Wealth Well Done

E45: Bringing Order to Chaos with Gary Harpst

Chaos is not something to be avoided, but embraced as part of God’s design. In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with entrepreneur and author Gary Harpst to make the case from Scripture that we are all created to overcome chaos and bring order. Gary also shares practical tools for diagnosing and addressing chaos in our lives, organizations, and relationships.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Chaos is God-ordained, not something to be feared
Our purpose is to take chaos and bring order, creating unity
Four areas to diagnose where chaos is originating: desire, intention, action, consequences
Episode Highlights:
[02:27] What is Chaos?
Gary defines chaos as the raw and unformed state of things that exists prior to the imposition of order. It is a state of disorder, uncertainty, decay, or abundance of resources and choices that can feel overwhelming without clear direction or focus. Rather than something to be feared or avoided, Gary sees chaos as a natural part of creation. According to Genesis, it was the first thing God brought into being. He argues that chaos is not inherently bad, but rather provides the materials that humans are designed by God to take and apply purpose and order to – through our work, leadership, and various endeavors. We fulfill our role of bringing order to chaos by taking the disorganized state of affairs and imposing organization, structure, and unity of purpose through our efforts to steward resources and relationships well.
[16:57] The Courage to Change
Any system or process that is established will naturally experience entropy and decay over time if not properly maintained. As a leader, you must have the courage and wisdom to recognize when something is no longer effective and in need of replacement, rather than clinging to it simply because it already exists. Letting go of outdated policies, initiatives, or ways of doing things, even if they were once successful, requires courage. But it is critical for progress and adapting to new realities. Effective leaders are willing to stop degrading processes and replace them with something better aligned with the current environment and objectives. This allows the organization to continuously improve rather than rest on past successes.
[24:31] Chaos and Purpose: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Where there is chaos or disorder, purpose provides the solution by imposing organization and direction. But purpose also relies on and arises from chaos as its raw material. Without some initial chaos or abundance of unformed resources, there would be nothing for purpose to shape and create value from. Purpose brings order to the chaos, but that order then becomes subject to entropy and decay over time if not maintained, eventually reverting back to a state of chaos once more. So purpose both solves and is fueled by chaos in an ongoing cycle. They cannot exist without each other. Where there is chaos, purpose provides the way forward, and purpose itself creates new systems that will eventually need reordering.
Resources Mentioned:
www.leadfirst.ai 
Built to Beat Chaos: Biblical Wisdom for Leading Yourself and Others

E44: Shepherding the Hearts of Our Children: Guiding Kids Through Wealth and Success

Raising kids of wealth comes with unique challenges and opportunities. How do you then raise them – and do that well? In this episode of the Wealth Well Done podcast, Eric Scovill brings in Andrew Barlow to share his practical advice for raising children of wealth. Andrew shares lessons from his own experience growing up and now raising his own kids. 
If you’re a parent seeking to shepherd the hearts of your children through wealth and success, this episode offers valuable guidance for any family navigating intergenerational transfer of resources.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Creating character-building opportunities for kids who may not face as many hardships
Raising children with grit and spiritual resilience
Communicating about wealth and money to children at different ages
Helping kids develop a spiritual identity and generosity beyond material things
Approaching education planning in a way that considers a child's passions
Episode Highlights:
[16:52] Creating Character Building Opportunities for Kids
Andrew believes that challenges and difficulties are what help form greatness in children. He shares that he intentionally creates opportunities for his daughters to take on hard things and experience failure, whether through sports, instruments, or other activities. Some examples he gives are having them work out with him in the basement gym or not giving them the answers to homework problems directly. The goal is to develop grit and perseverance while being supportive as a parent through these challenges. Andrew also notes the importance of allowing kids to try different things and potentially fail, as this is a great teacher.
[23:10] Failure is a Great Teacher
Andrew discusses the importance of allowing children to experience failure. He shares that some parents can be overly protective by "pushing in bubble wrap" and not giving kids opportunities to try things and potentially fail. However, Andrew believes failure is a "great, great teacher." It provides learning experiences that help children grow. By allowing kids to take risks and not always having a "safety net," they learn perseverance in overcoming challenges. This builds character and grit that will serve them well as they navigate different phases of life.
[29:22] Communicating Wealth to Your Kids
When it comes to communicating about wealth and finances with children, Andrew focuses on teaching the value of money, hard work, and generosity from a young age. He involves his kids in simple investing concepts by putting a portion of their money into age-appropriate investment accounts and showing them how it can grow over time. Andrew also prioritizes explaining why they have been blessed with abundance - so they can bless others in turn. He gives examples of involving his daughters in choosing charitable gifts and ministries to support with their own earned money. The goal is for the kids to understand wealth as a tool from God to do His will, not something that is owed to them.
Resources Mentioned:
HIS Kingdom Resources

