Joyful and Generous Giving

How many of you tithe to your church? I would be willing to bet (if I were a betting woman) that very few, if any of you, (and I include myself in this statement) tithe biblically. I know, I know, this is an awfully bold statement for me to make, but I'll explain. As many of you may know, tithing is an Old Testament law, that the Israelites were to keep. There are some that teach that we as Christians are to do this as well. If we were to do it in the biblical sense, I would wholeheartedly agree.

Anytime, in the Old Testament, when a tithe is mentioned, it is in reference to food. That's right, food, not money. And the person (or family) bringing the tithe was to eat it, after they had offered it. That's right!!! The tithe was to be eaten by the family that offered it, as well as giving some to the priests, and sharing their bounty with others that may not have had food of their own. It was to be a time of celebration and merriment, surrounded by a bounty of food and fellowship.

You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or your new wine or your oil, of the firstborn of your herd or your flock, of any of your offerings which you vow, of your freewill offerings, or of the heave offering of your hand. Deuteronomy 12:17 NKJV

This verse says "you may not eat" but notice it says that you may not eat it within your own gates. The next reference to tithing states this:

And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. Deuteronomy 14:23 NKJV (emphasis mine)

The following explains that the tithe was to be done every third year, and that they were to do the following with their firstfruits of that year.

"When you have finished laying aside all the tithe of your increase in the third year--the year of tithing--and have given [it] to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, so that they may eat within your gates and be filled, then you shall say before the LORD your God: 'I have removed the holy [tithe] from [my] house, and also have given them to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten [them]." Deuteronomy 26:12-13 NKJV (emphasis mine)

And for those that may have been given the misconception that the tithe was food then, because that was the currency of the times, let me clear that up as well. Or better yet, let me share with you what God has said.

"But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the LORD your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the LORD your God has blessed you, then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the LORD your God chooses. "And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household."Deuteronomy 14:24-26 NKJV

I know that there are many that teach that giving to your church is what we are still to do. I agree, that if we have been blessed with extra, that we should share it, so that ministry to others can be best facilitated. I know that one such Scripture that is used to support continued "tithing" or offerings to the church is Acts 2:44-45

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

The operative words here, are: "divided them among all, as anyone had need." I do not think it's a coincidence that Jesus never passed around an offering plate, with the expectation that money would be put into it. The only time we hear of Him asking for anything to be shared amongst all, is when He asks for food. (Think the 5 loaves and 2 fishes.) I think this is very telling. How about you?

Now, before you think that I am saying that we should not give to our churches, let me tell you, I am not saying that at all. However, I am saying that giving a tenth of your salary to further a ministry within your church is not always the best use of the finance God has blessed you with. God calls us ALL to be ministers to others. That's right, I said ALL. If you honestly feel, after prayer and thought on the subject, that giving to your church is reaching the masses with the Good News, and helping to feed and clothe the needy, then by all means continue to do so. If however, you find that the majority of your money tends to fund administrative costs for a church body that is not ministering effectively to Non-believers, or is not giving adequately to the needy, then perhaps you should re-evaluate your giving practices.

Jesus did mention giving in one of His lessons to the disciples. It is the mention of the widow that gave her last coins into the Temple treasury. He states that she gave all that she had, so it cost her more than all the others. He does NOT say, however, that she would be blessed for it, or even that she should have done so. In fact, there are some that believe (and I agree) that He probably was saddened by the fact that she gave to a system that was broken. Remember the "woes" to the Pharisees? Jesus was telling them that they were hypocrites for giving to the Temple, instead of providing for their widows, orphans, and other needy people. They had developed a procedure for giving, so that they didn't have to help others. They used their tithes and offerings as an excuse not to LOVE others, in the way that we are to LOVE everyone. The same way that God loves us. By providing for our needs, to name just one. Please do read the Scripture references for yourself, and pray about it. I'll leave you with these final verses, for you to meditate on.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. Matthew 23:14 NKJV

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier [matters] of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Matthew 23:23 NKJV

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV

May the blessings of the Lord be upon you.

