Rise Up

In this time of recession, foreclosures, job terminations, and etc. People are hurting and they are looking for some hope. they need to hear someone say, it's going to be okay. Yes, some say the recession is just in the minds of those that buy into it. Some say that they were never affected by the recession. In my time of reflection, I have had many things occur to me and affect me over the past 3, going on four, years. So I went to God in prayer. I asked him to show me where to find the strength I need to do all that he has placed in me.

The first thing He showed me was my position. This is very important because without knowing exactly where I am in life I can miss out on some great things. So he had to show me that I am still in his hands. He sees and knows me. I am in the Will of God doing what I am suppose to be doing. In the good times, bad times, and the indifferent times, I must move forward. Then He backed it up with scripture.

Acts 3:1-8
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. ” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

Now you may say how did this back up what you said the Lord showed you? Well, I am glad you asked me that. Listen to this. Peter and John were on their way to the temple at the hour of prayer. They had sat at the feet of Jesus literally and nod now they were going to sit at His feet metaphorically. At the feet of Jesus you can find strength for your weary soul, forgiveness for your sin stained soul, and healing from hurts, habits and hangups. Most importantly, you can find direction. So Peter and John were in the right place. They were coming to meet their Master. They were coming to hear a word from the Lord. That was me too. I needed strength, healing and forgiveness. I needed to hear from God.

Also, the lame man was in the right place at the right time. He had friends that brought him daily to the gate of the temple to beg for alms. To ask for help of those entering and exiting the temple. Where can we go but to the House of Faith to get what we need. We must open our mouths to ask. we cant keep hiding behind the facade of I doing okay. Stop settling for the mediocre and get exactly what god intended you to have.

The next thing God showed me was that money does answer all things but the TRUE answer is only found in Him. When Peter said Silver and Gold have I not but such as I have I give to you. He was saying that your need does not require a temporary fix. It needs to be fixed completely. Telling the man to look upon us, he was telling the man to look up and see the real source that would supply the need. Not man, mot money, not a new job but God. Don't see me as your daughter, sister, mother, brother or friend but see the God in me. Isn't Paul said it's not I but the Christ that lives inside of me. I look to people to answer my need but I need to look to God.

He was in the right place to receive the best solution for his need. He weakness exposed, the real strength could be unleashed. the power that lay in Peter and John. the power that lays in each of us. Don't be afraid to fix your eyes on a problem and speak hope to that issue.

I love that Peter and John were on their way to prayer meaning that may have need god to do something for them but they still took the time to speak life. to open their mouth. to be used of God. So what do you have to give?

Tithing: A Lesson To Be Learned Part 2

When we left off in this series of lessons, we talked about what a tithe is as compared with offerings and alms. Now I wanted to take you back to the beginning. Let's talk about history of the tithe and then look at the first mentioning of Tithe in the bible. tithe did not start with the Law being given to Moses. Which leads me to believe that it would not stop with the law but it would transcend.

History of  the Tithe

The predominant concept of tithing today involves the giving of money to one's local church. It is often mistaken to be the same as the Old Testament Jewish practice of giving first fruits. Briefly expounding upon first fruits will offer some help in clarifying exactly what the difference between tithing and first fruit. While it is not within the scope of this work to comment on every Scripture pertaining to either first fruits or tithing, it is important to note that an examination of God's Word reveals that first fruits and tithes were not the same thing.

First fruits were primarily agricultural (with a noted exception below) and included produce "in the raw state (grain and fruit); those prepared for use as food (wine, oil, flour, and dough), including wool" (Ex. 22:29; 23:19; 34:26; Deut. 18:4). Offerings of first fruits were to be the choicest portions (Num. 18:12) and the amount of the offering was apparently left to the discretion of the giver. According to Nelson's Quick Reference Bible Dictionary: The law ordered in general that the first of all ripe fruits should be offered in God's house. It was an act of allegiance to God as the giver of all. No exact quantity was commanded, but it was left to the spiritual and moral sense of each individual.

First fruit offerings were the "perquisite of the priests" (Num. 18:11; Deut. 18:4). In other words, the Temple priests received part of their wages in the form of edible provisions or commodities, e.g., wool; first fruit offerings were one means of this support. Tithing, on the other hand, while eventually serving some of the same purposes as first fruits, e.g., the support and provision for priests, was different from the giving of first fruits. The portion of an individual's first fruits was at the discretion of the giver--the amount could vary--while the amount of a tithe could not.