E43: Building a Portfolio for Stewardship: Public and Private Market Strategies

In this episode, Eric Scovill is joined by financial advisor Andrew Barlow to discuss biblical investment strategies and portfolio construction. Andrew shares his background in entrepreneurship and tech startups, and how he now focuses on championing biblical financial stewardship through companies like HIS Kingdom Resources. 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Andrew's background in homeschooling, entrepreneurship, and faith-based businesses
What it means to be a biblically responsible investor
How to build a portfolio for stewardship
Biblically responsible investing principles and actively managed portfolios 
HIS Kingdom Resources private equity fund and impact-focused investment criteria
Episode Highlights:
[13:48] What It Means to Be a Biblically Responsible Investor
Being a biblically responsible investor means screening potential investments to ensure they align with biblical values and do not violate key ethical principles. Some of the criteria Andrew mentioned that Kingdom Resources uses include:
Avoiding companies involved in activities like abortion, pornography, or human rights violations.
Seeking out companies that are Christian-owned and operated or have a mission/products that further biblical goals and kingdom impact.
Examining a company's practices and policies across environmental, social, and governance issues from a Christian worldview.
The goal is to invest in businesses that are ethically and morally sound according to scriptural teachings, rather than simply maximizing returns regardless of alignment with faith. It's about integrating biblical stewardship principles into investment decisions and portfolio composition.
[16:22] Building a Portfolio for Stewardship
Andrew discusses the importance of comprehensive financial planning to understand a client's unique situation, goals, and risk tolerance. For a client in their 50s, he recommends constructing a portfolio that balances growth potential with downside protection. This involves diversifying across asset classes like equities, fixed income, and alternatives to reduce volatility. Within equities, he advocates an actively managed approach that implements strategies like trailing stops to limit losses if positions move against them. Non-correlated assets such as real estate and private equity are also discussed as ways to provide portfolio diversification. Andrew stresses considering the client's time horizon and liquidity needs to determine an appropriate asset allocation that achieves their objectives in a risk-conscious manner.
[24:56] Investing for Kingdom Impact through Private Equity
Andrew outlines HIS Kingdom Resources private equity fund, which only considers companies that are both Christian-owned and operated, as well as having a mission or products that are aligned with furthering biblical goals and kingdom work. Each potential investment is thoroughly vetted to ensure it meets these stringent criteria. The fund also targets a minimum 10x return on investments to demonstrate that prioritizing faith-based screening does not require concessionary financial returns. Any profits are then strategically reinvested into amplifying kingdom impact through initiatives like Bible distribution, fighting human trafficking, and supporting pro-life efforts. By taking an active ownership role with board seats in its portfolio companies, HIS Kingdom Resources provides backing, resources, and community to help Christian entrepreneurs thrive in their work and multiply their transformational impact on the world, all while uniting the body of Christ in business.
Resources Mentioned:
HIS Kingdom Resources

E42: More Than a Diet: Understanding Fasting as a Pathway to Intimacy with the Holy Spirit

Fasting is a tool that can be used for continued spiritual growth when done with the right heart posture. In this episode, Eric Scovill sits down with Pastor Nathan Rychener as they dive deep into the biblical discipline of fasting - what it is, why we do it, and how to get started. 
Whether you're new to fasting or want to take your spiritual life to the next level, this discussion is full of practical wisdom and encouragement. Give this episode a listen to learn more about how fasting can strengthen your walk with God. 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Defining biblical fasting
Jesus' teachings on fasting
Fasting as a means to cultivate spiritual hunger
Using Scripture when fasting becomes difficult
Determining fasting duration
Fasting as a tool for spiritual growth
 
