Episodios

  • 7 Marks of a Good Steward

    7 Marks of a Good Steward
    Jan 14 2026
    Larry Burkett once observed, “The one principle that surrounds everything else is that of stewardship—that we are the managers of everything God has given us.” That’s a profound truth: God owns everything, and we’ve been entrusted to manage His resources for His purposes. But what does faithful stewardship actually look like? Today, I want to highlight seven marks of a good steward.When Christians hear the word “stewardship,” we often think first of money—or maybe tithing. While generous financial giving is certainly part of stewardship, Scripture shows that it encompasses much more. God has entrusted us with the gospel, with gifts and abilities, with relationships and time, and ultimately with the love He demonstrated through Christ. Stewardship, then, isn’t merely financial; it’s holistic and deeply spiritual.First, good stewards acknowledge God’s ownership. Everything belongs to Him, and we hold resources only temporarily to serve His purposes. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that even the ability to earn wealth is a gift from God, and 1 Peter 4:10 calls us to use whatever we’ve received “to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”Second, good stewards understand the mission. God has given each of us a role in His redemptive plan. We’re called to take that calling seriously, but with humility. Proverbs 16:3 encourages, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”Third, good stewards are faithful. They follow God’s financial principles—earning, saving, investing, spending wisely, and especially giving generously. Jesus teaches in Luke 16:10–11 that faithfulness with little prepares us for faithfulness with much, and that how we handle worldly wealth is spiritually significant.Fourth, good stewards are trustworthy. They act with honesty and integrity. Proverbs 12:22 tells us, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” Paul likewise teaches that “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2).Fifth, good stewards are diligent. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), Jesus rebukes passive stewardship. Diligence honors God and reflects Colossians 3:23–24, which calls us to work “heartily, as for the Lord.”Sixth, good stewards pray for wisdom. James 1:5 assures us that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Prayer not only guides decisions—it guards our hearts from anxiety (Philippians 4:6).Seventh, good stewards act when led by the Spirit. Peter urges believers to prepare for action and set their hope fully on Christ (1 Peter 1:13).These marks set a high bar, and we won’t fulfill them perfectly. But stewardship isn’t about striving—it’s about faithfulness through dependence on God. As we yield to the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to manage the King’s resources for the King’s glory.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’ve been retired for about a year. I receive Social Security and a pension, and I’d like to update my tax withholding for next year. Do I have to pay taxes on my Social Security and pension income?I’m trying to decide whether to use a debt management program for my four credit cards—I owe about $6,500—or just keep making payments on my own. Which option is better for my long-term financial future?I’m a retired federal agent, and I recently inherited a house that I plan to sell for around $160,000. My wife and I want to use the money to pay off credit cards and a home equity line of credit rather than our mortgage. The equity line is coming due soon. Is that a wise plan?I’ve been hearing about no-penalty CDs. Can you explain how they compare to high-yield savings accounts for storing money?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)NerdWallet | BankrateSound Mind InvestingChristian Credit CounselorsWisdom 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 Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    25 m
  • 10 Predictions for 2026 with Bob Doll

    10 Predictions for 2026 with Bob Doll
    Jan 13 2026
    Markets appear strong as we head into 2026, but beneath the surface, risks may be rising faster than returns. Each January, CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments Bob Doll joins us on the show at Faith and Finance to offer an annual outlook, and this year he characterizes the environment as a “high-risk bull market”—a market capable of gains but vulnerable to setbacks and volatility.Looking back to 2025, Doll believes his predictions were roughly “seven out of ten.” Corporate earnings proved far more resilient than many expected, and with the Federal Reserve avoiding aggressive tightening, markets continued to climb. Earnings, Doll notes, remain the lifeblood of stocks: as long as profits grow and the Fed is not hostile, equity markets tend to trend upward.For 2026, Doll’s first prediction is that U.S. real GDP growth will improve modestly—from about 2% to roughly 2.5%. He attributes much of that to a large government spending package passed in an election year, providing stimulus to both