To sacrifice means to give up something valuable for the sake of something else. And on Good Friday we pause to reflect on the greatest sacrifice of all—Jesus Christ giving up his life for our sake. On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will share some reflections about Good Friday. Then he’ll take some calls and answer various financial questions. See omnystudio. com/listener for privacy information.
How does your faith in Jesus influence your daily financial decisions? As believers, our faith must be the foundation of our financial stewardship, which is why we're excited to announce that the MoneyWise radio show is now Faith & Finance. Join Rob West and special guests as they address today’s financial questions with biblical answers. To be a part of the broadcast, call 1 (800) 525-7000 or you can email your questions to: [email protected]
How does your faith in Jesus influence your daily financial decisions? As believers, our faith must be the foundation of our financial stewardship, which is why we're excited to announce that the MoneyWise radio show is now Faith & Finance. Join Rob West and special guests as they address today’s financial questions with biblical answers. To be a part of the broadcast, call 1 (800) 525-7000 or you can email your questions to: [email protected]
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. ” - Psalm 82: 3–4As followers of Christ, we’re called to advocate for the vulnerable and protect the oppressed. One of the most urgent needs today is among girls and young women in Lebanon. May-Lee Melki joins us with a powerful story of hope and a way you can make a difference. May-Lee Melki is a Lebanese-American advocate, legal scholar, and ministry leader dedicated to advancing justice and holistic transformation in the Middle East. She serves as the Strategic Engagement Manager at Heart for Lebanon, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. The Crisis Behind the HeadlinesIn a society shaped by shame-and-honor dynamics, without a biblical understanding of human dignity, refugee girls—especially Bedouin and Kurdish—are often seen as burdens or liabilities. Add to that multiple wars, a collapsed economy, and weak legal protections, and the danger becomes tragically clear: girls are exploited because they’re seen as expendable. But Heart for Lebanon is stepping in not just to rescue—but to prevent. That may sound counterintuitive until you hear stories like Ferial’s—a grandmother who joined a literacy class to model a different future for her granddaughters. After coming to know Christ through Heart for Lebanon, she said, “I can’t change what happened to my daughters, but I can change the future for my granddaughters. ”Prevention means investing in the whole family unit. It means addressing spiritual, emotional, and physical needs by offering: Christian counseling in their native languageNon-formal education programs that integrate biblical valuesSafe, holistic discipleship environments for moms, dads, and childrenCommunity development rooted in the GospelOne of the most moving examples is Alima, a 10-year-old enrolled in Heart for Lebanon’s Hope Education Program. Her mother, under cultural and financial pressure, began pushing Alima to abandon school and enter into marriage. But because of the truth Alima had learned through Heart for Lebanon—truth about Jesus and her God-given worth—she found the courage to push back. Her bold faith not only protected her from child marriage but, through prayer and persistence, led to her mother’s salvation as well. This is the ripple effect of prevention-centered ministry. Real Change Through Holistic MinistryThe key to sustainable impact is community transformation. The goal isn’t to isolate and remove girls from danger—which can sometimes cause more trauma—but to reshape families and communities from within through Gospel truth. When fathers, uncles, and guardians are discipled alongside mothers and daughters, entire cultural norms begin to shift. That’s what Heart for Lebanon is doing every day—breaking cycles of violence and shame with the hope of Jesus. Heart for Lebanon is inviting the Faith & Finance family to join them in this mission. A gift of $114 helps reach and protect three at-risk girls, offering them education, protection, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can give by: Texting “FAITH” to 98656Visiting FaithFi. com/LebanonOur shared goal? To introduce 500 young women and girls to Jesus and prevent the heartbreaking patterns of early marriage, child labor, and violence. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I want to buy a used tractor for our 15 acres. Can I use the interest from our high-yield savings account to purchase it? My husband and I started generating income later than most of our peers. He did a PhD, and I've been at home with the kids. Now that he has his first job, we have a small savings account but no 401(k) or investments. We want to maximize our investments but aren't sure where to start. Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly MagazineHeart For LebanonMaster Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael BlueWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look 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 good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children…” - Proverbs 13: 22That verse teaches that a life of faithful stewardship will enable you to leave something of great value to your heirs. How you do it can impact future generations. Jeanne McMains joins us today to talk about “intentional inheritance. ” Jeanne McMains has been a practicing attorney in estate planning, business succession, and non-profits since 1995. She currently serves as the Vice President of Gift Planning with The National Christian Foundation (NCF), where she assists families nationwide with achieving their charitable gift-planning goals. What Is an Intentional Inheritance? An intentional inheritance is more than the distribution of wealth. It’s a prayerful, purposeful plan for shaping the lives of those who will receive what we leave behind. Inheritance is one of the most significant stewardship decisions we make. It’s not just about how much but how—and why—we give. This perspective calls for a deep shift. Before passing on wealth, we must first pass on wisdom. Otherwise, unmanaged or misunderstood wealth can do more harm than good. Start with Prayerful IntrospectionAsk yourself: What role does wealth play in my life? Reframe your mindset around money—not as a measure of success or security but as a tool for Kingdom work. Wealth is an entrustment from God, not an end in itself. That means laying it down at the cross daily, asking the Lord to help us steward it with humility and grace. Three Types of InheritanceTo simplify this big task, here are three kinds of inheritance every Christian family should consider: 1. Inheritance to SpendThis is the traditional kind of inheritance—resources intended to provide opportunities, experiences, and essentials. Think of it as financial fuel to help your heirs live productive, content lives. But maturity matters. Consider using this inheritance to fund training, travel, or education before a large transfer, especially if the heir is still developing financial literacy or spiritual maturity. 2. Inheritance to ShapeThis is where legacy comes to life. Instead of simply giving money, consider shaping character through shared experiences—like mission trips, retreats, or projects that reflect your family’s values. 3. Inheritance to ShareWe’re blessed to be a blessing. Set aside a portion of your estate to fuel generosity in the next generation. This might include donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, or other giving vehicles your heirs can use to support ministries or causes close to their hearts. This is how we teach our children to reflect God’s love through giving. Practical Steps to Craft an Intentional InheritanceHere are four foundational steps to take: 1. Engage in Open DialogueTalk with your heirs about the purpose behind the inheritance. Focus less on how much and more on why. Share your values, your heart for the Kingdom, and how you hope the inheritance will be used to bless others. This conversation builds trust, understanding, and spiritual alignment. It’s not about dollars and zeros; it’s about attitude, opportunity, and calling. 2. Work with Faith-Aligned AdvisorsChoose financial and legal professionals who share your biblical worldview. Whether you're working with an estate attorney or a financial planner, the right team will help ensure your legacy is stewarded with wisdom and integrity. That’s why we recommend connecting with a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA). To find one near you, visit FaithFi.comand click “Find a Professional. ”3. Prepare Your HeirsDon’t wait until the inheritance is distributed. Teach your heirs financial literacy and spiritual stewardship now. Let them stumble, learn, and grow while you’re still here to mentor and encourage them. 4. Use Strategic ToolsLeverage estate planning vehicles like wills, trusts, donor-advised funds, and charitable gift plans. These tools help ensure your assets are distributed in a way that promotes ongoing generosity and reflects your commitment to faithful living. Even well-meaning inheritances can lead to confusion, entitlement, or spiritual drift without intentional planning. But with prayer, purpose, and preparation, your legacy can be a launching pad for generations of Kingdom impact. Want to learn more? Explore practical tools and gospel-centered resources at NCFgiving.comto help you build a legacy of generosity and faith. To read Jeanne’s full article, “Intentional Inheritance: Crafting a Faithful Legacy for Future Generations, ” become a FaithFi Partner with a monthly gift of $35 or an annual gift of $400 at FaithFi. com/give. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm nervous about retiring in the next year and a half. I have a 457 retirement account with the state of Ohio, and I'm worried about the current economy. Should I move all my investments into stable value to protect what I've got while the economy is in flux? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly MagazineNational Christian Foundation (NCF)Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, and Claude V. KingWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look 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
