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That’s from the Christmas Story in Luke, Chapter 2. The angels announce the coming of the Savior to a group of shepherds. It sounds simple enough … but there’s more to the story. Jerry Bowyer joins us to talk about it. Our guest, Jerry Bowyer, is the author of The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics. It’s loaded with amazing insights about Jesus' time on earth from an economic perspective.  Angels carried probably the most important message in history … why deliver it to shepherds? Weren’t they social outcasts?Shepherds were under social outcasts because they couldn’t keep their sheep from going into their neighbors yard and eat the grass - thereby committing theft against your neighbor. The Temple system ran on sheep. They used a lot of sheep for the sacrifices. So there was a country set aside for sheep to be raised. This was near Jerusalem. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was born in the city where lambs for the Temple system were bred.So God’s master plan included fi

With everything going on in Israel right now why is it important to funnel resources to Lebanon?Because the level of despair in Lebanon is at an historic high.  And  . . . Because God is working there like never beforeThere is an urgency to this situation - 2.5 million refugees in a country of only 4 million.  More per square mile than any place in the worldA collapsed economy - World Bank calling it the worst economic collapse in 150 years. 85% of everyone living there needing aid and 99% of every refugee family looking for their next meal. In the middle of this despair though - - HOPE is rising.  I know you have made a number of trips there personally - how have you seen God working in the hearts and lives of the people there. Because of the relational ministry philosophy of Heart for Lebanon, everything they do points to the opportunity to share the Gospel. Lebanon remains the most democratic free society in the middle East.  We are free to share the Gospel and More Muslim Cultured people are coming to Chr

So how would God's word in particular give us guidance on this giving portfolio approach?Jesus gives His mission here on earth in Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”This is a really is a model for a giving portfolio So how do you take that and apply it to giving?Well, he really talks about 3 categories of giving. God's mercy. People that are in need, poor and needy. The prisoners, basic recovery ministries and just basic human needs like water and food, shelter and those kinds of things.God's justice, the people that have been oppressed, widows, orphans, more the helpless, the victims. God's Word. And as you know here at FaithFi, we encourage you to do your first giving to the local church, but then also to other evangelism and discipleship ministries.I love that t

Please tell us about your list titled, “Your 10 Most Important Financial Moves for 2024.”We want to help people choose the best 10 ideas that specifically fit their situation. So we discuss over 60 suggestions in the article and encourage each reader to select their personal Top 10 list. We’ve found that those who go through this process of making a personal Top 10 list — and then follow through on those action steps — become better stewards and make tangible progress toward their long-term goals. These suggestions are broken into several categories. Help us understand spiritual and financial fundamentals …We try to set the appropriate context before diving into the nitty gritty financial stuff. And that begins with understanding what God says about us, and about our money, in scripture. So a few highlights from this section include:Resting in God’s love. His love isn’t based on our worth or merit.Invest time in studying what Scripture says about money and material possessions. SMI has long believed the #1 fi

If you’ve made a resolution to manage your money better this year, how can you be sure to keep it for the long haul? Today we’ll help you avoid the pitfalls of resolution failure. No matter when you make them, resolutions are hard to keep.  The most common excuses for giving up on our resolutions are…lack of willpower, forgetfulness, and plain old laziness.   Break old habits and develop new good habits. Make a clear plan. Financial resolutions are almost guaranteed to fail if you don’t set up a budget.  Have accountability.  Don’t go it alone.  Don’t do it all in your own strength. We need to lean on the Lord.  As Isaiah 40:28 says, that’s where the power is.  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Here’s a new way to approach your new year’s resolutions.First, pray.  Ask God to show you his will for you.  As with any goals, your f

UNDERSTANDING TIME'S WORTH IN GOD'S PERSPECTIVE:God values our time, as evidenced by Psalm 90:12, which states, "Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom."James 4:14 reminds us of the fleeting nature of life, saying, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."Realizing the value of time can influence how we approach work and manage our finances.CALCULATING REAL HOURLY WAGE:To understand what our time on the job is really worth, subtract taxes (including Social Security, Medicare, and income tax) from your gross annual income.Example: Earning $52,000 annually, with $10,000 in taxes, leaves a net earning of $42,000. Dividing this by 52 weeks and then by a 40-hour workweek gives a real hourly wage of $20.This calculation helps to realize the actual earnings per hour, especially if working more than 40 hours a week.IMPACT ON SPENDING HABITS:Knowing the real cost of purchases in terms of hours worked can s

