“For nothing is impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37 I love the start of a new year. It’s a chance to begin again, to set fresh goals and make new plans for the months ahead. As we make plans for 2008, whether financial or other types, let’s make sure that our plans are God’s plans. […]
Archive | Faith & Finances
The Heart of the Matter
“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11 In his book, “The Progress Paradox,” writer Gregg Easterbrook tells an extraordinary story of forgiveness. Amy Biehl, an idealistic […]
The Heart of a Giver
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38 It’s tricky business teaching about giving these days. Preachers of the prosperity gospel are packing their […]
“The Best of Things”
“Be joyful in hope.” –Romans 12:12a In the movie, The Shawshank Redemption, prisoner Andy Dufresne demonstrates the power of hope. Wrongly convicted for the murder of his wife, his hope that the truth would one day come out sustains him. When the truth finally does come out, but a corrupt warden refuses to acknowledge it, Andy […]
Fifty Years of God and Money
October 1st marks the 50th anniversary of the appearance of “In God We Trust” on U.S. paper currency. The phrase has been on coins since 1864. It became the U.S. motto in 1956 and made its first appearance on U.S. currency the following year. There’s a fascinating history of how the phrase found its way […]
The Best Offense is a Good Defense
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” – Ephesians 6:14a In Brave New World, Aldus Huxley’s 1932 novel that envisions the extent to which consumerism could go, people are conditioned from birth to accept predetermined roles. Using “sleep teaching,” speakers underneath babies’ pillows repeatedly broadcast quiet suggestions designed to shape […]
Independence Day
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31b-32 My wife and I once lived in a home with cracks in its foundation. Every time it rained I got a knot in my stomach because I knew […]
Privileged Money Management
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” – 2 Corinthians 8:3-4 According to American Express, “Membership has its privileges.” Its copyrighted phrase is designed to […]
The Wisdom and Foolishness of Saving Money
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” – Proverbs 21:20 Three times during several recent financial workshops with college students I was asked a surprising and refreshing question: Does saving money reflect a lack of faith in God’s provision? It was […]
What’s Love Got to Do With It?
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” – 1 John 3:1a Valentine’s Day is a good reminder to celebrate the people we love. It’s also a good reminder to celebrate the One who came up with the idea of love in the first […]