Podcasts about generous giving

We examine current trends in charitable giving by individuals and foundations with Stacy Palmer, long-time editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and one of America’s most knowledgeable journalists about the nation’s $316 billion charitable sector. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are  heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in association with GBH Boston.

We examine current trends in charitable giving by individuals and foundations with Stacy Palmer, long-time editor of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, and one of America’s most knowledgeable journalists about the nation’s $316 billion charitable sector. To see additional resources and our other programs, please visit humanmedia.org . Humankind specials are  heard on NPR and PRX member-stations, in association with GBH Boston.

What if generosity isn't something God wants from you, but something He wants for you? Many people approach generosity with hesitation. They hear the word giving and assume a financial ask is coming. They may wonder if generosity will lead to pressure, obligation, or guilt. But biblical generosity is not meant to be a burden. It is an invitation into joy, freedom, and deeper fellowship with God's heart. Todd Harper, co-founder of Generous Giving, has spent more than two decades helping people discover the joy and freedom of biblical generosity. Through Generous Giving's Journey of Generosity experience, he has seen countless people move from viewing giving as an obligation to seeing it as an opportunity. What Is a Journey of Generosity? A Journey of Generosity, often called a JOG, is a one- or two-day conversational experience designed to help people explore what Scripture teaches about generosity. As Todd likes to clarify, “There's no jogging at a JOG.” Instead, participants gather in a pressure-free environment to consider the biblical truth that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The experience includes teaching, stories, discussion, and reflection. Rather than focusing on fundraising, it creates space for people to think deeply and honestly about generosity. That pressure-free approach is central to the experience. Generous Giving does not ask participants for money during a Journey of Generosity. The goal is not to raise funds for an organization, but to help people encounter the beauty of biblical generosity. Removing the Pressure Around Giving For many people, conversations about generosity can feel uncomfortable because they assume there is an agenda. They expect that any teaching on giving will eventually lead to an ask. Todd understands that hesitation. In fact, he says Generous Giving has to repeat often that there really is no catch. After 25 years of hosting these experiences, the ministry has built a reputation for creating “no strings attached” conversations about generosity. That matters because when people do not feel pressured, they are more likely to engage honestly. Walls come down. People can focus on God's Word, listen to stories of real-life generosity, and reflect on what God may be inviting them into. Instead of asking, “How much do I have to give?” they begin asking, “What joy might God have for me in a more generous life?” From Obligation to Opportunity One of the most powerful shifts that often happens during a Journey of Generosity is the movement from “ought to” to “get to.” Many Christians know they should be generous. They believe giving matters. They may even give faithfully. But they can still experience generosity primarily as a duty, an obligation, or a sacrifice. Biblical generosity invites us into something deeper. God is not merely trying to take something away from us. He is forming us into people who reflect His character. He is loosening our grip on money and possessions so we can experience greater freedom, joy, and trust. As people hear stories of others living radically other-centered lives, generosity often becomes attractive. It begins to look less like a demand and more like an invitation. That change never gets old for Todd. He says one of the great joys of facilitating these experiences is watching people move from giving grudgingly to giving joyfully. God Wants Something Good for You For someone who is still hesitant, Todd's encouragement is simple: God wants something good for you. He recently facilitated a Journey of Generosity where one participant, who had walked with the Lord for 40 years, said the experience changed his perspective on generosity and made him want to lean in. That is the heart of biblical generosity. It is not about pressure. It is not about guilt. It is not about meeting someone else's agenda. It is about discovering the joy of participating in God's work with open hands. Generosity shapes our hearts because it draws us closer to the heart of God. Scripture reminds us that God Himself is generous. He gives life, grace, mercy, provision, and ultimately, His Son. When we grow in generosity, we reflect the character of the One who has given everything for us. Take the Next Step If you would like to explore biblical generosity in a deeper, pressure-free way, consider learning more about a Journey of Generosity through Generous Giving. This one- or two-day experience is designed to help believers think more deeply about generosity, faithful stewardship, and the joy of living with open hands. To learn more, visit GenerousGiving.org. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm helping settle my mom's estate. Most of it in Ohio is resolved, but a small pension is going through probate in another state, where she passed away. The attorney sent paperwork asking me to waive my right to an estate audit. Is that normal, and should I sign it—especially given past financial misbehavior in the estate? Also, should I hire my own attorney to help me navigate this? I was scammed while looking for remote work online by people claiming to be connected with Temu. They had me rate items, then pushed my balance negative and kept asking me to add money. Now the account supposedly shows $25,000, but they won't let me withdraw unless I pay another $30,000. What should I do? I'm single and interested in charitable gift annuities. Can I set one up so a family member or friend receives income after me, rather than a spouse? I'm considering around $10,000. How would that work, and what should I look for? My husband and I were recently introduced to something called the Starfish program. Are you familiar with it, and how can we evaluate whether it's a good idea? I'm 68; my husband is 61 and still working; and my Social Security benefit is low because I was a stay-at-home mom for much of my life. Can I collect Social Security based on my husband's record, and how would that work for both of us? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Generous Giving | Journey of Generosity (JOG) Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) 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 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.

When Oswald and Biddy Chambers ran a Bible college in London from 1911 to 1915, they continued with their life principle of not turning away those in need. Astute Londoners were aghast at this practice, thinking the college would be taken advantage of. In response, Oswald observed, without inviting others to follow in the practice, “My responsibility is to give. God will look after who asks.” The couple followed the example of our generous Creator. Through His instructions to Moses, God laid out gracious ways for His people to live and serve others, including giving of their food and possessions. Moses told the Israelites at the end of every three years to “bring all the tithes” so the Levites, “foreigners, the fatherless and the widows,” could come and “eat and be satisfied” (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Through the generosity of His people, God cares for the vulnerable. The Chambers’ trust in God was so strong that they gave willingly and without question. They’d learned to “revere . . . God always” (v. 23) and receive His blessing “in all the work of [their] hands” (v. 29). We may also feel inspired to give freely while we lean on God for wisdom and discernment. We know that our generous God will lead and guide as He provides for the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows.