Jerry Bowyer is our resident economist here at FaithFi and the president of Bowyer Research. He’s also the author of The Maker and the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.  Fans of the story might remember this exchange: Scrooge: “My taxes help support the public institutions which I’ve mentioned and they cost enough. Those who are badly off must go there.”Portly Gentleman: Many can’t go there and many would rather die.Scrooge: If they had rather die, perhaps they had better do so and decrease the surplus population.Portly Gentleman: Surely you don’t mean that, sir?Scrooge: “With all my heart … “ WHAT HAVE WE BEEN MISSING IN "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" ABOUT THE PHRASE "SURPLUS POPULATION"?This phrase reflects the Malthusian belief prevalent in the 1800s, suggesting that population growth, especially among the poor, outpaces the supply of resources."Surplus population" was a key term in the Malthusian debate, which argued that population growth surpasses food and resource supply, especia

Brian Holtz, joins us again today. He is the Chief Operating Officer at Compass — Finances God’s Way. He’s also the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children. HOW DO YOU RAISE FAITHFUL CHILDREN AS FINANCIAL DISCIPLES?A financial disciple learns and applies Jesus' teachings about money and possessions, and also shares this knowledge with others.Parents should instill in their children the understanding that everything belongs to God, as stated in 1 Chronicles 29:11 and Psalm 24:1.It's crucial to teach children about stewardship and faithful management of resources, following God's goals rather than personal ambitions. WHAT ARE THE FIVE PILLARS OF FINANCIAL DISCIPLESHIP?These pillars guide children in understanding their role as stewards of God's resources and making decisions that align with biblical teachings:1. Ownership: Recognizing that everything is owned by God.1 Chronicles 29:11 tells us everything in the heavens and earth is His. And Psalm 24:1 says the eart

Art Rainer is a regular contributor here at Faith and Finance and the author of several books, including The Marriage Challenge: A Finance Guide for Married Couples. WHAT ARE SOME WARNING SIGNS THAT INDICATE A COUPLE MAY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MONEY?Frequent heated arguments about money are a major red flag. It's concerning if discussions about budgeting, spending, debt, or giving lead to intense disagreements.Financial infidelity is another critical issue. This includes hiding purchases, maintaining secret bank accounts or credit cards, or exceeding spending limits without informing the spouse.Using money as a weapon in the relationship is a serious concern. This behavior involves controlling or punishing a spouse with money, like giving allowances or withholding funds, and contradicts the unifying purpose of money in a marriage as intended by God.Managing money independently, with separate bank accounts and financial responsibilities, is a warning sign. This approach undermines the biblical concept of marital o

WHAT IS BIBLICAL FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP ACCORDING TO FAITHFI?Biblical financial stewardship, as FaithFi defines it, is about letting Scripture influence and inform financial decisions. It's not just following financial principles from the Bible, like recognizing God as the owner and ourselves as managers, giving cheerfully, avoiding debt, and planning for the future, but it's also about understanding these principles in the broader context of Scripture. All Scripture ultimately points to Jesus, shaping a deeper relationship with Him. FaithFi's purpose is to help Christians see God as their ultimate treasure, not money or possessions. It's about changing the heart posture, aligning with the idea that where your treasure is, there your heart will be too.It's about letting Scripture guide financial decisions, going beyond mere principles.Understanding financial stewardship in the broader context of the Bible, which points to Jesus.The goal is to see God as the ultimate treasure, changing one's heart towards money