households and businesses.However, inflation remains stubborn. Doll does not expect the Fed to reach its 2% target unless a recession occurs—something he does not foresee. Instead, he anticipates inflation closer to 3%, making “affordability” a defining political issue, especially around healthcare and housing, where structural challenges remain unresolved.On interest rates, Doll expects the 10-year Treasury yield to fluctuate in a narrow range—from the high 3% area to the mid-4% area—while credit spreads widen modestly. For bond portfolios, he favors short- to intermediate-maturity bonds over long-duration bonds.Corporate earnings should remain strong in 2026, though not at the exceptional pace of 2025. With consensus forecasts near 14% earnings growth—almost double the historical norm—Doll expects solid but not spectacular performance. As a result, he anticipates single-digit stock market returns, not another year of outsized double-digit gains.Sector-wise, Doll sees continued strength in financials, technology, and communication services—areas tied closely to artificial intelligence—while materials, discretionary, and utilities may lag. International stocks could also surprise investors. If they outperform U.S. equities for a second consecutive year, it would be the first such streak in two decades. Stronger liquidity, improved earnings abroad (especially in emerging markets), and potential dollar weakness all contribute—even though many Americans invest little overseas.Artificial intelligence remains a powerful driver of productivity and market speculation, though Doll expects volatility as investors sort out the true winners and losers.Faith-based investing, he believes, will continue its momentum as more individuals, advisors, and institutions seek alignment between values and capital. Politically, Doll predicts Republicans retain the Senate but lose the House, constraining major legislative ambitions.If 2026 proves to be a high-risk bull market, Doll’s takeaway is straightforward: remain diversified, stay invested, and practice patient stewardship through uncertainty.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I are at retirement age, and we have four retirement accounts: three from former employers and one Vanguard IRA. Altogether, there’s about $200,000. Should we consider consolidating these accounts? And if so, is it best to consolidate them into the Vanguard IRA?My husband and I are both 70. He’s retired, and a cancer survivor, and I’m still working and may work another five years. Our home and vehicles are paid off, and we have about $350,000 saved—roughly half in CDs and the rest in cash. I don’t really know anything about stocks or bonds. Should we take any risk with our money at this stage, or leave it where it is?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Crossmark Global InvestmentsThe Sound Mind Investing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Money From a Biblical Perspective by Austin Pryor with Mark BillerWisdom 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 Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    25 m
  • Our Ultimate Treasure: Choosing Contentment

    Our Ultimate Treasure: Choosing Contentment
    Jan 12 2026
    If there’s a word that defines our age, it’s more. More upgrades. More comforts. More square footage. Yet somehow—with so much more—many of us feel less content than ever. That’s because contentment doesn’t come from what’s next. It’s shaped in the heart, right where we are.Scripture teaches that contentment isn’t accidental. It’s learned.We all feel the pull toward “just a little more”—the next promotion, purchase, milestone, or change that will finally make life feel settled. But that longing is as old as humanity. Ecclesiastes tells us that King Solomon denied himself nothing his eyes desired, yet concluded it was all meaningless, “a chasing after the wind.” Even the wealthiest man in the ancient world discovered that satisfaction cannot be bought or accumulated. It slips through our fingers as soon as we reach for it.Paul understood this, too. In Philippians 4:11, he writes, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Notice the word learned. Contentment isn’t natural. It doesn’t come from ideal circumstances—it’s cultivated through walking with Christ. And Paul goes further: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). That verse isn’t about conquering goals or peak performance. It’s about persevering with trust. Paul wrote those words from prison, not from success. He was saying: Christ gives me strength to rest, trust, and be content whether I have plenty or very little.Contentment is ultimately the fruit of a relationship with Jesus. It’s not found in having everything, but in knowing the One who is everything.Psalm 23 opens with a radical declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” Contentment begins with identity—we are His sheep, under His care, sustained within His provision. Hebrews 13:5 adds, “Be content with what you have, for He has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” The root of contentment is God’s presence, not