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This story told by Jesus is quite different. Unlike all his other stories, this story includes specific names. This tells us it’s a true story of real people living real lives with a real destiny. These are true events. I’m a documentary junkie. It’s the only TV I ever watch. So imagine this story as we read it unfolding like a docuseries. I’ll split it into episodes for effect. Follow along in Luke 16: 19-31 Episode 1: “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.” —— Understand this scene. In these days, the rich were extravagant in their wealth and it was most displayed in their meals. The fatter a person was, the wealthier it showed them to be because they had the pure luxury of abundance. The rich would often wipe their messy food covered hands on pieces of bread while they feasted on their massive meals. And these pieces of bread used as napkins, were what the poor man named Lazarus lay at the gate begging for. The rich man was aware of Lazarus. He was aware of his need. And fully aware of his own ability to meet his need by simply affording him the bread where he wiped his hands. The rich man passed by him each time he left his palace. But, Lazarus was left laying there longing. Episode 2: “Finally the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from here.” —— So, they have both died, but their destinies were eternally different. Lazarus, the beggar, went to Heaven. The rich man went to hell. Why would that be? Lets be clear – it wasn’t because of money. Money has nothing to do with our future with God. You can’t buy your way into Heaven and you can’t spend your way into Hell. This is the great separation that Jesus warned us about in Matthew 25. He says, “There will be a time when all will be gathered in his presence and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. On his right, he will says, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. What you did this for the least of these, you were doing it to me.’ Then he will turn to those on his left and say ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. When you refused to help the least of these, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Lazarus is on his right. The rich man is on his left. Lazarus is credited as righteous. The rich man is indebted to eternal punishment. And now, after their death, there’s no changing their fate. They can’t go back. They can’t cross over. They can’t change it. When time is up, eternity is sealed. It’s easy to twist this and assume there’s a heavenly reward happening for suffering, and a hellish punishment happening for refusing help. But that’s not what Jesus is teaching. The issue wasn’t Lazarus’s poverty or the rich man’s wealth. The issue was the heart. Lazarus wasn’t saved because he was poor. And the rich man wasn’t condemned simply because he was rich or greedy. Scripture is clear that salvation has never been something we earn by suffering, by giving, by serving, or by doing enough good things. We are saved by God’s grace. So what is Jesus exposing? A heart that could see suffering and remain completely unmoved. The rich man wasn’t unaware. That’s what makes this story so uncomfortable. Lazarus was lying at his gate. He knew his name. He knew his condition. He knew his need. And he had more than enough to meet it. The need wasn’t somewhere across town. It wasn’t hidden. It wasn’t complicated. It was literally at his doorstep. And every day, he stepped over it. The rich man’s problem wasn’t that he had possessions. His problem was that his possessions had possessed his heart. He had become so consumed with his own comfort that someone else’s suffering could sit at his gate without disturbing his life. The rich man’s greatest problem wasn’t what was in his bank account. It was what was missing from his heart. Compassion. Mercy. Generosity. Love. This was a heart issue. What happens in the heart eventually reveals itself in how we treat people. And his heart condition is what led him to an eternal place of misery. A hardened heart that had refused God. Episode 3: “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father's home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don't end up in this place of torment.' “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.'” —– Now, in this place of eternal torment, understanding what really brought him here was not accepting God and allowing his heart to be transformed, his concern turns to his brothers who are still alive. He knows it’s not too late for them. He begs for his brothers to be warned so they can have a changed heart and not be tormented as well. Imagine this for a moment. Imagine knowing what you did wrong and wanting desperately to go back and warn your loved ones, but not being able to. Wouldn’t that be torment in itself? But, my sister, here’s the beauty in this – we don’t have to wait until our eternal destination and then wish we could go back and tell others. We’ve been told what is coming – we already know – so the time we have here today is our opportunity to do precisely what we would want to do from our eternal destination. We would want to warn others. We would want to tell them the truth so they could avoid future torment. AND TODAY WE STILL HAVE THE GIFT OF TIME. One day, we won’t. Notice what the rich man is told – he’s told his brothers had the opportunity to read what was written. They’ve been warned. What was written? The Bible. Scripture was always there telling the truth, inviting a change of heart. Have we forgotten the power in God’s word? When is the last time you gave someone the gift of a Bible? Do you have an extra just ready to give someone who needs to know God’s truth and God’s promises? Episode 4: One last effort from the rich man to reach his brothers who are still alive with the warning from hell. “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.' “But Abraham said, ‘If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'” ——- The rich man thinks of someone came back from the dead and told his brothers they would surely repent of their sins and turn to God. But God knows better. Do you know how? BECAUSE IT HAPPENED. Someone did rise from the dead – that was his son Jesus. And even with Jesus rising from the dead and reports of him being seen again, evidence of his Holy Spirit then filling people – still people choose not to believe and turn to God. It’s still happening today. Jesus came back from the dead to tell us, and we still ignore him. We have His Word. We have His warning. We have His invitation. We have His Spirit. We have the testimony of people whose lives have been transformed by Him. And most importantly, we have Jesus. The rich man wanted a miracle to change his brothers’ hearts. But he is told, “They already have what they need. They have God’s Word. They have the truth. They have the opportunity to respond.” And so do we. We don’t need another sign. We need a surrendered heart. That’s the sobering message of this story. The greatest danger isn’t that we don’t have enough evidence. It’s that we can have all the evidence in the world and still choose not to let God change our hearts. So while we still have time, let God search yours. Don’t wait for eternity to recognize what matters eternally. Don’t wait until the chasm is fixed forever to wish you had crossed it today. Don’t wait until someone you love is gone to wish you had told them about Jesus. Don’t wait until your heart is so hardened that you no longer hear His voice. Today, you can respond. Today, you can surrender. Today, you can soften your heart. Today, you can love the person at your gate. Today, you can give someone a Bible. Today, you can tell someone about Jesus. Today, you can turn toward God. Because there is one gift we have right now that the rich man no longer had: TIME. Time to choose. Time to repent. Time to believe. Time to love. Time to obey. Time to tell someone else. One day, our time will be finished. And when it is, our eternity will be sealed. So don’t waste the gift you’ve been given today. Let God have your heart while there is still time. Let this question settle into your heart today, “What am I doing with Jesus while I still have time?” Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com
Fr Chris Borah Isaiah 51:1–6Psalm 1122 Corinthians 9:1-15Matthew 16:13–20
This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the one and only Dolly Parton, a woman who left an indelible mark on the world with her generosity, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to her craft. The speaker shares stories of Dolly's remarkable life, from her humble beginnings to her rise as a music icon, and highlights the lessons we can learn from her remarkable journey. Dolly Parton's legacy is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks. The speaker delves into the stories of Dolly's entrepreneurial spirit, her ability to navigate the music industry as a woman, and her commitment to using her platform for good. We hear about her philanthropic efforts, from providing financial support to her community to establishing the Imagination Library, which has given countless children access to books and education. One of the most striking aspects of Dolly's story is her ability to balance her business savvy with her generosity. The speaker shares stories of how Dolly used her charm and wit to navigate the music industry, never compromising her values or integrity in the process. We also hear about her commitment to her community, from providing financial support to those affected by natural disasters to establishing programs that promote literacy and education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to be inspired by a true American icon. Join the speaker as they share stories of Dolly Parton's remarkable life and legacy, and learn valuable lessons about the importance of hard work, determination, and using your platform for good. Follow Carl Jackson:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradioX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshowWebsite: http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.comStore: https://CarlJacksonStore.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the one and only Dolly Parton, a woman who left an indelible mark on the world with her generosity, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to her craft. The speaker shares stories of Dolly's remarkable life, from her humble beginnings to her rise as a music icon, and highlights the lessons we can learn from her remarkable journey. Dolly Parton's legacy is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks. The speaker delves into the stories of Dolly's entrepreneurial spirit, her ability to navigate the music industry as a woman, and her commitment to using her platform for good. We hear about her philanthropic efforts, from providing financial support to her community to establishing the Imagination Library, which has given countless children access to books and education. One of the most striking aspects of Dolly's story is her ability to balance her business savvy with her generosity. The speaker shares stories of how Dolly used her charm and wit to navigate the music industry, never compromising her values or integrity in the process. We also hear about her commitment to her community, from providing financial support to those affected by natural disasters to establishing programs that promote literacy and education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to be inspired by a true American icon. Join the speaker as they share stories of Dolly Parton's remarkable life and legacy, and learn valuable lessons about the importance of hard work, determination, and using your platform for good. Follow Carl Jackson:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carljacksonradioX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/carljacksonshowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarljacksonshowWebsite: http://www.TheCarlJacksonShow.comStore: https://CarlJacksonStore.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wise Divine Women - Libido - Menopause - Hormones- Oh My! The Unfiltered Truth for Christian Women
