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Wisdom is calling, but are we listening? In Proverbs 8:1–11, Solomon presents wisdom as a voice that actively seeks our attention, offering God's perspective for the decisions we face every day. Wisdom is not reserved for the educated, the spiritually mature, or a select few. It calls to everyone, offering guidance in our relationships, finances, families, and daily lives. Yet wisdom is often ignored, not because it is unavailable, but because we fail to listen, diligently seek it, and value God's instruction above our own desires.

The way of true riches is to truly wait for God's reward on your spiritual investment. Be Rich Within and Forever.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:17–18 Sermon: "A Minister's Due Wages (Biblical Church Finance: Part 6)" Speaker: Pastor Sam Lee Date: October 18, 2026

1. Knowledge; 2. Finance; 3. Qualifications.

Another week is in the books. Here's a sample of what was presented as Jim brought you another week of stories for you to ponder from a Christian perspective: --A 16 year old suspect killed 3 children and a teacher before being fatally shot by a witness at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon. --Last Friday, bomb threats were phoned in to two Brooklyn Jewish day schools just minutes apart according to the N.Y.P.D., however, they were later determined to be hoaxes. --Staffers for Representative Ilhan Omar reportedly assisted her in changing her birth date on official records shortly after she began her first term in the U.S. House according to a New York Post report. --Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, has confirmed that her office has opened an investigation into Omar's finances, separate from the immigration related investigation currently being carried out by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. --One of the largest fraud scandals in Minnesota may involve the family of Ilhan Omar. Omar's sister used the address of a woman who was business partners with several major convicts in the Feeding our Futures scandal, a Daily Wire investigation found. --Multiple relatives of Ilhan Omar received grand jury subpoenas, part of the ongoing criminal investigation into her family's history for evidence of possible fraud and false statements in their immigration paperwork. --President Donald Trump's administration is looking to build a case to strip Omar of her citizenship. --The FBI is investigating mail containing unknown substances sent to the Senate and state election authorities this week, ahead of the mid-terms.

The devotional addresses the biblical mandate for giving by examining the warning against covetousness found in Luke 12. It distinguishes between prudent financial planning and the sinful accumulation of wealth, emphasizing that believers must be rich toward God rather than hoarding resources. The speaker encourages a posture of generosity, suggesting that tithing and offerings are foundational acts of honoring God with one's substance. By sharing personal experiences of financial struggle and divine provision, the message illustrates that God meets the needs of those who trust Him, contrasting this with the consequences of robbing God of His due. The central call is to view finances as a stewardship responsibility, investing in eternal purposes and local ministry rather than building one's life around unstable material security.

The Credibility Trap: Debt, Deficits, and the Pivot Toward State Control. We are joined by David McAlvany (CEO, The McAlvany Financial Group). Topics discussed include: Is Inflation Really Under Control? The Global Debt Spiral & Bond Market Verdict. Navigating the Week's Economic Data & Market Disconnect. AI Bubbles, Corporate Bailouts & The March Toward State Control.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6–12 Sermon: "A Gospel-Centered Church Budget (Biblical Church Finance: Part 5)" Speaker: Pastor Sam Lee Date: October 11, 2026

This sermon explores the theological and practical implications of handling church finances with integrity, emphasizing that God's grace creates willing servants rather than coerced workers. The central message argues that Christian conduct must be honorable not only in the sight of God but also in the eyes of men, ensuring that the name of Christ is never discredited by human failure or suspicion. By examining Paul's careful selection of trustworthy men to transport the offering, the text highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and congregational partnership in protecting the church's witness. The preacher urges believers to view their service as a reflection of Christ's glory, where love is proven through visible actions and financial stewardship is conducted with such openness that it withstands public scrutiny. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a balance where the primary focus remains on God's judgment, while still respecting the need to present a credible testimony to the world.