The Antiquity of Tithing Many Christians are unaware that tithing was not first practiced by the ancient Jews. It was an ancient practice to be sure, but it was exercised in many cultures. Even prior to the earliest biblical record of tithing (Gen. 14:18-20), it was a custom practiced by several people groups as noted by Christopher Hill in his Economics of the Early Church:

The system of appropriating 10 per cent. [sic] of the produce of the community to the maintenance of a priest is of great antiquity. It existed not only among the Jews, but also in many pagan tribes. 

And, according to Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible:

the institution of offering tithes of the fruits of the field and of the flocks is one which dates back to a period greatly anterior to Israelite history. A tenth of the flocks, fruits, and possessions of all kinds, as well as of the spoils of war, was given to their gods [referring to pagan tithing] by many peoples. The widespread practice in the ancient world of tithing by giving a portion of one's profit or spoils of war extended from Greece to China. Donation of a tenth portion was common apparently because most people "counted in tens, based on ten fingers." 

The word "tithe," it should be noted, actually means "tenth." The word's history is tied to "the old ordinal numeral in English." Phonetic changes in the prehistory of the English language are responsible for the word looking very different from the word ten.

The Concise Evangelical Dictionary of Theology says that tithing is the "practice of giving one-tenth of one's property or produce to support religious institutions." This is quite an interesting definition since it allows two ways to understand the word "produce."

Further Definition

In Elwell's definition above, the word "produce" could easily be understood to mean fruits and vegetables or that which has been produced for the expressed purpose of exchange, e.g., wages or money. The definition allows both an ancient and modern understanding of tithing. It is appropriate to say that whatever your increase, profit, income is this is what you should give a tenth of to God. As stated in my last lesson, if one receives clothes, shoes, food, or money, then that person should give in kind. Plainly stated, if you are given ten suits, one should be given to God. likewise if you make 100.00 then 10.00 should be given to God.

Tithing, Before the Law

Now let's move on to Abraham,

Genesis 14:18-20

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Abraham had just defeated Chedorlaomer (Kedorlaomer) king of Elam and three kings, with only his 318 trained servants and his allies Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. The purpose of the attack had been to rescue Lot who had been taken captive by Chedorlaomer. God had given Abraham the victory so it was

appropriate to express gratitude. From the spoils of victory Abraham gave a tenth of all to Melchizedek.

Then we have Jacob:

Genesis 28:20-22

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.

This promise was made at Bethel following a vision Jacob had experienced while sleeping. Jacob's promise to tithe was conditional upon the message of the vision being personally applicable; ie keeping him in his travels,

giving him bread to eat and clothes to wear until he returned to his fathers house. Later in Genesis just prior to Jacob returning to his home land we read of him,

Genesis 30:43

In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

Thus God had prospered Jacob and gave him more than he could otherwise have earned. the same is true if we make the vow to God that we will give a tithe to him, he will make sure that you have all that you need to render the tithe but to be completely taken care of. this is what Malachi meant about a blessing you will not have room enough to receive. the old adage you cannot out give God is true when it come to the principle of tithing. Yes, tithing is a principle, a principle (doctrine, fact, law) that has been around long before the Law of Moses.

Should a Christian Tithe?

Well, let's put it this way, we will talk more about the New Testament in our last lesson of the series. However, based on all my research and studying the Bible for myself I believe God has given me a clear understanding of a principle he established for his church.

A Christian that is actively seeking to please God, should not just tithe but they should give more. Israel under the weak and beggarly Old Testament gave more than 10% in tithes and offerings, so we under the blessings of the New Testament should give more than they, and the Spirit-filled examples agree (Gal 4:9; Heb 7:19,22; 8:6; Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37). Remember, the Lord requires based on what He has given you (Luke 12:48).

Tithing, originated long before the Law, but the Law systematized its practice (Gen 9:6). The New Testament  does not mention tithing by name, except for Jesus correcting the Jews (Matt 23:23; Luke 11:42) and Paul’s historical description of Abraham giving Melchizedek a tithe (Heb 7:1-4). But there are many useful and Godly principles of the Old Testament that are not repeated specifically in the New Testament.