The conversation covers a range of financial topics, including year-end financial planning, transitioning to a financial advisory career, the importance of financial literacy and planning, financial planning in your 40s and 50s, balancing finances and life decisions, money as a tool for self-care, and the concept of generosity and financial blessings. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by women in understanding and managing finances, highlighting the lack of exposure to financial discussions in families. It also emphasizes the importance of women's involvement in financial planning and decision-making, especially in the context of retirement and long-term financial security.TakeawaysLongevity and financesGenerosity and financial blessings Financial literacy in womenInvolvement in financial planningChapters00:00 Preparing for Fall and Year-End Financial Planning03:03 Transitioning to Financial Advisory Career06:09 The Importance of Financial Literacy and Planning08:01 Financial Planning in Your 40s and 50s09:45 Balancing Finances and Life Decisions13:01 Money as a Tool for Self-Care17:00 Generosity and Financial Blessings22:24 The Challenge of Financial Literacy29:44 The Importance of Involvement in Financial PlanningLearn more about Lisa Clements and the ways she can empower your fiances For support with hormones, metabolism, breast health, digestion, and whole-body wellness, visit DanaIrvine.com and book a Health Clarity Call.Subscribe to the Wise Divine Women Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman who is ready to stop fighting her body and start understanding it.
Send me a Text Message!I'm just going to close the Overflow series with some generosity stories, a few of my favorites. I hope that they inspire you to put God to the generosity test. See if he will actually make all grace abound to you so that you can abound in every good work. I really do think that He is eager to help us become living proof of a loving God! Enjoy some generosity stories!
Today Isaac & AC welcome herbalists Kimberly Gallagher of LearningHerbs and Lauren Morgan of Herbs & Dreams to the show. Lauren recounts starting with a botanical medicine apprenticeship and now runs a community practice, circles, an apprenticeship, and the Herbs & Dreams podcast, weaving dreams into herbal work. Kimberly describes learning herbs alongside her late husband John through apprenticeships and family healing, then building LearningHerbs with remedy kits, Wildcraft, and Herb Fairies. They discuss Kimberly's book The Aphrodisiac and a broadened view of aphrodisiacs (including nervines and nutritives like damiana, oats/oatstraw, rose, cacao, fenugreek), plus plant dreaming, dream incubation (including mugwort), nightmares, and notable plant dreams (marshmallow and hawthorn). They introduce their 7-week course Rhythms & Relationships (Rhythms and Relationships: A Feminine Way Into Herbalism), starting the last Saturday in September, with weekly modules and live sessions, and share how it was inspired by Lauren's dreams.00:00 Podcast Welcome01:01 Plant Path Origins03:16 Learning Herbs Journey06:50 Herbal Sensuality Work11:38 Rhythms Course Vision16:20 Circles Moon Lodge Rites18:31 Meeting During Covid21:02 Dream Weaving Course Birth25:32 Dreaming With Mugwort31:16 Plant Dreams Marshmallow Hawthorn36:47 The Generosity of Hawthorn 37:58 Dream Incubation Basics38:43 Dream Rattle Ritual41:47 Why Dreams Matter43:45 Nightmares as Medicine48:40 Scary Plant Dreams52:22 Reciprocity With Plants54:18 Embodied Learning Path01:00:43 Course Logistics01:05:15 Who This Course Serves01:08:37 Links And Farewell
What if your impulse spending is really misdirected generosity? In this first episode of a 3-part series on impulse spending, Dianne A. Allen sheds light on how impulse spending can show up for neurodivergent people as a form of philanthropic mindset. She explores how that impulse can come from seeking possibilities, excitement, and transformation, and how we can begin to discern between genuine generosity and simply chasing a dopamine hit. She also shares personal techniques she uses to manage impulse spending, how we can find the good in the ways we are wired, and how giving ourselves choice points can help us respond more intentionally. Catch this episode of Someone Gets Me and explore why your impulse spending might be more than just spending. It may be misdirected generosity asking to be understood. Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe to the channel, tap the notification bell, and leave a comment! You can also listen to the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. How to Connect with Dianne A. Allen Dianne A. Allen, MA is an intuitive mentor, speaker, author, ambassador, hope agent, life catalyst, and the CEO and Founder of Visions Applied. She has been involved in personal and professional development and mental health and addiction counseling. She inspires people in personal transformation through thought provoking services from speaking and podcasting to individual intuitive mentoring and more. She uses her years of experience coupled with years of formal education to blend powerful, practical, and effective strategies and tools for success and satisfaction. She has authored several books, which include How to Quit Anything in 5 Simple Steps - Break the Chains that Bind You, The Loneliness Cure, A Guide to Contentment, 7 Simple Steps to Get Back on track and Live the Life You Envision, Daily Meditations for Visionary Leaders, Hope Realized, and Where Do You Fit In? Website: https://msdianneallen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianne_a_allen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianneallen/# Twitter: https://x.com/msdianneallen Check out Dianne's new book, Care for the Neurodivergent Soul. https://a.co/d/cTBSxQv Visit Dianne's Amazon author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F7N457KS You have a vision inside to create something bigger than you. What you need is a community and a mentor. Personal mentoring will inspire you to grow, transform, and connect in new ways. The Someone Gets Me Experience could be that perfect solution to bringing your heart's desire into reality. You will grow, transform, and connect. https://msdianneallen.com/someone-gets-me-experience/ For a complimentary “Get to Know You” 30-minute call: https://visionsapplied.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=4017868 Join our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/someonegetsme Follow Dianne's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/msdianneallen Email contact: dianne@visionsapplied.com Dianne's Mentoring Services: https://msdianneallen.com/
Why don't people give more? Is it simply because they can't afford to, or are there deeper barriers keeping people from growing in generosity? In this episode of the Stewardship Leader Podcast, Leo Sabo continues his conversation with Ron Sellers of Grey Matter Research to examine what the data reveals about generosity. They discuss financial capacity, why people dramatically overestimate the percentage of income they give, whether charitable giving competes with church giving, and the real reasons people say they aren't more generous. The conversation concludes with an important challenge for church leaders: generosity is part of lifelong discipleship, and helping people grow may mean guiding them toward faithful, achievable next steps rather than simply presenting an end goal.Key Takeaways Most donors aren't giving out of financial hardship. Only 6% describe their giving as a significant financial sacrifice, while four out of ten say it involves no sacrifice at all.Higher income doesn't automatically produce greater generosity. When generosity is measured as a percentage of income, the differences between income groups are surprisingly small.People understand their giving in dollars much better than percentages. This creates a significant challenge when churches talk about tithing because tithing is inherently percentage-based.People substantially overestimate their generosity when asked to express their giving as a percentage of household income.Four out of ten American donors believe they should be giving more than they currently do.Giving to charities doesn't generally cannibalize giving to the local church. Ron's research shows the opposite pattern: people who are more generous to charity tend to be more generous to their churches as well.Generosity is more than making a financial transaction. Prayer, volunteering, advocacy, and engagement with the organizations we support can all be part of actively participating in generosity.For people who believe they should give more, the largest barrier isn't necessarily income—it's uncertainty about their financial future.Other barriers include difficulty trusting organizations, uncertainty about whether a gift will make a difference, simply not thinking about giving, and acknowledging the need to learn greater generosity.Churches need to communicate the why behind giving—including how resources are being used and the impact generosity is making.Generosity cannot be effectively taught in isolation through an occasional sermon series or class. It is an outgrowth of spiritual maturity and needs to be incorporated into ongoing discipleship.Parents have tremendous influence on future generosity. Adults who frequently saw their parents give to a place of worship as children are 238% more likely to give to one themselves.Churches should consider how they're helping parents model and discuss generosity with their children rather than unintentionally removing children from opportunities to observe giving.For someone currently giving 1%, being told simply to give 10% can feel unreachable. Helping people identify their current reality and take a faithful next step may be a more effective discipleship approach.Generosity is a lifelong discipleship journey. The role of spiritual leaders is to help people continue taking steps toward greater trust, maturity, and faithfulness.ResourcesGrey Matter Research - greymatteresearch.comConnect with Ron Sellers - ron@greymatterresearch.comBecome a CSN member - https://membership.