Episodios

  • How Everyday Banking Can Advance God’s Kingdom with Aaron Caid

    How Everyday Banking Can Advance God’s Kingdom with Aaron Caid
    Apr 16 2026
    What if your everyday banking could help fuel ministry—without changing how you manage your money? That’s the question at the heart of a growing movement to rethink financial stewardship. For many of us, banking feels purely transactional. But what if it could become a tool for Kingdom impact? On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, Aaron Caid joined us to share how a unique approach to banking is helping support churches, families, and ministries around the world. A New Chapter in Faith-Based Banking Aaron Caid represents AdelFi and Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU), which recently came together to form what is now the largest faith-based credit union in the country. As they move toward a unified identity under AdelFi Christian Banking, the mission remains unchanged—but the opportunity for impact has grown. This new chapter means expanded resources, greater reach, and a continued commitment to serving individuals, families, businesses, and ministries nationwide. The goal is simple but powerful: to steward financial resources in a way that advances the gospel. More Than Transactions Most people don’t think of their bank account as a ministry tool—but that’s exactly what this model seeks to change. As a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union, the focus shifts from profit maximization to Kingdom impact. Instead of enriching shareholders, revenue is reinvested in serving members and supporting ministry work. Notably, 10% of earnings are tithed to support ministries actively sharing the gospel. This transforms everyday financial decisions—like where you bank—into opportunities to participate in God’s work. Real-Life Kingdom Impact This isn’t just theory. It’s happening in tangible ways. 1. Supporting the Local Church During the pandemic, Calvary Chapel South OC quickly outgrew its space as people gathered in large numbers for outdoor worship. Through affordable financing, the credit union helped the church secure a larger property—creating space for continued worship, discipleship, and community. 2. Caring for the Vulnerable Through partnerships with organizations such as the Christian Alliance for Orphans, financial resources have supported over 250 ministries serving orphaned and foster children. Beyond funding, families have also received guidance on navigating the financial complexities of adoption. 3. Investing in the Next Generation Camp Agape, which serves children with incarcerated parents, is another example. Support includes both financial contributions and volunteer involvement. Many children who attend eventually return as adults to serve, creating a cycle of healing and hope. A Broader Vision of Stewardship When you step back, the vision becomes clear: stewardship isn’t limited to giving—it includes how we manage every financial decision. Where we bank, how we spend, and the systems we participate in all reflect what we value. When those decisions align with our faith, even routine financial activity can take on eternal significance. This approach invites us to rethink a basic question: What if our money could serve more than just our needs? Instead of viewing finances as isolated from our spiritual lives, this model integrates the two—turning everyday banking into a way to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. Take the Next Step If you’re interested in aligning your banking with your faith, there’s a practical opportunity right now. For a limited time, FaithFi listeners can earn up to a $400 bonus when opening a qualifying high-yield checking, savings, or cash rewards VISA credit account. CCCU also offers a high-yield money market account with a competitive rate on balances up to $100,000. To learn more, visit FaithFi.com/Banking and use the code FAITHFI when you open your account. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 71, self-employed, and receiving Social Security, which is just sitting in a checking account. With no debt and a paid-off home, how can I invest it to keep up with inflation?I filed for bankruptcy about 10 years ago, and it still affects my credit. Would repaying old debts help improve my score and rental prospects?I’m 82 with about $50,000 in a 401(k) that I now need to move. What’s the best option—an IRA, CDs, or something else? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Community Credit Union | AdelFiSound Mind Investing (SMI)Charles Schwab | FidelityAnnualCreditReport.comOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American ...