Helping you connect with God. Every day. Every way.  Read along with today's devotional: https://www.odbm.org/en/devotionals/devotional-category/generous-giving  Want to get Our Daily Bread's daily devotionals delivered to your inbox or mailbox? Subscribe for free here: https://odbm.org.   Our Daily Bread Ministries helps millions of people connect with God each day. For more than 75 years, our purpose has remained the same: to reach people with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.   All Scripture from the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.  SUPPORT Our Daily Bread Your generous support helps us make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to people around the world. https://donations.ourdailybread.org/intm9.html?motivation=INTM9  More Podcasts from Our Daily Bread: Discover the Word: https://www.discovertheword.org God Hears Her: https://www.godhearsher.org/podcast  Ways To Connect With Us:  Facebook: https://facebook.com/ourdailybread ​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdailybread/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ourdailybread​ Print Subscription: https://odb.org/getprint​ App: https://odb.org/mobile-resources​ Web: https://odbm.org  #ourdailybread #dailydevotional #bible 

Join us for today's Our Daily Bread devotional by Amy Boucher Pye, taken from Deuteronomy 14:23-29. Today's devotional is read by Amy. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team. God bless you.We hope that you have enjoyed today's reading from Our Daily Bread. You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following @ourdailybreadeurope on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: odb.org/subscribe

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 May 17, 2026 AM.We start our stewardship series in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, where we see an example of giving which God shows us as a pattern for the church. Paul begins by writing about the sacrificial giving of the Macedonian churches. He explains how God's grace worked in those people's lives to cause them to give themselves to the Lord. This in turn shaped their hearts in joyful generosity that desired to participate in helping other Christians despite their own deep poverty.

We should excel in giving because God is SO generous to us.

In this episode, we explore what the Bible teaches about generous giving through Deuteronomy 15 and Jesus' words in Matthew 25. God blesses His people not so we can hoard resources, but so we can help others—especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we live with open hands and trusting hearts, we reflect the very character of God, who is our true source

The talk from our morning service on Sunday 8th March 2026

Paul teaches that generous giving should be intentional, done with the right heart, and lead to generous results. Generosity is not because God needs our money, but because the world needs our love, and it shapes us to become more like Christ.

On the Finish Line Podcast, we have always believed in the power of stories. Over hundreds of conversations, we have seen how God patiently draws people into generosity across an entire lifetime, often through unexpected paths.     Yet for many, these stories also surface an honest question: “What does this mean for me, and where is God calling me next?”     In this special episode, fellow Finish Line board members David Campaigne from Blue Trust and Matt Mancinelli from Generous Giving help us introduce our most significant development since the launch of the Finish Line Pledge: The Applied Generosity Podcast.     Each story we've shared in the last few years has been shaped by unique calling, personal surrender, and profound steps of faith. Yet over time, patterns have emerged. While no two stories are the same, many givers find themselves crossing the same terrain, wrestling with similar questions, fears, and decisions along the way.     Applied Generosity was created to help make sense of that shared landscape, exploring seven dimensions of generosity that repeatedly show up across the journeys we have heard.      It provides a map, helping bring orientation, language, and clarity to where God may already be at work in your own life and where He may be inviting a next step.      If you've been inspired by the stories you've heard on Finish Line Podcast, but long for clearer discernment about the next step in your own journey, then Applied Generosity was specifically made for you. QUOTES TO REMEMBER David: “Generosity is a journey, like life is a journey. You plant a seed, you water it, but ultimately it's God who makes things grow.” Matt: “We're being invited into being more like Jesus as we give.” David: “God doesn't need our money; what He ultimately wants is our heart.” Cody: “Some of the largest obstacles to living generously are fear and greed, and these are both addressed by answering the question, ‘how much is enough?'” Matt: “If I see an opportunity to bless somebody in a way that would boost their faith and I can come alongside them, that's when I'm fired up to give.” David: “I want to know that my giving, whether to an individual or an organization, is going to draw people to Jesus.” Kealan: “Generosity is one of the strongest means by which God enables me to trust Him.” David: “How can we leverage the currency of that which is passing away into the currency of that which will endure forever?” Kealan: “Applied generosity is simply naming the shared landscape of the the generous life and providing some definition to it so we can see the whole picture and figure out where that next right step is in our own journey.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Applied Generosity David Campaigne, Financial Advisor at Ronald Blue Trust (see our past interview here) Heather Tuininga, Founder of 10|10 Strategies (see our past interview here) Matt Mancinelli, Managing Director at Generous Giving (see our past interview here)  Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Ronald Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) God and Money (see our interviews with co-authors Greg Baumer and John Cortines) Museum of the Bible Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 | God Makes Things Grow   Luke 16:10a | Faithful in Little and Much   “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much,   1 Timothy 6:17-19 | True Riches   As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,  thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.   Matthew 6:21 | Treasure of the Heart   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   John 3:16 | God's Generosity   For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son.   Proverbs 16:9 | God Directs Steps   The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.   Psalm 90:12 | Number Our Days   So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.   Matthew 25:14–30 | Parable of the Talents   Matthew 22:37 | Loving God Fully   You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Michael Blue serves as Director of Discipleship and former President of the Ron Blue Institute, and his life reflects a steady journey of learning to trust God with open hands. Raised in a home shaped by biblical financial stewardship, Michael developed strong habits around money early on. Yet it was in his thirties, amid professional success and financial security, that God exposed a deeper restlessness. What appeared stable on the surface revealed an inner hollowness, leading Michael and his family into a season of prayer, surrender, and renewed reflection on what faithful obedience truly means. In his current role, Michael focuses on forming biblical and practical financial wisdom in the next generation, particularly among high school and college students. He has also helped pioneer the 9:23 Fellowship, a discipleship journey that invites believers to take up their cross daily and follow Jesus in every area of life, including how they steward money, grow in community, and trust God's provision. Michael's calling is to help believers align their finances with wholehearted discipleship, viewing stewardship as worship and generosity as freedom rooted in trust. This episode creates space to rethink money, faith, and obedience in ways that feel both convicting and hopeful.   Major Topics Include: Learning to live openhandedly Thinking through savings as a giver Relying on God for provision Engaging younger generations through the Ron Blue Institute Helping the Church recognize and overcome greed and covetousness  Four H's of biblical stewardship for college students The difference between “bread” and “seed” Flourishing together in community Learning to be a good receiver Stretching your faith through steps of generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Giving ought to be joyful and saving ought to be purposeful, but if it's just rote obedience, you can lose the heart behind it.” “God delights in inviting us to participate in His story.” “Stewardship is managing our money for the glory of God.” “Our capacity to meet people in their time of need all comes down to our margin of time and money.” “Whenever we feel like God gives us more, more often than not, it's seed for sowing.” “The most generous people are the least fearful people I know. They're not wracked with anxiety about providing for them in the future.” “We were made to flourish together in community.” “We're all created to be both givers and receivers, so a healthy church is one where I can both give and receive.” “The thing that drives us to a life of continued generosity is hungering after who God is, what he's done in our lives, and how we can grow nearer to HIm.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Ron Blue Institute (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns International Justice Mission (IJM) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 2 Corinthians 8-9 | The Macedonian Church   Matthew 6:33 | Seek First the Kingdom   But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.   Luke 9:23 | Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Grace for Generous Giving