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/Learn about the Christian Stewardship Network - https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/Are you a pastor or church leader?At Christian Stewardship Network, we are passionate about teaching the biblical perspective on finances so that you can teach your church with authority, confidence, and integrity. Our network is a group of passionate Christ-followers with a burden to teach and equip God's people in stewardship and generosity. Sign up for our mailing list to get new content directly to your inbox! Become a member of our network to access our entire library of online courses, participate in monthly network calls, and more! CSN is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Help us reach more churches with the message of stewardship and generosity. Support our mission through giving.Browse our online resources
What can ten dimes do? For Osceola McCarty, they represented a lifetime spent washing other people's clothes—and a quiet act of generosity that would eventually change the lives of more than a hundred students. Discover how a Mississippi laundress who left school in the sixth grade saved a remarkable fortune and created an educational legacy that continues growing decades after her death. Then, when developers decided one stubborn little house stood in the way of progress, its owners refused to budge. What followed was a three-year standoff that left their home balanced atop a towering pillar of dirt in the middle of an enormous construction pit. It became one of China's most famous “nail houses” and sparked a national debate over property rights, eminent domain, and how far powerful developers will go to hammer down the people standing in their way. Generosity measured in dimes and defiance measured in feet above a construction site. It's The Box of Oddities! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Day 2938 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2938 – Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 3:21-28 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2938 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2938 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: Unshakeable Sleep, Divine Security, and the Urgency of Doing Good On our previous podcast, on Day Two Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-Seven, we explored Proverbs chapter three, verses nine through twenty. We marveled at how honoring Yahweh with our firstfruits opens the doors of true abundance, how His fatherly discipline refines our character, and how wisdom acts as a priceless Tree of Life—the very blueprint by which God founded the earth and established the heavens! Today, as we step onto Day Two Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-Eight of our ongoing trek, we advance directly into Proverbs chapter three, verses twenty-one through twenty-eight. In these eight practical verses, Solomon takes us from the grand cosmic scales of creation down into the quiet sanctuary of our bedrooms at night, and out onto the front porch of our neighbor's house during the day. Having spent over fifty years focusing on and studying Biblical wisdom, and having accumulated seventy years of life experiences—walking through peaceful seasons, unexpected storms, and daily human interactions—I can tell you that true wisdom is not proven in abstract academic debates. It is proven when you lay your head on the pillow at night in complete peace, and when you eagerly open your hands to help someone in need today. Let us open our minds and hearts to the first logical section of this teaching, as recorded in the New Living Translation, grouping together the connected thoughts found in Proverbs chapter three, verse twenty-one, verse twenty-two, verse twenty-three, and verse twenty-four. My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like a jewel on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. Look at the urgent command that opens verse twenty-one: "don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them!" In the original Hebrew text, common sense translates as tushiyyah—that sound, effective, battle-tested wisdom we examined back in chapter two—while discernment is mezimmah, the practical ability to plan wisely and foresee moral outcomes. Solomon tells us never to let these virtues slip out of our mental field of vision. Notice the exquisite imagery in verse twenty-two: "they will refresh your soul. They are like a jewel on a necklace." This connects us directly back to what we studied in Proverbs chapter three, verse three, where Solomon commanded us to tie covenant loyalty and truth around our necks! Divine wisdom and discernment are never heavy, legalistic burdens; they are beautiful adornments that bring vibrant, inner refreshment—chayyim—to your soul! And look at the practical result in verses twenty-three and twenty-four! As you walk along life's trail, discernment keeps your feet from stumbling over hidden obstacles. Then, when the sun goes down, "you can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly!" In the Ancient Israelite worldview, the nighttime was frequently associated with danger, vulnerability, and dark spiritual chaos. In earlier episodes, such as Proverbs chapter one, we saw wicked men hiding in dark alleys to plot violent ambushes. But here, Solomon promises that when your life is aligned with Yahweh's order, the night holds no terror for you! You do not lie awake staring at the ceiling, paralyzed by anxiety, guilt, or fear of exposure. Your sleep is tranquil, deep, and sweet, because your soul is anchored securely in the presence of the Creator. The narrative now transitions from nighttime peace to daytime confidence, linking together the logical thoughts found in Proverbs chapter three, verse twenty-five, and verse twenty-six. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Solomon addresses one of the greatest tormentors of the human heart: the dread of sudden calamity! He reassures us that we need not fear sudden disaster, or the ruin that inevitably sweeps over the wicked. In this earthly life, unexpected crises do occur—economic shifts, sudden health trials, or social upheaval. Those who build their lives on self-reliance, deceit, or ill-gotten gain are completely destroyed by these storms, because their foundation is built on shifting sand. Look at the unshakeable foundation offered to the wise trekker in verse twenty-six: "for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap!" In the Hebrew text, "the Lord is your security" literally reads Yahweh yihyeh be-kislaka—Yahweh Himself will be your confidence, your hope, and your strong fortress! This highlights the divine-council worldview we have tracked throughout our journey. While neighboring pagan cultures lived in constant terror of erratic, territorial idols, the person who fears Yahweh knows that the supreme Master of the heavenly hosts stands as their personal guardian! Remember back in Proverbs chapter one, where greedy men set hidden traps for the innocent, only to ambush themselves? Here, Solomon promises that when you walk in divine truth, Yahweh personally watches over your footsteps, keeping you from being ensnared by the hidden traps of the adversary. In my seventy years on this earth, I have navigated many unexpected storms, and I can testify with full assurance that Yahweh has always proven to be an unshakeable security. The instruction now takes a sharp, highly practical turn, moving from internal confidence directly to our public responsibility toward others, as recorded in Proverbs chapter three, verse twenty-seven, and verse twenty-eight. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you.” Look at the ethical mandate Solomon presents here! He moves from private peace directly into active, neighborly love, commanding: "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them." In the original Hebrew, the phrase "those who deserve it" literally reads ba'alav—the rightful owners of that good! In biblical ethics, if God has placed resources, influence, or ability in your hands, and your neighbor has a legitimate need, meeting that need is not an optional act of patronizing charity; it is a debt of righteousness that you owe to a fellow human image-bearer! Then, in verse twenty-eight, Solomon delivers a direct blow to the subtle sin of procrastination: "If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you.'" Procrastination in doing good is often just selfishness hiding behind polite excuses! Divine wisdom demands urgency in generosity. This connects beautifully with what we studied in Proverbs chapter three, verses nine and ten, where we were commanded to give Yahweh our firstfruits without delay. Generosity is not merely a ritual performed in a sacred building; it is a lifestyle practiced immediately at our neighbor's front door! In the divine court, Yahweh evaluates the sincerity of our faith by how promptly and generously we treat those around us. One of our core commitments on Wisdom-Trek is to "Lend to others Generously." Over my fifty years of studying Scripture, I have learned that delayed generosity is often denied generosity. When God gives you the opportunity and the power to bless someone today, do not hesitate—act immediately! As we bring today's trek through Proverbs chapter three, verses twenty-one through twenty-eight to a close, consider the complete, harmonious life Solomon sets before us. When you hang onto common sense and discernment, you experience deep inner refreshment, enjoy sweet and sound sleep, walk free from the fear of sudden disaster, and become an immediate conduit of God's blessing to your neighbors. Align your heart with Yahweh's wisdom today, rest in His divine protection, and do not hesitate to do good to those around you. If you found this podcast insightful, please subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of, ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.' As we take this Trek of life together, let...