It was another active news week. Here's your chance to get caught up via our Friday News Round-Up and Comment broadcast. Below are several highlights: --Jim began with news concerning a possible asylum hearing for William Whatcott, a pro-family activist who is a Canadian refugee in the U.S. He appeared on Crosstalk on September 24th. Jim provided audio updating listeners on his case, as well as a phone number to contact the Office of the Inspector General which is over DHS and ICE. --The town council of Ottumwa, Iowa, opened a meeting with a prayer to hail satan. However, a pastor was having none of it. Jim presented audio of the pastor's comments. --President Trump announced that the U.S. will not launch additional military strikes on Iran before the mid-term elections. --The senior Iranian commander has threatened to strike American military bases and warships across the Middle East if President Trump orders a ground invasion of Iran --Iran's oil minister has resigned. --Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported that Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz has significantly weakened in recent weeks as oil flows approach pre-war levels. --U.S. and French authorities have dismantled an international financing network accused of raising millions of dollars for Hamas, while presenting fundraising campaigns to donors as being humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza. --Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensified ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh on Thursday, disrupting international flights, threatening critical infrastructure, and raising fears of a broader regional war.

This sermon addresses the modern struggle with anxiety and worry, using the metaphor of 'fret knots' to describe how concerns about society, finances, and health can entangle a believer's mind. Drawing from Psalm 37, the message identifies three specific commands to 'fret not' and presents a spiritual recipe for resolution: trusting in the Lord, delighting in Him, committing one's way to Him, and resting while waiting patiently. The preacher emphasizes that trust is the foundational element that allows for true surrender, illustrated by the analogy of a child trusting a father to cross a log in the dark. Rather than attempting to untangle life's problems through personal strength or control, which often worsens the situation, believers are encouraged to actively serve and focus on God's plan. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging the audience to release their burdens to God, who sees the full picture and provides the grace to navigate through difficult seasons.

Psalm 24:1 — What does the Bible say about money? It all belongs to God, and you are his steward. Lesson 1 of our money series. This lesson on what the Bible says about money starts where Scripture starts: God owns it all. Your house, your truck, your paycheck, and the dollar in your pocket are not yours, and biblical stewardship begins when you believe that. From Psalm 24:1, this message shows why you are a manager of what God has put in your hands, not an owner. If you've ever thought "I earned this," or felt the pull to want more, this lesson is for you. Moses warned Israel that the real danger isn't being poor. It's being full and forgetting the God who filled you. We walk through five passages that answer a simple question: if everything belongs to God, how does that change how you spend, save, and give? This family integrated church Sunday school lesson was taught with children and parents together. Kids read the Scriptures aloud, and an object lesson shows that God's claim is on everything we own. Families can use the discussion questions at the end to continue the conversation at home. This lesson walks through Psalm 24, 1 Chronicles 29, Deut 8, 1 Cor 4, and Luke 16, explaining: - God owns it all: the earth and the fulness thereof, and the people who live in it - Why everything we have came from his hand - Why giving to God is only handing back what was already his - The danger of the "self-made man" in Deut 8:17-18 - Who gave you the power to get wealth - What a steward is, and why God requires faithfulness, not riches - Why how you handle a little determines how you handle a lot - Why a widow with little and a businessman with much answer the same question

Proverbs 7 exposes the counterfeit love offered by sexual temptation and contrasts it with God's design for covenant love—a faithful, knowing, passionate relationship that reflects Christ's love for His church. In The Strange Woman: Counterfeit Love, Solomon's warning shows how sexual sin promises pleasure without consequences, yet ultimately brings brokenness, shame, and destruction. The message calls believers to recognize temptation early, flee rather than negotiate with it, pursue purity before the moment of decision, and value the faithful covenant love God designed within marriage.

Dr. John Cuendet

How can Christians recognize sexual temptation before it becomes destructive? Proverbs 7 exposes the tactics of a predatory seducer and shows why biblical wisdom, intentional discipleship, and covenant faithfulness are essential protections against sexual sin. In The Strange Woman: Recognizing the Predator, Solomon warns his son through the tragic picture of an inexperienced young man walking confidently into temptation. The message identifies warning signs such as forwardness, immodesty, manipulation, discontentment, flattery, false spirituality, and provocative speech, while emphasizing that these dangers can apply to both men and women. Parents and spiritual leaders are challenged to disciple young people biblically about sexuality rather than leaving the world to shape their understanding, pointing them instead toward purity, wisdom, and covenant love.