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    25 m
  • Freedom from Borrowing

    Freedom from Borrowing
    Apr 15 2026
    What if debt isn’t just a financial issue—but a discipleship one? We often view borrowing through a practical lens: interest rates, monthly payments, and payoff timelines. But Scripture invites us to look deeper. Debt doesn’t just affect our wallets—it can shape our freedom, influence our generosity, and impact our ability to respond when God calls. Understanding debt through a biblical perspective helps us see why it matters far beyond the numbers. The Weight Debt Carries Borrowing is common in modern life. Credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and business financing are often seen as normal—even necessary. And while Scripture doesn’t call debt a sin, it does consistently warn us about its burden. Proverbs 22:7 reminds us, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.” In the ancient world, that was sometimes literal. Today, while we aren’t entering servitude, the principle still applies. Debt creates obligations. It ties up future income. It can limit flexibility and shape decisions in ways we don’t always anticipate. In many ways, debt mortgages the future—affecting not just our finances, but our availability. When Debt Becomes a Discipleship Issue Debt becomes a spiritual concern when it limits our ability to follow God freely. Imagine feeling led to give generously, help someone in need, or step into a ministry opportunity—but being unable to respond because your income is already committed. That’s where debt intersects with discipleship. Romans 13:8 says, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” While Paul is primarily speaking about relational obligations, the principle carries weight: financial commitments should never overshadow our greater calling to love and serve others. So the better question isn’t simply, “Am I allowed to take on this debt?” It’s, “Will this decision increase or limit my ability to love, give, and respond to God?” Wisdom Over Permission Scripture consistently calls us beyond what’s permissible to what’s wise. In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul writes, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. Not everything builds up.” Some debt may be appropriate—a modest mortgage or a thoughtfully planned business loan, for example. But much of the debt we carry isn’t driven by necessity. It often comes from impatience, comparison, or cultural pressure. When we continually borrow from the future, we may miss opportunities God places before us today. Grace for the Journey If you’re already carrying debt, the response isn’t shame—it’s grace. The gospel begins with a powerful truth: our greatest debt has already been paid. When Jesus declared “It is finished” (John 19:30), the Greek word tetelestai was often written on receipts to indicate a debt paid in full. We owed a debt we could never repay, and Christ paid it completely. That truth reshapes how we approach financial debt. We pursue repayment not out of guilt, but out of gratitude—and a desire to walk in the freedom Christ has secured for us. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s faithfulness. Start by taking an honest look at your current obligations. Not just the numbers, but how they affect your ability to live out God’s calling. From there, consider practical steps: Build or refine a budgetCreate a clear repayment planAlign your spending with your priorities Psalm 37:21 says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” Faithful stewardship isn’t just about getting out of debt—it’s about growing in generosity and readiness. Freedom Leads to Availability Charles Spurgeon once warned that debt “is a small beginning, but a giant’s ending.” What starts as convenience can become a chain that limits where God is leading. But freedom from debt isn’t about legalism—it’s about availability. It’s about being ready, like Isaiah, to say, “Here I am. Send me” (Isaiah 6:8). That’s the invitation: take one step. Seek wisdom. Build margin. Walk in grace. Because when God calls, the goal isn’t to say, “Maybe someday”—it’s to say, “Yes, Lord. I’m ready.” A Resource to Go Deeper If you want to explore this idea further, Rob West’s new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship, walks through what it means to see God—not money—as our ultimate treasure. It’s available now at FaithFi.com/Shop, and if you’d like to go through it with your church or small group, discounted bulk pricing is available. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: We’re both over 70 and earn about $185,000 combined. Would it be better to file taxes jointly or separately to maximize benefits?I have $300,000 in CDs and want to explore slightly higher-return options. What conservative alternatives should I consider?My tax return was rejected for missing a 1095-A, but I don’t have marketplace ...
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    25 m
  • Finding True Hope Beyond the Prosperity Gospel with John Cortines

    Finding True Hope Beyond the Prosperity Gospel with John Cortines
    Apr 14 2026
    Many believers wrestle with a quiet but important question: If I truly follow Christ, shouldn’t life go better for me? It’s a tension that often surfaces when life doesn’t unfold as expected—when financial strain, illness, or hardship interrupts our plans. At the heart of that struggle is a deeper issue: how we understand God’s promises and what we believe the Christian life is meant to produce. In today’s conversation with John Cortines, Director of Partnership and Growth at the McClellan Foundation, we explored how the “prosperity gospel” shapes this conversation—and how Scripture offers a better, more faithful perspective. What Is the Prosperity Gospel? At its core, the prosperity gospel teaches that your spiritual standing can be measured by your circumstances—your health, your wealth, and your overall success. It suggests that if you have enough faith, say the right things, or give to the right causes, you can unlock God’s blessings in tangible, immediate ways. But here’s the problem: while this teaching begins with