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Jonathan Edwards once said, “True legacy consists not of what we leave behind, but of what we instill in others.” That insight cuts against the grain of how many of us think about inheritance. We often focus on leaving behind money, assets, or property. But Scripture calls us to think bigger. What we pass on isn’t just wealth—it’s wisdom, character, and a legacy of faithfulness. So the real question isn’t simply, "What will I leave behind?" It’s, “Who am I preparing to receive it?” The Tension: Wealth Without Wisdom There’s a natural desire in all of us to provide for the people we love—children, grandchildren, or others God has entrusted to our care. And that desire is good. Proverbs 13:22 reminds us: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” But Scripture also gives us a warning. Proverbs 20:21 says, “An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.” Why? Because when wealth is passed on without wisdom, it can become more of a burden than a blessing. The go

God’s Word doesn’t just tell us how to manage money—it transforms how we see it. Too often, we approach finances as a purely practical matter: budgets, investments, and goals. But Scripture invites us into something deeper. It reframes money not as something we own, but something entrusted to us by God. When we begin to see money through that lens, everything changes. Today, Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show to unpack several powerful, biblical principles that shape faithful stewardship. These aren’t just financial tips—they’re spiritual truths that guide how we live.  Let’s explore them. 1. The Power of Trust It may be surprising, but the foundation of wise financial stewardship isn’t money—it’s trust. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Before we talk about budgets or strategies, we must understand our role. God is the owner. We are the stewar

“Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and the power to enjoy them…this is the gift of God.” — Ecclesiastes 5:19 What if true joy doesn’t come from gaining more—but from gratefully receiving what God has already provided? That’s the invitation we find in Ecclesiastes, and it’s the focus of a powerful conversation with John Cortines, Director of Partnerships and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and author of FaithFi’s study on the book of Ecclesiastes called, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money. His insight centers on what he calls the cycle of grateful living—a biblical framework that reshapes how we view money, work, and contentment. Rediscovering Joy in God’s Gifts Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 sits at the heart of Scripture’s teaching on money and meaning. These verses remind us of something we often overlook: Not only are wealth and possessions gifts from God, but so is the ability to enjoy them. That means joy isn’t something we manufacture through achievement or accum

Every day, we make decisions about money—but not every decision is made on purpose. When it comes to generosity, many of us wrestle with familiar questions: Where should I give? How much is enough? Does my giving really make a difference? But Scripture invites us to see generosity differently—not as a financial habit, but as an act of discipleship. Intentional giving connects our everyday resources to God’s redemptive work in the world. From Overwhelmed to On Mission We’re surrounded by needs. Local churches, global missions, ministries serving the poor, organizations strengthening families and sharing the gospel—the opportunities are endless. And because of that, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or default to reactive giving when something tugs at our hearts. But God’s Word points us to something deeper. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Generosity isn’t random. It’s part of the purpose God

Faith-based investing has been around for decades, yet many investors still wrestle with an important question: Does aligning your investments with your values mean sacrificing performance or diversification? As more people seek to steward their resources in ways that reflect their convictions, it’s worth taking a closer look at what faith-based investing really is—and what it isn’t. On today’s show, Brian Mumbert, President of Timothy Plan—a pioneer in faith-based mutual funds—joined us to help clear up some of the most common misconceptions and offered a clearer picture of how values-driven investing really works. What Is Faith-Based Investing? At its core, faith-based investing seeks to align financial decisions with biblical values. This often involves screening out companies whose practices conflict with those convictions while still pursuing wise, disciplined investment strategies. Despite its growing popularity, several misconceptions persist. Misconception #1: “Faith-Based Funds Always Cost More” One

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9 Good Friday invites us into a sacred tension—one marked by sorrow, gratitude, and deep hope. It is the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, when the Son of God bore the weight of our sin on the cross. And yet, for centuries, Christians have called this day good. Not because the events were easy or lighthearted—but because of what Christ accomplished through them. The Sorrow and the Wonder of the Cross For many believers, Good Friday carries a heaviness. We reflect on the suffering Jesus endured and the sobering reality that our sin made the cross necessary. Scripture reminds us that sin is not merely a mistake—it is a separation from God, the very source of life and love. And yet, alongside that sorrow is overwhelming gratitude. We remember the love of the Father who gave His Son, and the love of the Son who willingly laid d

Reverse mortgages often trigger strong reactions—especially among believers who want to honor God with their finances. But are those reactions grounded in biblical wisdom…or outdated information? When it comes to debt and home equity, emotions can run high. Yet Scripture calls us to something deeper than instinct—it calls us to understanding. As Proverbs 19:20 reminds us, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” To help bring clarity to this often misunderstood topic, Harlan Accola—who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage—joins the show today to separate fact from fiction. Why Reverse Mortgages Carry So Much Stigma For many people, the phrase reverse mortgage immediately raises red flags. And to be fair, some of that concern is rooted in history. As Harlan Accola explains, earlier versions of these loans—and in some cases, unethical practices—damaged trust. Like many industries, there were bad actors who misused the product and took advantage of senior