Episode Highlights:
[03:52] Defining Biblical Fasting
Nathan seeks to clearly define what biblical fasting entails according to Scripture. He states that the primary reason Christians fast is because they long for Jesus and want to be closer to Him, not just to receive personal breakthroughs. Fasting is about longing for Christ and intimacy with Him.
[10:34] Fasting for Intimacy with God
Nathan explains that biblical fasting according to Scripture is abstaining from food in order to spend more time praying to and reading the Word of God. He clarifies that fasting is not about trying to earn or manipulate power from God, but rather is a means of cultivating intimacy with Him through dedicated prayer and time in His presence
[14:02] What Fasting Looks Like Based on the Bible
Nathan provides several biblical examples of fasting to illustrate what it entailed according to Scripture. He mentions Moses' 40 day fast with no food or water, Ezra and Nehemiah fasting for protection, Daniel fasting for insight, Esther fasting to seek God's favor, and Jesus' 40 day fast in the wilderness. He emphasizes that biblical fasting generally involved abstaining from food and redirecting that time and energy to prayer and studying God's Word.
[22:20] Fasting as a Means to Cultivate Spiritual Hunger
Nathan discusses how fasting can awaken and increase our spiritual hunger for God. He explains that we don't typically fast unless we already have some level of hunger or longing for more of God in our lives. Fasting intensifies that hunger.
As the physical hunger pains start, taking ourselves deeper into prayer and Scripture can help direct that hunger spiritually. Nathan finds that as he fasts, his hunger and cry for more of God grows stronger. Fasting seems to be a tool the Holy Spirit uses to stir up a deeper spiritual hunger and appetite for Christ within us.

E41: Discerning God’s Will Together: Partnering with the Holy Spirit in Prayer and Decision Making

Have you ever struggled to hear God's guidance clearly? In this episode, Eric Scovill continues his conversation with Pastor Nathan Rychener on the topic of partnering with the Holy Spirit. They discuss practical tools for discerning God's will through prayer and partnership with the Holy Spirit. They explore the T-R-U-S-T prayer acronym, ways to wait on the Lord for answers, and developing a deeper relationship with Him over time. Nathan also shares insights from his own journey growing closer to God through praying in tongues. 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
The TRUST prayer
Different ways to wait on God for guidance when not receiving a clear answer right away
Benefits of praying in tongues and ways to incorporate it into prayer time
Looking at the current state of our spirituality and the American church
Resources for developing a deeper relationship with God
Partnering with the Holy Spirit for spiritual growth
Episode Highlights:
[07:54] Different Ways to Wait on God for Guidance
Nathan recommends continuing to pray and seek the Lord, rather than giving up after just one brief prayer time. Nathan also suggests taking the decision to trusted advisors in one's church, as the Holy Spirit may provide insight and counsel through other believers. Checking Scripture is another option as God may have already directly answered similar questions in His Word. Nathan acknowledges that demonic interference or a dull spiritual state could potentially cloud what one is hearing from God as well. Overall, he emphasizes the importance of submitting one's ways to God through prayer, talking to Him about the decision, and trusting Him to lead and show the way in His timing, even if clarity is not immediate.
[16:31] Understanding the Holy Spirit’s Gift of Tongues
Nathan seeks to provide biblical clarity around the often misunderstood gift of tongues. He notes that 1 Corinthians 14:2 tells us that speaking in tongues is directed towards God rather than men, as the speaker is uttering mysteries in the Spirit. This aligns with Paul's description in the passage of one who speaks in tongues building up their own spirit. It does not need to be an earthly language but can simply be spiritual speech between the believer and God. He points to Jude 20 which encourages Christians to build themselves up through praying in the Holy Spirit. Further defending the gift, Nathan shares Paul's own example from 1 Corinthians 14:18 of thanking God that he spoke in tongues more than all the Corinthians. This glimpse into the apostle's prayer life underscores the importance and value he placed upon exercising this spiritual gift.
[28:24] Partnering with the Holy Spirit for Spiritual Growth
Nathan clarifies that while God wants to partner with believers, the partnership must be understood from His perspective as master rather than as equals. Nathan emphasizes that the partnership is not about coming to God with our own selfish ambitions, but coming to learn and submit to His goals and dreams for our lives, existing to do His bidding and say yes to His direction rather than expecting Him to help achieve our own agendas. This helps bring clarity around properly understanding the partnership as one that promotes spiritual growth through following where God leads.
Resources Mentioned:
The Beauty of Spiritual Language by Jack Hayford
The Language of Heaven by Sam Storms

