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God Owns It All: A Lesson from the Lake

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:06:51 GMT

Recently, I had one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. I was fishing along the banks of Percy Priest Lake in Nashville, TN, working to catch black crappie. Like any good fishing trip, I had my setup dialed in—rod, line, lure, technique. I was adjusting, thinking, putting in the effort. Then something unexpected happened. An otter showed up. Not far from where I was standing, it started doing the exact same thing I was trying to do—but far better. It dove beneath the surface, came back up with a fish in its mouth, and calmly ate it right there. No gear. No strategy. No effort like mine. Just doing what it was created to do. And then, just as quickly as it appeared… it disappeared. I stood there for a moment, processing what I had just seen. Here I was working, thinking, striving… and that otter simply lived within the provision already built into its life.

And that’s when the truth hit me:

God Owns It All

Psalm 24:1 reminds us,

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.”

That means:

• The lake isn’t mine

• The fish aren’t mine

• The opportunity to stand there and fish isn’t mine

It all belongs to Him. The otter wasn’t worried about ownership—it simply lived in it. And if I’m honest, sometimes we forget that. We talk about “my money,” “my investments,” “my plan,” “my future. But from a biblical perspective, none of it is truly ours. We are stewards.

A Kingdom Perspective on Stewardship

As a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), this is a foundational principle:

God owns everything. We manage what He entrusts to us. That includes:

• Our finances

• Our time

• Our relationships

• Our opportunities

It’s not about accumulation—it’s about alignment.

Alignment with His purpose.

Alignment with His principles.

Alignment with what truly matters.

Where Faith Meets Financial Planning

At Encompass Advisory Services, this is exactly how we approach financial planning. Yes, we:

• Build investment strategies

• Plan for retirement

• Focus on tax efficiency and long-term growth

But underneath all of that is a deeper question: Are we stewarding what God has entrusted to us in a way that honors Him? Because financial success without purpose is empty. But stewardship rooted in purpose brings clarity, confidence, and peace.

Striving vs. Trusting

That day on the lake reminded me of the tension we all live in: We are called to:

• Work hard

• Plan wisely

• Be disciplined

But we are not called to carry the burden of provision alone. The otter wasn’t anxious about its next meal. And yet, how often do we carry stress about things far beyond that? Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:26 that if God provides for the birds of the air, how much more does He care for us?

The Takeaway

That fishing trip became more than just time on the water. It became a reminder I won’t forget:

God provides.

God owns it all.

We are called to steward—not to control.

And when we truly understand that… Everything changes. Our perspective shifts from:

• ownership → stewardship

• control → trust

• anxiety → peace

Final Thought

I hope I see that otter again over the next few weeks. But even if I don’t, the lesson is already clear. Do your part. Be a faithful steward. But never forget who truly owns it all.

Biblical Definition of Stewardship

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 16:46:40 GMT

When I speak about stewardship—whether in the context of financial planning, family leadership, or faith—I’m not just referring to managing money well. Stewardship, in its truest biblical sense, is about ownership and trust. It’s the recognition that God owns everything , and we are simply caretakers of what He has entrusted to us. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” That verse sets the foundation for a proper understanding of biblical stewardship: God is the owner; we are the stewards.

A steward is someone who manages the affairs of another. In biblical times, a steward might have overseen a household, managed crops, or distributed resources on behalf of the master. Today, that stewardship extends into our finances, our families, our health, our time, and our spiritual gifts. Everything we possess—our careers, our influence, our resources—has been temporarily placed in our care. God has made us managers, not owners, and that distinction carries both privilege and accountability .

Ownership and Accountability

Jesus reinforced this principle in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). The master entrusts his servants with resources “each according to his ability.” Two servants invest wisely and multiply what they’ve been given; the third hides his portion out of fear. When the master returns, he praises the faithful stewards but rebukes the one who buried his talent. The lesson is timeless: God expects us to use, grow, and multiply what He has placed in our hands—not to waste it or guard it out of fear. Stewardship requires faith in action. It’s not about how much we have, but how faithfully we manage what we’ve been given.

