How Shall We Then Live?

Matthew four Jesus warns man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Put another way, the trappings of the world leading only to hunger. We can never feel that God shaped hole in our soul sessions today host Rob Weston talks with compass founder Howard by way of living that truly satisfies spiritual hunger that your calls at 800-525-7000 check that down 800-525-7000. I'm Steve. How shall we then live that's nice moneywise. My accounts now more than ever, and today were focusing on just one chapter about choosing a lifestyle that pleases God. Well, that's right, Stephen Howard, welcome back to the program of the light to have you with us again this is a real challenge for us here in America the most affluent nation in history with its many worldly trappings and temptations is an it really is true even when were following God's financial principles. Example I was invited to attend the second anniversary of a very special event. The day some friends reach the goal becoming debt free. They were so grateful. But really, more importantly, that marriage was growing stronger and actually been a real struggle for them in their marriage when they were being suffocated by, but they soon discover their new challenge.

Their income now exceeded their expenses. How should they spend the surplus should be moved to a larger whole. More say in the current one work to get the mortgage payoff that purchased a new car. Should they adopt a more expensive life will continue to save and give more. You know the Bible just dictate one standard of living for everybody but the good news. Scripture contains print people that we should consider when we choose lifestyle you mentioned that because those principles are key in that's what we all want to understand and then apply to our lives as it relates to managing God's money so slowly begin to unpack those principles.

Starting with seeking an eternal perspective which I think is really a foundational idea.

The big idea here, you know, in our culture, media and advertisers try to influence the focus on today with no thought of eternity. When you think about it, our time on earth is so poorly when compared with eternity.

We really have the opportunity to influence eternity for many live by how we handle our money today we can spend money to influence people for Christ in the byproduct lay up treasures for herself and have been having an eternal perspective had impact on our decision-making mode is a great example. Hebrews tells by faith Moses when he had grown up refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter choosing rather to endure ill treatment with the people of God and enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He was looking forward to the reward and we face our decision the day we can either live with a view toward eternity focus just on this present world, and Rob, do you remember wanted to get something so much she could almost leave almost nothing is likely to experience something similar to that when we when we are in heaven. It's so true Howard and this is such as you said a big idea that shapes everything about how we view God's money in our role as a manager.

Looking forward to the life that is to come, because we have to remember Howard where our true citizenship lies right exactly right in heaven. According to Philippians 3 Rob finds the alien strangers and pilgrims on this earth. When you think about it, pilgrim the traveler. You know he's somebody acutely aware that the accumulation of cannoli reaching the nation material sessions are valuable to look pilgrim only paid admission officer teacher in the former host of this very radio program Howard Dayton is with us today back with more after this conjures a great deal more about our money than most of us imagine anything.

Jesus is more about our use of money and possessions and about anything else, including both heaven and hell in managing God's money on the radio and breaks it all down in a simple and easy to follow format that makes it the perfect reference to if you're interested in gaining a solid biblical understanding of money, possessions and eternity managing God's money is available in the store moneywise live.org investing is more than just returns. It's an expression of who you are and what you value is the way you invest your money reflect your identity as a Christian that eventide design investments for performance and a better world so you can invest with the confidence to reach your financial goals while remaining truly are Christian values and commitments. We call this investing makes the world rejoice more is available eventide.com invest eventide.com time to make a change to the possibility of a position as management, national, and unskilled labor. Maybe worth your time and position openings available now. You'll find jobs online job.org hospitality Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements say it's the simplest way to change the world gospel centered hospitality makes a powerful witnessing statement as we open our lives and homes to the simplest way to change the world will show you how you can be hospitable even if you don't have the space for most people are more likely to step into the living room sanctuary. So why not read the simplest way to change the world Moody publishers.com I need some advice questions about planning for retirement.

Long-term care insurance. I don't know where to start. It sounds like you need to moneywise help you find answers and you can ask your questions with articles and moneywise sounds great okay searching for moneywise and.org so privileged to have the founder of Compas one.org Howard Dayton with us today were discussing just how we shall live knowing Christ as their Savior, particularly as we approach the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord. On Christmas Day Howard we were talking, just before the break. About this big idea that we as stewards or managers of God's resources that need to have that is an eternal perspective, we need to hold what we have, loosely and really see heaven as our home, which means, as you said we need to see ourselves as pilgrims.