a partial truth—that God loves us and is actively involved in our lives—it stretches that truth beyond what Scripture actually promises. Instead of seeing blessings as gifts, it turns them into indicators of spiritual success. Blessings Are Real—But Not Guaranteed The Bible clearly affirms that God gives good gifts. We see provision, healing, and abundance throughout Scripture. But it never presents these as guarantees or as proof of God’s favor. That distinction matters. When we experience abundance, we should respond with gratitude—not entitlement. And when we walk through hardship, we’re not outside of God’s care. Our ultimate security isn’t found in changing circumstances—it’s found in Christ and the eternal hope we have in Him. When Giving Becomes Manipulation One of the most dangerous expressions of prosperity teaching shows up in how it approaches generosity. Instead of being an act of worship, giving can become transactional: Give this amount, and you’ll receive a blessing.Your financial hardship may be because you haven’t given enough. But Scripture points us in a very different direction. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” True generosity flows from gratitude—not pressure or fear. A Distorted View of God At its deepest level, the prosperity gospel shifts our focus away from Christ and onto ourselves. It subtly replaces grace with performance: Instead of trusting in Christ’s finished work, we begin trusting in what we do.Instead of receiving from God, we try to earn from Him. Historically, this mirrors ancient systems where people offered sacrifices to secure favor or blessing. The message becomes: Do the right things, and you’ll get the right results. But the gospel says something entirely different: Christ has already secured what we could never earn. What Happens When Hardship Comes? This is where the consequences become painfully clear. When someone embraces a prosperity-centered view and then faces loss—whether financial, physical, or relational—they’re often left with confusion and guilt: Did I not have enough faith?Did I not give enough?Is God punishing me? But Jesus speaks plainly in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble.” Hardship is not evidence of failure. It is part of life in a fallen world—and often a place where God deepens our faith. Scripture gives us a far more balanced and honest picture of the Christian life. Abraham and David experienced seasons of great wealth.The apostles faced poverty, persecution, and even death.The early church endured hardship.And Jesus Himself—though rich—became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). Faithfulness is not measured by comfort. It is measured by trust. Finding Joy in the Midst of Trials So how do we respond when life is hard? John Cortines offers a helpful framework using the word JOY: J — Jesus went first. He understands suffering from the inside. He experienced loss, injustice, and pain. O — Orient your heart. Bring your fears and anxieties to God. Anchor your hope beyond this life. Y — Yes to His purposes. Ask boldly for provision and healing—but trust God’s wisdom in the outcome. As James 1:2 reminds us: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds.” Joy isn’t found in escaping hardship—it’s found in trusting Christ through it. If you’re walking through a difficult season, hear this clearly: Your suffering does not mean God has abandoned you. The cross is the center of our faith—a place where God’s love was revealed through suffering, not the absence of it. Often, it’s in the hardest moments that God’s presence becomes most real. From Pressure to Privilege Finally, for those in seasons of abundance, Scripture offers a beautiful invitation. Generosity is not driven by ...
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  • A Biblical Vision of "Enough" with Taylor Standridge

    A Biblical Vision of "Enough" with Taylor Standridge
    Apr 13 2026
    What if the question “How much is enough?” isn’t really about money at all? On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, we’re joined by Taylor Standridge, FaithFi’s Production Manager and a key contributor to the ministry’s new field guide on this very question. He explored why enough has less to do with numbers—and far more to do with the heart. Because in the end, enough is not a financial equation. It’s a spiritual one. The Problem Behind the Question At first glance, asking how much is enough sounds like a financial question. We tend to think in terms of income levels, net worth, or a desired lifestyle. But as Taylor pointed out, Scripture rarely approaches the issue this way. Instead, it exposes something deeper: what we trust, what we pursue, and what we believe will ultimately satisfy us. As Ecclesiastes 5:10 reminds us, “Whoever loves money never has enough.” The issue isn’t the amount—it’s the affection. When more becomes the goal, enough will always stay just out of reach. The finish line keeps moving because our desires expand alongside our resources. So the better question isn’t, “How much do I need?” It’s, “What is my heart relying on?” Enough Is a Matter of the Heart, Not a Number Taylor shared that two people can have the same income and experience it completely differently. One feels constant pressure, always needing more to feel secure. The other lives with peace—not because they have more, but because their trust is anchored elsewhere. This is what it means for enough to be a heart issue. It’s not about what’s in your account—it’s about what defines your security. When our thinking shifts from “How can I get more?” to “Can I trust God with what I have?”, something begins to change. The pressure to chase more fades, and contentment becomes possible—even if the numbers never change. Enough Is Rooted in Stewardship, Not Ownership Another key principle Taylor highlighted is the shift from ownership to stewardship. Instead of asking, “What do I own?”, we begin asking, “What has God entrusted to me?” Scripture reminds us that everything belongs to the Lord. We are stewards, not owners. And that changes how we approach every financial decision. Saving becomes purposeful, not fear-drivenGiving becomes