Grace to others. That’s the focus of this study in the New Testament book of Philemon. Join us for a very personal story of a runaway slave and listen as the Apostle Paul pleads with his owner to act in love, just as God has done with each one of us.
Many of us know someone who can sleep through anything . . . a storm, an earthquake, a siren, an alarm. Sometimes you have to go give them a shake to pry them loose from their slumber. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that it seems the Church will sometimes sleep through anything. Oh, we may be aware of the angst, the unrest and all the rest, but God wants us to stand up and speak out with God’s antidote for the ills our country is facing. Listen on harvest.org--- Learn more and subscribe to Harvest updates at harvest.orgA New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https: //harvest. org/supportSee omnystudio. com/listener for privacy information.
Delve into the profound examination of the Book of Luke, focusing on the significance of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message emphasizes that life's occurrences are not accidental but are purposeful and intentional in God's plan. It seeks to illustrate the evidence of Christ's resurrection, not just for the intellectual understanding, but also to instill hope in the heart. The narrative highlights how the fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament and the testimony of eyewitnesses in the New Testament provide compelling evidence for Jesus' resurrection. Through this lens, the understanding is that Jesus' death and resurrection offer a path to forgiveness and salvation. The listener is encouraged to embrace this truth with the assurance that God's love is unconditional, unaffected by past decisions or actions.
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. ” - Isaiah 1: 17Widows are often unprepared to face a range of difficulties, including grief, social isolation, and, of course, financial challenges. Valerie Hogan joins us today to discuss some ways we can help. Valerie Hogan is an attorney, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a member of Kingdom Advisors, as well as the co-author of Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More with Miriam Neff. Helping Widows Build Financial ConfidenceMore than 60% of married women outlive their husbands, and over one million new widows are added in the U. S. every year. Caring for widows is not just a societal need but a biblical mandate found in James 1: 27, where God calls us to look after widows in their distress. So, how can we help a widow gain financial confidence? 1. Respect the Time to GrieveGrief is deeply personal, and everyone experiences it differently. We should respect each widow’s unique process. Some may grieve privately, while others are more open, but either way, it’s essential to allow them space. During the grieving period, it's advisable to hit the pause button on major financial decisions. While some decisions must be made immediately, delaying non-urgent matters can prevent unnecessary stress and mistakes. 2. Be Aware of Public Financial VulnerabilityWidows, especially those who receive large life insurance payouts, may be targets for fraud or manipulation. Valerie pointed out that the public nature of some financial settlements makes widows particularly vulnerable. Protecting them by creating a safe environment is crucial. This includes ensuring that the widow is surrounded by trustworthy advisors who have her best interest at heart and are okay with hearing the word “no” from her as she processes her financial decisions. 3. Understand the Emotional Impact of FinancesWidows often feel financially vulnerable, whether dealing with new-found debt or suddenly managing a large sum of money. The emotional weight of making financial decisions without their spouse can be overwhelming. Offering encouragement and empowering the widow to make decisions at her own pace is critical. Advisors and loved ones should simplify financial conversations, avoiding overly technical terms and ensuring the widow fully understands her options. 4. Offer Help, But Respect AutonomyIt’s natural for family members or friends to want to step in and help immediately, but it’s essential to offer help when the widow is ready to receive it. Giving the widow space to express what kind of assistance she needs, as everyone’s journey is different. Rather than rushing into action, it’s better to gauge the widow’s readiness and provide support based on her preferences. 5. Choosing the Right Financial AdvisorA widow should feel seen and heard by her financial advisor. If she worked with an advisor while her spouse was alive, she should assess whether that advisor truly understood her goals and concerns. If a change is needed, it’s worth interviewing several advisors, including those with faith-aligned advice, such as Certified Kingdom Advisors (CKAs). Finding the right advisor is crucial for the widow’s financial future and well-being. 6. Empower Her to Say "No"Widows are often bombarded with advice from well-meaning friends and family and potential financial offers. Helping a widow say "no" is critical. Whether declining to sell her house or refusing a product offer, she should feel comfortable making decisions in her own time without pressure. People with her best interests will respect her choices, even if they don’t align with their suggestions. 7. Equip Her for Wealth Transfer and Estate PlanningWidows often play a crucial role in wealth transfer, even if they were not previously involved in the family’s financial planning. Advisors should ensure that the widow is well-prepared to handle this responsibility. Rather than focusing solely on the next generation, the widow’s role in the financial plan should be prioritized, giving her the tools and knowledge to steward the family’s wealth. Helping widows gain financial confidence is a deeply rewarding and biblically rooted responsibility. Whether you are a family member, friend, or financial professional, offering support during this challenging season can make a lasting difference. It’s about empowering widows to make decisions on their own time and helping them navigate the challenges that come with grief and financial vulnerability. For those looking for trusted financial advisors, consider a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) through FaithFi. com, where you can find faith-aligned professionals who understand the unique needs of widows. If you’re a widow, check out Widow Connection to join a supportive network that has helped over 10, 000 women move forward with confidence and hope in this next chapter of life. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My son was told in a financial class to borrow against rentals to buy more rentals, even though other courses say to pay off debt. Is that biblically correct? My father-in-law offered to loan us $30, 000 from his retirement account to make repairs on the house we live in with him. But he said we'd have to help pay the taxes on that withdrawal. Is that a better option than getting a regular loan for the repairs? Resources Mentioned: Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD. Widow ConnectionLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App
A great theologian once wisely said that there is no title for Jesus Christ in the Christian’s vocabulary more precious than the word, Redeemer. Just how precious is that word to you? Tune in to Dr. Boice’s message this week to learn how we are Bought With a Price.