“The simple believe everything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” — Proverbs 14:15 In a world where scams are increasingly sophisticated, Scripture reminds us that precaution is not paranoia—it’s stewardship. Protecting the resources God has entrusted to us isn’t just practical; it’s spiritual. Today’s threats may come through phone calls, emails, text messages, or even impersonations of people we trust. But as followers of Christ, we are not called to live in fear—we are called to walk in wisdom. So what does wise, faithful stewardship look like in a digital age? 1. Slow Down and Verify Scammers thrive on urgency. They want you to act before you think. If someone pressures you—claiming to be your bank, a government agency, or even a loved one—pause. Hang up. Verify the source using official contact information. Remember: Pressure is a red flag. Wisdom takes a breath. 2. Be Wise About How You Send Money One of the clearest warning signs of fraud is how payment is requested. Never send money via

Is it possible to have everything—and still be missing the one thing that matters most? That’s not just a philosophical question. Scripture gives us real-life examples of people who appeared successful by every measure, yet walked away empty. On today’s episode, Bob Shank—founder of The Master’s Program—joins us to help unpack how Jesus challenges our definition of wealth and invites us into something far greater. Why the Desire for “More” Is So Universal Across cultures, generations, and economic backgrounds, one desire seems to unite us all: the desire for more. According to Bob Shank, that longing isn’t inherently sinful—it’s actually part of how God designed us. From the beginning, God created humanity with a mindset of multiplication (Genesis 1:28). We were wired to grow, build, and increase. But sin distorts that desire, redirecting it toward the wrong things. The problem isn’t the desire for more—it’s what we define as “more.” God calls us to pursue more of what truly satisfies: His presence, His purpo

Most of us don’t wake up intending to serve money. And yet, over time, financial pressure, goals, and anxieties can quietly begin shaping our decisions, priorities, and even our sense of security. Jesus addresses this directly in Luke 16:13: “You cannot serve God and money.” But that doesn’t mean money has no place in the life of a believer. It simply means money must never be our master. The invitation of Scripture is far better: not to serve money, but to serve God with money. Money Is a Gift to Receive with Gratitude One of the most important starting points is recognizing that money is not inherently bad—it’s a gift. Ecclesiastes 5:19 reminds us, “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them—this is the gift of God.” God is not opposed to provision or even enjoyment. In fact, when Jesus fed the five thousand in Matthew 14, He didn’t just meet the need—there were twelve baskets left over. The message isn’t excess for its own sake, but that God’s provision is abundant a

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gains understanding, for her profit is better than silver, and her gain surpasses gold.” - Proverbs 3:13–14 Making wise financial decisions early in life can set the stage for long-term stability, freedom, and generosity. But for students and young professionals just starting out, the question remains: Where do you begin? On today’s episode, Bob Doll—CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Crossmark Global Investments—joined us to share practical, faith-rooted guidance to help young adults build a strong financial foundation from the very start. Start With a Plan Every wise financial journey begins with a plan. Bob emphasizes that a budget is the starting point—simply knowing what’s coming in and what’s going out. Without a plan, it’s easy to drift financially. With one, you gain clarity and direction. From there, establish an emergency fund—typically three to six months of expenses—to prepare for life’s unexpected turns. And just as importantly, avoid high-in

In rural Malawi, many children wake each day unsure if they’ll eat, relying on water that can make them sick. For families living in deep poverty, this isn’t an occasional hardship—it’s daily life. Yet even in these conditions, there is hope. Today, we were joined by Aaron Griggs of Cross International, a Christian humanitarian and development ministry, to talk about how lives are being changed in places like Malawi through practical help and the hope of the gospel. Life in Rural Malawi: A Daily Struggle for Survival In remote villages like Tanganyika, life revolves around meeting the most basic needs. Families often don’t know where their next meal will come from, and many children go to bed hungry. Access to clean water is one of the greatest challenges. Most families rely on open water sources contaminated with bacteria, leading to frequent illness—especially among children who are already malnourished. These illnesses not only weaken their bodies but also rob them of the nutrients they desperately need. H

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14 When it comes to managing money, Scripture reminds us that we were never meant to do it alone. Financial decisions carry both practical and spiritual weight, shaping not only our future but also our faithfulness. On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, explores why wise counsel matters—and how Certified Kingdom Advisors (CKA®s) are helping believers steward God’s resources with clarity and conviction. What Is a Certified Kingdom Advisor? A Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) is a financial professional who is both spiritually grounded and professionally equipped to help individuals and families make financial decisions rooted in biblical wisdom. As Sharon Epps explains, a CKA® is someone who is: Biblically trained Professionally qualified Passionate about helping others make faith-informed financial decisions CKA®s come from a range of professions,

