li>You can, with certainty, place your faith in the eternal God who created everything and has all wisdom and knowledge. He has your best interests at heart. Study his Word and spend time with him.</li><li>Okay, those are some very practical steps you can take to find peace in uncertain times. We hope they’ll be a comfort to you.</li></ul>On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: 
<ul><li>Is an annuity a good investment vehicle? </li><li>How should you use proceeds from the sale of a rental house? </li></ul>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to <a href="mailto:questions@moneywise.org">Questions@MoneyWise.org</a>. Also, visit our website at <a href="http://moneywise.org/">MoneyWise.org</a> where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app.

Finding peace in uncertain times is a true blessing but we all know that’s easier said than done. ﻿Fortunately, there are positive and practical steps you can take to increase your faith in God’s promise to provide.

Finding Peace In Uncertainty

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