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Faith & Finance

Faith & Finance

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Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry of FaithFi, hosted by Rob West, CEO of Kingdom Advisors. At FaithFi, we help you integrate your faith and financial decisions for the glory of God. Our vision is that every Christian would see God as their ultimate treasure. Join Rob and expert guests as they give biblical wisdom for your financial journey and provide practical answers to your pressing financial questions. From budgeting and debt management to investing and stewardship, Faith & Finance equips listeners with insights to handle money wisely and live generously for God's Kingdom. Listen now or ask your question live by calling 800-525-7000 each weekday from 10-11 a.m. ET on American Family Radio and 4-5 p.m. ET on Moody Radio. You can learn more at FaithFi.com.Copyright 2023-2025 FaithFi: Faith & Finance Cristianismo Economía Espiritualidad Finanzas Personales Ministerio y Evangelismo
Episodios
  • Our Ultimate Treasure: A Thankful Approach to Taxes
    Mar 12 2026
    It’s one thing to thank God before a meal. It’s another thing entirely to thank Him before sending off a tax payment. For many Christians, taxes are rarely associated with gratitude. They often feel like a burden—an interruption to our financial plans or resources we’d rather use elsewhere. But Scripture invites us to view taxes through a very different lens. Instead of seeing them merely as a loss, believers can see them as a reminder of God’s provision and His sovereignty, and as an opportunity to live with integrity. Why Taxes Stir Frustration Few topics unite people quite like a shared dislike of paying taxes. It’s easy to think, if I could just keep that money, I could do something better with it. And when government policies conflict with our convictions—or headlines highlight waste or corruption—resentment can grow even stronger. Yet Scripture calls us to approach the issue differently. Instead of responding with frustration alone, the Bible encourages gratitude, humility, and trust in God’s sovereign rule. In Matthew 22:17, the Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a political question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus responded by asking for a coin and pointing to the image stamped on it. His reply has echoed through history: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21) This answer was remarkable. Taxes under Rome were deeply unpopular. Rome was an occupying force, and tax revenue helped sustain a system that oppressed God’s people. Yet Jesus did not call for revolt or avoidance. Instead, He acknowledged that paying taxes fits within God’s ordering of society while making it clear that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Coins may bear Caesar’s image, but our lives bear God’s image—and they belong fully to Him. Trusting God’s Sovereignty The apostle Paul reinforced this principle in Romans 13:6–7, writing during the reign of Nero—hardly a model of righteous leadership: “Because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God… Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Notice what Paul does not say. He doesn’t ground obedience in the goodness of government. Instead, he points to the sovereignty of God. Paying taxes, then, is not primarily an expression of confidence in a human system. It is a recognition that God ultimately rules over nations, leaders, and history itself. Taxes Reveal God’s Provision There is another perspective on taxes that believers often overlook. Before you pay a single dollar in taxes, something has already happened: God has provided. A mentor of mine, Ron Blue, often says around tax time, “Taxes represent God’s provision.” If God had not provided income, there would be no taxes to pay. Think about it. Taxes imply that: Work was available.Income was earned.Needs were met.Daily bread was provided. In other words, taxes—uncomfortable as they may feel—are evidence that God has supplied what we need. Gratitude allows us to see provision before we see loss. Instead of asking only, How much am I paying? We can ask, What does this reveal about God’s faithfulness? Integrity in a Culture of Loopholes This perspective also shapes how Christians respond during tax season. In a world full of shortcuts, loopholes, and justifications, believers are called to something different: integrity. Honesty in financial matters—especially the ones no one else sees—forms Christlike character. Filing accurately, reporting honestly, and paying what is owed becomes an act of discipleship. It’s a quiet but powerful testimony of a life shaped by trust in God rather than self-protection. Turning Taxes into a Spiritual Discipline Finally, paying taxes can even become a spiritual discipline. Each time you write that check or submit that payment, let it prompt you to pray. Pray that God would guide leaders with wisdom, justice, and humility. Pray for policies that protect the vulnerable and promote the common good. Pray for leaders who recognize their need for God’s guidance. You may disagree with those leaders. You may even oppose their policies. But Scripture reminds us they are still people made in God’s image—people who need God’s help just like the rest of us. In a culture eager to complain, believers have the opportunity to respond differently. When tax season arrives: Remember the Owner: God owns everything, including the income from which taxes are paid (Psalm 24:1).Recognize the Provider: Taxes remind us that God has provided resources in the first place.Respond with Integrity: Honesty reflects a heart that seeks to honor Christ.Reframe with Gratitude: Thank God for His provision rather than focusing only on what is owed.Respond with Prayer: Let taxes prompt intercession for leaders and systems of ...