Those that are passing through the temporal and yet there's attention there Howard, how do we go about owning homes and owning furniture and having perhaps a business that were building and those are appropriate things things we need to do and yet we need to make sure that we don't hold too tightly to them and get so fixated on the things of this world. How we strike the balance along with owning a house of furniture developing a business is for us to maintain mentality traveling light acquired the Russian naval still God's calling on our particular lives every session required time pension money and too many or the wrong type sessions for individuals can demand too much of our time, energy, or money in it interesting that in the longing for all really encourages us to quiet why I intimating that the best environment to allow time to nurture a relationship with the Lord. Make it your ambition to live a quiet life and attend to your own business so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not being any need. And I think it's important for us to recognize that make no mistake about that that we are in a spiritual war. Advertisers hundred dollars for one purpose to get our focus off Christ and on our so even though it were in the middle of fighting the most important war in history has eternal consequences for people all around and I was reflecting on this in a war wartime billions often alter their lifestyle just to help win the war during world war two. For instance, the British realized there were survival with fake so they ration everything needed for the war effort. Example they ration The course and everybody croaked what they called victory speed of 35 hours left on life comfort the Army could be adequately supplied you well and I think that I can ask you this question without you getting upset with me but you know you've always lived a frugal lifestyle. I would say a comfortable lifestyle, but I know you well. You've lived a very frugal lifestyle but have you ever mean you don't have to reveal what this is, but if you ever had nothing and item a time in your life when you really struggled a bit without buying that fifth set of golf clubs that third Cadillac or I mean if you ever had and I joke about those things because you don't have fancy cars or play golf but have you ever had an issue like that. Oh, I thought commercial. One sharp looking man in our family have secondhand about a 15-year-old station wagon hated the ugly yellow on the market.

I felt like so you being attracted to you that it was perfect for our family and color of course, so beautiful brochures, daydreaming, and what was interesting was the yellow station wagon grew uglier and uglier every day… Demand. I decided I would go down to talk to Jack Norman Goodfriend, local car dealer that we used to call Chiquita and it was so he looked it over to you now. You've only got 55,000 miles on this vehicle station wagon in good condition. It should last year I did want to hear that I nearly was right by just out dollars and I decided to keep Chiquita yellow station wagon. I lost the director the van yellow station wagon actually become better looking from time to time. I think I'll get hooked on so we think we got about when that happened to seek the Lord's guidance in the counselor but not godly person or people before making that spending decision that can sometimes they get a lot of money was stolen. Ask for an example. I'm thinking sports cars. I'm not thinking okay example of lien, without Howard as we begin to wrap up here today.

Obviously, in this season as we're celebrating Christ's birth along with it comes the opportunity to give gifts to those that we love people on our path hopefully is an open door, even to share the love of Christ during the season but with that comes spending money. So help us navigate then how do we spend in a way that pleases the Lord and avoid, especially in this season getting caught up in the comparison trap wanting to perhaps outspend somebody else or not feel like we didn't do enough and go beyond our budget, how do we navigate that most important thing is the Lord what he wants us to do prayerfully spending this vision. Lord I would do it with an open hand, grandfather, I want to know what's on your heart and put it on my heart make it clear to me what I should buy what I should not file. Never forget the time my wife ask us to buy the microwave and microwave first came out I thought it would fix the excessive purchase for Christmas card.

I did tell her I would pray and seek counseling got together with actually the elders of the church are part of the two that out to him and they said go get it.

Your opportunity to serve your wife. So I did and it turned out to be a real blessing to think that submitting every spending especially major one to the Lord during the season sake, God honoring thing to do is thank you for the reminder today. Our culture tells us acquiring stuff is the most important, but Scripture reminds us that living a reasonable lifestyle so we can invest more time and resources for influencing people for Christ is what life is all about.