E40: Partnering with the Holy Spirit: Seeking Guidance and Understanding

How can we embed the Holy Spirit into our daily routines? In this episode of Wealth Well Done, Eric Scovill is joined by Pastor Nathan Rychener to discuss practical ways to partner with the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. They explore what it means to have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit and seek His guidance.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Understanding the Holy Spirit as a person, not just a force
The importance of our words and how they can grieve the Holy Spirit
Ways to partner with the Holy Spirit beyond just emergencies
Developing deeper intimacy through the TRUST framework 
Episode Highlights:
[10:02] Understanding Jesus and the Holy Spirit
In the passages from John 14-17, Jesus often references the arrival of "another helper", using the same Greek term which describes Jesus as our advocate in 1 John 2:1. The Holy Spirit is very much like Jesus, acting as our helper and counselor. The Holy Spirit's main responsibility is to "bear witness about" Him, essentially testifying of Christ and enhancing our comprehension of His identity. This passage, as interpreted by Nathan, emphasizes how collaboration with the Holy Spirit can deepen our knowledge of Jesus and strengthen our commitment to following Him.
[27:38] Ways to Partner with The Holy Spirit Beyond Just Emergencies
Nathan warns against relegating the Holy Spirit to a role of an "emergency fire alarm," only summoned in crises. He underscores that the Holy Spirit seeks to be a constant companion in every aspect of our lives - from routine tasks and decisions to interactions, schedules, relationships, and more. Nathan advises daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and Scripture reading, and urges us to seek His guidance in all situations, big or small. His key message is to continually integrate the Holy Spirit into every facet of our Christian journey, rather than limiting His involvement to emergencies.
[31:16] Developing Deeper Intimacy through Prayer
Nathan shares a helpful acrostic he uses for prayer called "TRUST" –
Thanking - expressing gratitude to the Holy Spirit for His constant presence, gifts in his life, and work through him.
Revelation - asking the Holy Spirit for spiritual understanding and insight from Ephesians 1:17.
Reign in me- asking the Holy Spirit to have control and authority over specific areas of his life like speech, thoughts, motives, emotions, schedule, finances, health, and relationships.
Use me - asking to be an instrument to heal the sick, free those oppressed by demons, and see prayers answered.
Strengthen me -  to withstand temptation and more fully obey and love Jesus.
Teach me - asking the Holy Spirit the ultimate teacher of God's Word and spiritual truths.
Nathan finds the "TRUST" framework particularly valuable for those wanting to develop a deeper prayer life and partnership with the Holy Spirit. It provides structure without being rigid or limiting, encouraging intimacy at each step.

E39: Dancing for Jesus: How Faith and Perseverance Built an Orphanage in Uganda

In today's session, Eric Scovill interviews Bango Muzafalu, the director of International Children Care Ministries, an orphanage in Uganda. Having overcome childhood hardships to now care for 32 orphaned children, Bango shares his inspiring journey of faith and perseverance. 
Bango further delves into the present state of Uganda, highlighting the struggles with unemployment, corruption, and issues related to the church. He elaborates on the vision for his orphanage and how you can contribute to their cause. This episode presents an intriguing exploration of faith, resilience, and triumph over adversity.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Bango’s childhood backstory
How hardship strengthened Bango's relationship with God
Bango's calling to dance for God amid hardship
God is able and He provides.
A glimpse into life in Uganda: unemployment, corruption, and hope for the future
Christianity and orphanage in Uganda
 
Episode Highlights:
[07:43] Faith in Adversity: How Hardship Strengthened Bango's Relationship with God
Bango shares how losing both of his parents at a young age left him responsible for caring for his younger siblings in their time of need. His story provides valuable insights into how faith often develops and is tested through hardship in parts of Africa. Without their parents, Bango and his siblings faced tremendous challenges merely surviving each day. The circumstances were extremely difficult, with lack of food, shelter, and support. However, it was during these times that Bango's trust in God grew strongest. When all other options were lost, God became his sole source of hope and provision.
[13:51] A Gift of Hope: Bango's Calling to Dance for God Amid Hardship
Even during his most difficult times of poverty and uncertainty, Bango recalls having a strong inner calling to dance for Jesus. From a young age while living on the streets and struggling to provide for his siblings, Bango felt a love rising within him to dance and worship God. He would tell his friends one day he would dance for Jesus. This calling gave Bango purpose and hope during his darkest moments. Bango's passion for dancing was a gift that brought him joy, even in the face of tremendous hardship. 
[21:06] A Glimpse into Life in Uganda
Bango shares some of the challenges facing everyday Ugandans. He explains that unemployment is widespread, as the large youth population struggles to find work. With few job opportunities, poverty is prevalent. Corruption also plagues the country according to Bango, with government resources not always reaching those in need. Despite these difficulties, Bango maintains hope for the future. While life in Uganda presents daily struggles, Bango finds purpose in caring for the community's most vulnerable - its orphaned children. Through his orphanage, he is able to bring relief to families during hardship. Bango underscores both the realities of living in Uganda, but also the resilience of its people. Even amid societal obstacles, compassionate individuals like Bango are making a difference through serving others with optimism.
Resources Mentioned:
International Children Care Ministries