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    25 m
  • One More: The Power of Personal Financial Discipleship with Brian Holtz
    Mar 11 2026
    Discipleship often sounds like something that requires a large program, a curriculum, or a major church initiative. But what if it’s far simpler than that? What if discipleship often begins with just one intentional relationship? Sometimes a single faithful conversation—repeated over time—can shape how we follow Christ in every area of life, including our finances. Today, we spoke with Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, about a simple discipleship model that has quietly transformed lives for decades. And it all begins with one person investing in another. The Power of One-to-One Discipleship The vision began with Howard Dayton, the founder of Compass. Many people know Howard from his years teaching about biblical stewardship, but at the heart of his ministry has always been personal discipleship. Years ago, Howard made a simple commitment: each year, he would intentionally walk alongside one person. They would read Scripture together, discuss what God was teaching them, and reflect on how those truths applied to their lives. Alongside Scripture, they would read a few formative Christian books and meet regularly to talk through what they were learning. But there was one small request. At the end of the year, the person being discipled would commit to doing the same thing with someone else. That simple multiplication strategy became known as the “One More” program—disciple one person each year and invite them to do the same. Books That Shape the Heart Over time, the reading list has evolved, but the goal has always remained the same: to encourage deep spiritual formation. Some of the books commonly used in the process include: Humility by Andrew MurrayTrusting God by Jerry BridgesFinancial Discipleship by Peter BriscoeThe Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman Each of these works invites believers to reflect deeply on their relationship with God. But as Brian Holtz explained, the real power isn’t in the book list. It’s in the relationship. The conversations that happen as we discuss what God is teaching—how Scripture shapes decisions, priorities, and daily life—become the true treasure of the process. A Life-Shaping Year For Brian, this model of discipleship became deeply personal. Nearly a decade ago, his family had just relocated across state lines for work. Everything felt unsettled—his job, church, and even family rhythms. Nothing seemed to be falling into place. Then a friend invited him into this simple discipleship process: reading Scripture and a few books together over the course of a year. What began as a small commitment ended up transforming nearly every area of his life. His view of money changed. His relationship with the Lord deepened. His marriage and parenting were shaped in new ways. Eventually, that same relationship even influenced his career, leading him to join Compass Financial Ministry itself. What started as one faithful investment became a turning point in Brian’s life—and he has since walked many others through the same journey. Where Discipleship Begins For many believers, the idea of discipling someone else can feel intimidating. We imagine complicated programs or advanced theological training. But Brian offers a far simpler starting point. Don’t read books alone anymore. Invite someone to read with you—whether it’s Scripture, a devotional, or a Christian book. Meet regularly, talk about what you’re learning, and discuss how those truths apply to your life. That’s it. One conversation at a time. For those who want to follow the same approach used by Howard Dayton, Compass offers free study guides through its “One More” initiative, designed to help people disciple one person each year. One Faithful Relationship at a Time Discipleship rarely begins with a platform or a program. More often, it starts with a single faithful relationship—two people opening Scripture together, asking honest questions, and encouraging one another to follow Christ more closely. And when that investment is repeated again and again, the impact multiplies in ways we may never fully see. One conversation. One relationship. One more life shaped for eternity. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My 19-year-old daughter still lives at home, and we want to help her learn good money habits before she moves out. Should we charge her rent and save it for her? What percentage makes sense, where should we keep it, and is it wise for her to get a credit card to start building credit?We lived in a home for 20 years, then turned it into a rental five years ago. It hasn’t been rented for about a year due to renovations. If we sell now, can we avoid capital gains taxes, and how should we handle tithing from the sale in the most tax-efficient way?My daughter is listed on my bank accounts, but her struggling business could lead to bankruptcy. Could that put my money at risk, and should I remove her from the accounts to protect it? Resources...