Chris is my friend. Thanks for stopping by our Dayton is the author of your money counts. Now more than ever you find it online or his website compass one.org will be right back with more moneywise live your career even your energy for your getting Christian foundation and your family to learn how to minimize network money and life run on the same track. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems like your money is heading in a different direction from your goals and never enough three keys to financial contentment. Author Ron blue helps you to break down all your financial options to a basic floor and then shows you how to keep it all chugging along in the right direction on the same track never enough three keys to financial contentment available when you click the store button@moneywiselive.org/ eternity cranes see no right to use some of those very things work from so that we can see where the conflict begins to weep. This particular Scripture very important to our lesson 19 hearts everything a person lost eternity set in their hearts what you.are subject to time to eternity because the sentence three very carefully in conflict with 21 moneywise questions anything financial and will do an 800-525-7000 jobs that don't give us a call to open lines a bunch of open lines right now 800-525-7000. I'm Steve Moore and Rabbi Doyle.

We say this, but what a great blessing to be able speak with Howard Dayton. He's a man that I've hung around for quite a long time and I can say without exaggeration that he is a man who lives what he preaches and teaches.

He's just a quality guy. It's amazing Steve. He is an incredible person has just had an incredible ministry as well over the globe through his writing and teaching in you call him friend and mentor is just a huge blessing you would share that sentiment as well.

Love having guest well into calling frugal is the truth irritating so kiddingly so you don't have to reuse everything all my goodness, you would try to get them to talk about that sports car he's been I said, well, there was a time when I wanted a van. However, looking for some real dirt to hear how you know. And now he's a guy that goes crazy over a and he doesn't want Drive still drives a 2013 Toyota Camry is that that's that's another story for another day so we don't go there.

800-525-7000 Caleb in Atlanta sir, thanks for hanging on and what you question call. I getting married and the option of a prenup. Please find the prudent from your perspective. Yeah Cheryl. First of all, congratulations on your upcoming marriage did I hear you say if you didn't say would you mind telling us is this a second marriage sure had fun with this be the first marriage for okay and tell me why you want to say what the financial situation is of each of you. But why just kind of at a high level. Are you considering where amount of net worth compared to the other professionals that have suggested that we at least explore the so make sense and do either of you have children.

Yes, I have three children. She had no children. Okay all right very well here's the thing killed.

I think whenever you have to whenever you wrestle with this conversation, an idea, you have to start with God's design for marriage which is intended to be a thriving lifelong relationship between a man and a woman and to become one flesh. And so that includes every facet of our lives.

The emotional the spiritual, the economic every part of our lives merges and under the Lordship of Christ. That's the best path for marriage. It's God's design and intent and clearly that includes our money. We also need to recognize marriage is a covenant not a contract.

I think in our society today. Often times we try to reduce it to a contract almost like a business arrangement. It's not a 50-50 contract. It's a 100 100 covenant between husband and wife were we sacrifice our self-interest for the interest of the other and move forward with God's plan for us as one flesh. As a married couple now. Is it ever legitimate to think about.

Consider a prenuptial agreement and I would say that would certainly not be my first choice but I do think there is a place for it, especially when were talking about a second marriage where we have perhaps blended families. We might have and Artie started business that has unique financial situations when were thinking about an inheritance for money that was created all the Lord's, but the wealth was created prior to the marriage because of the business or whatever the circumstances are. And so the inheritance going to the children from a previous marriage wants to be either protected or there may be trust funds. In some cases there is significant debt or extreme assets coming into the equation and certainly a business created prior to marriage would be one of those.

I think that we need to be on our guard against a prenuptial agreement, though that's driven by motivations around emotional considerations like fear of being taken advantage of her negative experiences with money. The desire for control selfishness.

Those kinds of things you know that obviously is not a reason to consider wind and what's far more important than the prenuptial agreement is to make sure that you're both ready to fully commit and trust one another, but again as long as it's done in the context of the right motivations with a lot of open communication and dialogue and I would say perhaps with either counselor or a mentor couple that's a godly couple that has some experience in this area in this area, and a godly estate planning attorney who could be the one to help navigate these issues and actually draft any documents that are created, then it's not one of those situations where I would say there's never a place for it or it's sinful in any way. Again, it's all about the heart motivation. The reasons why, but if some of those factors are there and it's handled in the way that I described, and not for the wrong reasons, and I think it can be appropriate, but it's gonna be a lot of prayer that goes into it and the last thing you would want would be to go into this. Without that open dialogue and understanding and there to be a wedge created on the front end is you're just getting started in this newly formed marriage where there's just some resentment or some emotions that are behind the scenes that maybe are going manifest themselves right away and yet will create a real challenge for you as a couple. As you get started. Dissent makes sense. That's exactly right here, Caleb will talk a bit more of the only place that you called, we will indeed Caleb, thanks very much. If you're investing for retirement or any other goal you may be wondering if it's possible to enjoy comfort and peace of mind, no matter what's happening in the market.

