That is why you need to have a personal relationship with GOD and not feel intimidated and obligated to humans.The Old Testament says in Malachi 3:9-10 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Some people like to say that this challenge was under Mosaic Law and because we are now under the dispensation of grace, tithing is no longer applicable. But if you read the entire chapter, you would realize the true reason for tithing was (and still is) to take care of the full-time servants of God and His sancturies/temples/churches. Does your pastor/bishop/reverend work full-time in ministry? Do they answer anytime you call for help, counsel you and your family when yall need help and assist yall in times of distress? Does your church provide amenities like electricity, air condition, running water and a clean atmosphere for you to worship in? Does your church subsidize or totally cover costs for Revivals/Crusades, travelling to preach at other churches and do missionary work, Family Day, Church Appreciation Dinners etc? Who do you think pays for all that if Pastor is working full-time? And even if they worked full-time, their salary would be to take care of THEIR own family and also pay THEIR tithes (at least they should). We ALL have to contribute, and not only in money but in our talents and time, to the building up of the kingdom of God! However, because God loves us so much and know that some of us may not always be able to give what we used to and because He knows the deceitful, greedy and wicked hearts of some wolves in sheep clothing He also said in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 9:5-14: Generosity Encouraged Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! So, at the end of it all, it is up to you how much much you want to give. Pray and ask god to direct you giving and to give you eyes and ears of discernment. When we see people in trouble it is not to mac under the guise of care and wanting to pray about the situation. God also wants us to get in their and get our hands dirty in assisting others. (The Holy Bible, James 2:15). But remember giving is not relegated to tithes and offerings. It transcends into fulfilling any need you see and feel led by the Holy Spirit to slake. If you have to be suspect of how your church/pastor is spending your money then you need a new church/pastor ANYWAYS! Remember, when we give we show God our love and thankfulness towards Him. So dont worry about how much or how little you give and how you give it...just GIVE!
Posted on: Sat, 22 Nov 2014 11:21:55 +0000
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