In this final week of Advent, we reflect on love as the foundation of generous living. Advent means “coming” or “arrival,” a season that invites us into waiting, trust, and preparation as we remember the long hope for the Messiah fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Centered in Matthew 1:18–25, we witness Joseph's quiet obedience, courage, and compassion. His love becomes an embodied act of generosity that makes room for God's presence with us. As we wait together this season, we are invited to practice generous living marked by curiosity, gratitude, and openness to the movement of the Spirit. May this reflection guide us to receive Emmanuel, God with us, and to let love shape how we live and give.

Christin Fejervary serves at the National Christian Foundation, where she helps understand generous Christians and the patterns shaping their stewardship. Coming from a background in research before joining NCF, Christin has helped execute numerous large studies which have helped shape the current understanding of Christian givers.   This past year, Christin helped lead NCF in some of the most comprehensive research on millennial Christians through the NextGen Stewardship Study, a comprehensive study focused on how young Christians, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, approach wealth and generosity. Christin explains the enormity of the Great Wealth Transfer, projected at $124 trillion to be passed on to these generations by 2048, and the need to understand their unique characteristics and motivations.    Her work highlights how agency, shared family values, and hands-on involvement are shaping this rising generation, as well as the unique opportunities emerging as women inherit a growing share of global wealth. She also describes the practical ways families can cultivate unity through generosity and why younger Christians are eager to bring their whole lives, not just their finances, into God's work.   Whether you are a next generation giver or are navigating how to enable the next generation yourself, you'll find this episode packed with insight.   Major Topics Include: How agency shapes stewardship and spiritual growth Differences between wealth creators, inheritors, and hybrids Generational contrasts in trust, involvement, and giving patterns The rising influence and needs of next-gen women Family unity formed through shared passions and giving Tips for preparing for the Great Wealth Transfer wisely Practicing stewardship through small, hands-on decisions Unlocking whole-life generosity beyond liquid assets Advice for organizations who are trying to engage multiple generations God's invitation to women in stewardship QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I was learning how to pursue a relationship with Jesus in the everyday. It wasn't just about going to church on Sundays. It was really about bringing Jesus into every part of my life.” “In my 20s, when I started to understand this relationship with Jesus, it was something where I could actually have conversations with Jesus and ask for help.” “God just showed up. He provided so much in those early years when we didn't feel like we had much money.” “Faith is the guiding principle in stewarding wealth for all generations.” “The attribute that was most correlated to positivity about wealth was seeing it as responsibility, that it's about God's work in the world and joining God's work in the world.” “Taking action helps your faith. It helps you grow closer to your family. It helps you grow closer to your purpose.” “Women at large and the cohort of next-gen women are more likely to be collaborative, they're more likely to do giving circles, and they're looking for a journey more than a transaction.” “Women and mothers are the biggest influences of generosity in the home.” “Women, especially women inheritors, struggle to find their voice. They don't feel like they have a voice at the table of wealth transfer and those conversations.” “Younger generations want to see the data. They want to see the impact and the numbers. They want to get personally involved because they feel they can make the difference.” “We're seeing more and more people give from the ninety percent of their wealth, not just the ten percent they hold in liquid assets.” “I think God is showing up in tangible ways and urging people to give from all of their wealth and not just their liquid assets.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The NCF Next Gen Stewardship Study Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Impact Foundation (see our interview with Founder, Aimee Minnich) The Millennial Impact Report Lilly Family School of Philanthropy – Lake Institute on Faith & Giving The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Luke 21:1–4 | The Widow's Offering   Luke 8:1–3 | Women Supporting Jesus's Ministry WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Pastor Michael McGowan2 Corinthians 9:6-15

What does the Bible teach about giving and God's blessing?   Pastor John Lindell shows how Scripture reveals a blueprint for giving and a powerful promise of God's blessing in return. Our prayer is that your faith will grow to trust God with every part of your life and experience the joy and overflow that comes from living generously.

What does the Bible teach about giving and God's blessing? Pastor John Lindell shows how Scripture reveals a blueprint for giving and a powerful promise of God's blessing in return. Our prayer is that your faith will grow to trust God with every part of your life and experience the joy and overflow that comes from living generously.

with guest John Davenport

Welcome to the audio podcast for Dogwood Church in Athens, TX.

In this episode of Pray the Word on 2 Corinthians 8:7, David Platt encourages us to excel in generous giving for the spread of the gospel.Explore more content from Radical.