possessions. If He is with us, we are never without what we truly need.But Scripture also points to a practical engine that drives contentment: gratitude. Wherever gratitude grows, contentment thrives. Gratitude redirects the heart from craving what’s next to recognizing what God has already given. When we leave everything in God’s hands, we begin seeing God’s hand in everything.Learning contentment can be as simple as cultivating gratitude—writing down three blessings each morning, pausing to thank God before buying something new, naming provisions out loud to our spouse or kids, or turning off the endless scroll that fuels comparison. Contentment isn’t a destination. It’s a daily path surrendered to Jesus.In a world whispering “more,” Jesus invites us to rest and say, I have enough because He is enough. That’s true contentment—and it’s available to every believer who trusts the Shepherd who never leaves and never forsakes.———————————————————————————————————————This subject is foundational to Our Ultimate Treasure, our new 21-day devotional designed to guide believers toward faithful stewardship and deeper contentment in Christ. It will be released next month, but in a few weeks, FaithFi Partners will receive digital access within the FaithFi app. Partners support the ministry at $35/month or $400/year and receive resources like our Faithful Steward magazine, premium app access, and future studies and devotionals. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Partner.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My wife and I are 62 and plan to retire at 65. Our home and cars are paid off, and we have about $100,000 in liquid cash and over $1 million in IRAs—roughly $300,000 in Roth IRAs and the rest in traditional accounts. Everything is invested in moderate-risk mutual funds, and we’re about 92% in equities with no bond exposure. With markets at record highs and volatility at elevated levels, how concerned should we be about a correction? Should we diversify into bonds or just move to a more conservative allocation given our age?I bought my home six months ago, and the bank offered free fees if I refinanced within the first two years. Now that rates are starting to drop, how much does the rate need to fall before it actually makes sense for me to refinance?I have about $50,000 in debt and want to start saving, but I haven’t managed my money well and have been living beyond my means. Now I really want to honor God with what I have. Should I put everything toward paying off the debt using the snowball method, or should I try to save for the future at the same time?I recently filed an insurance claim for a new roof, and my homeowners' insurance premium will increase by $163 per month. I wasn’t notified until the bill arrived, and I don’t have the extra funds right now. Do I have any recourse, or what should I do other than look for another ...
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    25 m
  • Our Ultimate Treasure: God Is Our Provider

    Our Ultimate Treasure: God Is Our Provider
    Jan 9 2026
    Money touches almost every corner of our lives—and often our fears. When bills rise, when income feels uncertain, and when the future feels unclear, it’s easy to slip into anxiety and assume everything depends on us. Scripture offers a better story: one where God sees, God knows, and God provides.Few things test our faith like money. Emergencies arise, markets fall, expenses rise, and the question arises: Will I have enough? Most of us respond by working harder and planning more. Diligence is wise, but beneath the effort, many carry a quiet fear that everything ultimately rests on our shoulders. Jesus invites us into something deeper—an economy rooted not in scarcity but in the character of God.In Matthew 6:26, Jesus directs our attention to the birds of the air. They do not stockpile or strategize, yet “your heavenly Father feeds them.” He doesn’t say their Father, but your Father. The One who sustains creation also sustains His people. Jesus isn’t discouraging work—He’s dismantling worry. Behind every paycheck, opportunity, and act of stewardship stands a God who provides.This truth echoes throughout Scripture. In Genesis 22, Abraham stands on a mountain, knife raised in agonizing obedience. At the final moment, God provides a ram caught in a thicket. Abraham names the place The Lord will provide—not as a memory but as a promise.In 1 Kings 17, a widow with a handful of flour and a few drops of oil prepares for her last meal. God asks her to trust Him with what little she has, and she does. Day after day, her jar and jug never run empty—not overflowing, but enough. Provision came not in abundance but in sufficiency, reminding her she was seen.Even Peter faces lack. When confronted about the temple tax, Jesus sends him to cast a line, and the first fish carries a coin in its mouth—exactly what is needed. Scripture’s pattern is unmistakable: God provides precisely, personally, and on time.Paul reaffirms this in Philippians 4:19—“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” He writes not to wealthy believers but to a generous church with scarce resources, reminding them that supply flows from God’s glory, not their accounts.God gives what we need, not always what we want, and not always when we expect it—but His provision is wise and rooted in love. Jesus ultimately declares, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). He does not merely give provision—He gives Himself. The deepest peace is not the absence of uncertainty, but the presence of a faithful Father.Where do you need to trust God’s provision today? Bring your needs, fears, and questions before Him. Ask for wisdom, peace, and strength—and stay open to the unexpected ways He may provide through people, opportunities, or renewed perspective.