Now I Can Breathe Again

Now that our church anniversary is over, I feel like I can breathe again. The church anniversary was a wonderful time of blessing and refreshing. Each year it seems to take more and more out of me. this year I was a bit depressed, one because being in full-time ministry I am not able to go shopping like I would like to do in these special times. Also, we always have a financial obligation to handle for the church. Now if I had the money it would not be a major source of stress for me but I don't ever have to money. However, this year, I thought it would be easier for me because i had streams of income that was suppose to come in in time for me to handle this gift to the church. However, at the last minute it all fell a part. the money I thought I would have never showed up.

So of course, I was stressed trying to trust God to do what I have heard he does for others in my situation. Now I had other obligations to do, my mother brought the robe I had to order and I stepped out on faith to order the cincture and put 20.00 on it. But when the day came to pick it up I did not have the rest of the money to pay for it, so I went to the store and asked the owner if I could borrow it for the event I needed it for and would return it. He moved by God just said I will trust you and when you get the money bring it to me. God showed me that he can work in mysterious ways but still I did not get the money to pay the anniversary gift. Now the anniversary has come and gone and I could be asked any day now if i paid it. I will have to tell the truth but I keep hoping that God will come through for me.

So this leads to what is on my heart...This may sound a bit backwards but it is where I am at and I told God that I can not fake before him and he already knows this. I know the scriptures... I know that God can supply my need according to his riches in glory and through Christ I can do all things. I know that He owns a cattle on a thousand hill and the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the just. I know all this but do i really believe it. every time I have to trust God for the impossible in my finances, I tend to have very little faith. I tend to think that I don't deserve God to do it for me because in actuality, he has done it but not like he has done it for others. For example a  friend of mine got blessed with 225.00, it just appeared in her purse. Another friend  got 100.00 given to her so she could get her robe, another friend got money to help her. I know God had my mother help me with my robe. But I guess my question is, I been asking god for months now for the money to give the anniversary gift. However, I am still in need.

then there is the balance on my cincture, I guess my question in all this is God will you do it for me like you have done it for so many others. What's the difference between my faith and their faith. I know you are not a respecter of persons; so what you do for one you are bound to do for the other. I know that I can rest on that. So as I said I can breathe again and rest in knowing that God is sovereign and he will do what he wants to do, how he wants to do it and when he wants to do it. Now I am trying to learn his timing is not my timing and the things we worry about don't make him nervous. BREATHE!

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.

I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T

I came across this and thought I would share this with my readers. I hope you all enjoy it, because this is something I would have said too. - Linda

I’m not one to know the latest pop or R&B songs, but I do know that a popular theme these days is independence. I overheard someone talking about a song entitled, “Independent” and thought I’d look up the lyrics out of curiosity. The only thing was that the lyrics were so profane that I couldn’t even read through them all. Still, it’s the in thing to be independent for those in the world. Many women tout that they don’t need men, and there are loads of men who admire women who don’t need them. We won’t even discuss how many men want to be independent of the responsibility of having wives and children. So, it’s no surprise that many children feel that they don’t need their parents. Finally, there are far too many people who feel like they don’t need God.

While independence does have attributes in the right context, for the most part, glamorizing it has many pitfalls. The Bible instructs us over and over again to depend on God. Yet, when life is going according to our plans and feels easy, we tend to lose our dependence on Him. We can slip into the attitude that says, “That’s okay, I got this one, God.”

However, we must depend on God for everything at all times. Making the decision to depend on Him isn’t a sign of weakness but true strength. As believers, we don’t live by life’s changing circumstances. In the face of possible death, Paul passes on comfort and advice to other believers. He explains in II Corinthians 1:8-9, “we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life. But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead.” Even in the midst of struggle and suffering, Paul reminds us not to trust in ourselves, but God.

Why should we depend on Him? We should depend on Him because He won’t fail us like people, plans, and things often do. Psalm 121:2 says, “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” God created us out of His image, and He knows us. He knows our hurts and understands our burdens. In fact, Matthew 8:17 says that Jesus, “Himself took our infirmities and bare our sickness.” It doesn’t matter what the problem is, He can handle it. We just have to trust Him and cast our cares on Him.

We should depend on God because His love for us is constant and never changes. David says, “for all that is in heaven and earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest overall; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all” (II Chron. 29:11-12). He loves us. He created us, and we should acknowledge His power, might, and greatness.

Depending on God means that we need Him, not just when the going gets rough but just like the air we breathe, we need Him to survive. We must have faith in Him and trust Him with everything. Furthermore, when we depend on God, we submit our will and desires to His authority and His Word. We have to submit to Him and obey Him. We can’t just trust Him with things we feel comfortable letting Him have. He wants us to have total and complete dependence on Him, so we have to let Him have everything.

On a final note, I do want to add that we also need one another. God created Adam and said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Gen. 2:18). As believers, we make up the body of Christ. In chapter twelve in I Corinthians, Paul says that just as the body has many members but is one, so is the body of Christ. We all need each other to complete the work that God has for us to do and to draw others to Him.

When I hear people say that they don’t need anyone, a red flag goes up. I wonder who has hurt or let that person down. We may avoid some hurt and rejection by being independent, but we morph those negatives into an abyss of selfishness, anger, depression, loneliness, and a host of other problems. God has shown me that when I completely depend on Him, my life is filled with peace and joy. I can then reach out freely to others, knowing that just as I am not perfect, no one else is either. I am not tossed to and fro by life’s ups and downs because my total dependence is on Him, the One who holds my future and the world in the palm of His hands.

Depend on Him for that very thing that you’ve been holding onto, refusing to give to Him. Trust Him with it, and watch Him perform a miracle. Your decision to trust Him will empower you with supernatural strength to overcome any obstacle Satan throws your way.

Drop me a line on the Abiding in the Vine FB group page or on www.MaRitaTeague.blogspot.com

Blessings,MaRita