There is no "MORE" to this post.
Photo courtesy of wuji9981

Inspirational Blogger Award

I am humbly honored to have been selected to receive another award by my friend and brother in Christ, Dan King. He is author of Management by God. He has nominated and awarded my Inspirational Blogger Award because as he said "You are such an inspiration that I selected you for another award that I had to pass on." I am deeply touched that he thinks this of my blog and of me. But again, all glory and honor goes to Him that inspires me.

The Inspirational Award was developed by Writer's Reviews Blogger Awards. Written by Christy Zutautas, Writers Reviews is a professional writers web site that gives reviews on movies, products, and web sites!

The inspirational blogger award is, "For those bloggers who inspire others through their words and actions. With a positive attitude, and an uplifting spirit these bloggers make the blogosphere a better place, and encourage others to do the same. This award is for bloggers who rise up to set an example but continue to reach out and support others."

Just as with other blogger awards, I now have the privilege and responsibility of passing this honor on. So without further ado, here are the award recipients:

1) Gods Grace Notes by Connie Walcott- Creative Blogger Award
For her stories, and her crafts and her genuine desire to help all with her blogs and lenses. I love this site!

2) Just One Lily by 1 Lily- Creative Blogger Award
For all her beautiful pictures and the poems and thoughts that are moving beyond words. I've even used a few of her pictures on my blog.

3) Heart to Heart by DM- Thoughtful Blogger Award
For his heartwarming thoughts and his devotion to furthering the Kindgom of God, without being pushy about it.

4) Molly-Coddled by Molly- Charity Blogger Award
For her desire to help find missing children, all stemming from the loss of a little puppy. She moves me to want to do more.

5) He and I-Reflections on my Walk With Christ by Steve Forcum- Inspirational Blogger Award
For his genuine and authentic faith in God above, and a desire to Glorify Him above all things.

For you award recipients, please go to Writer's Reviews to pick up your award badge. For everyone else, please check out these sites. They truly do deserve their awards. God's blessings to you all.

Saved From Judgement?? by Shalene Kearney

I read my post to my husband yesterday, and afterward, a lively discussion on whether or not we are saved from Judgement ensued. I will not say which of us took which side, but I will say that we did not seem to be in agreement. So I have studied this subject in particular, so that I might keep you from having the same discussion. (Though it was lively, and it was loving, and it is always enjoyable to discuss scripture with my wonderful husband.)

Now on to the post: There are some that believe that because we have accepted Christ that we are now somehow saved from Judgement by God. This is not what the bible tells us. Let me say that again. This is not what the bible tells us.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? We must all appear before the judgement seat. This is the reason that a true believer must endeavor to do good, as much as his earthly body will allow. Our salvation is not dependent upon our works, but you better believe you will be judged by what you did or didn't do. Can you imagine the scene?

You're standing before God, and he's asking you about all that you didn't do. Can you think of anything that will justify it? And what about the things you did do? For the good, He may say "Good work my good and faithful servant" or He may say, "Why didn't you do it with a grateful heart, a servant's heart?" Though the thought of judgement is not something I look forward to, I know that my name is written in the Book of Life and that God is just and merciful. That is why He sent His Son for me, and for you. Because we cannot do it alone, and He must judge us all. Without the blood of Jesus Christ covering our sins, we would have no hope. So today I thank God that "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19 NKJV

I urge everyone of you, please, please do not just take my word for it, but dive into His Holy Word, and learn these truths for yourself as well. I am only a servant of the Lord. I can share these truths, but I cannot make you know them.

---Lord, today I pray again, that You are pleased with my words, and that I might reach someone that is in need of You. I thank you Lord for giving me these words and this knowledge to "put to paper." I ask that all who read these words will be moved to learn more and read Your Holy Word for themselves and that if answers are needed that they are able to find them. I thank you again for working through me Lord, and for growing my faith as well. I pray these things in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen

HOLINESS By Gail Rodgers

"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place" (Psalm 51:6).