————————————————————————————This theme—God is our provider—is explored in greater depth in our new 21-day devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, releasing next month. Each day focuses on a foundational truth of biblical stewardship, showing how God’s character shapes our view of money, our decisions, and our trust in Him—not as a distant observer, but as a faithful Father. It’s designed to help believers move from fear to freedom, from anxiety to peace, and from self-sufficiency to joyful dependence on Christ.If you want to receive the devotional as soon as it's released, you can become a FaithFi Partner for $35 a month or $400 a year, and we’ll send it to you as our way of saying thank you. Learn more at FaithFi.com/Partner. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m 58 and eligible for a three-year special catch-up contribution in my 457 plan, which would allow me to double my contributions. Should I split those contributions between my 457 and a Roth since I don’t have much in the Roth, or is it better to put everything in one? What factors should I consider?My wife and I received a legal settlement of just over $50,000 and would like to tithe. We normally give 10% to our church, but this is above our regular giving. How should we think about giving to our local church versus other ministries? Is it appropriate to allocate part of the tithe to a ministry we’re developing that will incur significant expenses?We have two daughters in their 30s who don’t really have long-term financial plans. We’d like to help by funding their Roth IRAs with $2,000 or $3,000, partly to encourage saving. Can we open the accounts ourselves, or should we transfer the funds so they can do it? Would that gift count as taxable income for them? Any recommendations?I’ve heard that if you’re on Social Security, you can’t have much in savings—something like $2,000 for singles and $3,000 for couples—or you could lose benefits. Is that true?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Master Your Money: A ...
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    25 m
  • Another Way to Pay for Long-Term Care with Harlan Accola

    Another Way to Pay for Long-Term Care with Harlan Accola
    Jan 8 2026
    Long-term care has quickly become one of the greatest financial and emotional pressures facing American families. Rising costs, longer life expectancy, and limited insurance coverage have created a situation few retirees are prepared for. On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, Harlan Accola joins us to explore this issue. He leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage and works closely with families navigating long-term care decisions.Accola describes long-term care as “the elephant in the room.” As Baby Boomers age and care needs rise, families are trying to balance support for aging parents with raising children and managing their own financial responsibilities. Many households avoid discussing care needs until a crisis forces difficult decisions.The numbers reveal why planning is essential. Studies estimate that between 50% and 70% of retirees will require some level of long-term care during their lives. Yet more than 90% of those individuals have not purchased long-term care insurance—and many assume Medicare will cover the cost of nursing or assisted living facilities. In reality, Medicare provides limited short-term rehabilitation benefits, while long-term care typically falls under Medicaid, which only applies once a person has depleted most of their financial assets.Costs vary widely by region, but nursing facilities can range from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, and in-home care providers may charge $30–$40 per hour. Just one or two years of intensive care can rapidly deplete savings intended to last decades in retirement.One of the most overlooked financial risks is the well-being of the surviving spouse. Accola notes that husbands often require extensive care first, and the assets used to pay for their care can leave their wives financially vulnerable after their passing. Without adequate planning, the surviving spouse may face an underfunded retirement and fewer choices for her own care needs.To address this gap, families are encouraged to expand their planning tools. One strategy Accola highlights is to tap housing wealth through reverse mortgages. Because many retirees have significant equity tied up in their homes, a