What if the secret to greater joy isn't getting more—but giving more? Pastor Jeff Schreve unpacks Jesus' surprising words from Acts 20:35 and reveals how generosity transforms our relationship with God and others. Learn the dangers of giving with the wrong motives, the blessings that follow a surrendered life, and why some of the happiest Christians are the ones who give the most.
In Days 195–196 of Orchot Tzaddikim, The Ways of the Righteous, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Fear of Heaven by developing the idea that the human being is a microcosm of the entire world. Just as creation contains trees, herbs, fruits, waters, rivers, stones, mountains, winds, and countless other systems, the human body contains parallel structures and functions. The author uses these comparisons to awaken awe at the complexity and wisdom Hashem embedded within us.The lesson moves through a series of physical parallels: the digestive system is compared to the depths of the earth, arteries to rivers, bones to the foundations of the world, kidneys and bodily ducts to waterways, and the various fluids of the body to the different waters found throughout creation. The message is not merely anatomical. It is that the human body itself reflects a larger Divine pattern and should inspire a deeper appreciation of the Creator.Day 196 expands the comparison further. The Orchot Tzaddikim parallels hot and cold winds with human breath, thunder with the human voice, lightning with the brightness of the face, mountains with the body's joints and structures, stones with teeth and bones, soil with flesh and skin, vegetation with human hair, and even the zodiac with the spinal column and its attached structures. The author also describes ancient forms of wisdom through which sages were said to discern future events from natural signs, bodily features, vegetation, and other aspects of creation.Rabbi Wolbe concludes by emphasizing the wonder of the human body. The same wisdom Hashem placed throughout the cosmos is, in miniature, embedded within each person. The point is not to become distracted by speculative worlds beyond us, but to recognize the extraordinary miracle already present within our own bodies. The more carefully we contemplate ourselves, the more opportunities we have to develop Yirat Shamayim—awareness, reverence, and awe of Hashem._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on August 31, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #FearOfHeaven, #YiratShamayim, #HumanBody, #Creation, #Microcosm, #Wonder, #BodyAndSoul, #MiraclesEverywhere ★ Support this podcast ★
The source of Generosity is that we cease living from ourselves and because we are born again, born of God, new creations, we now live from the abundance of God! Join us as we explore 1 John 2:28-3:3 together! (August 30, 2026)
In this episode we answer emails from Pete, Mark, and Jack. We thank our generous donors and share the preliminary results of the Top of the T-Shirt campaign for the Father McKenna Center, discuss recent machinations of the US Treasury Department and why its more of the same old story, and discuss some basics of accumulation portfolios and the preeminence of the Macro-Allocation Principle, and using risk-parity style portfolios for intermediate accumulation. And THEN we our go through our weekly portfolio reviews of the eight sample portfolios you can find at Portfolios | Risk Parity Radio.Links:Father McKenna Center Donation Page (please mention Risk Parity Radio in the comment section with your donation): Donate - Father McKenna CenterMark's Claude Discussion Link: ClaudeTestfolio Comparison of Sample Accumulation Portfolios: Portfolio Backtester for ETFs and Asset Allocation | testfolioBreathless Unedited AI-Bot Summary:A tiny Treasury headline can spark a full-blown “the system is ending” spiral, and we get why. So we slow it down and look at what actually matters for investors: how policy actions, inflation expectations, and interest-rate narratives ripple through stocks, long-term Treasury bonds, gold, commodities, and managed futures and why trying to predict the next move usually makes portfolios worse, not better.We also share a meaningful community update as our listener donations push the Father McKenna Center's Top of the T-Shirt campaign back into a leading spot. The money helps keep real services running for people who need it, and it also reinforces a theme we come back to often: investing is a tool, not the point. Time is limited, behavior matters, and a steady plan beats a dramatic one.From there we tackle an accumulation-phase question that a lot of DIY investors wrestle with: how to split large-cap growth (VUG) with small-cap value (VIOV or AVUV), where to place each fund across taxable, Roth, and pre-tax accounts, and why we don't assume one style will “win” forever. We dig into the logic of rebalancing and “Shannon's demon,” plus when it makes sense to upgrade fund choices and when switching creates avoidable tax pain. Then we close with our weekly market snapshot and performance across the eight sample portfolios, including the more volatile leveraged experiments.If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a friend who's doom-scrolling financial news, and leave us a rating and review so more investors can find the show.Support the show
Part five of the "Run To Win" series. Pastor Richard finishes the series with our final 3 CORE VALUES, INTEGRITY, PROSPERITY, and GENEROSITY. These three all work together seamlessly. God wants to BLESS YOU, for the purpose of ENTRUSTING you to BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS.