The preacher was talking about "holy living." Sharon yawned. It made her think of quiet monasteries. Surely "holiness" could not to be expected in this day and age! She dismissed the word as old and musty and the sermon as irrelevant.

Before going to sleep, Sharon opened her Bible. Tonight she would read a quick Psalm. Verse 6 of Psalm 51 jumped out at her:
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place."

The Holy Spirit shone His light into her heart. Suddenly, with clarity, she understood what holiness was. God was whispering to her heart. "Holiness is truth in the inner parts."

She hadn't expected God to really speak to her heart tonight. The inner parts were the places no one else saw...only God. This was where her true attitudes lived, this was where she hid the words that sprang to her mind when she was angry, this was where the justifications of her little white lies were tucked away.

Sharon had recently asked God to help her become "whole" as she struggled with some issues in her life. She had had no idea that "wholeness" comes through "holiness."

Sharon knew she needed God's wisdom to teach her in these hidden places. A new desire for holiness sprang up in her heart. With the light of God's Spirit shining on these hidden areas Sharon knew she wanted to live differently.

What a revelation. God had so gently taken her heart and drawn her on toward wholeness. Never again would she see "holiness" as musty and irrelevant.

She asked God to forgive her for the hidden things in her heart. With His help she would begin telling the truth in her inner part. She thanked Him for showing her the true meaning of a holy life. She asked Him to bring His wisdom into the places where attitudes, words and integrity were hidden issues that were silently robbing her of all God wanted to do in and through her. Holiness...the pathway to wholeness!

~Father God, today I want to thank You that You never leave me alone. You always draw me on in my walk with You. Thank you for showing me that holiness is simply "truth in the inner parts." Today I invite You to penetrate my inner parts and reveal to me the areas where You want to free me from hidden thoughts, words, attitudes, and integrity issues only I know about. I need Your wisdom in these places as I journey on to wholeness. Thank you for the light of Your Holy Spirit in my heart. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Is There Any Need for Church??

There are those that would say that going to church is not necessary for salvation. There are those that would disagree. Here's what I think: going to "church" is not necessary for salvation. However, I do think that fellowship with other believers is necessary for continued growth and discernment in your Christian faith walk. Jesus said that gathering together to study his words and his message and finding agreement (everyone agreed as to what was meant, and all understood.)

"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers,* I am there among them." Matthew 18:19,20 (NLT) *Greek: gathered in my name

These were Jesus' words, people! He instructed us to gather together so that we might lift one another up, and be able to discern God's will in all matters, rather than our own. All believers have the Holy Spirit within to help guide their ways, but God did not take away our free will when He gave us the Spirit. We are still tempted, and we will still ignore the Spirit's prompting and need others that will hold us accountable, and take the time to explain why our sin was sin. (I think that quite often our sin may not actually be intentional, or we just have not evaluated whether our actions or thoughts are sinful.)

The only perfect human was Jesus himself, and even He kept fellowship with others so that He might teach them, and so that all might learn from one another and keep each other accountable to the Word of God and to His instruction as Christ followers. Jesus also stated that the church would be the rock upon which His foundation would be laid.

By "church" He meant a body of believers that were in fellowship with one another on a regular and consistent basis. Whether that means going to an organized church every Sunday, or having a bible study in your home regularly, I don't know if it matters. What does matter is that you have fellowship.

In fact, I think it's possible to have virtual fellowships, if they are consistent, and the people in fellowship with one another can truly be in fellowship with one another. I also feel it's necessary that there is some educated knowledge of scripture, with attendees all having various levels of spiritual maturity, but with at least one person that is able to teach the others (because they have studied the word extensively and have tested their interpretations of it.)

Even Jesus went to synagogue regularly. "When Jesus came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. Luke 4:16 (NLT) If Jesus, the Son of God, and Savior of all, went to church regularly, who are we to dissuade anyone??? I for one wouldn't want to take the chance that I might be discouraging someone from seeking the Lord.