Sound mind investing is a short video webinar on the topic of sound mind investing.org SMI has helped tens of thousands of Christians learn to be wise and faithful stewards in the area of investing profit and peace of mind matter what's happening in the market.

Sound mind investing.org Christian healthcare ministries enables believers to meet their healthcare costs affordably, biblically and compassionately. It's not insurance but a voluntary cost-sharing ministry based on the biblical example of Christians sharing each other's needs and members are defined under the law for not having health Christian healthcare ministries might be your health cost solution call 800-791-6225 or visit CH ministries.org is there a place for you.

Find out when you reach heaven and the after a one volume set when the hallmark works on eternity in heaven in the afterlife lifts the veil on eternity and reminds us that this world isn't all there is. This book will challenge you to see what cannot be lost before it's too late in the available online or at your favorite question for more visit Moody publishers.com retirement. What comes to mind. Yeah, that's right, but it may be that God has a greater purpose for your retirement and what you just imagine his book uncommon guide to retirement payment suggests retirement from both a biblical and redefine his next patient surrender retirement away your copy of an uncommon guide to retirement@moodypublishers.com how did you feel the last time you made a not so good decision as pastor Andy Stanley points out our decisions, like the steering wheel of our life and so you get decision-making right you get life right in his new book, better decisions and fewer regrets.

You'll learn five critical questions to apply to every decision you make.

So you can feel confident you're getting it right. Request your copy with any gifts of money wise of $25 or more money wise loss of a major winter storm boys to drop as much as 2 feet of snow in some places over the next 24 hours always been falling for a couple of hours in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania were forecasters say a six decade old record for December snowfall could be broken with slight snow and high winds expected into the evening and overnight officials were imposing lower interstate speed limits and phasing in restrictions on trucks and other commercial vehicles due to the nor'easter Commerce Department reporting retail sales fell 1.1% in November, the biggest drop in seven months ending its latest policymaking will keep its short-term benchmark interest rate peg near zero, the Fed is at its key right there since March starts punishing mix that I was on 44 points. The NASDAQ gain 63. This is SRA news. Thinking about you guys live were so glad to have you along with us to take phone calls and have an opportunity to interact with you.

Hear your stories and share God's wisdom and principles for your life as it relates to his money. Remember your steward, your manager of God's resources and let's go right back to the phone.

Joey always loved to hear success stories stories of people who've apply God's principles of managing money and want to call and share about and I think that's exactly what Tim wants to do from Tennessee to him that afternoon doing greatly appreciate you stopping by today will you have for us on our principles. Specially the one about the snowball and dad and as it stands right now, even though I live paycheck to paycheck. I'm looking to be my next Christmas. I will be debt free one. That one will leave in that without having a knee replacement back in January you see exactly where you principles apply to present the testimony to tell us how you did it so first of all, how much credit card debt.