Journey Church Sunday Worship Gathering Audio - Bozeman, Montana
Vern Streeter | Guest Speaker | August 30, 2026 Referenced Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 Generosity inspires generosity (1-2)Follow-through turns vision into reality (3-4)Preparing for generosity prevents arm-twisting (5) Reflection Questions:1. Rate yourself (1-10) on a Parsimony Scale (Parsimony: Extreme unwillingness to spend money). 1 = I hate spending money and do it as little as possible. 10 = I spend myself into oblivion. 2. Where did you learn that? Who taught you that? 3. Rate yourself (1-10) on an Avarice Scale (Avarice: Extreme greed for wealth). 1 = Money and material gain drives all my decisions. 10 = Money is a tool and I only need a couple tools. 4. Where did you learn that? Who taught you that? 5. Have you ever been fooled/manipulated into giving money for someone/something? What happened and how did that feel? How has that affected your generosity? 6. The churches in Macedonia inspired the church in Corinth to be generous. Who has positively influenced your generosity and how have they done that? 7. What things can you do to not give “grudgingly” (reluctantly because of avarice)? (2 Cor. 9:5). 8. How does grace (unearned kindness) affect your view and practice of generosity? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman Chapters (00:00:00) - Undeserved Kindness(00:02:58) - Second Corinthians 8: Unreasonable Grace(00:08:58) - How to Stop Ranting After the Service(00:14:55) - Be Ready for The Corinthians(00:20:35) - Paul's Appeal to the Macedonians(00:23:47) - The Truth of Tithing(00:27:37) - A QR Code for Grace and Generosity(00:29:20) - Paul on Giving Less Than We Should(00:36:07) - A Moment of Praise
River of Life is an inter-denominational, interracial, Spirit-filled church located in the heart of Wakulla County, Florida. We share the sermons from our services in the hopes they'll reach others determined to worship God in spirit and truth.
River of Life is an inter-denominational, interracial, Spirit-filled church located in the heart of Wakulla County, Florida. We share the sermons from our services in the hopes they'll reach others determined to worship God in spirit and truth.
Today, don't wait for a tragedy to start showing love to one another. Step out and do it today! -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
TODAY'S TREASUREAnd I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ Jesus.Philemon 6, NLTSend us a comment!Support the show
What does a life of biblical prosperity really look like?On Believer's Voice of Victory, John Copeland and Jonathan Shuttlesworth reveal that believers who trust God as their Source become faithful stewards and living testimonies of His goodness. As they reject fear and dependence on the world's systems, they discover the freedom, joy and confidence of walking in God's covenant provision.See how embracing God's principles of biblical prosperity equips you to fulfill His purpose, expand His kingdom, and become a greater blessing to others.Mentioned in this episode:BVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link Hub
What does a life of biblical prosperity really look like? On Believer's Voice of Victory, John Copeland and Jonathan Shuttlesworth reveal that believers who trust God as their Source become faithful stewards and living testimonies of His goodness. As they reject fear and dependence on the world's systems, they discover the freedom, joy and confidence of walking in God's covenant provision. See how embracing God's principles of biblical prosperity equips you to fulfill His purpose, expand His kingdom, and become a greater blessing to others.
Money is never just about money, and work is never just about a paycheck. Scripture teaches that God owns everything, gives us the ability to earn, and calls us to work with integrity because ultimately, we serve Christ. Howard Dayton, Founder of Compass Financial Ministry and author of Business God's Way, says those truths should shape not only how Christians manage money, but how we earn it in the first place. Remember Who You're Really Working For The foundation of biblical earning begins with recognizing that God owns everything and that He is ultimately the One we serve. Colossians 3:23-24 says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” That applies whether you own a business, work for a large company, serve in ministry, or earn a paycheck somewhere in between. Your employer may sign the check, but your work is ultimately an act of service to Christ. Even the ability to earn is a gift from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” That perspective guards against pride when things go well. Our abilities, opportunities, creativity, and strength are all resources God has entrusted to us. Let Integrity Define Your Work If we represent Christ in the workplace, honesty should characterize everything we do. For business owners, that means treating customers, employees, vendors, and even competitors with integrity. For employees, it means giving an honest day's work, using company resources responsibly, and refusing to take what does not belong to us—even when no one would notice. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our conduct at work can either reinforce or undermine the faith we profess. Biblical integrity means doing what is right because we belong to Christ, not simply because honesty is good for business. Plan Wisely Without Presuming on Tomorrow Running a business or managing a career requires planning. Scripture affirms the value of order and thoughtful preparation. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “All things should be done decently and in order.” While the immediate context concerns worship in the church, the broader principle reminds us that order and intentionality have value. At the same time, good planning should never become confidence that we control the future. James 4:13-14 warns those who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,” reminding them, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” Christians should plan carefully while holding those plans with open hands. We prepare responsibly, but we remain dependent on God. Make Generosity Part of the Business Plan Many biblical principles such as honesty, diligence, and planning are also recognized as sound business practices. Generosity, however, can run against the world's instinct to accumulate and protect as much as possible. Proverbs 11:24-25 says: “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” This is not a promise that generous people will always become materially wealthy. Scripture does not teach us to give in order to get more. Instead, generosity reflects trust in God and loosens money's grip on our hearts. For a business owner, generosity might mean giving a portion of profits, caring intentionally for employees, supporting ministry, or finding creative ways to use the company's resources to serve others. Some Christian business leaders have gone even further. Entrepreneurs such as Alan Barnhart and Stanley Tam structured their businesses around extraordinary generosity, viewing their companies not simply as vehicles for personal wealth but as resources entrusted to them for God's purposes. The form generosity takes will look different for every person and every business. The important question is whether we are willing to ask God how the resources He has entrusted to us can bless others. Work as a Steward Earning money God's way begins with a different definition of success. The goal is not merely to maximize income or grow a business. It is to faithfully steward the abilities, opportunities, relationships, and resources God provides. We work diligently because we serve Christ. We act honestly because we represent Him. We plan wisely while remembering that tomorrow belongs to God. And we hold what we earn with open hands so that generosity can become a natural expression of faithful stewardship. When we understand that God is both the Owner and our ultimate Employer, work becomes more than a way to make a living. It becomes another opportunity to honor Him with what He has entrusted to us. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'd like to help my daughter buy a home by financing part of the purchase myself. Can we structure a private family mortgage using the applicable federal rate, and how should we handle the interest, paperwork, and tax reporting? I'm behind on filing my taxes and have been quoted more than $600 for preparation. I also run a nonprofit ministry and would like to keep costs down. Where can I find affordable or free tax-preparation help, and could a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) assist? I received a Schedule K-1 from an investment held inside my IRA. How should I handle that for tax purposes? My husband and I are dairy farmers with operating and capital lines of credit around 8.5%. We're considering using money from his Roth IRA to pay down the debt. At age 60, would there be taxes or penalties, and is that a wise move? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Business God's Way by Howard Dayton IRS Free File | AARP Foundation Tax-Aide | IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.