If you read 1 Corinthians 12:12-25 You will find that Paul shows us here that we all need one another, because we are each a part of the whole "body of Christ." And goes on to say that "This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it..." 1 Cor 12:25-27 (NLT)

For those that say that the church today is not what Jesus intended, I say this: Many churches and congregations have stumbled in their efforts to spread the Good News, and some have had leaders that stumbled. But who are we to judge? Do we not have logs in our own eye? I do not think that we can lump all churches into this group.

There are churches available that teach the Word of God, as it is written; and that strive to be truly godly in their leadership, and encourage their members to do the same. The only thing that is accomplished by discouraging church attendance, is that unbelievers usually stay unbelievers, and sinners die without ever knowing the saving grace of God.

So again I say: Do I think that church attendance is the only way to be in fellowship with other believers? No, I don't. However, I do think you must be in fellowship, in some manner. Do I think that every believer needs another to help hold them accountable? Most assuredly yes. To believe otherwise, is to listen to the deceiver, just as Eve did in the Garden, when she was told that by eating the fruit of knowledge, she would be as God. You cannot be sinless, it is not possible. You can try, and you can come close, perhaps, but all of us are sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. Even after accepting Christ as our savior. Let go of pride in self, and reach out in love to others that may need your "body part."
Love and Blessings in His Holy Name.

Stewards - Not Owners! By Bob Gass

"He must increase, but I must decrease."
John 3:30

When the crowds left John the Baptist to follow Jesus, he said: "This is the assigned moment for Him to move into the centre, while I slip off to the sidelines" (John 3:30 TM). John thought like a steward. A steward simply manages something for the owner until he comes to take it back. John knew that the crowd leaving him for Christ was never his to begin with. God had simply placed them under his care for a period of time to accomplish certain purposes. With John this was apparently just fine.

John's view of stewardship presents us with an important principle. For his crowds may be our careers, our assets, our natural and spiritual gifts, etc. Are these things owned or merely managed in the name of the One Who entrusted them to us? Your answer depends on whether you're called or driven. Driven people consider them owned; called people don't. When driven people lose things it's a major crisis; when called people lose them, nothing's changed. Why? Because their calling is not to a position, it's to a person - the person of Christ. Knowing who he was not was the beginning of John knowing who he was. And who was he? A steward! And he didn't aspire to anything beyond that.

What is success, as God counts success? It's when others hear you, but follow Jesus. It's when others see some quality in you that causes them to fall more in love with Him. Only when that happens, and you feel like you've lost nothing in the process, can you truly say, "Father, I've done what You called me to do."

Rivers And Reservoirs (1) by Bob Gass

Be stingy and lose everything. The generous... prosper.
Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT
One reason the Dead Sea is a big tourist attraction is because it's got such high mineral concentrations that even nonswimmers can stay afloat in its waters. The only problem is that, because it has no outlets, any fresh water that comes in quickly becomes contaminated. Solomon said, "Be stingy and lose everything. The generous… prosper." God never intended us to be reservoirs that just take in; He called us to be rivers that flow out to bless others. Something interesting happens when you stop focusing on yourself and get concerned with other people's needs.
Paul says, "A person who gives cheerfully… will… have… plenty left … to share" (2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NLT). If you want to grow you've got to sow! When the Macedonian church was "tested by great troubles, and… very poor… they gave… much… more than they could afford" (2 Corinthians 8:2-3 NCV). They understood that when you invest in the lives of others, God promises to meet your needs too.

So if you need a job today, volunteer at a soup kitchen while you're looking for work. If you're praying for an increase in your business, pour yourself into somebody else's business and ask God to prosper them. The Bible says when you "Give generously… your gifts will return to you later," plus, "In the days ahead you yourself may need… help" (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 TLB).

Even if you don't have a specific need right now, sow a seed of kindness anyway. Only God knows what the future holds, and one day when you need it the most it'll come back to bless you with a harvest.