joyful, not reluctantSpending becomes intentional, not impulsive When we see our resources as entrusted—not owned—we begin to hold them with open hands, ready to use them for God’s purposes. Enough Is Found in Contentment, Not Control Taylor also explored how our desire for control often fuels financial anxiety. We often can ask: Will I have enough?What if something goes wrong?How can I secure my future? These questions reveal a deeper longing—to eliminate uncertainty. But Scripture reminds us that control is an illusion. Contentment doesn’t mean ignoring the future or avoiding wise planning. It means recognizing that peace doesn’t come from securing every outcome—it comes from trusting the One who holds the future. In Luke 12, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool—a man who planned well, saved diligently, and expanded his wealth. Yet God calls him a fool because his security was rooted in what he had stored rather than in his relationship with God. You can be financially successful and spiritually empty at the same time. Enough Is About Purpose, Not Possessions So what is money actually for? As Taylor explained, money is a tool—not a destination. Jesus says in Luke 12:15, “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Money is meant to: Care for our familiesMeet real needsSupport God’s workParticipate in something bigger than ourselves When purpose becomes the focus, everything changes. We stop asking, “How much can I accumulate?” and start asking, “How can I use what I’ve been given faithfully?” That’s when enough becomes clearer. The Secret of Contentment The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Contentment is learned—and it’s rooted in Christ, not circumstances. As Elisabeth Elliot said, “The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” Practically, this shows up in everyday ways: Choosing gratitude over comparisonResisting the pressure to upgradeTrusting God in both abundance and need Contentment allows us to say, “What I have today is enough for what God has called me to right now.” It’s Not About a Number Taylor summed it up this way: Enough isn’t something you discover by reaching a number—it’s something you experience when your life is aligned with God. When your heart is anchored in Him: You’re freed from chasing moreYou’re freed from comparing with othersYou’re freed from fear about the future And you’re free to live open-handed—using what you’ve been given for something that truly lasts. So maybe the real question isn’t: “How much is enough?” ...
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    25 m
  • Preparing the Next Steward

    Preparing the Next Steward
    Apr 10 2026
    Jonathan Edwards once said, “True legacy consists not of what we leave behind, but of what we instill in others.” That insight cuts against the grain of how many of us think about inheritance. We often focus on leaving behind money, assets, or property. But Scripture calls us to think bigger. What we pass on isn’t just wealth—it’s wisdom, character, and a legacy of faithfulness. So the real question isn’t simply, "What will I leave behind?" It’s, “Who am I preparing to receive it?” The Tension: Wealth Without Wisdom There’s a natural desire in all of us to provide for the people we love—children, grandchildren, or others God has entrusted to our care. And that desire is good. Proverbs 13:22 reminds us: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” But Scripture also gives us a warning. Proverbs 20:21 says, “An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.” Why? Because when wealth is passed on without wisdom, it can become more of a burden than a blessing. The goal isn’t just to transfer assets—it’s to transfer stewardship. Your heirs are not merely recipients. They are future managers of what ultimately belongs to God. And that changes everything. Inheritance Is About Responsibility Throughout Scripture, inheritance is deeply tied to identity and responsibility. In the Old Testament, land wasn’t just property—it was connected to covenant, calling, and faithfulness. Families didn’t simply receive something; they were entrusted with something. The same is true today. If we pass on wealth without preparing the heart, we risk creating confusion—or even harm. But if we invest in spiritual formation, in a biblical understanding of stewardship, and in trust in God as the true Provider, then what we leave behind becomes a tool for Kingdom impact. How to Prepare the Next Steward 1. Model Faithful Stewardship More is caught than taught. The way you handle money right now—how you spend, save, give, and trust God—is shaping the next generation, whether you realize it or not. Your financial life is telling a story: Is it a story of fear or faith?Of accumulation or generosity?Of control or surrender? Long before your children or grandchildren receive anything from you, they are learning from you. 2. Communicate Intentionally One of the biggest mistakes families make is avoiding conversations about money, values, and legacy. But silence creates confusion. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 encourages us to talk about God’s ways throughout everyday life. That includes how we think about money. Talk about: Why you giveHow you make financial decisionsWhat you hope they carry forward Help them see that money isn’t the goal—it’s a tool. 3. Train, Don’t Just Transfer Psalm 78 calls us to tell the next generation the works of God so that they will “set their hope in God.” Faithfulness is learned over time. That means giving the next generation opportunities to practice stewardship now—not someday. It might look like: Helping a child budget their allowanceInviting a teenager into family giving decisionsWalking alongside an adult child as they navigate financial choices We’re not just preparing them to receive—we’re preparing them to steward. 