In Day 194 of Orchot Tzaddikim, The Ways of the Righteous, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues the Gate of Fear of Heaven with a fascinating comparison between the human being and the universe itself. If mankind reflects Hashem in a tiny and limited way, then the structure of the human body can likewise be understood as a miniature reflection of the greater world.The Orchot Tzaddikim draws parallels between the heavens and the human body: the skull resembles the heavenly firmament; the palate creates divisions within the body just as the firmament separates the waters; and the life-giving soul resides within and directs the body. Just as the universe is governed by the One Creator, the many organs and systems of the human body are unified and directed by one life-force.The author continues this imagery by comparing the seven openings of the head—two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, and the mouth—to the heavenly luminaries and planets. The larger message is that the human being is a remarkable microcosm of Hashem's creation. The more carefully we contemplate ourselves and the world around us, the more opportunities we have to recognize the wisdom embedded throughout creation.Rabbi Wolbe then turns from anatomy to character. Just as the animal kingdom contains gentle creatures as well as predators, human beings can develop very different qualities. Some live peacefully and compassionately, while others behave like predatory animals—using their strength to hurt or take advantage of others.The crucial difference is that we can choose. Hashem created the abilities and forces within creation, but human beings decide how those powers will be expressed. We can use what Hashem has given us constructively or destructively. Fear of Heaven therefore means not merely marveling at creation, but recognizing our responsibility within it and consciously choosing what kind of person we wish to become._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on March 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on August 28, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content. _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life. To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #FearOfHeaven, #YiratShamayim, #HumanBody, #Creation ★ Support this podcast ★
Generosity admin Thu, 08/27/2026 - 12:00am
The Powerful Truth About Building Wealth With IntentionWhat does it really mean to build wealth without losing yourself in the process?In this episode of the Say Yes Anyway Podcast, Jess sits down with wealth strategist and Live Wealthy author Dawn Dahlby for a powerful conversation about money, purpose, values, financial freedom, generosity, and what it means to live a wealthy life.Dawn shares why building wealth isn't only about increasing your bank account. It's also about building internal wealth, understanding your values, creating financial alignment, and recognizing when you have enough.Together, Jess and Dawn unpack the mindset shifts that can change the way you approach money, including letting go of scarcity, making intentional decisions, and taking action before you feel completely confident.Dawn also shares how she left hospitality at 30, entered financial planning, and pushed through a difficult first six months before believing she had made the right decision. Her story is a reminder that sometimes you have to say yes before you have all the answers.In This EpisodeBuilding internal and external wealthWhy financial and emotional wealth both matterDiscovering what "enough" means for youMoney, values, purpose, and alignmentTaking action before confidenceMaking financial decisions based on your valuesGenerosity and building wealthHow scarcity affects our relationship with moneyThe difference between a budget and a spending planHow wealth can create more opportunities to giveKey Takeaways✨ Wealth is more than money. True wealth includes the internal work of managing your thoughts, emotions, and responses while building financial wealth.✨ Your money should reflect your values. Your financial decisions should support the life you actually want to live.✨ You don't have to believe in yourself before you begin. Sometimes belief comes after you take the first step.✨ Generosity is part of wealth. Financial freedom can create opportunities to give your money, time, and resources in meaningful ways.✨ Your version of a wealthy life is personal. Financial freedom isn't about someone else's definition of success. It's about creating the freedom to live according to what matters most to you.Faith, Money & PurposeDawn shares how her Christian faith shapes her view of money and generosity. For her, financial success isn't simply about accumulating more. It's about having the freedom to live fully, support the people you love, give generously, and make choices aligned with your values.Connect With Jess
This week, Pastor Tony shares about generosity and how it is the joyful overflow of God's grace.
The Five Doors of Friendship (Season 6 | Episode 253) [TESSA] Amir and I are so thrilled to continue trading the empty nest for the open nest with you as we explore vibrant health, relationships, and spirituality. We kick off a brand-new series exploring the beautiful, life-sustaining concept of friendship. I am especially excited because this discussion ties perfectly into the upcoming launch of my new book, The Five Doors of Friendship: Discover New Ways to Open, dropping on October 20th. Friendship isn’t just a fun addition to our social lives; it is a vital survival mechanism that fuels our longevity and deeply feeds our souls. The Five Doors of Friendship Open Nesters Podcast Male vs female friendships Deepening adult friendships Empty nest relationships During our conversation, Amir and I explore the fascinating differences in how men and women naturally cultivate their bonds. As women, we often gather “face-to-face,” easily finding the emotional vulnerability to open up to one another over a simple cup of coffee. Amir candidly shares the male perspective, noting that men tend to bond “shoulder-to-shoulder” through shared missions, like a round of golf or a shared project. Because this dynamic can sometimes leave men struggling to cultivate deeper emotional connections, it is so crucial for all of us to discover new ways—or doors—to deepen the relationships we already have. The Five Doors of Friendship In this episode, we begin unpacking the framework of my book by exploring the first two doors: Play and Inspiration. The door of Play is all about engaging in activities strictly for the joy of it, without any heavy agenda—something Amir rightfully points out is a very natural starting point for many men. From there, we move into Inspiration, which focuses on mutually elevating one another. Whether it is finding a friend who pushes you to grow in your career or simply admiring someone's spiritual openness, walking through this door means connecting with people who naturally inspire you to become a better version of yourself. Next, we discuss the incredibly important door of Generosity. When Amir and I talk about being generous in a friendship, we aren’t just referring to picking up the check at dinner, although mutual respect in those practical matters is always appreciated! True generosity means offering your full presence, time, and emotional availability to those you care about. It is about actively showing up for a friend when they need help, or listening without judgment when they just need to process their feelings. Real generosity requires us to stretch beyond our busy schedules to truly support our tribe. Finally, we round out our discussion with Value Alignment and Creative Alchemy. Value alignment ensures our friendships are rooted in shared ethics and worldviews, forming a stable foundation of loyalty and trust. The fifth door, Creative Alchemy, is where the real magic happens—it is that beautiful, sometimes mysterious space where friends come together to build something much greater than themselves, a process deeply supported by our own comfort with quiet solitude. I invite you all to listen to the full episode, reflect on your own connections, and step through these doors with us. Resources for You We want to provide you with support and many many resources for your own Open Nesting Journey. Our resource page has so much to offer as does our private discussion group on Facebook about queerness and other topics of interest: Open Nesters Resource Page The Open Nesters Private Facebook Group About Tessa How do old relationships evolve and new ones beckon? Friendship is the heartbeat of a life well-lived. Despite our need for meaningful connection, friendship can seem surprisingly difficult to find. But what if friendship isn't something we find at all, but something we learn to create? That journey begins with oneself and the exploration of the quiet places within our hearts. As we become more heart-centered, we are willing to see one another not only for who we have been, but for who we are becoming, allowing for more curiosity, growth and change in ourselves and our friendships. Old relationships evolve and new ones beckon. Stacey Tessa K. Battat–through her years exploring what makes friendships deepen, endure, and come alive–has uncovered for herself how old relationships can evolve and new ones can beckon. She identified five doors to open ourselves and create richer connections: Play, Inspiration, Generosity, Value Alignment, and Creative Alchemy. The Five Doors of Friendship is an invitation to welcome possibility in both old and new friendships, softening the path to feel seen, energized, challenged, accepted, and celebrated!
What if doing whatever you want isn't actually freedom? In this message, Pastor Matt Piland dives into 1 Corinthians 5 & 6 to address a major tension in both ancient Corinth and modern society: the difference between cultural freedom and gospel freedom. Discover why obedience is a response to grace, how good desires can become subtle masters, and how the cross gives us the power to lay down our rights for the sake of love.