Were you starting with and then what did you do to create some margin so you could start snowballing that that with the with your excess well actually have any credit card debt. I had phone been in a rack, so I you medical bill and I just started with the lowest… My payment gone. I am the one that I couldn't keep up with that would calm can we work this out and that worked out a payment plan and just last month I paid another one half and probably entombment, pay another one and then my next one is the big one from the knee replacement and it will take me till November next year to pay out but I'm hoping as my finances continue to get better, start add more to it. If I can't pay it off early to that's great: ensuring that story today. I think the key is that you gotta have that spending plan right you got understand what are your obligations. You gotta try to create some margin, but the idea that you apply the snowball lowest balance, the highest and just move right down the line, knocking one off of the time is really key. Imagine when they're all paid off and now you can build up and fully fund that emergency fund and then start thinking about perhaps saving for the future. Even increasing your giving. I love it. We appreciate you calling in today to share your story got bless you, Tim. Thanks and Merry Christmas to user. Let's move along to give the number again 800-525-7000 because we have a few open lines of this is a great opportunity if you been trying earlier in the day or yesterday or the thick before this is a good day to try 800-525-7000. We love to hear from you Chicago Terry oh, what's on your mind working on what you care about better and and I don't think you're shallow and I can't make church and with the previous time in making payments when I can and I'm on unemployment right now I'm looking for new job that that big big big problem with the IRS. I very bad I didn't file many years of tax return and all of them quite a bit of money and I know that I need to pay that money on you and for me it's bringing me tremendous guilt and shame. I want every intention to pay them very much afraid and I don't need in order to contact to make arrangements for payment agreement. Hoping that you might be able to give me some advice. What might be the best way I'm very concerned about any kind of potential prosecution. You know that I can make this right. Thank you want to get that paid off in all and I'm wondering if you could help me with what Would be for me to get that sure Terry will appreciate your call today and I'm delighted to hear that your purpose in yourself to get your finances in order and you know my experience Terry is that when you invite God into your financial life. It tends to have a ripple effect throughout every other area you know when we bring this area under the Lordship of Christ. My experiences that really has an effect on years really whole spiritual walk and you know we all make mistakes right were sinners, which is why we need a Savior and you know in this financial area there's nothing we can't leave at the foot of the cross and asked the Lord to intervene really purpose ourselves as stewards to be found faithful and move forward managing God's money, according to his principles which means clearly honoring our obligations, including those obligations to the government to the IRS. You know, certainly, the IRS can prosecute Criminally in situations like this. And yet, my experience Terry is that when you voluntarily engage them in this conversation.

Acknowledge that there is a significant amount owed and tell them your intention is to paid in full that you want to work that out on a payment plan that they are very willing to do that so I would not run away from this I know it's something that's weighing on you. I can tell you that weight will begin to lift as soon as that conversation is started and you see it moving in a direction that's positive, but the longer you wait and run from it and I hope that it just goes away.

Obviously you know it some point the IRS is going to take action.

It's good news that they haven't already and I think the next step to your question is really to engage a tax advocate. Somebody you can on your behalf represent you in engaging the IRS in opening this conversation they had a number of programs in the past, and some that occurred in place so there's the IRS fresh start program for those who owe 50,000 or less to spend some amnesty programs along the way. And so again they want to work with you especially when you're coming to them voluntarily saying I want to make this right and that pay back what I oh so where would you go from here. Well, I think I was a couple of options number one you could call the IRS and ask for a tax advocate, somebody that they would assign to you that would represent you in those conversations, my preference, though, would be for you to seek out a godly either enrolled agent or tax attorney someone who has real experience representing taxpayers before the IRS and has set real competency in that area.

So what I might do is reach out to a couple certified kingdom advisors in the Chicago area and ask for a referral to either a tax attorney or a CPA or enrolled agent who again has that particular expertise in that area of IRS representation and you'll find us some CK's there in Chicago and you if you'd call two or three of them and it's pretty common that they would have in the Rolodex, godly tax preparer or EA that could be able to help you. That's where I would go next and I would just pray that this is met with open-mindedness and willingness to work with you and certainly I appreciate your desire to be found. Keep us posted.

We will pray with you about this. I will ask her moneywise this Thursday.

I keep Terry in your thoughts and prayers will be right back. And if that is robbing you of Freedom and peace of mind. Christian credit counselors can help where a nationwide nonprofit counseling organization has helped over 3000 individuals in the last 27 years get out of credit card debt percent faster while honoring that debt and phone to learn how Christian credit counselors can help you visit Christian counselors.org Christian credit counselors.call 800-557-1985 the financial wealth you leave behind could be the best thing that ever happened to your loved ones or the worst in it splitting hairs, giving your money and things to your children without ruining their lives. Ron blue explains why it's important to make these decisions now, instead of forcing your heirs to do it later. Splitting hairs will foster a real appreciation for the precious resources that God has entrusted to you, and it's available.

Click the start button moneywise. I.org is here to help me understand God's purpose for your life to the eyes of a layman you ever stopped to consider what you don't share your faith in every opportunity. If you understand the hordes of hell.

How can you not be concerned.