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    25 m
  • Treasure that Lasts
    Mar 10 2026
    “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21 Long before Scripture speaks about budgets, investments, or generosity, it asks a deeper question: What do we truly value? Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21 aren’t merely financial advice. They reveal a profound spiritual reality. Our treasures—what we prioritize, pursue, and protect—reveal the direction of our hearts. Understanding this truth reshapes the way we think about money, wealth, and ultimately, life itself. Everyone Is Chasing a Treasure Step into any office, business, or marketplace, and you’ll see it quickly: everyone is pursuing something. For some, the pursuit is wealth. For others, it’s freedom, comfort, reputation, or security. When you peel it back, treasure shows up in the things we sacrifice for, dream about, and worry over. Money often sits at the center of this pursuit because it seems to promise everything we desire. If we have enough, we imagine we’ll finally feel secure, prepared, and in control. But there’s a paradox. The more we accumulate, the more we fear losing it. The more we protect it, the more anxious we become. What once promised freedom slowly begins to feel like slavery. The problem isn’t that money is bad. Scripture never teaches that. Money is simply a tool. The problem is that our hearts quietly ask money to do what only God can do: save us, secure us, and satisfy us. That’s why Jesus spoke about treasure so often. Not because He opposed wealth, but because wealth competes for what belongs to God alone—our trust. Generosity Reveals the Heart Many people assume the solution to the love of money is simply to give more. And generosity is certainly celebrated throughout Scripture. Giving frees us to participate in God’s work and bless others. But Jesus never treated giving like a formula. Instead, He treated it like a diagnosis. In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus watched as wealthy donors placed large gifts into the temple treasury. It must have looked impressive to everyone watching. But His attention turned to a poor widow who quietly dropped in two small coins. To most observers, her gift seemed insignificant. But Jesus saw something different. The wealthy gave from their surplus. The widow gave from trust. Her offering wasn’t about optics or recognition. It was worship. She treasured God more than financial security. When Giving Isn’t Enough Jesus reinforced this idea when He rebuked the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23. They carefully tithed even their smallest herbs—mint, dill, and cumin—yet neglected “the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.” Their giving was meticulous. But their hearts were misplaced. If the act of giving alone could break the love of money, the Pharisees would have been the freest people in Israel. But they weren’t. True freedom doesn’t come from giving more. It comes from loving Christ most. The Treasure Worth Everything Jesus tells another story in Matthew 13:44 about a man who discovers a treasure hidden in a field. When he realizes what he has found, he joyfully sells everything he owns to buy the field. Notice what’s remarkable about this story: the man isn’t grieving his loss. He’s thrilled. Why? Because he finally sees clearly what is truly valuable. He isn’t losing—he’s gaining. That’s what happens when Christ becomes our treasure. Everything else falls into its proper place. Wealth becomes a tool instead of a master. Enjoyment becomes gratitude rather than entitlement. Generosity flows from joy instead of guilt. Stewardship becomes participation in God’s work instead of anxiety about our own future. The Treasure That Came Looking for Us But the story of treasure doesn’t end there. While humanity was searching for treasure, the greatest treasure came searching for us. Jesus didn’t simply teach about treasure—He became the treasure who gave everything to redeem us. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Christ endured the cross “for the joy that was set before him.” That joy was redeeming us. The gospel isn’t ultimately a call to give up treasure. It’s an invitation to receive a greater one. The Question That Matters Most The real question isn’t whether you treasure something. You do. The question is who. Earthly treasures always demand protection. Christ alone protects us. And when Christ becomes our treasure, we gain something the world can never provide: a confidence no market can shake and a wealth no thief can steal. So today, pause and ask yourself the question Jesus raised long ago: Where is your treasure? Because wherever it is, that’s where your heart will be also. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I started a construction business about a year and a half ago, and it’s growing. How can I pursue growth faithfully without crossing the line from building wealth to pursuing greed?I’m overwhelmed by high-interest loans and paying $1,200–$1,500 every two ...
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    25 m
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