Welcome to our Reveal podcast,Today, we're talking about something that reveals a lot about who we are as followers of Jesus: Generosity.When we hear the word generosity, we often think about money. And yes, giving financially is part of generosity but generosity is so much bigger than what we put in an offering.Generosity is about giving ourselves.It's giving our time when someone needs us.It's using our talents and gifts to serve Jesus.It's opening our homes, sharing what we have, encouraging someone who is hurting, and being willing to say, “God, whatever I have, it's Yours.”Jesus showed us that true generosity comes from the heart. God isn't simply looking at how much we give He cares about why we give and the heart behind it.________________________________________________________________________To support this ministry and help us continue our God-given mission, clickhere:Subscribe to our channel for the latest sermons:https://www.youtube.com/@revealvineyardLearn more about Vineyard Church Reveal Campus:https://www.revealvineyard.com/Follow us on social media!Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/vineyardrevealcampusFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/RevealVineyard
What if the path from secret addiction to lasting freedom became the foundation for how you build and run your business? In this episode, Jeff and Joe discuss: Living in such a way that the adversary cannot sideline us from God's team. Vulnerability, accountability, community, and love. Channeling the talents and gifts God has given you while giving honor to Him. Developing a biblical worldview early. Key Takeaways: Sin can be defeated through a greater love of Christ. He will bring greater satisfaction to your life than your sin ever will. Generosity is the antidote to greed, which is one of the greatest evils on the planet today. Work is part of who God made us to be - there was work before sin in creation. It's when your work becomes your idol that it becomes a problem. Don't wait to figure out your theology until you're at rock bottom. He wants to meet you where you are right now. "God's word has everything we need for life and godliness. It's alive, sharper than any two-edged sword. God's word is our lamp, our conscience, our guide". — Joe Daly Episode References: The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer The Sacredness of Secular Work by Jordan Raynor God Owns My Business by Stanley Tam About Joe Daly: Joe Daly is the founder of Daly Goods, a custom Leather goods company based in Waco, Texas. He is from Minnesota, met his wife in Missouri, and now proudly calls Texas home. He loves helping people give a good gift, and he is doing his imperfect best to leverage his life and his company to spread the message of biblical generosity. He has been married for 13 years and has two boys. When he's not working, he's probably sipping single-origin coffee, reading a book, or traveling with his family. Connect with Joe Daly: Website: https://dalygoods.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-daly-67b31928/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalygoodsco Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/ Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/ Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up Email: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw
Giving among evangelical Christians has declined significantly since 2020, but the numbers tell a much bigger story than dollars and percentages. In this episode, Leo Sabo talks with Ron Sellers of Grey Matter Research about declining giving and tithing, common assumptions about volunteering and political giving, and the strongest predictor of generosity: spiritual engagement. Their conversation reveals why stewardship cannot be treated as an isolated church program and why generosity must be understood as part of the larger process of forming faithful disciples of Jesus.Key Takeaways Giving among evangelicals has declined across virtually every measure since 2020.Fewer evangelicals are giving to churches and charities, and those who do give are contributing a smaller percentage of household income.Only about 10% of evangelicals meet the study's definition of tithing, even when tithing is measured generously as giving 8% or more of gross household income.Tithing becomes less common among younger evangelicals, falling to about 5% among those under 35.The research doesn't support the idea that people are substituting volunteering for financial giving: 98% of evangelical volunteers also give financially.Political giving doesn't appear to be replacing church or charitable giving either; only about 12% reported giving to a political candidate, party, or cause.Spiritual engagement is the strongest predictor of generosity. People who regularly pray, study Scripture, worship, and participate in Christian community are significantly more likely to give and volunteer.Stewardship teaching is less effective when it is isolated into an occasional sermon series, class, or giving initiative instead of integrated into a person's overall spiritual formation.Financial inability is not the primary barrier to giving for most people; relatively few donors describe their giving as a significant financial sacrifice.Churches may need to rethink how they communicate about tithing, generosity, and percentages, particularly as fewer people naturally think about their finances in percentage terms.When stewardship is treated primarily as a precursor to asking for money, people can understandably interpret the conversation as fundraising rather than discipleship.The larger opportunity for churches is to make stewardship and generosity a normal, healthy part of following Jesus, rather than a separate financial subject.ResourcesGrey Matter Research - greymatteresearch.comConnect with Ron Sellers - ron@greymatterresearch.comBecome a CSN member - https://membership.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/Learn about the Christian Stewardship Network - https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/
Want to learn how to leave a leadership role without burning bridges? I've learned the hard way that transitioning in ministry isn't just about the "next thing"- it's about how we honor the "now thing." In this episode, Amy and I sit down to get real about the messy, beautiful journey of mentorship and leadership development. We're sharing our own stories of growth, grief, and the lessons we've picked up along the way. If you're searching for a mentor or trying to figure out how to pour into the leaders rising up around you, we made this for you. We're walking through the practical, heart-level steps to honoring your past while stepping boldly into your future. I often think about how every community has its own unique sound. Learning to lead isn't about changing that sound to match yours; it's about learning to honor the harmony that was there before you arrived. I want to help you process the mixed emotions of transition so you can lead with a clear heart. If you found something to hold onto throughout this mentoring series, tag @biancajuarezofficial and @amylynnettee on social media to let us know. We would love to continue the conversation there. We hope you leave feeling a little more equipped and encouraged. Love you, B Chapter Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Mentorship and Leadership Transition 02:08 The Role of Collaboration in Kingdom Work 04:32 Learning from Observation and Debriefing 07:10 Recognizing and Supporting Giftings in Others 09:19 The Process of Transition and Leaving Well 11:40 Understanding Cultural and Vocal Fit in Ministry 13:02 Honest Conversations During Transition 14:40 Processing Emotions and Grief in Transition 16:40 The Impact of Generosity and Community Support 17:35 The Role of Expectation and Trust in Mentorship 18:45 Celebrating New Opportunities and Growth 20:20 Forming Identity and Leadership in New Environments 21:02 Addressing Fears of Leadership Transition 22:21 The Joy of Seeing Others Flourish 23:12 The Healthy End of Mentorship Relationships 24:19 Building Relationships Beyond Organizational Boundaries 25:51 How to Find and Approach a Mentor 27:05 Practical Tips for Mentorship Success 28:19 The Joy of Seeing Mentorship Bear Fruit 29:06 Closing Remarks and Encouragement for Leaders and Mentors Resources & Links Follow Amy Ayala: https://www.instagram.com/amylynnettee/?hl=en Bianca's Book: Grit Don't Quit: Developing Resilience And Faith When Giving Up Isn't An Option. https://amzn.to/3MO74OC Bible Study: Grit Don't Quit Bible Study https://www.biancajuaerzofficial.com/gdq All Resources: Learn more about books and other resources from Bianca. https://www.biancajuarezofficial.com/resources Support Subscribe + Leave a Review: Don't miss an episode! Find We're Going There on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Stay Connected: Join the community today. https://www.biancajuarezofficial.com/ WGT Email: podcast@inthenameoflove.org Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BiancaJuarezOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biancajuarezofficial/ Thank You to Our Sponsors! We're Going There is Sponsored by: HomeChef: Go to HomeChef.com/WGT for 50% OFF your first box and free dessert for life! Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. http://tinyurl.com/WGTHomeChef BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/GOINGTHERE today to get 10% off. http://tinyurl.com/WGTBetterHelp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After studying generosity together, we started taking a closer look at our own relationship with money, possessions, and giving—and noticed a few things we didn't expect.In this episode, we talk honestly about greed in a hyper-consumeristic world, the ways we're each still growing, and how even something as good as “being a good steward” can sometimes become a reason to hold too tightly to what we have. This isn't a polished lesson on generosity—it's a conversation about what we're noticing, confronting, and rethinking as we try to make generosity a deeper value in our lives and marriage.Click to join the interest list for Jenna's wives course Click here for the interest listSupport the show-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------GRAB Jenna's Summer Course Here >>> Become a sponsor of our shows
"Generosity is an act of spiritual warfare against money's attempt to become your master." Our fourth week of Money Moves was incredible! Thankful for the word from Pastor Noah, "I Got the Bag"!
