As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the investing world grappled with its own upheavals. If you had money in the markets, you’ll likely long remember the period from mid-February to mid-March when the U.S. stock market fell 35% in just 16 trading days. Never before had the market so quickly switched gears from an all-time high to a bear market.

Jesus met a lot of people throughout his earthly ministry. He dined with the sinful. He met and healed many crippled, disabled, and diseased desperate for his touch. He came to the defense of a woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8:2-11) and shared a deep conversation with the outcast Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). He even met with the man notorious for his demonic possession among the tombs of the Gerasenes (Mark 5:1-20). In all of his encounters, he never indicates their qualification to be welcomed into God’s kingdom.

I remember when it wasn't uncommon for Christians to believe saving meant you lacked faith and that it was unspiritual to save money. Perhaps the reason so many Christians embraced this point of view is because it sounded so spiritual, but it's false, especially when you take into account what the Bible has to say about it.

There is not one book, one teaching, one study that will fully disciple people in finances. Financial discipleship is a journey of a lifetime going ever deeper into learning and applying God's principles of managing money and wealth. That's why it takes different types of teaching and curriculum to move people along the journey.

When I was 18 years old, my dad cosigned an application so I can get a credit card. I don't recall our conversation. I just remember getting the credit card because somehow, I talked my dad into cosigning with me. I never asked my dad why he did it. I guess it's because I know what he would say. To him, I was a risk worth taking, and I'm sure he believed I would own up to the responsibility of making the payments. I'm happy to report he's never had to make a payment on my behalf. Still, like many Christians today, my dad cosigning for me was a mistake, but not for the reasons you might think.

When people think of stewardship and/or stewardship ministries, what often comes to mind are capital campaigns, pushes to give, and teaching financial education through budgeting classes. While these are fantastic tools that help us grow in the practical areas of finances, is that truly what defines a stewardship ministry? Anyone can be generous, and anyone can manage their finances through budgeting. Applying biblical principles to our finances or attending budgeting classes does not mean our hearts are in the right place when it comes to money, possessions, and our relationship with God.

Growing up, there was one word that I liked using more than any other: why. I’m sure if you asked my parents, I asked them “why” more often than anything else. I’m a naturally very inquisitive person, I love learning new information, and I want to understand things. There was nothing more frustrating to me than being given a set of rules by my parents that I didn’t understand, then when I asked why, I was met with the famous parental one-liner, “Because I said so!” Many of my teenage years were spent brooding over rules I didn’t understand or appreciate.

Debt is a severe problem in our culture. Everywhere we look, from most governments to a majority of individuals throughout the world, debt is a way of life, with consequences from mild to severe. There are many opinions regarding debt and its impact, but what really matters, especially for us professed Christians, is what the Bible says about it.

Planned giving is not for the faint at heart. Nevertheless, an increasing number of churches across America are hosting estate planning (wills and trusts) educational seminars. These churches are serving their members with essential end-of-life decisions while at the same time adding hundreds of thousands of dollars, even millions of dollars, of future gifts for ministry.

How valuable is the Word of God when we embrace the theology but miss its application? If you are reading this blog, there is a good chance you have a desire to know more about the relationship between money and faith. You may have a desire to understand what the Bible has to say about money, or you may already know what it says, and you need a reminder or to be validated that when it comes to managing money, you're doing it right.

The other day I was browsing Instagram when I saw a post from a page geared towards ministering to women. I’ve seen their posts many times before, and intrigued, wandered over to their website. I found a series of devotionals, and one of them piqued my interest.

I've realized that no matter how long I've been managing money and how much I know about managing it God's way, it doesn't get easier. The lure of wealth and all it promises, especially through the consistent advertising we're exposed to daily, has an impact. It can wear us down and make us discontent, causing us to use money selfishly, even foolishly. It is impossible never to make a mistake, but managing money God's way should be the standard we seek and the desire we hold.

In a previous article, we’ve talked about how the Church is missing out on the greatest transfer of wealth that we have ever seen. I recently came across pretty disturbing statistics about giving in the church, specifically with the younger generation.

Tithing causes all kinds of heated debates and arguments. Whichever side of this issue you find yourself, for or against tithing, it's essential to be informed. There are too many opinions regarding this critical issue, not enough knowledge, which should come from one source, the Bible.

Do you know that God loves you? No, really! God loves you! He is completely and utterly in love with you. Some of us accept this truth with our minds but have a more difficult time doing so with our hearts.

I believe in tithing. Soon after joining my first church as an adult, I received a membership packet, which included a statement about giving. It read, "As a member of this church, you agree to support this ministry through your regular tithes and offerings."

"I've looked over your spending, and I have found the reason for your financial problems. It's your house. You bought a house that's too expensive, and the way to fix your financial situation is to sell your house and find cheaper housing." That was my advice to the very first couple I counseled. I know what you're thinking, and you're right. They didn't want to hear it, and they didn't come back for the next appointment.

We’ve all heard about extravagant acts of generosity. Some are quite incredible, which makes me wonder whether these people are uniquely gifted or just plain crazy? Come on, I know I’m not the only one who’s thought this! So, what does real generosity look like? How much do I have to give, and how will I know when I’m really generous?

Have you ever given a financial gift to your church or a ministry and then regretted it? You're not alone. Giving is one of the most challenging disciplines and can reveal our hearts better than most things. Giving is one of God's ways of helping us become more like Him, and often the most significant personal growth comes when we get it wrong.

Just because something is popular or admired doesn't make it good or right. One of the most famous tourist attractions in the world is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. What makes it an interesting attraction is that it was built on a poor foundation, which is causing it to lean to this day. Although it's become famous for tourists, it doesn't change the truth that this is a clear example of failure, what happens when an improper foundation is laid.