E38: Replay of E16 ”IJM’s Mission to Combat Modern-Day Slavery and Human Trafficking”

In our latest episode, host Eric Scovill revisits an impactful conversation with Chuck Day from International Justice Mission (IJM). Prompted by a personal experience at an airport where Eric suspected a child was being trafficked, this episode serves as a wake-up call to the horrific realities of human trafficking. Listen in as we unravel the disturbing intricacies of trafficking operations and the unimaginable abuse victims face. This episode is not just informative, but equips you with knowledge about IJM's effective model, preparing you to recognize signs of trafficking and potentially save a life.
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Eric’s recent experience of witnessing a potential sex trafficking at airport
What is planned giving?
About IJM and its mission
The Rwandan genocide
How slavery evolved into modern-day slavery
The devastating reality of human trafficking
Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC): How it works
 
Episode Highlights:
[10:30] What is Planned Giving?
Giving appreciated stock, real estate, and IRA assets can offer significant tax and financial benefits. As a stewardship advisor, Chuck’s job is to guide families in making effective charitable contributions by assessing their goals and assets. He determines the optimal asset to donate, timing, and arrangement for maximum benefits to all parties involved.
[11:38] A Mission to Combat Human Trafficking and Protect the Poor
The International Justice Mission is a human rights nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, originally established in 1997. Their mission is to protect the world's poor people from violent crime, as they are by far the largest victims of violent crime of any group in the world. IJM operates worldwide in various forms, but its primary focus is tackling human trafficking and slavery, an issue that many remain unaware of despite its massive scale. It is IJM's most notable area of work, and they strive to combat these atrocities targeted toward the vulnerable and oppressed.
[17:32] How Slavery Evolved Into Modern-Day Slavery
High school taught us that slavery ended in the Civil War, but that's only partly true. Slavery has taken on new forms such as sex trafficking and labor trafficking, affecting more people than ever before. Only 2 billion of the 7 billion people on earth are protected under the law. What happens to the remaining 5 billion?
[19:57] The Devastating Reality of Sex Trafficking: How It Happens and How We Can Stop It
Sex trafficking amounts to a $150 billion industry worldwide. Children are often tricked into this trade after being offered job opportunities by representatives. They remain trapped until someone rescues them. Online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) is a new form of trafficking that occurs primarily in the Philippines. Here, perpetrators use streaming services to direct children in front of webcams, typing in the sex acts they want the child to perform. Sadly, the only circumstance in which relatives knowingly engage their children in sex trafficking is through OSEC. The International Justice Mission (IJM) focuses on ending this egregious crime before it spreads to other parts of the world. To that end, IJM and the US Government work together to stop the crime in its tracks. Learn more about the devastating reality of sex trafficking and how we can put an end to it.
Resources:
https://legacy.ijm.org/  
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

E37: Challenging American Christianity: Living Out Our Faith Fully

In today's business world, it's easy to get caught up in chasing money, status and success. But as believers, we're called to a higher standard of managing our resources in a way that honors God. In this episode, Eric Scovill and Pastor Nathan Rychener continue the conversation and tackle this important topic head-on. Through insightful biblical teaching and practical advice, take their challenge to reexamine your relationship with finances from a place of heart transformation. Find the encouragement to get into God's word, make a plan, and live generously!
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Rejecting Jesus through inaction in the face of cultural opposition
Understanding the Sermon on the Mount
Finding humility and motivation in God’s help
A Call for Contrition: Recognizing the lack of brokenness over sin
Tips to help you get started with the Bible
Practical steps to align your finances with God's purposes
Episode Highlights:
[09:57] Finding Motivation and Humility in God's Help
When you earnestly pray and seek God's guidance and assistance, your motivation to follow through on your intentions significantly increases. The essence of being poor in spirit is recognized as humbly approaching God, acknowledging that we possess nothing of merit to impress Him. This understanding shifts the focus from material poverty to a poverty of spirit, emphasizing the importance of relying on God's help in all endeavors.
[14:12] A Call for Contrition: Recognizing the Lack of Brokenness over Sin
In Psalm 119:136, the Psalmist expresses deep sorrow and sheds tears over the disobedience to God's law that he witnesses in the world. His heart is shattered because he understands that sin grieves God. This heartfelt response to sin contrasts with the current state of spirituality, particularly in America, where there seems to be a lack of contrition and brokenness over wrongdoing. This lack of remorse serves as a troubling sign of the spiritual sickness within our society. The Psalmist's example calls us to examine our own hearts and rekindle a genuine sense of sorrow and repentance for our collective transgressions.
[17:40] Tips for Getting Started with the Bible
For those wanting to get started with regular Bible reading, Nathan suggests beginning with short passages like the Sermon on the Mount to avoid getting overwhelmed. Developing a consistent reading plan is also important, whether it's a chapter a day or reading through the whole Bible in a year. Additional resources like the Bible Project videos can help provide context without replacing direct engagement with Scripture. Most importantly, they stress the need to pray and meditate on what is read in order to understand and apply it, not just check reading off a to-do list. With a plan and the Holy Spirit's help, regular Bible study can become a life-changing habit.
[21:17] Practical Steps to Align Your Finances with God's Purposes
Begin your financial journey by examining your heart attitude and embracing the concept of stewardship of God's resources. Gain a comprehensive understanding of biblical teachings on tithing, cheerful giving, and generosity. Develop a generous lifestyle by considering "how much" you can give in each opportunity, rather than questioning whether to give at all. Remember, the importance lies in giving generously, regardless of the amount, as your heart posture matters more than the dollar figure. Stay open to God's guidance in reshaping your financial goals, dreams, and priorities to align with His purposes. Prioritize obedience over personal desires and regularly seek divine guidance through prayer for your spending, saving, investing, and giving, ensuring alignment with God's will.