4. Trust God With the Outcome This is where it becomes deeply personal. Even with the best preparation, you can’t control what someone else will do. At some point, you release what you’ve taught, modeled, and invested—and entrust it to God. Psalm 24:1 reminds us: “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” That includes your resources—and your legacy. You are not the owner. You are the steward. And the same will be true for the next generation. The Legacy That Matters Most So instead of asking, “How much should I leave behind?” a better question might be: “How well am I preparing the one who will receive it?” Because the greatest inheritance you can leave isn’t what’s in your accounts. It’s a heart that treasures God above all. It’s a life that says, “God owns it all. I am His steward.” It’s a vision of money as a tool to serve His purposes. That’s the kind of legacy that impacts your children—and your children’s children. Take the Next Step If you want to explore this idea more deeply, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship walks through what it means to see God—not money—as our ultimate treasure. You can order a copy for yourself or receive a discount when you place a bulk order for your church or small group at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Should my 78-year-old brother keep his 2.2% mortgage or pay it off and invest instead? Also, how should we approach selling his out-of-state property—back to family or to an investor?I’m setting up a trust—what should I expect to pay, and what factors should I consider?After selling our home, should we use the ...
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    25 m
  • Powerful Financial Principles from God’s Word with Sharon Epps

    Powerful Financial Principles from God’s Word with Sharon Epps
    Apr 9 2026
    God’s Word doesn’t just tell us how to manage money—it transforms how we see it. Too often, we approach finances as a purely practical matter: budgets, investments, and goals. But Scripture invites us into something deeper. It reframes money not as something we own, but something entrusted to us by God. When we begin to see money through that lens, everything changes. Today, Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show to unpack several powerful, biblical principles that shape faithful stewardship. These aren’t just financial tips—they’re spiritual truths that guide how we live. Let’s explore them. 1. The Power of Trust It may be surprising, but the foundation of wise financial stewardship isn’t money—it’s trust. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Before we talk about budgets or strategies, we must understand our role. God is the owner. We are the stewards. That truth brings freedom. It means your financial future doesn’t ultimately rest on your income, your employer, or the economy—it rests on God as your provider. And when you trust Him, you can seek His direction rather than relying solely on your own plans. 2. The Power of Focus In a world that celebrates multitasking, Scripture calls us to focus. Proverbs 4:25 says, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” And Proverbs 16:3 adds, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Many people feel financially stuck, not because they lack resources, but because they’re trying to do too much at once—pay off debt, save aggressively, invest, give more, and upgrade their lifestyle. The result? Frustration and burnout. Instead, ask a simple question: What is the next step God is calling me to take? Then focus on that one thing. Progress often comes not from doing everything at once, but from faithfully taking the next step in front of you. 3. The Power of Priorities Every financial decision reflects a priority. Because our resources are limited, every dollar spent in one area affects another. That’s why setting priorities is essential. A helpful framework is the “live, give, owe, grow” model. And notably, the order matters. Start with giving. Then focus on growing (saving and investing). After that, address debt (owing), and finally, living expenses. One practical starting point is the 10-10-80 principle: 10% to give10% to save or invest80% for living and obligations This isn’t a rigid rule, but a helpful guide. Within that 80%, three areas tend to have the greatest impact: HousingTransportationFood If more than half of your income is tied up in those three categories, it becomes difficult to maintain balance in your financial life. That’s why big decisions—like buying a home or choosing a vehicle—carry long-term consequences. As Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks.” In other words, pay attention to where your money is going—especially in the areas that matter most. 4. The Power of Planning Good intentions aren’t enough. Faithful stewardship requires a plan. That means deciding in advance how you will use your money—before the month begins. Planning your spending helps you move from reacting to intentional living. Whether you use a digital tool or a simple system, the goal is the same: to give every dollar a purpose. One time-tested approach is the envelope system—assigning categories to your spending and tracking what remains. Interestingly, research shows that when we’re more aware of our spending (what experts call “saliency”), we tend to spend less. That’s one reason using cash—or closely tracking your spending—can be so effective. Without a plan, money tends to drift. With a plan, it begins to align with your values. 5. The Power of Decision-Making Every purchase is an opportunity to seek wisdom. James 1:5 offers this promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given him.” Before making a financial decision, consider asking: Is this expense essential?Will it help or hurt my financial situation?Does it move me closer to my goals—or set me back?Can I wait?Is there a less expensive alternative? In a culture of instant gratification—where purchases can arrive at your door within hours—it’s easy to move too quickly. But wisdom often requires slowing down. Sometimes, the best financial decision is simply pausing long enough to think and pray. 6. The Power of Unity Money is rarely just about numbers—it’s about relationships. For couples, one of the most powerful financial habits is intentional communication. Consider setting aside a regular “money date”—a time each month to review your finances, talk about upcoming expenses, and align on goals. These conversations build unity. And as Sharon ...
