Stewardship from God's Perspective

Notes : Stewardship from Gods Perspective

Tony Amaradio

Company: Select Portfolio Management

Ministry: Faithful with Finance

Family Matters Series at Harvest OC

October 25, 2014 

Tony is giving his testimony. Talking about how he grew up in Detroit. He was selling fresh produce for the family when he was 6 years old.he was 11 when he had a very successful paper route. Played a lot of basketball. When he was a sophomore in college, he went to a prayer committee. He was raised in a Catholic Church home. But he was born again when he was 20 years, he is now 62 years old. 

After he was saved he became a prodigal son. He put all of his focus on becoming rich, he said that was a horrible goal. He got really successful and rich in New York. He said he then fell flat on his face. Left the huge Wall Street company, and got into a huge legal battle with them. It drained all of his bank accounts and he was broke.

He fell to his knees and prayed to God admitting that he was worshiping a false god. He gave up his business which was destroyed any how. That next morning he got a phone call saying the company would settle with him.

At that time God accepted his prodigal son back.

He is now back in the business. He went to a conference that was called Generous Givers. They challenged him to give all of his wealth to God. 

He felt called by God, to give all to Him. He realized that God has called him to manage money. God didn't need his money. God owns him, so he is there to serve God. He did not like to work with Christians at the time. But now he said God called him to work with Christians and Christian ministries. 

He said some years later he felt lead to work with Christians that had no money. 27% of Christians are considered broke. 51% of the country are getting support from the government. Faithful Finances. He is called to help others be faithful stewards regardless of their incomes.

Gods perspective on stewardship. Three parts we all have, time, talents and treasures.

Tony says Treasures is the most neglected part.

Psalm 24:1 NKJV

[1] The earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.

Over 2000 references to many in the Bible.

16 out of 38 parables speak about earthly treasures.

Matthew 25:14-30 NKJV

[14] "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. [15] And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. [16] Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. [17] And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. [18] But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. [19] After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' [21] His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' [22] He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' [23] His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' [24] "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. [25] And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' [26] "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. [27] So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. [28] Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. [29] 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

1. God trusted us with assets and resources.

2. God expects a return 

3. God holds us accountable

4. God will reward us based on results 

Tony said he is expecting rewards in heaven. 

7 steps to successful stewardship

1. It's not optional

2. Write a mission statement

3. Create. Plan using discernment and prayer.

4. Formulate a plan.

5. Build a spiritual and tech team

6. Develop your implementation plan.

7. Review and update your plan annually.

You need to plan your giving. The average American Christian only gives 2.2%

Portfolio Design

1.Cash for emergency - Cash

2. Taxable investments - 100% liquid

3. Tax advantaged investments - not liquid till 59 and a half

4. Real property - Non liquid

Tony says they teach people and plan for them how to give more money and not change their lifestyle at all. Doing tax advantaged charitable giving.

He says we should not give more to taxes then we should. 

He said he likes Dave Ramsay but there is not much logic in tax advantages with him.

He says most people are not allocating their funds appropriately. 

The importance of investment diversification and portfolio management. 

Investments can be used to hedge against uncertainty in the uncertain economy,

Insured MUNIs:

Tax Free

Nationally diversified or state issued

Guaranteed Interest and Principal Payments.

High Yield Alternatives

Prefer securities 

High dividend stocks have been valuable holdings for decades. Dividend yield is one of the main factors to consider investing in dividend paying sticks.

Equity Index Annuities:

Principal never goes down, but still can participate in the stock market.

The importance of financial planning:

It is critical for safeguarding your family's future.

People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan. 80% of Americans do not have a financial plan.

Gather Data, analyze data, create plan, implement plan, monitor plan, review goals. 

With a plan, many can give more.

What is financial planning?

It is becoming good stewards. What are you doing in these areas.

Legal, tax, investments, insurance, stewardship.

Are you "planning" your taxes or "doing" your taxes.

One of the most neglected areas in the US is uninsured men, leaving their families unprotected if they die without life insurance.

He says they work with the broke, normal people and the wealthy.

Tony is offering a Free Consultation. 800-445-9822

They have online video class called marriage and Money. Ministry is called Faithful with Finance.