E36: The Fear of the Lord: Taking Our Faith Seriously with Nathan Rychener

How serious are you about your faith? On the latest episode of “Wealth Well Done”, Eric and Pastor Nathan Rector challenge comfortable Christianity. They discuss the high stakes of judgment day and urge listeners to truly know and obey God, not just check boxes. Nathan emphasizes responding immediately to Holy Spirit conviction. Don't rely only on second hand knowledge - regularly read Scripture yourself. This episode will stir you up and make you reconsider your relationship with Christ. 
Here are some topics from today’s discussion:
Rediscovering the fear of the Lord
Fear of the Lord for eternal perspective and finances
Uncovering the true meaning behind the Sermon at the Mount
Repentance and obedience in Christianity
Surrendering all to love God
 
Episode Highlights:
[04:55] Rediscovering the Fear of the Lord
In the American church, the fear of the Lord has been lost, along with the reverence, humility, and contrition that accompany it. This absence is evident in our lack of recognition of God's holiness, as seen when Isaiah encountered Him in Isaiah 6. Overwhelmed by a sense of his own unworthiness, Isaiah cried out and fell before the Lord. It is this realization that ignites the fear of the Lord within us. This fear is what safeguards us from sin and compromise, guiding us to walk in integrity and wholeheartedness before God. In an age where this fear is desperately needed, let us seek to rediscover it and cultivate a deep reverence for the Lord.
[08:47] Fear of the Lord for Eternal Perspective and Finances
Without the fear of the Lord, all perspective is lost. We find ourselves chasing after temporary and trivial things of this world, losing sight of eternity and what truly matters. The weight and importance of things in God's eyes fade away when we lack the fear of the Lord. Living for eternity becomes impossible without this reverence. Taking this concept to the realm of money, it becomes clear that faithful handling of finances in light of eternity requires the fear of the Lord residing within our hearts. To gain a proper perspective and live with eternal significance, let us cultivate a deep reverence for God in every aspect of our lives.
[16:53] Genuine Repentance: Actions that Reflect True Transformation
In Acts 26, Paul boldly declares his message of repentance and turning to God to King Agrippa. He emphasizes the importance of performing deeds in line with true repentance. While salvation is a free gift based on the grace of Jesus, it requires action when Jesus says, "Follow me." Paul's message resonates as he urges believers to demonstrate their repentance by taking tangible steps towards change. Whether it's breaking free from addictions or rectifying dishonest practices, genuine repentance calls for actions that align with the transformation of the heart.
[23:03] Wholehearted Devotion: Surrendering All to Love God
In emphasizing the first and most important commandment, Jesus instructs us to love the Lord our God with every aspect of our being - heart, soul, mind, and strength. This goes beyond mere sentimentality; it entails wholehearted devotion and complete surrender to God in every area of our lives. It means obeying Him in all aspects - from our relationships to our finances, from our physical well-being to our business endeavors. True love for God leaves no room for half-heartedness or selective obedience; instead, it encompasses a radical surrender, acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him, and we willingly follow His guidance in all things.