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  • The Cycle of Grateful Living with John Cortines

    The Cycle of Grateful Living with John Cortines
    Apr 8 2026
    “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and the power to enjoy them…this is the gift of God.” — Ecclesiastes 5:19 What if true joy doesn’t come from gaining more—but from gratefully receiving what God has already provided? That’s the invitation we find in Ecclesiastes, and it’s the focus of a powerful conversation with John Cortines, Director of Partnerships and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and author of FaithFi’s study on the book of Ecclesiastes called, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money. His insight centers on what he calls the cycle of grateful living—a biblical framework that reshapes how we view money, work, and contentment. Rediscovering Joy in God’s Gifts Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 sits at the heart of Scripture’s teaching on money and meaning. These verses remind us of something we often overlook: Not only are wealth and possessions gifts from God, but so is the ability to enjoy them. That means joy isn’t something we manufacture through achievement or accumulation. It’s something we receive. Whether we have little or much, Scripture calls us to find satisfaction in the life God has already given us—our work, our relationships, and even our daily routines. Yet many of us miss this. We’re quick to recognize the dangers of money, but slow to embrace the goodness of God’s provision. The “E.A.T.” Cycle for Grateful Living John Cortines summarizes this biblical vision with a simple acronym: E.A.T. 1. Enjoy God’s Provision Everything we have—our resources, our health, our relationships—is a gift. Even the capacity to enjoy these things is given by God. Gratitude begins when we recognize that nothing we have is ultimately self-made. It all flows from His hand. 2. Accept Life’s Brevity Ecclesiastes repeatedly reminds us that life is short. This isn’t meant to discourage us—but to awaken us. When we accept the limits of our time and season, we begin to live with greater purpose. We stop postponing joy and start embracing the present as a gift. 3. Toil with Joy Work is not something to escape—it’s something to embrace. While our culture often dreams of financial independence as freedom from work, Scripture presents a different vision. We were created with purpose, and meaningful work is part of that design. Even in retirement, we’re called to engage in what is good, fruitful, and God-honoring. What Gets in the Way of Joy? If this cycle is so clear, why do so few people experience it? Cortines points out three common obstacles: Taking God’s provision for granted instead of cultivating gratitudeIgnoring life’s brevity, living as if time is unlimitedResenting our work, constantly longing for escape These patterns lead to anxiety, discontentment, and a constant pursuit of “more.” Ironically, many people today live with more wealth and comfort than any generation in history—yet struggle deeply with dissatisfaction. As Cortines notes, even great wealth cannot produce lasting joy on its own. A Better Vision Than “Someday” One of the most subtle traps in our culture is the belief that joy lies somewhere in the future: When I earn more…When I retire…When life slows down… But Scripture calls us to something radically different. Joy is not found in a future we’re trying to build—it’s found in the present moment with Christ. This echoes Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12, where He points to the birds and the flowers. They do not worry, yet God provides for them. Their lives are both sustained and limited—and so are ours. This is both comforting and sobering: God will provide for us.Our time here is brief. So instead of striving endlessly, we’re invited to live faithfully and gratefully today. What Does a Grateful Life Look Like? Ecclesiastes 5:20 gives us a beautiful picture: “God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” This kind of life is marked by: Presence instead of distractionPeace instead of anxietyContentment instead of comparison It’s a life where gratitude crowds out worry—where the heart is so full of God’s goodness that it no longer fixates on what’s missing. Living Within Our Limits—and God’s Greatness One of the most profound insights from Ecclesiastes is this: we are small, and that’s okay. In a world that tells us to dream bigger and achieve more, Scripture gently reminds us that our lives are finite—but God is not. And that’s where true freedom is found. We don’t need to be everything or accomplish everything. Christ has already accomplished what matters most. Our role is simply to be faithful in the life we’ve been given. Finding Joy in What God Has Already Given The cycle of grateful living is simple—but deeply transformative: Enjoy what God has givenAccept the limits of your lifeRejoice in the work before you When we live this way, we step out of the endless pursuit of “more” and into the quiet, steady joy of God’s presence. And in ...