In modern terms, this means we are accountable for every resource God has entrusted to us—our money, our children, our businesses, our influence, and our opportunities. Luke 16:10 reminds us, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” True stewardship begins with faithfulness in the small things. If we’re careless with little, we cannot be trusted with greater blessings.

Stewardship and Generosity

One of the most visible expressions of stewardship is generosity. When we give, we acknowledge that what we have belongs to God. Giving is not about losing something—it’s about returning what already belongs to Him. Second Corinthians 9:6-7 teaches that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” Generosity is the fruit of gratitude and trust. It declares that our confidence is not in our bank accounts or possessions, but in the Provider Himself.

As a financial planner and Christian leader, I’ve seen this principle change lives. When people move from ownership to stewardship, fear gives way to freedom. They begin to see money not as a master, but as a ministry tool —a way to advance God’s purposes. Stewardship is about aligning financial decisions with eternal values. It’s budgeting with wisdom, investing with purpose, and giving with joy.

Stewardship Beyond Finances

Stewardship extends far beyond money. It encompasses how we treat our bodies, how we raise our families, and how we use our time and talents. First Peter 4:10 tells us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Our lives are a sacred trust. Whether you are a teacher, business owner, pastor, or parent, your calling is a form of stewardship. God has given you influence and responsibility. How you use them reveals your heart toward Him.

Time, for example, is one of our most valuable yet limited resources. Every hour we waste is one we can never recover. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs us to “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Stewardship means living intentionally—working diligently, resting wisely, and remembering that even our leisure can glorify God when it’s used to refresh and restore the vessel He’s entrusted to His purposes.

The Eternal Perspective

Ultimately, stewardship is an act of worship. It’s the daily decision to honor God with all that we have and all that we are. It’s saying, “Lord, I recognize that none of this is mine. I am merely the manager of Your blessings.” When we live with that mindset, everything changes. We stop chasing temporary success and start investing in eternal impact.

In the end, the question we will each face is not “How much did you earn?” or “What did you build?” but rather, “How faithful were you with what I gave you?” The faithful steward lives with eternity in view—using today’s resources to shape tomorrow’s Kingdom.

As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” That is the heartbeat of biblical stewardship—trusting God fully, managing His blessings wisely, and walking faithfully until the day He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Understanding Sequence of Returns Risk

Wed, 01 May 2024 17:38:13 GMT

When planning for retirement, one crucial factor often overlooked is the sequence of returns risk. This term refers to the variability and uncertainty of the order in which investment returns occur and is particularly impactful during the withdrawal phase in retirement. Unlike average returns that blend gains and losses over the years into a smooth figure, sequence of returns emphasizes the timing of these returns, especially when you start withdrawing money from your retirement savings.

A clear illustration of sequence of returns risk can be seen in the comparative analysis outlined in the table below.

Portfolio A displays the investment returns from 2000 to 2016 in chronological order, while Portfolio B presents these same returns in reverse order. The results are telling: Portfolio A concludes the period with a remaining balance of $183,093, whereas Portfolio B finishes with a significantly higher balance of $582,674—a stark difference of $399,580. This disparity highlights the profound impact that early negative returns can have on the sustainability of a portfolio during the initial phases of retirement withdrawals.

This risk is unique because it underscores that it’s not just how much your investments return on average, but when these returns occur relative to when you are drawing on your investments.

Sequence of Returns Risk During Accumulation vs. Distribution Phases

The sequence of returns risk affects individuals differently depending on whether they are in the accumulation phase (saving for retirement) or the distribution phase (withdrawing during retirement). During the accumulation phase, the risk is relatively low. Over a long period, the highs and lows of market returns tend to average out. Early losses can be offset by later gains, and since there are no withdrawals reducing the balance, the portfolio has more time to recover from downturns. This is often referred to as 'dollar-cost averaging,' where ongoing investments can buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, potentially reducing the average cost per share over time.