Randy Alcorn is the author of over 60 books on Christian Living and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries.  WHY IS MATERIALISM A CHALLENGE, ESPECIALLY IN AMERICA?Materialism is a significant challenge, especially in America, because it acts like a false god or idol, as identified by Jesus. This idolatry of materialism is often overlooked in our culture. Accumulating possessions leads to being in orbit around our wealth, even for Christians striving to honor God.Materialism, likened to a false god 'mammon', exerts a powerful hold over people's lives.The accumulation of possessions creates a gravitational pull, making us orbit around our wealth.This challenge affects everyone, including Christians, making it difficult to focus solely on honoring God. WHAT ARE THE PRECONDITIONS TO THE GUIDELINES FOR GIVING?The preconditions to giving involve recognizing ourselves as stewards of God's resources, not owners. This stewardship perspective is essential, although often overlooked. Happiness and co

Crystal Paine is the creator of the amazing website MoneySavingMom.com. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOUR FAMILY SAVORS THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS?To savor the meaning of Christmas, Crystal Payne's family engages in simple yet meaningful traditions. They use an Advent calendar, specifically Ann Voskamp's, which includes daily devotionals, to focus on the spiritual significance of the season. Additionally, they undertake a family giving project, where each member contributes and decides on a cause to support, fostering a sense of ownership and generosity.They use an Advent calendar with daily devotionals to focus on the meaning of Christmas.The family partakes in a giving project, where each member contributes and selects a cause.These activities help instill a sense of ownership and remind them of the true spirit of Christmas. WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL WAYS TO MANAGE CHRISTMAS SPENDING AND GIFT GIVING?When managing Christmas spending and gift-giving, it's crucial to start by determining who you need to buy for and align th

Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors. WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY ACCORDING TO RECENT RESEARCH, AND WHAT ARE ITS EFFECTS?Economic uncertainty is at a high, as indicated by the International Monetary Fund's World Uncertainty Index. Covering data from 143 countries over the past 60 years, the current level of uncertainty is among the highest since 2000. This uncertainty can lead to fear, decision paralysis, and irrational decision-making.Economic uncertainty is significantly high currently, comparable to the highest levels since 2000.This uncertainty can cause fear, hinder decision-making, and lead to irrational choices.Historical perspective shows that economic uncertainty is a recurring phenomenon. WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS CAN WE TAKE DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES?To navigate uncertain times, focus on God's control and promises, such as His assurance in Hebrews 13:5 ("I will never leave you nor forsake you") and the call for contentment in 1 Timothy 6:8. Acknowledge that economic conseq

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  Matthew 6:20Ken Boa and Russ Crosson are our guests today.. Ken is a pastor and founder of Reflections Ministries. Russ is executive vice president and chief mission officer of Ronald Blue Trust. They’re authors of Leverage: Using Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain.  WHAT IS BIBLICAL LEVERAGE, AND HOW CAN IT IMPACT ETERNITY?Biblical leverage is the concept of using your current wealth to make a significant impact on eternity. It involves investing in God's work around the world, allowing one to witness how God multiplies these investments for eternal purposes.Biblical leverage is using present wealth to contribute to eternal impacts.It's about investing in God's work and seeing the multiplication of these investments.This concept mirrors leveraging in finances, but with a focus on eternal outcomes. HOW SHOULD INDIVIDUALS DETERMINE WHERE TO GIVE, AND IS IT ACCEPTABLE TO GIVE OUTSIDE THE

Mark Biller is executive editor at Sound Mind Investing.  WHAT'S THE CURRENT STATE OF BOND INVESTING, AND HOW HAVE RECENT EVENTS IMPACTED IT?Bond investing has been challenging lately, especially after a long period of historically low interest rates. Recently, there's been a significant shift with the 30-year treasury bond yield rising from under 1% in 2020 to over 5%. This has led to losses in long-term bond funds, comparable to the worst stock market declines, showing it's a tough time for bond investors.There's been a drastic shift in the bond market, with major losses in long-term bond funds.The rise in treasury bond yields signifies a challenging environment for bond investors.This period contrasts starkly with the previous era of low interest rates. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS IN BOND INVESTING, AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT BOND PRICES?The two primary risks in bond investing are credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk relates to the borrower's ability to make interest payments and repay the bond at matur

