Let’s Talk! Ep. 11 | Can You Really Trust God With Your Money?
Can you really trust God with your money when you don't know if you'll have enough?
In Episode 11 of Let's Talk!, Billy sits down with Pastor Dale Oquist and Pastor Dawson Oquist to continue the conversation from Sunday's message, "Who's on First?", as we begin our Blessed! series and the 75 Blessed! challenge.
We say Jesus is Lord of our lives. We ask Him to bless our marriages, families, businesses, and futures. But what happens when He asks us to trust Him with our finances?
This week, we're talking about tithing, financial security, obedience, and what it actually means to put God first.
Pastor Dale unpacks the difference between a theology of giving and a philosophy of giving, the biblical foundation of the first 10%, and why money can become a competitor for our hearts.
Billy shares a personal testimony about learning to tithe while in college and experiencing an unexpected $6,300 provision. Dawson talks about continuing to give faithfully even when finances are tight.
Together, they address the questions people may be afraid to ask:
What if I can't afford to tithe? What if I don't trust the church with my money? What if I've been following Jesus for decades but have never surrendered my finances? And what if I'm obedient, but my circumstances don't improve?
As we begin 75 Blessed!, we're challenged to consider whether our security comes from the money in our bank account or from the God who has given us everything we have.
This isn't simply about giving 10%.
It's about who is Lord of 100% of our lives.
Scripture: Exodus 13:1-15, Proverbs 3:9-10, Matthew 6:19-24, Malachi 3:8-12, Matthew 23:23
Series: Blessed!
Weekend Message: Who's on First?
People's Church | Fresno, California
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Use these questions with your small group, family, friends, or for personal reflection:
-Pastor Dale talked about the difference between a theology of giving and a philosophy of giving. What currently shapes your financial decisions more: God's Word, your circumstances, or your personal comfort?
-Jesus said that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. What does the way you spend, save, and give reveal about what matters most to you?
-Have you ever experienced a season when trusting God financially didn't make sense on paper? How did you respond, and what did that season teach you about God's faithfulness?
-Is there an area of your life where you've been asking God for blessing while still holding on to control? What would genuine surrender look like in that area?
-If you've followed Jesus for years, have you become comfortable with any areas of selective obedience? How might God be challenging you to take a new step of faith?
-As we begin 75 Blessed!, what is one practical step you can take toward putting God first with your finances? What fears or assumptions do you need to bring honestly before Him?
Take a moment to pray:
Jesus, thank You for everything You've entrusted to us. Forgive us for the times we've placed our security in money, possessions, or our own abilities instead of You. Teach us to honor You with our first and our best. Give us wisdom in our financial decisions, courage to obey when it's difficult, and hearts that trust Your faithfulness. Be Lord of every area of our lives. Amen.
LINKS
Website: https://www.peopleschurch.org
Watch Online: https://www.peopleschurch.org/online
Take Your Next Step: https://www.peopleschurch.org/next