In this episode, Clayton Greene, Amy Kavanaugh, and Chris Pappalardo explore what the Bible teaches about money and how parents can help their kids develop a healthy relationship with it. They discuss the difference between teaching financial skills and shaping a child's heart, including practical ways to teach saving, spending, giving, contentment, and stewardship. Along the way, they look at Jesus' teachings about money and consider how parents can model generosity, trust, and a healthy attitude toward God's provision.TakeawaysBiblical teaching about money is ultimately about more than financial skills—it is about the heart.Parents can teach children stewardship through everyday decisions about saving, spending, and giving.Generosity is something children learn not only through instruction but by watching their parents practice it.Contentment and trust help children understand that money and possessions do not determine what they need to be happy.Biblical financial education includes both practical habits and the beliefs that shape those habits.Jesus talked frequently about money because of its connection to our hearts, priorities, and trust in God.Teaching children about money is ultimately about helping them understand God's provision and their responsibility to steward what they have.Chapters00:00 — Introduction and episode overview36:23 — The evolution of car styles and safety considerations44:23 — Transition to the main topic: money and parenting44:23 — Teaching kids about money at different ages10:04 — The doctrinal and attitude components of financial education16:49 — Modeling generosity and an attitude toward money36:57 — Using allowances and savings to teach financial responsibility37:07 — Creating budgets and teaching about spending limits57:26 — The importance of contentment and managing expectations44:12 — Money in the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament insights04:22 — Jesus' teachings on money and possessions37:57 — Verses on generosity, contentment, and heart attitude18:05 — Practical acts of generosity and modeling giving31:35 — The relationship between money, heart, and trust18:53 — The impact of giving on the heart and priorities12:35 — Key biblical passages on money and contentment58:57 — Balancing beliefs and behaviors in financial life12:35 — The messiness of money and God's gift of provision52:54 — Summary: Money as a gift, heart posture, and generosity26:32 — Closing thoughts and episode wrap-upKeywordsmoney, biblical money management, parenting, teaching kids about money, stewardship, generosity, contentment, financial education, Christian parenting, biblical stewardship, saving, giving, spending
August 23, 2026 • 9:30am
Sermon from Fair Hill Church — Generosity - Matthew 6:19-24
As we look at the values that root us in who we are as a church, Grateful Generosity means being open-handed with what God has given us. Grateful generosity is the action of being generous as a result of being grateful for how generous He has been to us. Being generous is not a have-to but a get-to. It is simply an expression of thankfulness for what God has already done. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul points to the churches in Macedonia as an example of generosity. They didn't have a lot, but they understood the grace and generosity of God. Their circumstances didn't dictate their generosity. Generosity isn't about the amount but the posture of our hearts. We give because we understand what God gave when He gave us His Son, Jesus. God doesn't need our resources to accomplish His will, but He gives us an invitation to be part of the work He wants to accomplish. Give yourself first to the Lord, trust Him, and ask, "God, what does generosity look like for me?" We live with grateful generosity so that more people can know Jesus.Check out our video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/9Ra5YJHRuLoSubscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/8wmeCwBf_zkLearn more about us at chestnutmountain.orgFollow us on Facebook & Instagram @chestnutmtn_
SEASON: 7 EPISODE: 5Episode Overview:Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast, where we focus on insights to help you level up your game and become the best version of you.When you think about what makes a business or a leader valuable, it's easy to focus on strategy, metrics, and technical execution.Most people associate top-tier strategy consulting with pure analytics and spreadsheets—our guest today proves that the highest-yield leadership strategy on Earth is actually generosity.Joe Davis spent nearly four decades at Boston Consulting Group, serving as Managing Director and Senior Partner, leading BCG North America, and co-founding its Public Sector practice—guiding leaders right through the heart of the 2008 banking crisis. He's helped build innovation hubs across Silicon Valley and now serves as an award-winning author and speaker on a mission to redefine high-performance leadership.In his landmark book, The Generous Leader, Joe shows us why treating people with deep, intentional generosity isn't soft—it's your greatest competitive advantage. Please join me for my conversation with Joe Davis.Guest Bio: Joe Davis is an award-winning author and speaker on a mission to bring generosity to leadership. He spent 1987 to 2025 at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he served as a Managing Director and Senior Partner. Joe led BCG North America and founded its Center for Inclusion and Equity.After working in BCG's Boston and Australia offices, Joe co-founded BCG's Washington, DC, office in 1996 and took over its leadership in 2006. While leading the Washington, DC, office, he became the firm's first Northeast System Leader. In 2008, Joe launched BCG's US public sector practice, where he worked with Sheila Bair and the FDIC during the peak of the banking crisis. In 2011, Joe was recognized as one of Consulting Magazine's Top 25 Consultants for excellence in the public sector.In 2013, Joe moved to San Francisco to lead BCG's West Coast System. While on the West Coast, he was instrumental in founding BCG Digital Ventures. Joe also served as the BCG Executive Sponsor and Vice Chairman of B Capital Group, working with founders Eduardo Severin and Raj Ganguly. During this time, his team worked with Bay Area leaders to bring Super Bowl 50 to San Francisco in 2016–an experience Joe reflected on in his 2013 Ted Talk.In his book, The Generous Leader, Joe offers a seven-part guide to heartfelt and collaborative actions that transform the reader into a generous leader.Joe earned a BA in Economics from Whitman College—where he now serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees—and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Throughout his career, Joe has led with a collaborative approach, a commitment to equity, and a track record of delivering results that shape both organizations and communities.Joe has been married to his wife, Sarah, for over four decades. They have four wonderful children and eight grandchildren.Resource Links:Website: https://www.joedavis.com/Product Link: https://www.joedavis.com/#row-bookInsight Gold Timestamps:01:50 We're talking about your book The Generous Leader03:52 The value of hard work, that was clear07:18 The work-life world has blurred09:24 Let's invert the pyramid and that leader should be at the bottom supporting the organization11:42 You can't say you don't know, you're the CEO, you have to have all the answers16:54 Today it seems like we're looking for creativity, we're looking for innovation17:58 40+ percent of the Gen Z and millennials are stressed every day19:57 To be really an inspiring leader and move mountains, you need to be connecting25:36 If you're not inspiring your people, listening to them, motivating them to deliver in those moments with some humbleness, good luck29:38 Those that burn out early are those that think they can do it all themselves32:06 How can leaders give generously to others without running their own batteries down to zero?34:26 If someone does a job well done, take a moment to write an email to them or a text37:25 Just say I don't know, if you don't know40:15 The book's called The Generous Leader: Seven Ways to Give of Yourself for Everyone's Game by Joe DavisConnect Socially:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedavis1313/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeDavisTGLEmail: joedavistgl@gmail.comSponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIxRainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/
Journey Church Sunday Worship Gathering Audio - Bozeman, Montana
Vern Streeter | Guest Speaker | August 23, 2026 Referenced Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:10-24 Reflection Questions:1. What encouraged or challenged you from 2 Corinthians 8:10-24 and why? 2. Vision is easy. Talk about an idea/vision you had that turned out way harder than you anticipated? 3. Think about a time when you struggled to be a person of your word. How's that going? 4. What are some ways you can bring fairness and justice into your little world? 5. Rather than recounting financial malfeasance and getting angry, talk about a time you saw exceptional financial integrity. 6. What are some ways you can personally do 2 Corinthians 8:21? What's your next step? * Connect: We'd love to connect with you! Fill out our Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any questions: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard * Connect: Get your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/children * Connect: Our Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/students * Give: Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give * Gather: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozeman * Gather: Download our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app * Gather: Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozeman Chapters (00:00:00) - The Apostle Paul(00:03:48) - Paul the Apostle(00:05:18) - Paul's Words for the Corinthians(00:11:55) - Socialism and Equality in the Bible(00:18:07) - Paul the Liberal: To Avoid Even the slightest Suspicion of(00:26:03) - Your Church Journey's Financial Overview(00:33:57) - Prayer Prompts for Week Three