However, during the distribution phase, when retirees begin withdrawing funds to cover living expenses, the sequence of returns becomes critically important. Starting your retirement during a bear market or a period of low returns can deplete your savings more rapidly than if the same returns occurred later. This difference stems from having to sell off more investments to maintain the same withdrawal rate, potentially locking in losses and reducing the amount of capital that can benefit from future market recoveries.

Mitigating Sequence of Returns Risk

Fortunately, there are multiple strategies to mitigate the sequence of returns risk, ensuring a more stable financial foundation during retirement:

1. Maintain a cash reserve: Having a cash buffer can help manage withdrawals during market downturns without having to sell investments at a loss. This reserve can act as a financial shock absorber, allowing the portfolio more time to recover

2 . Diversify your investment portfolio: A well-diversified portfolio that includes a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets can help buffer against market volatility. Bonds and other fixed-income investments often provide returns that counterbalance the risks of equity markets, offering steadier income streams during down periods.

3. Use a conservative withdrawal rate: Adhering to a conservative withdrawal strategy, such as the 4% rule, can reduce the risk of depleting your retirement funds too early. This strategy involves withdrawing a fixed, sustainable percentage from your portfolio each year, adjusted for inflation, regardless of market conditions.

4. Consider annuities: Annuities can provide a guaranteed income stream regardless of market conditions, which can be particularly useful to cover basic living expenses. This can reduce the pressure on the investment portfolio to perform, particularly during the critical early years of retirement

5. Delay Social Security benefits: Opting to delay the start of Social Security benefits can increase the monthly benefits, providing a larger financial base later in retirement. This can be a strategic move to counteract poor market performance in the early years of retirement.

By understanding and preparing for the sequence of returns risk, retirees can better safeguard their financial future, ensuring that they have enough funds to enjoy their retirement years without undue stress over market conditions. These strategies can help create a buffer against timing risks, making the transition from the accumulation to distribution phase smoother and more secure.

If you're interested in learning how to implement strategies that mitigate sequence of returns risk, we invite you to schedule an initial consultation. At Encompass Advisory Services, an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm, we are committed to partnering with you to navigate through your retirement planning with expertise and care.

Encompassing Faith through Financial Planning

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:22:16 GMT

Financial planning is a journey that goes beyond just budgeting and saving; it is a path that is deeply intertwined with our beliefs and values. In the realm of financial planning, the integration of faith can be a transformative and empowering force that enriches our journey towards financial well-being. Encompassing faith through financial planning involves aligning our beliefs, values, and aspirations with our financial goals, creating a holistic approach that transcends mere numbers and spreadsheets. By infusing our financial decisions with faith-based principles, we can cultivate a sense of purpose, direction, and spiritual fulfillment in our quest for financial stability.

Encompassing faith through financial planning is about acknowledging the role of divine guidance in our financial decisions. It is about recognizing that our beliefs shape our attitudes towards money and wealth, and that by aligning our actions with our faith, we can create a financial plan that reflects our values and aspirations. By integrating our faith into our financial planning, we can cultivate a sense of purpose and direction that transcends mere monetary goals.

Encompassing faith through financial planning is about embracing the idea that our financial journey is part of a larger spiritual path. By viewing financial decisions as opportunities to express our faith through generosity, stewardship, and ethical investing, we can create a legacy that reflects our commitment to living a purpose-driven life.

Encompassing faith through financial planning also involves seeking wisdom and guidance from our spiritual beliefs. Whether through prayer, meditation, or seeking counsel from religious leaders, incorporating faith into our financial decisions can provide us with clarity, peace of mind, and a sense of divine guidance in navigating the complexities of managing money. It is a journey of trust, surrender, and abundance, where we recognize that our financial well-being is interconnected with our spiritual growth and purpose in life.

Let us embark on this journey of financial empowerment with faith as our guiding light, knowing that by aligning our financial goals with our spiritual beliefs, we can achieve a sense of fulfillment that transcends material wealth.

How Do I Know If I Can Afford to Retire?

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:30:49 GMT

Retirement is a major life change, and it's important to be prepared for it. There are a number of factors to consider when transitioning into retirement, including your financial situation, your health, your lifestyle, your social connections, and your emotional well-being. It is important to work with an independent financial professional who can help you get organized, discuss your needs and assess your financial readiness to move into retirement.

