Faith & Finance Minute

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Rob West points out "cheerful" means "hillarious", and there is a joy that comes from giving freely. When grace loosens money’s grip on our hearts, giving becomes a celebration of God’s goodness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the Song of Songs Rob West reminds us a husband and wife no longer live only for themselves, but to share life together. When couples decide to be one, money can become less of a source of tension and more of a tool for unity and Kingdom impact. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Taking a look at the Year of Jubilee in Leviticus 25, Rob West points out that people mattered more than profit, and everything Israel possessed ultimately belonged to God. In Christ, we find the greater Jubilee: an eternal inheritance that can never be lost. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Using the example of ancient Israel and their farming, Rob West shows us that financial progress usually comes through steady, faithful work—not quick schemes or promises of easy wealth. We earn honestly, spend wisely, save consistently, and trust God with the outcome. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ezekiel had a prophesy to deliver to Sodom, but the judgment was not for what you might first think. Rob West reveals that their prosperity became a wall instead of a blessing. It sheltered them from compassion and hardened them toward the vulnerable. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

God revealed through Joseph that Egypt would experience seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Rob West points out that also God showed Joseph the importance of saving. Saving during steadier seasons can help you face a job loss, medical bill, or major repair without immediately turning to debt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Priscilla and Aquila along with Paul made tents for a living. Rob West uses their example to show us that work is not just for making money, your work can become a setting for service, encouragement, generosity, and faithful witness to others. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Labor Day is more than a break from work. It is a reminder that work itself is part of God’s good design. Rob West reminds us from the book of Genesis to receive both work and rest as gifts from God. The Lord—not your job—is your ultimate Provider. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buy Now, Pay Later services are everywhere, even allowing you to split fast food into four payments. Rob West warns it may sound harmless, but it’s reshaping our perspective on money and debt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jethro had some good advice for his son-in-law, Moses. Rob West uses this Biblical example to show us the importance of seeking wise counsel. If Moses needed it, surely we need it to! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is it possible to receive a bunch of stuff and NOT be happy with it? Rob West takes a look at a couple of verses from Scripture to show us contentment grows when we receive His blessings with gratitude, hold them with open hands, and remember the Giver is greater than every gift. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Being a wise money manager means tracking your income and spending. But according to Rob West it’s also important to track your giving. Because giving isn’t about what we lose, it’s about honoring God with what He’s entrusted to us and joining Him in blessing others. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When the Apostle Paul said he had learned the secret of being content, Rob West points out the word “learned” is important. Contentment is not a reflex; it’s a skill of the heart. It comes from knowing Christ is enough in every season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Bible urges us to flee temptation, including those tied to money. Rob West encourages us that when we feel the tension to pull and hold back or protect what’s “ours”—pause. Reflect on all that God has freely given you.The Bible urges us to flee temptation, including those tied to money. Rob West encourages us that when we feel the tension to pull and hold back or protect what’s “ours”—pause. Reflect on all that God has freely given you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Falling behind on taxes can feel overwhelming, but it’s not the end of the road. Rob West encourages us to start where we are by filing the current year, then start working backward. So don’t let shame keep you stuck. Take the next faithful step. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A house can be a tremendous blessing, but without wisdom, it can also create confusion, conflict, and financial strain. Ro West points out that a good estate plan transfers wealth, but faithful stewardship also transfers wisdom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does it seem like your money just flies away like an eagle? Rob West reminds us that God is faithful. He will never leave us or forsake us. Even when our savings shrink or seem to fly away His faithfulness remains. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The widow’s mite is often used to teach sacrificial giving. And her sincerity is worth honoring. But Rob Wes points out that Jesus is showing us more than that. Jesus was exposing a system that received from the vulnerable while failing to protect them. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’re surrounded by messages promising that more money, more stuff, or more success will finally bring peace and fulfillment. Rob West reminds us that the abundant life isn’t found in a bank account, it’s found in Christ. And when He’s our treasure, we’re truly rich. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you have any sinking funds? Rob West clarifies this is not about loosing in the stock market, but a simple, intentional way to save for upcoming expenses. Save and then spend for Christmas, vacations, car repairs, insurance premiums, or any non-monthly expense that tends to sneak up on you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Success can be a gift from God—but it can also reveal what’s happening in our hearts. Rob West looks at the Old Testament story of King Saul to warn us that God gives talents for His glory and were never meant to become monuments to ourselves. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

