Stewarding a surplus isn't primarily a technical problem, it's a relational and spiritual one. A new novel, The River and the Garden, explores the journey of a family as they navigate the challenges of managing a surplus, discovering that wealth needs to be assigned a purpose according to God's vision and calling for their lives and families. [... more]

Couples can turn money from a source of division into an opportunity for greater unity in marriage by facing debt honestly, working through it together, and managing their finances intentionally. A cash flow plan and regular money meetings can help foster transparency and teamwork, while generosity and a shared vision can bring couples closer together. [... more]

Self-control is a heart issue, a spirit-given ability to enjoy God's gifts without letting them replace God as our ultimate treasure. Pierce Taylor Hibbs joins Rob West to discuss how temperance shapes the way we handle money, and how it's not just about willpower or discipline, but about keeping God at the center of our desires. [... more]

Cultivating contentment in a culture that constantly craves more is a learned behavior that requires trust and a deep understanding of one's financial status and the source of wealth. Jeff Mannion, teaching pastor of Ada Bible Church, shares his personal journey of learning contentment and the importance of generosity in breaking the grip of wealth on our lives. By focusing on what we already have and being fully alive to God and the people around us, we can navigate the challenges of prosperity and find true peace and joy. [... more]

Many families are struggling with credit card debt and financial pressure due to rising costs and stagnant wages. Credit counseling can help break the cycle of high interest payments and provide a structured debt management plan to pay off debt responsibly. Financial literacy is growing, and online resources are helping consumers learn responsible ways to pay off debt and understand the risks of debt settlement programs. A certified credit counselor can review your specific situation and help you create a plan to achieve financial freedom. [... more]

Celebrating 250 years of American freedom is a great opportunity to share the gospel with others. Jesse Connors shares the importance of spiritual battle and the need to rise above apathy in the church to spread the hope of Jesus Christ. With the help of the Holy Spirit, anyone can share the good news with others, and the Truth Network provides a simple and effective way to do so through their sharethetruthnow.com cards. [... more]

The way to exaltation isn't through pride and self-centeredness, but through humility, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. By adopting the reality of Christ and living for others, we can create a new reality and develop selflessness, which is essential for a Christian life. [... more]

Managing money wisely is crucial for building a secure financial future. Faith and Finance explores the importance of Christian budgeting, credit card churning, and creating an emergency fund to achieve financial stability and freedom. [... more]

Prayer can be a powerful tool in making financial decisions, helping individuals align their values with their financial choices and seek God's guidance with trust and humility. Christian financial advisors can provide valuable guidance on biblical stewardship and faith-based investing, empowering individuals to manage God's resources wisely and live with kingdom purpose. [... more]

Churches across the country are hosting Vacation Bible School, a week-long program where children learn about God's word and the gospel. Pastors and volunteers share their experiences and the impact of VBS on their communities, highlighting its importance in evangelism, faith formation, and youth ministry. [... more]

Couples can build a strong financial foundation in their marriage by prioritizing their relationship and making intentional financial decisions. Understanding each other's temperaments and financial strengths and weaknesses can help couples manage their finances effectively and make decisions that align with their values and goals. By focusing on what is truly important, such as glorifying God and loving each other, couples can set themselves on a path to financial freedom and a stronger marriage. [... more]

A young woman shares her story of navigating grief with her family after the loss of her 14-year-old sister in a swimming accident. She discusses how her family's faith in Christ helped them cope with their emotions and find hope in the midst of sorrow. The conversation also touches on the importance of serving others, creating new traditions, and finding comfort in nature and physical activity. [... more]

A self-employed brickmason teaches his sons valuable lessons about labor-management relations, work ethic, and personal responsibility, shaping them into who they are today. [... more]

Investors are wondering whether the market is getting ahead of itself, especially in AI and tech. A timely article by Mark Biller at Sound Mind Investing explores how investors should handle a potential bubble, focusing on staying diversified, rebalancing periodically, keeping reasonable expectations, and focusing on a long-term strategy that can stick with all different types of market environments. [... more]