Michelle's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Harmony, Activator, Relator, individualization and Responsbility   Michelle lives in Austin Texas with  her  husband Austin and two girls Katherine and Margo. She  attended the University of Oklahoma and worked in campus ministry post college at SMU in Dallas. Most recently she has been  a part of the team at Generous Giving doing follow up for their retreats that happen all over the country. Her favorite things to do include being active and being outside (running and walking), eating good food (gluten free) and spending time with her wonderful family and friends! She also enjoys dabbling in pop culture as an outlet from mom life :) Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths        

Alan Barnhart grew up in Memphis, where his parents ran a small crane and rigging company. After college he sensed a call to missions just as his parents invited him and his brother to take over the family business. As he wrestled with the decision, God's answer was clear; Alan's full-time ministry was the business world. From day one, the brothers regarded the company as God's. To guard against the spiritual risks of wealth, Alan set a “lifestyle finish line,” capping his personal income at the level of a ministry worker. They also committed to give 50% of annual profits to God's Kingdom. Over the next 39 years, the once-small firm grew toward a billion-dollar enterprise and now channels millions each year into gospel work. Later, Alan and his brother formalized their conviction by transferring 100% of their ownership to a charitable trust, while continuing to lead the company. Alan's example has inspired a generation of givers to steward their families, businesses, and resources with wisdom and courage. You won't want to miss this story. Major Topics Include: Avoiding the dangers of wealth Finding freedom in a financial finish line How God led him to give away his company while still being it's steward Thinking though what to do with profit Developing relationship with the recipients of your generosity  Generosity decisions as a group Responsive giving vs. strategic giving Differences between giving from business capital and giving from personal capital Making difficult decisions in generosity  Relational aspects of being as a business and generosity leader Managing a capped lifestyle with children Thinking through company succession Stewarding your generosity story QUOTES TO REMEMBER “God, I'll go wherever you want me to go.” “My full time ministry was going to be in the business world.” “Jesus warned about money more than He warned about anything else.” “Contentment doesn't come from stuff, it comes from enjoying what you already have.” “Holding things with an open hand has led to freedom.” “God isn't trying to extract something from us. He doesn't want our money, He wants us.” “Generosity breaks the power of greed.” “We say no to 99% of giving opportunities so we can give a big yes to the 1% we support.” “We want to be as strategic in our giving of money as we are in our making of money.” “What does God want us to do with His money?” “There is work to being a steward.” “What we're doing is not crazy.” “We didn't see the company as ours, so our kids never saw it as theirs.” “Be a steward of your story as much as you are a steward of your money, because your story may change someone else's life.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Young Life Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Rich Christians in the Age of Hunger by Ronald J. Sider National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 19:23 | A Warning for the Rich   And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.   Matthew 6:24 | Choose Your Master   “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.   Matthew 6:19-20 | Treasures in Heaven   “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[e] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.   Luke 12:13-21 | The Parable of the Rich Fool   1 Timothy 6:6-7 | Godliness with Contentment   But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.   Luke 21:1-4 | The Widow's Offering   Matthew 5:16 | Your Good Works Give Glory to the Father   In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.   Matthew 6:3-4 | A Time for Giving in Secret But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Madison Illges, Executive Director of Mite, was brought up in a large family that modeled a heart of generosity. Before Madison was even born, her father experienced a simple but life-changing moment of joy in giving—a spark that would one day grow into a vision for helping others celebrate generosity in community. That vision became reality in 2016 when Mite was launched with a mission to make giving better. Mite is a giving fund that helps donors connect with trusted global projects while removing the guesswork that so often makes giving complicated. Their team researches and vets development projects around the world—spanning education, health, child development, disaster relief, and more—so that givers can confidently support causes they're passionate about. And as those projects are completed, Mite goes the extra mile to bring the stories home, showing donors how their generosity has impacted real people and communities in more than 25 countries. Madison stepped in as executive director at a young age and for nearly a decade she has seen God use technology, creativity, and faithful obedience to multiply impact and remind us that generosity is ultimately a celebration of what He is doing around the world. Major Topics Include: The Watermelon Party Story How advancing technology brings donors to the field  The impact of the widow's mite story on Madison's life A deep dive into the vetting and reporting process How Mite discovers healthy organizations to partner with  Analyzing an organization's theory of change The beauty of community in generosity Celebrating God in generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Generosity loosens greed, provides an opportunity to cultivate joy, and aligns us with God's Kingdom values.” “Jesus made note of what the widow gave. And it had nothing to do with how much the widow was dropping in, but it had everything to do with where her heart was in her giving.” “There are thousands of fantastic organizations out there that just need financial backing and a cheerleader to come alongside them and help their mission succeed. So we didn't feel the need to reinvent the wheel.” “Project at Mite isn't considered completed until it's been filmed.” “People have different passion areas which may change with the season they're in, so people can generally find a Mite project that interests them now and in the future when their interests shift.” “Mite is doing our best to build community within what we do, but I have also seen as I visit our donors that they are building little pockets of community on their own with what their doing, and Mite just happens to be one of the vehicles they're using.” “Generosity is an opportunity to celebrate with God in the work He's doing on Earth.” “We know that if you start being generous when you have little, you're highly likely to be generous when you have much.” “What we are after is what Jesus was after with the widow—we're after the heart in generosity, not the amount that they're giving.” “Don't wait to arrive. Give now and watch what God can do with your giving.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Mite The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer Impact Africa The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Simple Charity (see our interview with CEO Brian Grasso here) Gospel Patrons (see our interview with founder John Rinehart) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Mark 12:41-44 | The Widow's Offering   Matthew 6:21 | Treasure from Your Heart   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   John 3:16 | God, The Ultimate Giver   “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Mike Perez, a seasoned financial advisor and author of Faith and Finances, didn't start his career thinking about generosity or Kingdom impact. He began in accounting, building a solid professional foundation, but deep down, something felt incomplete—both professionally and spiritually. A series of God-ordained encounters drew Mike into the world of financial advising and, more importantly, into a place of full surrender to Christ. From that point on, his question became: What would it look like to truly live out my faith through my finances?   Over the last 33 years, that question has shaped Mike's entire career. Today, he carries a special passion for helping those in or near retirement “finish their race strong” by aligning their financial plans with their spiritual calling. In Faith and Finances, Mike distills decades of wisdom to help believers embrace biblical principles for financial success and radical generosity. Along the way, he offers profound insights on discovering your personal calling, setting a financial finish line that frees you to give boldly, stewarding your time and resources with eternal purpose, and building a legacy that outlives you and points others to Christ.   Major Topics Include: Mike's journey through living out is faith in his finances Learning generosity and stewardship in community The importance of heart change on the stewardship journey  What does it mean to finish well? The five pillars of a faith-driven retirement Important conversations about legacy Advice for doing legacy well as a follower of Christ Estate mapping with families Tips for experiencing heart change Three steps of a Journey of Generosity experience Practical tips for setting a finish line Living out calling beyond the working years  Encouragement to keep growing and stretching in faith and generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Our industry is all about people getting the money thing right, and I think that's fine and good. But I think what's more important is getting the life thing right, especially in the second half of life.” “Ephesians 2:10 says that you were designed for good works, it doesn't say that all bets are off once you're retired. You're meant to do good works until the end.” “We shouldn't be asking God, ‘How much should I give?' but rather ‘How much should I keep?'” “Does it take more faith to give while you're here or after you're gone?” “I don't think the journey ever ends because God's always working on our hearts.” “Giving breaks the power of money.” “Your best days can be ahead of you!” “Just take your next step with Jesus.” “Generosity is a muscle. The more you work it out, the stronger it becomes.” “God just wants to know that He can use you.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Faith and Finances by Michael Perez The ABC's of Financial Freedom by Barry L. Cameron  National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Christian Franchise Advisor Network (CFAN) with Ameriprise Financial Ronald Blue and Co., CPA (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Eternal Perspective Ministries (see our interview with founder, Randy Alcorn) Fields of Gold by Andy Stanley The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Decade By Decade by Bobb Biehl The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Proverbs 27: 17 | Sharpened by Community    Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.   Psalm 24:1 | God Owns It All   The earth is the Lord‘s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,   Ephesians 2:10 | Created for Good Works   For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.   Matthew 6:20 | Treasure in Heaven   but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Todd's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are:  Positivity, Woo, Communication, Belief and Arranger Collyn's Top 5 CliftonStrengths are: Intellection, Context, Harmony, Responsibility and Belief    Todd has served for 25 years with Generous Giving.  Collynn has served for 10 years as a personal assistant to a wonderful local philanthropist.  We  have  raised their  five children in Orlando, FL and have gained three more as our children have married.  We feel blessed to be engaged in our local community.  We both find maximum joy by being involved in serving Christ and His Kingdom by investing in meaningful relationships.  For relaxation we enjoy cycling, travel and any time we can spend with our growing family.   You can learn more about Generous Giving Here.    You can order Todd's Book Abundant Here.    Find out your strengths by taking the CliftonStrengths Top 5 Assessment   Workshops and Coaching with Barbara Culwell Subscribe & Leave a Review on Embrace Your Strengths    