That's where most the people around you are headed in the words of things like how much would you have to hate me to tell me. Especially your loved ones. We been so numb by the cult of political correctness out of fear of offending someone become more fearful of man of God and the consequences of not obeying him. His message of denying us before his father would we deny him before man is more than anomalous, but more importantly, the eternal destination of your friends and loved ones hangs in the balance. How many people will be in heaven or God for bid. Ms. seven because of your your job is revival outside the will moving everyone and everything will go tomorrow. TW.com you reach people who call themselves Christian but don't know Jesus find out by reading the unsaved Christian Dean, and Sarah was a cultural Christian today.

He pastors a thriving church that he wrote this book to offer starting points that lead to deeper conversations you'll be equipped to confront cultural Christianity and lovingly share the gospel to the cultural Christians in your life.

Cultural Christianity is a huge mission field in desperate need of missionaries get your copy of the unsaved christian@moodypublishers.com time to make a change in the possibility of a physician billing number of management and not worth your time and position openings available now. You'll find jobs online job.org is a place where God's direction for your money your life your marriage in your career all meet together with your phone calls at 800-525-7000. Let's continue on in the Indianapolis and Beverly. We appreciate your patience. Hello Paul, I have a question on paying one all I have it down to 67 my credit union which has the lowest interest and but I have a capital one hard which is 7009 $19 and I heard piece of your program on call Monday you talking about how you take get it paid off quicker and easier use.

Stopped the credit card you don't you just do that credit card sure. Let me explain that Beverly D just had to go quickly okay very good at what you probably already heard us talking about is what's called credit counseling. It's you know for some people feel they have enough excess and there are on track to get a payoff on their own. They use the snowball method like we are to previous color today reference where they line up the balances lowest balance. The highest it's a manageable amount and then they just start knocking them off. They do that themselves others when you have a bit more debt like you're describing here or you have real high interest rates, which it sounds like you do, probably on the capital one, not necessarily in the credit union that's where credit counseling can be really effective. Essentially what happens is you begin paying the cards through the debt management or the credit counseling agencies so these are nonprofit credit counseling agencies registered with the credit card companies and when you're in a credit counseling program.

The credit counseling agencies have pre-negotiated lower rates so as long as you're paying through in this case Christian credit counselors we work with that you're going to enjoy a much lower rate you'll send one monthly payment that will be consistent throughout the life of the payback and the combination of that consistent level monthly payment combined with the lower interest rates that come through credit counseling allows you to pay off the debt on average 80% faster now. What are the implications of that well that when an account is entered into credit counseling again, thereby reducing the interest rate, the account does have to be closed, which means it just simply can't be used any longer. It will be noted on your credit report that it's in credit counseling but the fact that you're in credit counseling is not a part of the credit scoring formula so it shouldn't affect your credit score. Although it will be there and if somebody pulled a copy of your credit because you were seeking additional credited senior and credit counseling and that could have an effect on you but again right now the goal is not to take on new debt in the open new credit lines goes to get you out from under it so that would be the direction I would had Beverly I think you do really enjoy that Christian credit counselors are wonderful folks there all godly individuals that come alongside you and help you take a look at your spending plan tell you exactly what the interest rate would be and then get you set up on the credit counseling program. So the next step is for you to go to their website, its Christian credit counselors.org and let us know how it turns I would love to hear more.

You we have a wonderful working relationship with those folks Beverly and we've heard nothing but good things from those that they counsel from this program and we wish you the best Merry Christmas Creech Illinois hey Dave, words create a little soft Association of nomad and I don't so my fault I apologize. Okay, how can we help you my friend are going to be going to college next year. Paul knew my wife always struggle with will not struggle but we kinda lean toward having him pay for college himself or at least a few scholarships on student loan and then on the other side of it that I start feeling bad about maybe we should help them out from so I guess my question is like, what are your guidance thoughts on like when your king when kids go to college. Should they feel like have skin in the game like pate. Some of that or looking for your thoughts. I guess it's a great question, Dave, and I think it really starts with you and your wife coming together and prayerfully considering what it is you'd like to be able to do and that's a function of both the financial side recognizing we have limited resources and you know you need to think about your own financial status in terms of your ability to save for the future. There are ways to pay for college, you name some of them, notably scholarships and working perhaps on campus you know it. Maybe not the first year but you know at some point during the college career. Maybe working during the summer even student loans in a manageable way. But there is not ways to pay for retirement. Apart from saving diligently for the future. And so if your ability to help your kids go to college really hinders your ability to stay on track with your long-term financial plans. I would just no way that heavily into the equation… You have the ability to help out in a meaningful way. I think the key is really deciding what your philosophy is on this. I think there's something to be said about the students knowing that they at least have to own a part of that which is to give them more incentive to get good grades leading up to college, staying involved in various campus clubs and community service, and other activities that will really present well and help them maximize any scholarship dollars that are available and then perhaps even thinking about you know contributing to part of it by.