Servant leadership isn’t a soft skill—it’s one of the clearest indicators of a company’s long-term health. When investors evaluate businesses, they often focus on numbers: revenue, margins, and growth projections. But behind every enduring company is something less visible and far more powerful—a leadership team shaping culture, guiding decisions, and determining whether that business will flourish or fade. Dolores Bamford, Co-Chief Investment Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager at Eventide Asset Management, joins the show today to share what she has learned after spending decades studying this reality. Her conclusion is clear: leadership quality is essential to lasting business success. Why Leadership Matters More Than We Think At its core, leadership shapes everything about a company. It influences: Culture and employee engagement Product development and innovation Risk management and resilience Long-term growth and sustainability Strong products and strategies may carry a company for a time, but the

What if the most important question about your savings isn’t how much you have—but what it’s really for? We often think of saving as a financial skill—and it is. But Scripture invites us to see it as something deeper: a purposeful act of stewardship. When we understand saving through that lens, it begins to shape not just our finances, but our hearts. Why Saving Feels So Difficult Let’s be honest—saving rarely feels automatic. If it did, we wouldn’t need reminders, spreadsheets, apps, or the occasional sticky note on the fridge. Saving requires us to resist the pull of the present in favor of the future. And that kind of restraint has always been in short supply. Our culture encourages consumption and immediacy. Spend now. Upgrade now. Enjoy now. But saving calls us to a different rhythm—one marked by patience and preparation. For many households, the challenge is even more pressing. Without financial margin, it only takes one unexpected expense—a repair, a medical bill, a job transition—to create significant

Martin Luther once said, “There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” Marriage is one of God’s great gifts—but like any meaningful relationship, it requires intentional care and wisdom. That’s especially true in blended families. When two people come together later in life—often bringing children, financial histories, and past experiences of loss—the conversations surrounding money, inheritance, and responsibility can become complex. To explore how couples can navigate these challenges faithfully and wisely, we were joined by Ron Deal and Greg Pettis, co-authors of The Smart Step Family Guide to Financial Planning. Their work offers practical guidance for couples seeking peace, clarity, and unity in second marriages. One of the most helpful tools they recommend is something called a “Togetherness Agreement.” Why Blended Families Face Unique Financial Challenges When couples enter a second marriage, they aren’t simply merging households—they’re mergi

For decades, retirement income in America has often been described as a three-legged stool. The first leg is Social Security, which historically provides roughly 35–45% of a retiree’s monthly income. The second leg used to be company pensions, but those have largely been replaced by employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, which now provide roughly 15–20% of retirement income on average. The third leg—and the one individuals have the most control over—is personal savings. One of the most important tools for building those savings is the Individual Retirement Account, or IRA. This is especially important for people who don’t have a strong employer retirement plan. In those cases, personal savings often need to carry even more of the load in retirement. What an IRA Actually Is Before diving into the different types of IRAs, it helps to understand one key point: an IRA itself isn’t an investment. An IRA is simply a tax-advantaged account that holds investments. Inside an IRA, you can own many of the

Theologian Dorothy Sayers once wrote, “Work is not primarily a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do.” That statement may feel surprising in a culture where work is often viewed as a burden to escape rather than a calling to embrace. Yet Scripture offers a very different vision. From the beginning of the Bible to the end, work is not treated as a necessary evil but as a sacred calling woven into what it means to bear God’s image. When we understand this truth, it transforms how we see our daily responsibilities—whether they happen in an office, a home, a classroom, or a retirement community. Work Was God’s Design From the Beginning Many people assume work began as part of the curse after sin entered the world. But Scripture tells a different story. In Genesis 2:15, before the fall, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and keep it.” Work was not punishment—it was purpose. God commissioned humanity to cultivate creation, steward its resources, and reflect His creativity and order. W

What if your generosity could be multiplied—without giving another dollar? Corporate matching gift programs distribute billions of dollars every year, helping nonprofits expand their impact. Yet many believers are surprised to learn that some faith-based ministries don’t qualify for these funds. Understanding how these programs work—and why fairness in charitable giving policies matters—can help unlock greater Kingdom impact. Today on Faith & Finance, we spoke with Will Lofland, Managing Director of Faith-Based Investing at GuideStone Funds, about how these programs function and why advocacy in this area matters for ministries and donors alike. Billions in Potential Generosity Corporate matching programs are more common than many people realize. According to Lofland, about 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer charitable gift-matching programs, which distribute roughly $2.86 billion each year. These programs allow companies to match the donations their employees make to qualified nonprofit organizations—ofte

Money has a remarkable ability to shape our emotions. In a single week, it can make us anxious, fearful, generous, or joyful. But Scripture reminds us that money—despite the power we often assign to it—cannot ultimately provide what we most want. On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, we spoke with Dr. Russell James III, the CH Foundation Chair of Personal Financial Planning and Charitable Giving at Texas Tech University and author of A Christian’s Guide to Joyful Wealth Management.  He helped us explore a foundational question: If money cannot give us security or control, what is it actually for? The One Thing Money Can’t Do Dr. James begins where the Apostle Paul begins—in 1 Timothy 6. Paul reminds believers of a simple but transformative reality: we cannot take wealth with us when we die. “Money is temporary,” Dr. James explained. “Eventually, every one of us will lose it. The only real question is how.” That truth reframes everything about financial decision-making. If wealth cannot follow us beyond t