God’s favor cannot be purchased or controlled. Rob West looks at the Old Testament example of Micah who believed just because he was a priest that God would bless him. True stewardship begins not with strategy, but surrender. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Debt is often treated like a math problem, and in one sense, it is. But Rob West point out that Scripture reminds us that paying our debts is also a matter of character. So bring your debts before the Lord. and eventually you’ll be freer to give generously. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As you get older and presumably wealthier new avenues open up for ways to give. Rob West reviews the benefits of giving appreciated stock or making a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA, or even a donor-advised fund. Honor God and give faithfully! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When God’s people crossed the Jordan, they stacked stones as a memorial. Rob West looks at this account from Joshua 4 where parents told of God’s faithfulness and applies it as a picture for inheritance today. Passing down a testimony of God’s provision. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Money comes in, but it never seems to stay. Rob West looks at a statement from the Old Testament prophet Harris and makes the conclusion that if money only serves our comfort, we’ve missed its purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The pressure to keep up with the Joneses can be powerful. Rob West reminds us that we see what others drive, wear, buy, and post—and before long, contentment gives way to comparison. As followers of Christ, we’re free to live with wisdom, humility, and gratitude! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a world that tells us to build our platform, hoard our wealth, and promote our name, faithfulness is better than greatness. Rob West paints that picture with a look at the Old Testament story of Jeremiah’s scribe Baruch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Credit card rewards can feel like easy money: cash back, travel points, and sign-up bonuses just for using a card. But Rob West warns that a strategy called “credit card churning” (opening cards mainly to capture bonuses) can carry more risk than reward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s hard to name the most painful financial decision, but for many, co-signing a loan ranks near the top. Rob West reminds us while the Bible doesn’t forbid co-signing, it does urge caution. So if you are considering co-signing a loan, pause, praying, and proceed with caution. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Money is a tool to serve God and neighbor, not a reason to use them. Rob West shares from an account in Acts 16 where a healing of a slave girl is met with anger from her owners because her former fortune telling will no longer benefit them monetarily. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A bigger paycheck can be a good gift. But it is not always the same thing as a better life. Rob West encourages us that a smaller life with peace before God is far richer than great wealth surrounded by turmoil. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Planning is good, but there is a warning. Rob West points to the book of James to point out faithful planning doesn’t say, “I’m in control.” It says, “God, lead the way.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More money can solve some problems—but it can also create new ones. From the wisdom of Solomon Rob West points out accumulation often brings complications. More to manage. More to protect. More to worry about losing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What would you choose: one million dollars today, or a penny doubled every day for 30 days? Rob West does the math and applies the principle of compounding to investing. So, don’t chase quick riches. Start early, stay consistent, and let time do its work. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Job 31 Job says he never made gold his security or rejoiced simply because his wealth was great. Rob West observes that Job understood that the danger is not simply having wealth, it’s letting wealth become the source of our confidence and joy instead of God's faithfulness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Jesus says you cannot serve both God and mammon, what is meant by "mammon"? Rob West shares that mammon is connected to the language of trust, firmness, and security. So ask yourself "What promises am I trusting money to keep?" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The birds and lilies have something to teach us about trust. Rob West shares from Jesus' lesson in Matthew 6 that financial anxiety often grows when we believe everything depends on us. But Jesus says, “Your heavenly Father knows.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Luke 14 Jesus calls us to count the cost. Rob West observes that Jesus is ultimately talking about the cost of discipleship and that wise financial decisions are rarely made in haste. So pray, eek counsel and count the cost. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Integrity in business is part of our worship. Rob West points out from the book of Amos that profit is not wrong. But profit gained through deception dishonors the Lord. Faithful stewardship means doing business with integrity because every transaction happens before God. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Financial success can be a blessing but are we right with God? Rob West points out from the book of Hosea that Israel treated prosperity as proof of innocence and that God must be pleased when in reality they were far from God. The question is are we walking faithfully with God. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Competence is a gift but pride can turn it into danger. From the example of the king of Tyre, Rob West shares his problem wasn’t skill, profit, or business success. The problem was allowing those gifts to produce arrogance and self-reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There are some things money was never meant to buy. From the story of Simeon the magician in Act 8 Rob West observes that grace cannot be bought. We do not give to earn God’s love, because in Christ, we already have it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Am I using my advantage to serve others, or to profit from their desperation? That's a question Rob West urges us to ask in finding the balance between profit, planning, and using wisdom in the marketplace or taking advantage of people in their need. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Money can solve problems quickly, but it can weaken our trust in God. Rob West shares from the Old Testament account of King Asa that we are not to trust the things of the world to free us, but God alone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When God says, “Put me to the test,” is it only so we can prosper? Rob West point out that God calls Christians to give generously, worshipfully, and sacrificially because He has already given Himself to us in Christ. It's a call to faithfulness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes grace chooses to absorb the cost. Rob West applies the story of Philemon and Onesimus to our lives today, bearing losses in order to restore a broken relationship. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When life moves fast, we can start making financial decisions on the fly. Rob West urges us to slow down enough to take the next right step instead of spending reactively, delaying generosity, avoiding hard conversations, or losing track of where our money is going. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Provision is not meant to be buried while others were hungry. From and account in 2 Kings, Rob West paints a picture of generosity. Provision becomes worship when we refuse to bury what God may intend to bless someone else. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Unexpected wealth can feel like a blessing, but without wisdom it can quickly become a burden. Rob West urges us not to rush major decisions. Pray, seek counsel, and ask: How can I honor God with what He has entrusted to me? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.