As I said, working during the summer I was a resident assistant on campus and had my housing paid for by you living on one of the floors and being responsible for the guys on in my dorm on on that floor that I actually my senior year manage the Christian radio station on campus and that was a part of my college experience but it was a way for me to contribute to a part of the cost. My my wife ended up getting over $100,000 in scholarships because her mom single parent said to go to college.

You gotta find a way to pay for their the money is just not there. And so they turn their living room into a college scholarship application factory for months and months and applied for hundreds of them in the Lord that really provided some significant dollars.

She was able to pay for her entire education that way. So I think you just got to approach it really that way thoughtfully and prayerfully. The other thing I would say is it's really important to communicate early what it is you and your wife decide you are going to cover and what you're not going to cover so that if your child knows okay mom and dad are going to provide acts per year toward college then you know he can go out to the schools he's looking at look at the true cost of attendance. The COA which is listed on every colleges website and figure out what the gap is and decide where I want to go to school and obviously you'll help to speak into that decision but I think taking that ownership in knowing if I go here mom. That money is not going to go as far as it will if I stay in state perhaps and really understanding that on the front and so that's not a surprise, as he's heading off to school, so the others not a one-size-fits-all right answer for everyone, but I think as you think and pray through it come to that decision and then communicate that well in advance and you all can formulate a plan together. So there's clear and open communication, and I think that well in advance concept really is key. Dave, make sure that you and your wife love them and that he knows you love them and then don't wait until the final halfway through his senior year to let them know your plans. Let them know an early lead in the world that you have a minimal of funds and that you live in a budget that you want to help but you can only do so much and as long as he understands that going and I think it'll work out for you. I trust it will and I were glad that you called today thank you very very much.

I know that my wife and I were able to help my son but to be truthful. He graduated with a tiny little bit of that but he thanked us multiple times after he graduated that we didn't allow him to get into a high amounts of debt.

Like many of his classmates and it was a real blessing for Amanda. It's nice when your kids when you hear from your kids that they appreciate what your plans were going and Rob just don't have time for another call about an email this one here. I don't have a name on this. It says I dear Rob and Steve, but I'm get this one to you Rob just you alone you have any theological concerns here that theological concerns celebrating Christmas. Knowing that December 25 is probably not the actual birthday of Jesus outside where we normally tread but it is a little bit outside. You know I would just say we growing up with with our kids loved a couple of series that that were designed around understanding why we do certain things as believers and one of them dealt with this topic in a really fun way around the date of Christmas, but the bottom line is we're celebrating the birth of Jesus, regardless of what day it is and how we ended up on December 25 the date in my view, Steve is not as important as the why why are we celebrating and what are we celebrating and were celebrating the event in all of history that everything hinges on apart from Christ's death and resurrection, which is the birth of our Savior was prophesied for thousands of years and then ended up coming to pass exactly the way God intended. So no, I don't have any theological hangups about the day that we celebrate Christmas. I think it's far more important what it is we're celebrating 10 appreciate that very much. And I agree with you. And now let's go back to the college thing and data in your wife. I got over 100 applied for over hundred thousand dollars in scholarships. Of course, she was very, very smart. You and the other hand, Rob, will you you had a river to swim up that wasn't quite as easy now I'm hearing now you know what they say on the street you had a summer job as a singing waiter.

Is that what I understand, Rob, I have no idea where you came up with that and I'm still trying is looming upstream thing. No no no singing waiter sin might think you have me confused with someone else. It happened so often moneywise live is a partnership between Moody radio and moneywise media there is Rob West not the same rev. Wesley join us again tomorrow