“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: 9Each year, Christians pause to remember Good Friday—the day Jesus Christ was crucified. At first glance, calling this day “good” may seem strange. After all, it marks one of the darkest, most sorrowful moments in human history. But for those who trust in Christ, Good Friday isn’t the end of the story—it’s the turning point. It’s the day God’s grace was poured out most fully and most freely. Good Friday invites us into a sacred tension—one of deep sorrow and overwhelming gratitude. It reminds us that Jesus didn’t just die for us—He died instead of us. The pain He endured was not only physical but also spiritual. The weight He carried to the cross wasn’t just a wooden beam but the full weight of our guilt and rebellion. And yet, it was love—not nails—that held Him there. The Financial Language of RedemptionHere on Faith & Finance, we often discuss budgeting, investing, and managing money well. But Scripture frequently uses financial imagery to communicate spiritual realities. This isn't a coincidence. Terms like debt, ransom, redemption, and inheritance appear throughout the Bible to help us understand the gravity of sin and the beauty of salvation. “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ” - Romans 6: 23“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. ” - Mark 10: 45“You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ” - 1 Corinthians 6: 20These verses paint a clear picture: our sin incurred a debt that only Jesus could pay. Tetelestai: It Is FinishedIn John 19: 30, as Jesus gave up His spirit, He cried out, “It is finished. ” The Greek word He used—tetelestai—was more than a declaration of His suffering ending. It was a victory cry. In the ancient world, tetelestai was written across receipts to show that a debt had been paid in full. It was the word a priest would use after examining a spotless lamb and declaring it worthy for sacrifice. It was a servant’s report that a task had been completed. So when Jesus spoke it from the cross, He was announcing the completion of His mission: the debt of sin had been fully, finally paid. Jesus didn’t come to make a down payment on our salvation. He didn’t cover part of the cost and leave the rest up to us. He paid it all. That means you and I no longer live in spiritual deficit. We live in the overflow of God’s grace. There’s no more striving to earn God’s favor, no more guilt weighing us down. Instead, we live in joyful obedience—not to gain life, but because in Christ, we’ve already found it. Why Good Friday Is Truly GoodGood Friday is good not because it was easy but because it was enough. At the cross, God demonstrated the greatest act of generosity the world has ever seen. Jesus gave everything so that we could receive everything. His riches were traded for our poverty. His life was given to cover our debt. And now, because of Him, we are invited into the riches of His grace. So, as we reflect today, may we hear His final words echo in our hearts—It is finished. The debt has been paid. The way to the Father is open. The shame is gone. And the invitation to live fully, freely, and faithfully has been extended to each of us. From Financial Fear to Freedom in ChristIf this message resonates with you, we invite you to explore Look at the Sparrows, our 21-day devotional designed to address financial fear and anxiety through the lens of the gospel. In it, you'll discover how the riches of God’s grace free us from worry and invite us to trust fully in His provision. On this Good Friday, rest in this truth: Jesus has already paid the price. Now we get to live generously, not from fear but from freedom. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I want to send money to my three cousins in Europe who are in a difficult economic situation. Can I get a tax deduction for gifting them money? I need guidance on being a good steward and managing my giving to various churches and outreaches. I'm receiving a modest inheritance and want to give about $30, 000 to one of my siblings. I'm also planning to give $10, 000 to my son for a wedding gift. I'd like to know how to handle these gifts from a tax perspective and if I need to split the gifts over two years. I want to know how to start on a debt-free journey and what steps I should take to stay on that path. Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly MagazineYour Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard DaytonWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look 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
"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 and generosity. But where should students and young professionals begin? Today, Bob Doll joins us to share practical financial advice to help young adults start their careers on the right foot. Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets, such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC. Building a Life of Faithful Stewardship from the StartFinances can feel overwhelming for students and young adults stepping into the world of work—budgets, debt, investing, generosity…where do you even begin? Yet these early years are some of the most formative when it comes to your long-term financial health and spiritual growth. That’s why it’s critical to lay a foundation not just of financial literacy but of biblical stewardship. Here are some timeless pieces of practical wisdom for young adults who want to honor God with their money from the beginning.
In the first century B. C. , the Roman historian Sallust wrote, “Prosperity tries the souls, even of the wise.” That statement still holds true today. While most people would gladly accept financial prosperity despite its pitfalls, few are as eager to embrace financial hardship. Yet both seasons—wealth and want—reveal what we believe, what we value, and ultimately, where we place our trust. When things are going well financially, it’s easy to take the credit. But self-reliance and comfort can open the door to pride and greed. As Jesus warned in Luke 12, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. ”Prosperity can dull our spiritual sensitivity. We may forget our dependence on God or assume His blessings are tied to our performance. But success isn’t always a sign of God’s approval—sometimes it’s a test.