Michele Dudley is the founder of BraveWorks and Restoration Residences, where she has poured her heart into making a Kingdom impact among those who are often overlooked. After starting her career as a CPA, a life-changing mission trip to Burundi opened her eyes to the needs of the global church and set her on a new path of generosity and solidarity with those facing deep suffering. Michele is an avid learner and her deep curiosity has led her into many creative opportunities for giving. Through BraveWorks and Restoration Residences, Michele has impacted the lives of many trafficked, abused, and incarcerated women, as well as helped families in need transition out of homelessness. A self-identified connector and advocate, Michele is highly integrated in the generosity community and has a passion for helping others give well and invest with a generous heart.    Major Topics Include: Finding creative opportunities to give Stories of serving and empowering women through BraveWorks Being a generous connector Committing to community in the generosity space Approaching investing from a heart of generosity  Stewarding investment and philanthropy dollars Practical advice to get started in impact investing Navigating various levels of engagement and responsibility in generosity Encouragement for women to engage in the generosity community Trusting God in the messiness of generosity  Hearing from God in stewardship decision-making Quotes to Remember “I felt like I had basically lived my life ignoring the plight of the suffering.” “It's so important for us to become proximate to people who have different lived experiences than we do.” “Whether it's somewhere across the world or across town, we can have really transformative experiences, even in our own community, but we have to be willing to be uncomfortable and humble and put on a willingness to learn from others.”  “A lot of times, I had no intentions of starting anything. I just took the next step that the Lord showed me.” “There's something that's healing when you recognize the struggle people have been through.” “It's really inspiring to be in these spaces where people do have resources but they're taking the humble perspective of ‘I've been entrusted with this, I really want to honor God.'” “If I wasn't in this space where I was continually being challenged, I think it would be easy to just fall into the culture and the ways of the world.” “Too often, we only focus on our philanthropy and we don't think about what we're doing with our investment dollars, and oftentimes, the investment dollars are undoing the very things that we're trying to do with our philanthropy. God calls us to steward all of what He's entrusted to us in a way that honors Him.” Links from the Show BraveWorks (formerly Fashion and Compassion) Restoration Residences Cru Compassion International ALARM – African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Faith Driven Entrepreneur  Faith Driven Investor Faith Driven Foundation Course Praxis Praxis Capital Fellowship The Gathering Stewards Not Owners by Dana and Bill Wichterman (see our past interview here) Impact Foundation (see our interview with Founder, Aimee Minnich) The Table (via Impact Foundation) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Infinite Giving The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group We Want to Hear from You! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