Financial Situation

One of the most important factors to consider is your financial situation. How much money do you have saved for retirement? How much will you need to live comfortably? Will you need to rely on Social Security or other government benefits?

It's important to have a clear understanding of your financial situation so that you can make informed decisions about your retirement. You should consider working with a financial planner to create a retirement plan that meets your specific needs.

There are a few things you can do to determine if you're financially ready to retire:

Estimate your retirement expenses. This includes things like housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment. You can use a retirement calculator to help you with this. Here is a Link to an Excel worksheet to get you started .
Calculate your retirement income. This includes Social Security, pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs, and any other sources of income you expect to have in retirement. You can access your social security info by logging here: https://www.SSA.gov
Compare your expenses to your income. If your income is more than your expenses, then you can afford to retire. If your expenses are more than your income, then you may need to work longer or save more money before you can retire.

Health

Your health is another important factor to consider. How is your health now? How do you expect it to change in retirement? Will you need to pay for long-term care? If you have any health concerns, it's important to factor them into your retirement planning. You may need to make adjustments to your lifestyle or your budget to accommodate your health needs.

Lifestyle

How do you want to spend your retirement? What do you enjoy doing? How much travel do you want to do? Do you want to stay in your current home or move?

Your lifestyle will play a big role in your retirement. If you enjoy traveling, you'll need to make sure you have enough money saved to do so. If you want to stay active, you'll need to find activities that you enjoy and that are affordable.

Social Connections

Your social connections are also important. How important are your relationships with friends and family? How will you stay connected with them in retirement?

Retirement can be a time of social isolation, so it's important to stay connected with the people you care about. You may want to join a club or group, or you may want to volunteer your time.

Emotional Well-Being

Finally, it's important to consider your emotional well-being. How do you feel about retirement? Are you excited for the change or are you feeling anxious?

Retirement can be a time of great change, so it's important to be prepared for it emotionally.

Conclusion

Transitioning into retirement can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. You don’t have to go it alone; a financial planner can help you assess your situation to help you determine if you can afford to retire. Considering the factors above and working with a professional can make sure you're prepared for a happy and fulfilling retirement. Encompass Advisory Services is an Independent Registered Investment Advisory firm with financial planners available to assist you.

TIME VALUE OF MONEY

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 21:27:02 GMT

The time value of money is a fundamental concept in finance that refers to the idea that money today is worth more than the same amount of money in the future. This is because money today can be invested and earn interest, while money in the future is subject to inflation and loses value over time. When it comes to long-term savings, understanding the time value of money is crucial. Here are five points to keep in mind:

1. Start saving early: The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Even small contributions can add up over time thanks to the power of compounding interest. For example, if you start saving $100 a month at age 25 and earn an average annual return of 7%, you could have over $300,000 by age 65.

2. Consider the impact of inflation: Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising. Over time, inflation can erode the purchasing power of your savings. This means that if you're saving for a long-term goal like retirement, you'll need to factor in the impact of inflation when determining how much you need to save.

3. Choose the right investment vehicles: When it comes to long-term savings, it's important to choose investment vehicles that offer the potential for growth over time. This might include stocks, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These investments come with some risk, but historically they have offered higher returns than more conservative options like savings accounts or CDs. Working with a financial professional can help with setting up a diversified portfolio consisting of quality investment options.

4. Be patient: Long-term savings requires patience and discipline. It's important to stay committed to your savings plan even when the market experiences ups and downs. Remember that over the long term, the stock market has historically trended upward, so it's important to stay invested and avoid making emotional decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

5. Revisit your plan regularly: As you save for the long term, it's important to revisit your plan regularly to ensure that you're on track to meet your goals. This might involve adjusting your contributions, rebalancing your portfolio, or reassessing your risk tolerance. By staying engaged with your savings plan, you can ensure that you're making the most of the time value of money.

If you are interested in learning more about the time value of money and/or saving money over time, contact us today.