However, the new Testament does require giving by doctrine and precept for the very same things as the Old Testament – the ministry and the poor (Acts 20:35; I Cor 9:1-18; 16:1-3; II Cor 8:1-24; 9:1-15; Gal 6:6; I Tim 5:3,17; 6:17-19; I John 3:17-18).  The New Testament saints gave with cheerful liberality and obvious personal sacrifice both in public and private, for their position or assets in this world meant little to them (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37; 6:1; Phil 4:10-18; Philemon 1:4-7; Heb 10:34; III John 1:5-8). They give to ministers who labor full time in the ministry and to poor saints, including widows indeed, in their own church and in other churches (Acts 6:1; 11:28-30; Rom 15:25-27; I Cor 9:7-14; 16:1-3; Gal 2:10; 6:6; I Tim 5:17-18; II Tim 2:4).

Many will say that since tithing is not specifically named in the new Testament that we should not tithes, however, the New Testament does not mention corporal punishment, but the same ones who say don't tithe will use the O.T. principle to train your children (Pr 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). It does not mention saving money, but you do so from Solomon (Pr 6:8; 30:25). It does not mention many Godly rules or principles, which may be assumed from the O.T. The tithe was not abolished, as was the Sabbath. The Sabbath was not pre-Moses, was for Israel only, and was clearly abolished according to Paul. Tithing was pre-Moses and not rejected by Paul, thus remaining as a guide. That is right, Paul did appeal to the Law of Moses for principles of financial giving, which shows the remaining validity of the principles pertaining to giving (I Cor 9:8-9; II Cor 9:9; I Tim 5:18).

Some may ask, what if it becomes a mere ritual? Worship becoming a dead ritual depends on your heart, for systematic giving can be done cheerfully, as Moses required of the Jews, and Paul required of the Gentiles (I Cor 16:1-3). Does attending assemblies every Lord’s Day or daily reading of the Bible become a dead ritual merely by its discipline or habit? No!

Some may ask, What if I am in debt and cannot afford to give? I say this, Because you are in financial trouble, you cannot afford NOT to give! Joseph and Mary, though poor, brought two turtledoves for our Lord’s dedication (Luke 2:22-24; Lev 12:8). Jesus took note of a widow giving two mites over rich men giving much (Lev 12:1-4). Moses required a soul offering of every citizen without regard for ability to give (Ex 30:5). The Philippians gave generously, though they were comparatively poor (II Cor 8:1-5).

Some may ask, What about the Tele-Evangelist and others that want me to give to their ministries? Some should be rejected as false prophets, for they are not sent by God, do not preach God’s words, steal widows’ houses through fake prayers, promise lies about getting rich, and sell trinkets without shame (Matt 23:14). But their heresies, lies, and scams do not negate the need to generously support God’s ministers (I Tim 5:17-18). 

My personal thoughts are to pray about giving to other ministries. You cannot go wrong if God is prompting you to give. God is aware of his true ministers, and He will guide you in the way you should go. Trust the Spirit of God in you when it comes to supporting other ministries. DO NOT give to others if you are not faithfully giving to your local church (pastor). You should give because you are receiving spiritual food and substance to live your life according to God's will. I am sure if you are going to a local church every week, that man or woman of God is feeding you spiritual food, I mean really, would you go to a church where you were not getting what you needed to survive spiritually? NO! However, there are other places where you can get fed also, so again give as the Lord directs.

Love and Respect: Where Has It Gone?

Okay, many of you may be aware that I posted on facebook last night that I was conducting my first wedding ceremony. Well I have some thoughts and I would like to share them with you.


Now I am not one that likes to use my title to get me any kind of favors however, I do think that just as you respect someone in the secular world with a title of CEO or VP or President, Manager etc. you should respect the titles that God has chosen to give to those he selected to be in the fivefold ministry. Better than that any one that God has given his extended authority to.

So with that said, I was honored and thrilled that my friend from my childhood thought to ask me to marry her to her fiancé. YES, I was honored. We did six months of marriage counseling (pre-marriage). I was even given the opportunity to pray with them as they both accepted Christ into their lives. What a joy.

Yesterday, when I arrived at the small church where they were being married in front of about 50 guests. I was greeted by a young woman, who told me she was my personal assistant for the day. Anything and everything I needed she would make it happen. As she handed me some cold water to drink without me asking for it, now this young woman had to be about 17 or 18 years old. She was so respectful and very attentive to me. She escorted me to the office where I was to wait until the ceremony started. She asked me if there was anything I needed. She gave me a run don of the events on that day. She announced every guest that came to see me. I think you understand she made me feel very comfortable.

The next thing that was the makeup artist, she asked me if she could touch up my makeup. She said it would be an honor to serve you. She did a lovely job on my makeup too. She made me look wonderful.