A transformed money ethic reveals how God fundamentally changes believers' approach to finances through New Testament teaching. This transformed money ethic teaches Christians to work diligently rather than live undisciplined lives, expecting others to provide for them. Moreover, believers develop a transformed money ethic that cultivates contentment regardless of circumstances, trusting God's provision instead of loving money. Additionally, this transformed money ethic requires faithful care for family needs, including parents and grandparents, demonstrating true Christian character. Finally, a transformed money ethic motivates generous giving to church members and practicing hospitality, as these financial behaviors become visible expressions of the gospel at work within believers. ★ Support this podcast ★

✅ Why most dads get generosity completely wrong (and how to flip the script) ✅ Fun tactics to teach young kids the joy of giving (the $20 tip story will blow your mind!) ✅ The simple 4-pillar framework that works at any income level ✅ How money lies to our families about security, control, and happiness SUMMARY Money whispers lies to our kids every single day—promising security, control, and happiness it can never deliver. In this powerful episode, Todd Harper shares how his son went from declaring "I'm going to be filthy rich and never give a dollar away" at 15 to sacrificially giving a third of his salary before his death at 26. You'll discover why most dads approach generosity as an "ought to" instead of a "get to," practical ways to make giving fun for young kids, and Todd's simple four-pillar framework that works regardless of your income level. Takeaways The switch from "ought to" to "get to" changes everything about generosity—and kids can smell obligation from a mile away Once someone tastes the joy of giving, they never go back; Todd has never met a "former generous person" Simple tactics like leaving a $20 tip on a $3 check and watching through the window create unforgettable generosity moments for kids The four pillars of stewardship: Work diligently, give generously, save responsibly, live contentedly Money lies to us about security, control, happiness, and affirmation—contentment isn't tied to financial realities Taking kids to serve special needs children or experiencing international poverty shatters entitlement and builds gratitude The 1% challenge: increase your giving by 1% each year and watch God's faithfulness compound over decades Guest: Todd Harper is a passionate advocate for biblical generosity and the heart behind Generous Giving, where he's spent 25 years helping families discover the joy of open-handed living. Married to his college sweetheart for 37 years, Todd is a father of eight kids (five biological, three through marriage) and is about to become a grandfather. After losing his eldest son Davis seven and a half years ago, Todd has gained a deeper perspective on eternal values and the importance of living with heaven in view. Through Generous Giving, he's worked with families across the wealth spectrum, helping them experience the life-changing shift from obligation-based giving to joy-filled generosity. Links: Send a Voice Message to DadAwesome Learn about the next DadAwesome Accelerator Cohort Subscribe to DadAwesome Messages: Text the word "Dad" to (651) 370-8618 Generous Giving: www.generousgiving.org Journey of Generosity experiences National Christian Foundation Nathaniel's Hope (Make Them Smile events) Quotes: "We can't BS our kids. They read through all of it. If we're generous out of obligation, it's not going to translate differently for them." "I've never met a former generous person." "The world of the generous gets larger and larger. The world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller." "Everybody wants to experience a miracle, but nobody wants to be in a position to need one." "Money, money, money—all I really want is my dad to know my friends' names."   Davis Harper's gift to his dad on his 50th birthday: 1) I love how you love mom. Your marriage is such a great example to me.  2) I love how you brag on your kids. You're always telling someone about the cool things your kids are doing.  3) I love that you love watching basketball with me and asking questions. You want to know my world.  4) I love that you took us on trips growing up, im learning the value of all those experiences as I grow up.  5) I love how international you are about family time. You are the most happy whenever you are with your family.  6) I love that you are active. It's bad to the bone that you still cycle and golf and water ski, you're a total cool dad!  7) I love your saying "pay for experiences, not stuff"  8) I love hearing how good a friend you are to people. People are always telling me how incredible of a friend you are to them.  9) I love that you're a reader. You're always telling me about something you're reading or something I should check out.  10) I love that you unconditionally love me. Your example of how to love your wife and kids is incredible. 

Principle 61 – Generous GivingPsalm 65:1-13We are to give material gifts thankfully, joyfully, and consistently to help carry out the Great Commission.NEW! - Let us know what you think of the program! Support the show

Did you know that giving is one of the Christian disciplines like faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, and love for others? That's exactly what Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 8:7. The Bible has more than 2,300 verses about money and material things. Jesus spoke more about money than He spoke about faith and prayer combined. In today's study, Pastor Gary shares five principles of generous giving from 2 Corinthians 8–9.