reverse mortgage can unlock funds without requiring monthly payments. These tax-free dollars can be used to pay for in-home care, cover long-term care insurance premiums, or bridge the gap between retirement income and care costs. It also allows individuals to remain at home longer—often delaying or avoiding the need for costly facility care—and preserves retirement accounts for the surviving spouse.Accola emphasizes that reverse mortgages are not a universal solution, but they should be included in the suite of planning options that families evaluate, alongside insurance, savings strategies, and Medicaid planning. Far too many households ignore the issue entirely or assume Medicare will handle it.As long-term care needs continue to rise, proactive planning is no longer optional. Exploring the full range of financial tools available can reduce stress, protect surviving spouses, and provide dignity and stability during the later stages of life.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m 66 and plan to retire at 70. I can take full Social Security at 66 and 10 months. Should I start benefits now while continuing to work full-time, or wait? If I take it now, should I place the funds in an IUL, an IBC strategy, or invest through my Edward Jones account?I’ve borrowed from my 401(k) several times over the past decade and paid myself interest. Since I hate paying interest on loans like auto loans, is borrowing from my 401(k) a better option than taking a regular loan? If an auto loan is at 5–6%, would it be better to borrow directly from the bank?If I make small extra payments each month on my mortgage and loan, is that roughly equivalent to making a single lump-sum principal payment each year, or does the timing make a difference?I have a question about IRA beneficiaries. If someone inherits an IRA, what would the tax implications be, and is there a better way to pass the money on than simply naming a beneficiary?My husband and I are 45 and 50, and we’re considering a 1031 exchange on a property with about $250,000 in capital gains and $15,000 remaining on the mortgage. Should we move forward with the exchange, or would a different strategy make more sense?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Movement MortgageWisdom 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 Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner ...
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    25 m
  • Shaping Your Kids’ Financial Foundation with John Cortines

    Shaping Your Kids’ Financial Foundation with John Cortines
    Jan 7 2026
    Kids are always watching—especially when it comes to money. Every purchase, every act of generosity, and every expression of contentment quietly shapes how children learn to view God’s provision.To help us think more clearly about this, John Cortines joins us today on Faith and Finance. John serves as Director of Partnerships and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and is a longtime contributor to FaithFi. Through his writing and teaching, he helps families see how God’s Word speaks into every part of life—including how we disciple our children through everyday financial decisions.John begins with Deuteronomy 6, where God calls parents to teach His ways diligently—when sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down, and getting up. Financial discipleship, John explains, isn’t a one-time lesson or a class on money management. It’s a daily, relational process, woven into the ordinary rhythms of life. Money is one of the most tangible tools we have to shape a child’s heart toward God.While financial literacy matters, John emphasizes that values are formed long before kids understand budgets or compound interest. Children absorb what they see modeled: trust or anxiety, gratitude or discontentment, generosity or accumulation. The goal isn’t simply to raise financially capable adults, but to form hearts that love God more than possessions and find joy in contentment.One powerful way to do this is through storytelling. Scripture itself teaches through stories, and our own financial experiences can become formative lessons. Instead of merely stating principles—such as saving or trusting God—parents can share concrete stories about God’s provision, seasons of sacrifice, financial mistakes, or generous obedience. Honest, age-appropriate conversations help children connect everyday money decisions to God’s ongoing faithfulness.John also encourages families to celebrate generosity. Giving shouldn’t feel hidden or transactional. Families can pause to reflect on the causes they support, pray together over gifts, and thank God for the opportunity to be a blessing. Even in a digital age, involving children in the act of giving helps generosity become joyful and memorable.Ordinary financial milestones—paying off debt, saving for a goal, buying a car—are also rich teaching moments. Explaining the patience, planning, and prayer behind those milestones helps children see stewardship as a long-term, faith-filled process.Contentment also plays a critical role. Children learn what satisfies us by listening to our words and watching our attitudes. When gratitude and trust in God’s provision are modeled—even in imperfect circumstances—children learn a healthier posture toward money.The takeaway is simple but profound: if we want wise stewards tomorrow, we must model faithful stewardship today. Look for one teachable moment this week and invite your children into the story of how God is shaping your faith—and your finances—together.