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  • Common Misconceptions about Faith-Based Investing with Brian Mumbert

    Common Misconceptions about Faith-Based Investing with Brian Mumbert
    Apr 6 2026
    Faith-based investing has been around for decades, yet many investors still wrestle with an important question: Does aligning your investments with your values mean sacrificing performance or diversification? As more people seek to steward their resources in ways that reflect their convictions, it’s worth taking a closer look at what faith-based investing really is—and what it isn’t. On today’s show, Brian Mumbert, President of Timothy Plan—a pioneer in faith-based mutual funds—joined us to help clear up some of the most common misconceptions and offered a clearer picture of how values-driven investing really works. What Is Faith-Based Investing? At its core, faith-based investing seeks to align financial decisions with biblical values. This often involves screening out companies whose practices conflict with those convictions while still pursuing wise, disciplined investment strategies. Despite its growing popularity, several misconceptions persist. Misconception #1: “Faith-Based Funds Always Cost More” One common assumption is that filtering companies based on values automatically leads to higher fees. In reality, faith-based funds are managed much like traditional mutual funds. They involve professional research, portfolio management, and strategic allocation. In many cases, expense ratios are comparable—especially with the availability of lower-cost options like ETFs. That said, there may be instances where costs are slightly higher. But as Brian Mumbert noted, many investors are willing to pay slightly more to ensure their investments reflect what they truly value. Misconception #2: “You Have to Sacrifice Performance” Another concern is that prioritizing values means settling for weaker returns. But values-based screening doesn’t replace sound investment analysis—it works alongside it. Professional managers still evaluate fundamentals, risks, and long-term opportunities. In fact, many faith-based funds have demonstrated competitive performance over time, and in some cases, have even outperformed their unscreened counterparts. As Mumbert explained, the goal is to combine wise stewardship with disciplined investing—not to choose between them. Misconception #3: “It Doesn’t Really Make an Impact” Some critics argue that faith-based investing lacks real-world impact since most stock transactions occur on the secondary market. While it’s true that buying and selling shares doesn’t directly fund companies in the same way as an initial public offering, investing still represents ownership—and ownership matters. Mumbert pointed out that shareholders have a voice. They can vote proxies, engage with companies, and choose not to profit from industries that conflict with their convictions. For many believers, that’s a meaningful form of stewardship. Misconception #4: “Screening Limits Diversification” A final concern is that excluding certain companies will significantly narrow investment options. In practice, even strict faith-based screens still leave a vast majority of the investable universe available—often around 90%. That means investors can still achieve broad diversification across sectors and asset classes while remaining aligned with their values. A Better Way to Think About Investing Faith-based investing isn’t about making a symbolic statement or checking a box. It’s about recognizing that every financial decision reflects what we value—and choosing to steward those decisions intentionally. It invites us to ask a deeper question: What does faithfulness look like in the way I invest what God has entrusted to me? You don’t have to choose between conviction and competence. Faith-based investing offers a way to pursue both—aligning your portfolio with your beliefs while still practicing wise, disciplined stewardship. Because in the end, investing isn’t just about returns—it’s about responsibility. Learn More If you’d like to explore faith-based investing options, Timothy Plan has been a trusted leader in this space for more than 30 years—offering mutual funds and ETFs designed to help investors align their portfolios with their biblical values. To learn more, visit TimothyPlan.com. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m confused about how to report an annuity on our taxes. We started it with $6,000 in 2011, and it’s now worth about $205,000. How do I determine the correct cost basis, especially with fees over time?We have $20,000 to invest and want something safe and fairly liquid. Should we use CDs or T-bills, and how do T-bills work through TreasuryDirect or a brokerage?My son’s business is struggling, and he’s relying on payday loans. How can he get out of this cycle, and who should he talk to for guidance or debt consolidation? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Timothy PlanFidelity | Charles SchwabChristian Credit CounselorsChristian Community ...
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