Then at the reception, many of the guest there I had went to Junior high or high School with and they knew me when i was all bad nothing good came near or was in me. I was a member of the church but I was not trying to be a Christian by any means. I was in gangs, carried a knife and gun and fought just because I could. Get the picture, if anyone should have been leery of my new life it would be these people. They accepted me for who I was. They (most of which are not in church) would not curse in my presence, the Bride and groom did not serve liquor because they knew I was going to be there and did not want anyone to be drunk in my presence. I mean these people showed me love and respect.

Not because I was Linda but because I represented God. MAN that is so awesome to me. They respected the title that God gave me more than others that should understand the title and the authority God has given to those that wear the title. I must admit their respect for God caused me to want to be a better representative of God.

So I was thinking, if Christians would stop trying to point fingers and judge those God has appointed with assignments to preach, teach, prophesy, build, rebuke, equip and etc. the body of Christ and start showing the Love and respect that is due to the title God has given. Would the men and women that carry the title want to do better? I think so.

I mean titles are nothing; we are people just like you, however, even though your CEO is a person just like you still respect him. You still whether you like him or not give him the respect of the title. You may not agree with what he says or does, you may even know that he was a weasel before getting the title however, when it comes to his position you allow him to serve according to his title but we in the church have lost that respect.

Yesterday, I was reminded that there are still those that respect God enough that they are willing to extend that respect to the representatives of God. It took what we call sinners, to remind me of how we should treat one another and expect to be treated in return. Yes, I am just like you but I have a calling on my life that shows that God has trusted me with a portion of his authority. So I will never throw around my title, however, I will always respect those that God has chosen to give a title to.

Just my thoughts.

Tithing - A Lesson To Be Learned Part 1

A question came to me in email and what you read is the answer I gave.

The question was simply, "Pastor Linda, I am confused, I heard on a your show on Blog Talk Radio that I should tithe. You mentioned that is not just an Old Testament covenant but Jesus affirmed it in the New Testament. I would really like a Bible study on this so I can search out the truth according to God's Word. Please help me."

My answer:

So many have the same question and I would like to take my time and really help you explore this. In the end I pray that you are ready to accept the truth as God reveals it to your heart. It seems so few people these days give tithes, offerings, and alms, yet they profess to be walking with God. This applies to people all over the world. By their actions, they deny Him. The Bible clearly states in John 14:14-16:

"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— "

If you love Me keep my commands. So let's pray that god will open your heart and mind to hear the words of the Lord. It is God that will reveal the truth through the Holy Ghost that rest in you. Then we will be able to keep His commands and thus be pleasing to Him. Let's pray:

Father, in Jesus name, I thank You that You are instructing me in the way I should go and that You are guiding me with your eye. I thank you for your guidance and leading concerning Your will, Your plan and Your purpose for my life. I do hear the Voice of the Good Shepherd, for I know You and follow You. You lead me in the paths of righteousness for your name sake.

Thank you father, that Jesus was made unto me wisdom. Confusion is not a part of my life. I am not confused about your will for my life. I trust in you and  lean not to my own understanding. as I acknowledge you in all my ways, You are directing my paths and enlightening my understanding. I believe that as I trust in You completely, You will show me the path of life. Amen. Taken from "Prayers That Avail Much" 25th Anniversary Commemorative Edition

 Lesson 1 - What is a Tithe?

Introduction

Every person is to give 10% of their total income to God. This is called a tithe. Tithing is a command from God. In addition, as the Lord provides, a person should give extra (an offering) and also should give to the poor (alms). Giving an excuse, such as, "I don’t have enough," is not acceptable to God. There is no one that is exempt, even a housewife or a person in prison receiving an income or other items is to tithe on them.
Every Pastor, Preacher, Minister, Missionary, Church Member and every ministry ought to tithe. Ministries should consider tithing to other ministries as God directs. Would it cause offense to suggest that you give an offering, when asking a ministry for a cassette or book? Those that can ought not only to give an offering but give generously according to their ability. In Proverbs it says,

"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.

Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee." Proverbs 3:27-28

Do you want the truth, or do you wish to continue living in deceit? God forbid, all too often, those that profess Christ are yielding to the lusts of the flesh, covetousness, and evil desires. They are struggling to make ends meet and wondering why there is not enough money to last the month. No where in the Word of God do I see that Christians are be concerned about money or not have their needs met. What I do see is promises that God will supply your need. So let's back up a bit and talk about tithing, as it pertains to you and I, in today's society.
The subject of giving tithes and offerings is covered in Mal 3:6 - 12

"For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts."