Kia Stevens shares her personal story of overcoming father wounds and the impact it had on her life. She discusses the importance of forgiveness and healing, and how it can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. Kia also talks about the effects of parental absence and childhood trauma, and how it can be overcome with the help of God and a supportive community. [... more]

Couples can create financial unity by having open conversations about their past experiences with money, communicating effectively, and making a plan to tackle debt together. A biblical approach to money emphasizes giving first, saving, and investing, rather than spending. By prioritizing God's resources and making intentional decisions, couples can build a strong financial foundation and serve the Lord together. [... more]

Samuel and Stephanie Rainey share their story of rebuilding trust in their marriage, highlighting six tools to help couples heal and move forward. They discuss owning mistakes, telling the truth, delayed gratification, making amends, following through, and using their powers for good to build a stronger and healthier relationship. [... more]

Jesus teaches that true abundance is not found in possessions, but in an abiding relationship with Him. Financial decisions should be guided by faith, not just dollars and cents. A budget becomes a reflection of what we treasure, and saving, giving, and spending should be done with a heart of worship and trust in God's provision. [... more]

North Carolina lawmakers are addressing various issues, including mental health legislation, human trafficking, and gang violence. A bill aimed at tightening the state's involuntary commitment process and addressing public safety concerns tied to untreated severe mental illness has passed the North Carolina House. The legislation also focuses on reforming involuntary commitment, expanding outpatient treatment, and improving bed tracking. Meanwhile, a bill to fight human trafficking across the state is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a bill to address gang violence is moving through the House Judiciary Committee. [... more]

Seeking wise counsel is a key part of faithful stewardship, and it's essential to recognize that God never intended for us to walk through life's biggest decisions alone. Biblical wisdom includes discernment, humility, and the willingness to receive insight from others, and it's crucial to remind ourselves that these voices keep us from drifting into the ditches of greed, fear, impulsiveness, or self-reliance. When making financial decisions, we can look for voices that justify our desires, reinforce our fears, or confirm what we've already decided, but wise counsel doesn't merely validate us, it helps us see what we cannot see on our own. [... more]

Building a strong family requires placing God at the head of the home, prioritizing parenting, and protecting family from destructive influences through prayer and partnership with God. [... more]

Faith-driven investors are seeking ways to align their investments with their values, and new tools are making it easier than ever. Mike Schnackenberg from Eventide Asset Management discusses the rise of faith-based ETFs and how they can help investors make a positive impact through their investments, while avoiding problematic areas that go against their Christian worldview. [... more]

Jesus faces temptation in the wilderness, using the Holy Spirit and Scripture to resist Satan's attempts to lead him astray. He shows us how to deal with the devil by being submissive, patient, and willing to suffer according to God's will, and by being saturated with the Word of God. [... more]

Harlan Akola joins the show to discuss how bringing home equity into financial plans can change everything, especially for retirees. He explains how home equity can function as a third bucket alongside income and investments, and how using it strategically can help preserve investment accounts longer. The conversation also touches on the importance of timing and the best way to use money, as well as the role of stewardship in managing financial resources. [... more]

In the face of adversity and hardship, Jesus' promise to his followers is a call to endurance and determination. Through biblical guidance, we learn to stand firm in our convictions and character, even when the world around us seems to be against us. With the strength of Christ within us, we can persevere through trials and tribulations, and ultimately, be saved. [... more]

Faithful planning is a delicate balance between preparation and surrender, trusting in God's guidance and wisdom. It's about holding plans loosely enough for God to redirect them, embracing the paradox of planning, and finding peace and trust in the one who holds the future. [... more]

Defining a financial finish line is a powerful tool for establishing a solid plan for your finances and recognizing that all of God's provision belongs to Him. By setting a maximum for your spending, you can protect yourself against lifestyle creep and keep yourself aligned with God's purposes for your finances. This concept is not just for high net worth individuals, but can be applied by anyone, regardless of their financial situation. [... more]

The World Cup is an opportunity for believers to engage with people around them, whether they like soccer or not. A kit is available to help host watch parties and have spiritual conversations, making it easy to invite people over and share the gospel in a non-awkward way. [... more]