Karla Merrell was the first in her family to immigrate to the US from Panama to pursue the American dream. After years of success in the corporate world, Karla still struggled with the scarcity mindset that was passed down in her family's culture. But during the beginning of COVID, Karla faced a sequence of events that led her to step deeply into both faith and generosity. One memorable act of generosity set the stage for an exciting and adventurous life of faith in the years that followed.    Now, Karla is passionate about breaking generational cycles of scarcity and fostering a generous culture in her own home. She invites people to express generosity in multi-dimensional ways, and facilitates connection and spiritual growth in unexpected outreach avenues.   Major Topics Include: Karla's faith and cultural background How her generosity journey began with a single email Learning about the nature of God through her generosity awakening Comfort and hope in total dependence on Jesus A walk through the Women Doing Well process that revolutionized Karla's mindset A view of generosity and money in a Hispanic context Growing out of generational scarcity into a culture of generosity Discovering the power of constant prayer through running How starting a faith-based running group became an outreach opportunity  Generosity as more than money Practical ideas for exercising relational generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I didn't have a generous bone in my body.” “We are absolutely dependent on Jesus.” “There comes a point when you have to make a decision—do I want to return to the person I used to be, or am I courageous enough to change and become the person I didn't know I needed to be?” “You have to decide if you are going to be a consequence of your background or you want to create a new generational story.” “When you give spontaneously in response to the Spirit, you never miss that money.” “When I decided to stop holding on so tightly to all the things I thought I could control and I thought belonged to me, a whole new world opened.” “The dependence on God is what makes the whole thing exciting.” “Generosity is not just money. Money is a great way to express generosity, but there is so much sacrifice in other things too.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Fellowship of Christian Athletes The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Luke 16:13 | God Or Mammon?   No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Mary Helen Klingen began her career in accounting but transitioned to financial advising after a few years in the corporate world. Currently with Blue Trust, she regularly supports clients in embracing deeper generosity. As a single woman in a male-dominated field, Mary Helen has grappled with her singleness in relation to her faith, career, and purpose. This journey has inspired her to encourage other women in similar situations to find their voice in the space God has given them.    Mary Helen is passionate about empowering single women to integrate their faith and finances. She actively participates in the stewardship and singles ministries at her church and offers practical advice that you won't want to miss!    Major Topics Include: Mary Helen's faith background and career journey Integrating faith and finances in the unique culture of Blue Trust Being the only woman in the Houston office How her struggles led into ministry Common barriers to generosity for spenders and savers Viewing singleness as an asset in generosity  Navigating the search for purpose and contentment in the single season Mary Helen's experience setting a finish line as a saver The importance of talking about money in the Church QUOTES TO REMEMBER “We are called to generosity not because God needs our money, but because He wants to do something through us.” “The way you know you care about a mission is if you pass it on to someone else.” “In the moments when I feel different, I remember that at the end of the day, these men and I have Christ in common. We're all Believers, and that's the most important thing about us.” “Jesus asked more questions than He answered. So as financial advisors, we follow that model to get to the heart level.” “I had to learn contentment in the stage and season of singleness that God had for me before I could move into a more open-handed, generous space with my own finances.” “I didn't find the answer I was looking for, that marriage was guaranteed or promised to me, but what I did find was a good God who loves me and has provided for me.” “We get the opportunity in singleness to see the beauty of following Jesus and to have Him, and in having Him, to truly have all that we need.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) God and Money (see our interviews with coauthors Greg Baumer and John Cortines) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) 7 Myths About Singleness by Sam Allberry Compass Financial Ministries (see our interview with CEO, Brian Holtz) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Hebrews 10:39 | Don't Shrink Back   But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.   1 Timothy 6:17 | Set Your Hopes on God   As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.   Psalm 37:4 | Delight in the Lord   Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.   Psalm 34:10 | Seek the Lord   The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.   Psalm 23:1 | The Lord Provides   The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.   1 Corinthians 7:6-8 | Better to be Single   Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.   Matthew 28:20b | I Am with You Always   And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.   1 John 1:7 | Fellowship in the Light   But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

Message by Chris Schroeder on Thursday, April 24, 2025

In this sermon, we will see the description of generosity, the motivation of generosity, the action of generosity and the strategy of generosity.

It's often said that wisdom may create wealth, but wealth rarely creates wisdom.What's more valuable, wisdom or wealth? Before you answer, consider that wealth is fleeting, but wisdom is never lost. John Cortines joins us today to discuss why wisdom over wealth is always the right choice.John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation and previously served as the Chief Operations Officer at Generous Giving. He is the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.A Study in Ecclesiastes: Wisdom Over WealthFor the last year, John has been working on an in-depth study for FaithFi titled "Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money." The study is designed to help believers align their financial decisions with biblical principles.At the heart of the study is a profound truth: while wisdom and wealth are both valuable, only wisdom can preserve life.A Tale of Three Siblings: The Power of WisdomTo illustrate Ecclesiastes's message, John shares a real-life story that highlights the stark contrast between wisdom and wealth:Three siblings each inherited $1 million at age 18—a life-changing sum. Yet, their paths diverged dramatically:The first sibling followed a path similar to the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), squandering their wealth and ending up in financial ruin. The second sibling made some wise decisions but ultimately spent beyond their means, leaving them with little to show for the inheritance. The third sibling sought wisdom, meeting with godly mentors and hiring a Christian financial advisor. They learned about generosity, investing, and stewardship. Today, they glorify God with their finances and have built a stable foundation for the future.This story powerfully illustrates that wisdom can generate wealth, but wealth rarely generates wisdom.Why Prioritizing Wisdom MattersEcclesiastes sheds light on this principle in Ecclesiastes 7:11-12:"Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: wisdom preserves those who have it."John shares three lessons from this passage that we can take from this:Wealth is useful, but it is temporary.Wisdom is lasting, offering protection, guidance, and life.Without wisdom, wealth can be destructive.While Scripture never condemns wealth, it warns us to prioritize wisdom above financial gain.Thanks to compound interest and investments, wealth tends to grow exponentially throughout life. However, wisdom doesn't grow automatically—it requires intentional effort.If wealth outpaces wisdom, it creates danger. But when wisdom leads, it preserves our life and financial well-being.This is especially critical during sudden wealth events, such as receiving an inheritance, a bonus, or selling a business. Without wisdom, wealth can disappear quickly.So, if wisdom is more valuable than wealth, how do we pursue it?Wisdom isn't just a set of principles—it's a person. 1 Corinthians 1:24 refers to Jesus as:"Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God."True wisdom begins with knowing Christ. It's about seeking Him through prayer, studying His Word, and surrounding yourself with godly counsel.Wisdom Before Wealth: A Message for ParentsFor those preparing to transfer wealth to the next generation, we must prioritize passing down wisdom first.The great wealth transfer is happening all around us, but money without wisdom can be destructive. Parents should talk about finances, generosity, and stewardship long before an inheritance is passed down.Here's how to transfer wisdom before wealth:Start financial conversations early, even with young children.Encourage responsible financial habits.Model biblical stewardship in your own life.Consider gradual giving instead of a lump sum inheritance.The worst approach is to write a will, wait until you pass away, and hope your kids figure it out. Open the conversation today.The Larger Message of Ecclesiastes: Jesus is Our Ultimate WisdomThroughout the book of Ecclesiastes, there are two major themes:The Shortness of Life—Ecclesiastes mentions death in 11 out of its 12 chapters. This isn't to bring fear but to remind us to live with urgency and purpose. Aligning Finances with Faith—Money is a tool, but it must be managed in light of God's eternal kingdom.Life is short. Let's honor God with our time, talents, and treasure. Wisdom is ultimately found in Jesus Christ. When we align our hearts with Him, our finances, decisions, and entire lives are transformed. Let's pursue wisdom over wealth, knowing that true riches are found in Christ.As you consider your finances, ask yourself:Am I pursuing wisdom as much as I pursue wealth?Am I making financial decisions based on biblical principles?Am I preparing my children and loved ones to handle money wisely?Money is temporary. Wisdom is eternal. Choose wisely.FaithFi's Newest Study: Wisdom Over WealthIf you'd like to dive deeper into FaithFi's new study, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money is available for pre-order now at FaithFi.com/Shop. This resource will provide practical biblical insights on money, stewardship, and wisdom.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have the opportunity to buy a 19-unit apartment building from a family member for around $1.2 million. I would need to get a loan for $1 million. I think I can increase the currently low rents and build up the equity. What are your thoughts on this opportunity?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineWisdom 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Alisa Hoober has been connected with Hope International since her elementary school years. During that time, her family and church began partnering with a sister church in Ukraine, which laid the groundwork for Hope's mission today. Through family trips abroad and a strong foundation of biblical values, Alisa was raised in a culture that emphasized stewardship, generosity, and contentment.   Alisa Hoober has been connected with Hope International since her elementary school years. During that time, her family and church began partnering with a sister church in Ukraine, which laid the groundwork for Hope's mission today. Through family trips abroad and a strong foundation of biblical values, Alisa was raised in a culture that emphasized stewardship, generosity, and contentment.   As an adult, Alisa spent 10 years on Hope International staff before transitioning to spend more time with her young children. Currently, Alisa serves on several boards, including that of Hope International, and is actively involved in the generosity community alongside her husband. She has valuable insights to share about finding one's calling, establishing priorities, raising generous children, and setting a financial finish line.   Major Topics Include: Learning and teaching the principles of “Earn, Save, and Give” Growing in generosity as a couple Intentionally raising children in a culture of generosity Balancing motherhood with other meaningful passions Practicing generosity through hospitality Practical tips for traveling to the nations with children How to know where God has you right now When to say yes to something new and the self-care of saying no The challenge of raising kids with a heart of contentment in a world of consumerism QUOTES TO REMEMBER “How can we be generous with our whole selves?” “Generosity can be huge and generosity can be really simple.” “When we can learn from each other and spur each other on in living generously and giving cheerfully, we all are better for that and grow from it.” “The best way to figure out how to be a good steward is to ask the Owner.” “It's a calling to love God, to love others, and to live generously.” “When we practice generosity, we see growth.” “The joy of giving is contagious.” “At the root is a heart of contentment.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Tomorrow Clubs Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) I Like Giving The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 6:19-21 | Treasures in Heaven Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