There is a lot of misleading preaching on prosperity in the church today. Some may say, "Just send me $100.00, and a financial blessing will be poured out on you." Note, Malachi said, ye are cursed with a curse, if you are not giving tithes and offerings. So we are to give tithes and offerings. Why? because we are commanded to. We are also to give alms. Many are sick, hurting financially, or have multitudes of problems. One area to examine is whether or not you are obeying God in the area of tithes and offerings.

What Is A Tithe, Specifically?

Now what is meant by a tithe? A tithe is ten percent of your income or increase. For instance, if you are paid $100.00 a week then your tithe would be $10.00 per week. Do you have a garden? Tithe ten percent of the increase of your garden. Do you rent houses to others? Tithe ten percent of your profit. Let me be clear, if you own an apartment/house and rent it out. This does not mean you begin spending lots of money to fix it up, saying, "I’ll give what is leftover to the Lord." Perhaps, you try to justify spending large amounts of money on your taxes—as tax write-offs. You are not to do that with God. You are not to play games with God's money. Ten percent of your total income, before bills, before food, before shopping belongs to God. Ten percent of your net income is God’s. If you rob God, you can expect to have a curse on you.

The tithe is the first ten percent. If you receive something, you tithe or give the best. You do not give the worst to God or what is leftover, but the best. For example, if you catch ten fish, you tithe the best one to God. If you are given ten apples, you give God the best one. This is considered a tithe. You can tithe money, items, food and etc. The only thing that can not be tithe is time or if you are taking a loan. Time can not be extended we all have 24 hours and loan must be paid back. You cannot have an increase in time nor is a loan considered an increase.

It's A Holy Thing

We read in Lev 27:30-33

"And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. He shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed."


Now here's the thing, the tithe is holy unto the Lord. It is to be set apart for him only. But when we read verse 33 we find that anything we give to the Lord is Holy unto to him. So that makes the offering a holy thing also. This is why it is important that we not rob God.

Here's an additional note for you, if you pay unless than a tenth of your increase, then you need to know that god is looking for the tithe plus the amount you choose to substitute for it. An Example: you are paid 100.00 and you only pay five percent as a tithe. God is expecting you to give him the ten percent in addition to the five percent paid. He is now concerning it all a tithe. All of it become holy to the Lord.

Also, in verse 31 it speaks of redeeming or borrowing the tithe, as we would put it today. Then you must pay an additional fifth part of the tithe. This means that you would pay ten percent plus an additional twenty percent of the tithe. For an example: You are paid 100.00 and you decided to use the tithe and pay it the next time you are paid. Then you would pay ten percent of the 100.00 (10.00) and additional twenty percent of the 10.00 (2.00). in addition to the tithe you owe for your current increase.

Let me ask you a hard question: Do you think you are going to heaven, If you do not tithe? Is a robber going to enter heaven? Unless he repents, no, he will not. Well, which is worse? To rob a bank or to rob God? Sin cannot enter God presence and in heaven we will be in God's presence. Sin is disobedience and blatant rebellion. In Matthew 7 we are told there will be those that say Lord I did great things in your name and he will say depart from me ye worker of iniquity (sin), I never knew you. A person who says, "I’ve been a Christian for 5 years," but does not tithe, can expect a surprise at the judgment, as their actions indicate they have not truly repented and have no real relationship with Christ. They have not obeyed God’s Word.

Even Jesus Commended Tithers

many preachers today teach that tithing went away with the Law and that in the New Testament it is not mentioned. Instead they teach: God wants you to give whatever He lays on your heart. If that is all that you have, so be it. God loves a cheerful giver. Let's read Matt 23:23-24:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth (tithe) of your spices—mint, dill and cumin (whatever is the increase). But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former (tithing). You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." 

What was the former? The tithe. Without neglecting tithing. There it is. You see, the problem was they were giving the tenth, but they were not walking in faith; they were not practicing justice. Jesus tells us to do both. In the New Living Translation it says:

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,[g] but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. YOU SHOULD TITHE,YES, but do not neglect the more important things. Blind guides! You strain your water so you won’t accidentally swallow a gnat, but you swallow a camel!"

even Jesus was aware that tithing is important. However, it is more important to live a holy life that is acceptable to God and not take advantage of others or deal with them harshly. Jesus still said tithing is a part of the christian life even after the Law. For we know that Jesus came not to do away with the Law but that the Law through him would be fulfilled. Even though, we live by grace and mercy...meaning we can not do anything to change how much God loves us, we can do something about how pleased he is with us. again I am reminded, If you love me keep my commands.