Retirees face a crucial question: how much can they safely withdraw from their savings without depleting their retirement funds too soon. Mark Biller joins the discussion to revisit the widely used 4% rule and explore a more flexible, thoughtful approach to retirement withdrawals. [... more]

Women often struggle with financial confidence due to uncertainty about their identity in Christ, leading to hesitation in making financial decisions. A faith-based approach to financial stewardship can provide a foundation of security and clarity, empowering women to make wise financial decisions and live out their purpose. [... more]

God has made you like no other person in the world, gifted and prepared to do a good work. He wants to eradicate guilt and guilty feelings, and has provided a solution through faith in His gift of salvation. Recognizing the full extent of your need is the first step towards restoration, and understanding the difference between condemnation and conviction is crucial. Condemnation is the enemy's voice, while conviction is the Holy Spirit's guidance, pointing out specific areas where you've sinned and need to make things right. By confessing your sins and receiving God's forgiveness, you can live a free life, free from guilt and shame, and become the masterpiece God created you to be. [... more]

In a world where deception is rampant, Christians must stand strong in their faith and uphold the truth. Dr. David Jeremiah explains how Satan's strategy of disputing, denying, and displacing God's word can lead to deception, and how telling the truth, testing the truth, and teaching the truth can help lift up the value of truth in a world drowning in deception. [... more]

Aaron Marquez, the founder and CEO of Wildcat Oil Tools, shares his story of integrity and ethics in business. Despite being a minority business owner, he refused to take advantage of special treatment, choosing instead to operate on a level playing field. This decision paid off in the end, as he earned the respect of his competitors and secured a major contract with a big oil company. [... more]

Wade Arnold, a Christian marriage mentor and coach, discusses his new book 'Should We Stay Together?' which explores the complexities of marriage, betrayal, and trauma. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's relationship blueprint, recognizing the signs of betrayal trauma, and making wise decisions about whether to stay in or leave a marriage. Arnold also shares his expertise on forgiveness, reconciliation, and the traffic light model, which helps couples determine whether their relationship can be restored. [... more]

Protecting your finances is a form of stewardship, and being aware of potential scams and identity theft is crucial. Building a strong credit score without accumulating debt requires intentional steps, such as using a secured credit card or credit builder loan. A more straightforward approach to paying off your mortgage is to send extra payments annually, rather than relying on complicated home equity lines of credit. [... more]

Marriage is a gift from God, and it's meant to be a source of joy and connection. However, many couples struggle with intimacy and communication, leading to frustration and resentment. Dave and Ashley Willis share their insights and experiences in their book 'Do Marriage Better: Seven Simple Shifts for a Deeper Connection.' They discuss the importance of understanding each other's needs and desires, and how to navigate the different seasons of marriage, including the 'beach season' of honeymoon-like intimacy, the 'busy season' of practicality, the 'baby season' of exhaustion and distraction, and the 'broken season' of vulnerability and healing. By applying the seven simple shifts outlined in their book, couples can experience a deeper connection and a more fulfilling marriage. [... more]

Couples can make a 20% improvement in their marital relationship by implementing seven simple shifts, including having curiosity and compassion when communicating, being mindful of tone, and prioritizing their marriage over other aspects of their lives. [... more]

Young adults starting their careers can set themselves up for long-term stability and generosity by making wise financial decisions, such as creating a budget, building an emergency fund, and avoiding debt. A financial advisor or mentor can provide guidance, and being mindful of common pitfalls like overspending and not saving is crucial. By prioritizing giving and generosity, individuals can experience the joy of giving and find contentment through biblical wisdom. [... more]

Parents Brian and Stephanie Carter share their experiences and insights on how to build long-lasting relationships with their children, including the importance of giving choices, offering options, and modeling spiritual growth. They discuss how to cultivate each child's unique personality, set realistic expectations, and provide a supportive environment for their children to thrive. [... more]

A pastor and his wife share their journey of rediscovering their priorities and reconnecting with God, leading to a stronger marriage and family. They discuss the importance of setting goals, having a safe couple, and cultivating a relationship with God to build long-lasting relationships. [... more]