In this episode, we look at the concepts of transactional versus generous giving in relationships, particularly in the context of healing after infidelity. We discuss the motivations behind giving, the emotional toll of transactional giving, and the importance of genuine generosity without expectations. The episode emphasizes the need for self-awareness and communication in rebuilding trust and intimacy after betrayal. Key Takeaways: Transactional giving seeks control or an outcome. Generous giving is rooted in love and authenticity. Trust is rebuilt through consistent, small gestures. Expectations can complicate the act of giving. Generosity should not come at the expense of one's own needs. Self-awareness is key in understanding motivations for giving. Both partners can struggle with feelings of insecurity after infidelity. Genuine giving fosters connection and mutual respect. It's important to communicate expectations honestly. Shifting from transactional to generous giving is a courageous act. More from me: Apply to join the "Get Your Life Back After Infidelity" group program here: https://portal.andreagiles.com/get-your-life-back-application Follow on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/theinfidelitycoach/ Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you! For transcripts and other available downloads, please visit Andrea's website at https://andreagiles.com/podcast/ © 2020 - 2025 Andrea Giles

The Christian Capitalist Rich SandersCan faith and capitalism truly coexist, or are they fundamentally at odds? This episode explores this provocative question with guest Rich Sanders, a pastor, small business owner, and author of "The Christian Capitalist: The Gospel of Hard Work and Generous Giving." Rich shares his insights on how Christians can embrace capitalism while embodying generosity and stewardship, emphasizing that wealth should be viewed as a means to serve others rather than an end in itself. His experiences, from military service to legal practice, shape his perspective on living out the gospel through work and giving. Join us for an enlightening conversation that encourages believers to see success not just in material terms, but in the positive impact they can have on their communities.Takeaways: Rich Sanders argues that faith and capitalism can coexist, emphasizing generosity and hard work. He highlights the importance of Christians using their wealth to help those in need. The podcast discusses how success should be redefined as impacting others positively rather than material accumulation. Sanders shares personal anecdotes about generosity, including a waitress who gives to the homeless. The conversation reveals the idea that stewardship of wealth is crucial for believers. Rich emphasizes that every person is called to ministry in their own unique way. CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: contact@goodworksmission.life Website: https://christiancapitalist.life/ Podcast: https://christiancapitalist.life/podcast Book: “The Christian Capitalist: The Gospel of Hard Word and Generous Giving” – on Amazon _____________________________________________Check Out These Amazing LinksModernIQs is a sponsor of the Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast Newsletter: Transform your creative workflow with ModernIQs! Explore AI-powered tools for content creation, from smart question generators to automated blog writers. Streamline and create with ease! Go to ModernIQs.com for more information!Grow your faith and your business with The Faith-Based Business Newsletter! Get practical tips, biblical insights, and strategies for success. Subscribe at FaithBasedBiz.Substack.com and tune in to the podcast at FaithBasedBusinessPodcast.com!Dive deep into biblical prophecy with Revelation Warning! Explore end-times insights, scriptural truths, and what they mean for today. Start your journey at