What Is An Offering And Alms?

So robbing God is not just in the tithe but also in the offering. It states in Malachi 3: 8-9, that we are robbing God and because of it we are cursed with a curse. We are to give ten percent and that goes to the church you attend. You ought to always give a little more, because the Bible also says offerings. Let’s explain in more detail what is meant, and then cover the Scriptures. You have offerings (which are over your ten percent). Your tithe and offering goes to your church, you may also send additional offerings to any born-again ministry that God directs you. However, the Lord does not lead you contrary to Scripture.

Alms are given to the poor. My personal opinion is give to those in need in the household of faith first, and then you can give to those in and around your community as a witness of Christ's love and mercy.

Next lesson: we will go back to the first mention of the tithe and explore why tithing is still a command for us today.

Evangelist Linda Hillman

Activate Grace

Many Chrstians when asked about Grace will quote that grace is unmerited favor. They would be right. However, God's grace is more than just unmerited favor. Let's begin here:

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Cor 12:9 (NIV)

This is a very common scripture we use ( or Ishould say I use) when things seems to be beyond my power. when things seem to be going wrong or i cant get over something. You know the trials that come to make us strong. But what if my brothers and sisters God wanted more for us. What if there is more to this grace that we have not uncovered. Well about 2% of the christian world have. They understand that grace is God's power for us to live above what we could ever hope, dream or imagine. Let's go to another scripture to help you see what I mean.

"Because of all that the Son is, we have been given one blessing after another." John 1:16 (CEV)

Now this says because we are connected to the Son, we get unmerited favor. This unmerited favor is blessing one after another. Now that sounds good but how does that help me to live and make it through this world. A world where trouble comes without warning and it's shows no prejudice? I need more than unmerited favor... I mean dont get me wrong the blessings are wonderful and come just in the nick of time. But as John Bever states we are to live extraordinary lives. Not just blessed lives. So, we need more than unmerited favor from God, We need power to live right, and power to do right, power to believe the unimaginable. we need to be empowered by God to live our purpose and destiny. So now let's go to second base.

All through the book of acts we read that the disciples did miracles, signs and wonders...even though they were being presecuted. Dont take my word for it read Acts 5:13, Acts 10:26, Acts 14:11-15, Acts 17:6, and Acts 28:6. These were men and women just like us but they lived full of power just like Acts 1:8 said. We can live in that power too. For God is no respector of persons, if He did it for Peter, James, John, Paul and Mary...He will do it for you and me too.

Read 2 Cor 12:9 again, it says:

"But he replied, "My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am." (CEV)

So instead of thinking about this grace as unmerited favor, which it is, but it is more than that too. It's Charis (grace) It is the divine influence upon the heart and it's reflection in our lives. It's a gift, favor, a benefit and grcious liberality. Grace is God's empowerment to us.

So what great thing are you trying to accomplish but are having great difficulties. It states when we are weak, God's grace, HIS power is sufficient for us. It is strong. It is able to give us what we need to live as we ought to. Read this:

"Who were chosen and foreknown by God the Father and consecrated (sanctified, made holy) by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and to be sprinkled with [His] blood: May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance [that spiritual peace to be [a]realized in and through Christ, [b]freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts]. Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God's power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that [c]final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time." 2 Peter 1:2-5 (AMP)

I dont know about you but that scripture makes me what to shout, "Devil, you messed up now! you are messing with the wrong one." See as long as he can make us think we are to live this life by our own power we dont call upon the power that was given to us by Jesus. We continue to live beneath our means and experience a vapor of what god really has in store for us. I thnk God for equipping us with Grace. unmerited favor YES! but he has given us power to do all the things he has called us to do. He gave it to us when we said yes to Him. He did not leave us to fight the good fight on our own. Maybe we know this but are we living by it. Use the grace that God has given you not just for the blessings but for the abundant power to live the life you were meant to live. I end with this scripture:

"And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along. Through followers of Jesus like yourselves gathered in churches, this extraordinary plan of God is becoming known and talked about even among the angels!" Ephesians 3:8-10 (MSG)

So what are you giving the angels to talk about?