We want to thank the folks at the National Christian Foundation for a great article on an alternative way to give and a new twist in 2023.Here are some alternative giving strategies for those of you who might be feeling the pinch financially but still have a heart to support your favorite charities. Drawing on insights from an article by the National Christian Foundation, we’re focusing on using your IRA for charitable giving.Of course, these are general recommendations and may not apply to everyone. You should consult with your CPA for specific advice based on your circumstances.Okay, here are a few terms you need to understand first.Adjusted gross income or AGI – This is basically your income before you take your standard or itemized deduction. Regular distribution – This is just money taken from your IRA after you turn 59 ½. It’s reported as income on your tax return.Qualified charitable distribution or QCD. This is a distribution from an IRA paid directly to the qualified charity after the owner turns 70½

Cole Pearson is the President of Investment Solutions at OneAscent, which is a family of companies dedicated to faith-based investing and an underwriter of this program.  HOW DOES ONE ASCENT VIEW INTERNATIONAL INVESTING?One Ascent views international investing as a critical component of a well-diversified investment portfolio.They believe that investing in international markets can mitigate risks and potentially enhance returns.Historical data shows that international markets have outperformed U.S. markets in several decades, highlighting the importance of global diversification. IS VALUES-BASED INVESTING POSSIBLE WHEN INVESTING ABROAD?One Ascent strongly believes that values-based investing is achievable globally.They emphasize that every person and market has inherent dignity, advocating for investment in global markets, similar to the approach to missions and ministries.The team at One Ascent has extensive experience in international markets and focuses on investing in companies that positively impact soci

This year plan a Christ-centered celebration without any of the financial regrets. As in so many areas of life, parents have opportunities here to set an example. Here are four ways you can do that:Set a good example with your attitudeTheParentCue.org suggests that you do one less thing this year.Make family time a priority during the weeks leading up to Christmasstart a new tradition this year.One of Rob’s favorites is the Jesse tree.  Go to faithward.org for daily Bible readings and printable ornaments for the Jesse tree.put the phones downpray together.Stick to your budget (even during the holidays)your children will see your commitment to financial peace.Demonstrate generosity towards those less fortunate, and invite your kids to participateMake Christmas cookies together and take them to the local police or fire station, along with handmade Christmas cards.Leave bagged Christmas snacks and drinks at your doorstep for the delivery people who stop by. Make a sign to say “thank you!”Sponsor a child together

WHAT DOES A "MOVEMENT OF FAITHFUL STEWARDS" LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS FAITHFI TRYING TO ACHIEVE?FaithFi aims to integrate faith into financial decisions, moving beyond just wise money management. The mission is to help Christians see their finances through the lens of faith, as every aspect of life, including finances, should be influenced by faith. FaithFi supports this integration, recognizing the challenge but stressing its importance. The goal is to guide Christians to be good stewards of their resources.It's about integrating faith and finances, not just being wise with money.FaithFi's mission is to equip Christians to integrate their faith and financial decisions.The goal is to help people be good stewards of God's resources, even in challenging times. HOW DOES FAITHFI DIFFER FROM OTHER FINANCIAL RESOURCES, AND WHAT IS ITS VISION?FaithFi differs from secular financial advice by centering on God, not self. The goal is to replace worldly financial promises with gospel truth, seeing God as the ultimate treasur

WHAT IS ALPHA IN INVESTING, AND CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE FIRST THREE SOURCES OF IT?Alpha refers to an investor making higher returns than the overall market.The first source is having access to superior information, like fundamental investors using detailed research.The second source is better processing of information, where quantitative investors use models and patterns.The third source involves exploiting irrational behavioral biases in other investors, like investing contrary to market trends. EVENTIDE NOW SUGGESTS A FOURTH SOURCE OF ALPHA. WHAT IS IT?The fourth source comes from a biblical worldview, focusing on why to invest, not just how.It involves assessing if a business's product or service contributes to human flourishing and cares for all its stakeholders.This approach aligns with loving God and neighbors, seeing the purpose of business as serving people. HOW DOES THIS FOURTH SOURCE OF ALPHA APPLY IN REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLES?A positive example is a lab instrument company that invests in its employees and