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband has had a group universal life insurance policy through his job for over 20 years. We’re both about 65 now, and I’m wondering what the best next step is—should we keep the policy, convert it, or consider a different option?I’m retired from law enforcement and have a Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System pension that is currently earning approximately 5% now that I’m no longer contributing. I’m currently working elsewhere and have a 401(k). Should I leave my law enforcement retirement where it is, or roll it into my new employer’s plan?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Real Stakes of Sports Betting (Article by Kyle Worley in Faithful Steward)Wisdom 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 Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    25 m
  • Spending Decisions Are Spiritual Decisions with Dr. Kelly Rush

    Spending Decisions Are Spiritual Decisions with Dr. Kelly Rush
    Jan 6 2026
    Spending decisions aren’t just financial—they reveal what, and whom, we value. That was the central insight Dr. Kelly Rush shared in today’s conversation on Faith & Finance, where she unpacked the Old Testament story of Jonah through the lens of money and stewardship.Dr. Rush, Professor of Finance and Financial Planning at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, explained that Jonah’s story isn’t only about a prophet running from God. It’s also a revealing case study in how financial choices often mirror the condition of the heart. Her core conviction is simple but challenging: every spending decision is a spiritual decision.According to Dr. Rush, money functions like a mirror. It reflects what we care about, what we trust, and what direction our hearts are moving. That principle, she noted, is woven throughout Scripture—and Jonah provides a surprisingly clear example.Many readers miss the fact that money appears twice in Jonah’s short book. The first instance comes right at the beginning. When God calls Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah runs in the opposite direction. Scripture tells us that he paid the fare to board a ship to Tarshish. Dr. Rush noted that this is one of the few passages in the Bible where the cost of travel is explicitly mentioned. The detail matters. Jonah didn’t just flee spiritually—he financed his rebellion. Running from God came at a financial cost.That decision didn’t affect Jonah alone. When God sent a storm, the sailors were forced to throw their valuable cargo overboard to save their lives. Dr. Rush emphasized that poor stewardship rarely stays contained. Our financial and spiritual misalignment often impacts others—families, churches, workplaces, and communities. At the same time, she noted, faithful stewardship creates ripple effects of blessing.The story then turns. In Jonah chapter two, inside the fish, Jonah repents. He cries out to God and vows obedience. This time, Dr. Rush explained, Jonah’s “payment” isn’t money but repentance and follow-through. When Jonah’s heart is realigned, his response changes as well. Repentance redirects both priorities and spending.Dr. Rush connected that pattern to modern life. Faithful follow-through today, she said, looks like honoring a budget, keeping commitments to generosity, giving as worship rather than obligation, and acting with honesty and integrity in saving, investing, and repaying debt. These practices aren’t merely financial—they’re spiritual expressions of trust and obedience.Budgets, Dr. Rush explained, tell a story. They put dollars and cents to what we prioritize and reveal whether we’re seeking God’s Kingdom or quietly running from Him. That can be uncomfortable—but it’s also hopeful. Jonah’s story is full of second chances. God didn’t give up on Jonah, and financial mistakes don’t disqualify us either.Dr. Rush closed with a practical starting point: begin with prayer, intentionally place generosity at the top of the budget, invite wise counsel, and remember that spending decisions are always spiritual decisions. Money tells a story—but by God’s grace, it can be a story shaped for His glory.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:When I think of investing, I think of putting money into something that helps it grow. If I buy a stock that doesn’t pay dividends, it can feel more like a speculative bet—just hoping the price goes up. Even if I’m a passive investor and don’t benefit until I sell, does owning that stock actually help the company grow in a meaningful way, making it more of an actual investment rather than a bet?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom 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 Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    25 m
  • Our Ultimate Treasure: Money Issues are Heart Issues

    Our Ultimate Treasure: Money Issues are Heart Issues
    Jan 5 2026
    Money has a way of reaching places in our lives that nothing else does. It touches our fears, our desires, our relationships, and our sense of security. That’s why Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).Jesus wasn’t merely offering financial advice—He was revealing something deeply spiritual. Money issues are rarely just about money. They are heart issues. Our financial lives quietly expose what we trust, what we desire, and what we believe will ultimately take care of us.A Lesson From a Hillside in KenyaYears ago, Ron Blue shared a story that reshaped our understanding of stewardship.Ron was sitting on a hillside in Kenya with a local pastor, overlooking the village below. Curious, Ron asked what he assumed was a practical question: “What is the greatest barrier to the spread of the gospel here?” He expected the answer to be a lack of money, transportation, or resources.The pastor didn’t hesitate. “Materialism,” he said.Ron was stunned. Materialism? In a village of mud huts?The pastor explained, “If a man has a mud hut, he wants a stone hut. If he has a thatched roof, he wants a metal one. If he has one cow, he wants two.”In that moment, Ron realized something profound: materialism isn’t about how much you have—it’s about what your heart longs for. If materialism can thrive in a mud hut just as easily as in an American suburb, then money itself isn’t the root problem. The heart is.Money as a MirrorMoney is not moral or immoral. It’s a tool. But because it touches nearly every area of our lives, it becomes one of the clearest mirrors of what’s happening inside us.When we overspend, it may reveal a longing for identity or approval.When we cling tightly to savings, it may expose where we seek security.When we fall into debt, it may reflect impatience or a desire to live beyond God’s provision.When we resist generosity, it may reveal fear that God won’t come through.In every case, the dollars are secondary. The heart is primary.God’s Invitation to FreedomThe good news is that God cares deeply about the state of our hearts—and He invites us into freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from comparison. Freedom from striving. Freedom from the quiet belief that everything depends on us.Over the years of studying Scripture and walking with individuals and families through financial decisions, a few foundational truths have continued to surface.1. God Owns It AllOwnership determines responsibility. If everything belongs to God, we stop clinging to money as if our lives depend on it. Instead, we manage it as stewards—grateful, humble, and free.2. God Is Our ProviderScripture reminds us that God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies—and that we, His children, are worth far more. When we truly believe that, fear begins to loosen its grip.3. Money Is a Tool, Not a TreasureMoney was never meant to carry the weight of our identity or security. It was meant to serve God’s purposes—meeting needs, blessing others, advancing the gospel, and reflecting the generosity of the One who gave everything for us.4. Financial Decisions Are Acts of WorshipEvery spending choice, every act of saving, every moment of generosity becomes an opportunity to honor God. When we begin asking, “How can I serve You with this?” money stops being a rival and becomes a means of discipleship.Rediscovering Our Ultimate TreasureThese truths aren’t theoretical. They shape every page of our new devotional (coming out next month), Our Ultimate Treasure—a 21-day journey to faithful stewardship. We wrote it to help readers see how deeply biblical principles shape everyday financial decisions.Our prayer is that as people walk through it, they’ll experience peace where fear once lived, contentment where comparison once thrived, and generosity where self-protection once dominated.Ultimately, money will reveal what we treasure most. And when Christ is our ultimate treasure, we discover a freedom that no amount of money can ever provide.That freedom isn’t found in having more—but in trusting more deeply.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My wife and I are both over 65 and have a financial planner, CPA, and estate attorney. On paper, everything seems in place—but my wife doesn’t feel confident. She’s really looking for someone to act as a ‘quarterback’ for our finances. Is it reasonable to expect a Certified Financial Planner to coordinate everything, including budgeting, or should that role belong to someone else?I pay my credit cards off in full every month and don’t have any debt in collections. I received a suspicious-looking notice and didn’t click it because I wasn’t sure it was a scam.I know many people now take the standard deduction since it’s higher, but I’ve heard that charitable contributions can still be deducted even if you don’t itemize. Is that true? I thought that could encourage giving to ...
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