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Today is Friday March 6, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read chapters 14-16 in your Bible. You can also Click Here to read the chapters. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2014-16&version=9

Today's Message: Giving Tithe
Giving to God should not be done just to receive a blessing, but it certainly is a blessing to be able to give to the Ministry of God.

The prosperity of Israel in the promised land did not depend on advanced agricultural techniques, but on obedience to the Word of God. The Israelites were taught to tithe on all that they received. "Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household," (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). The principle of tithing was made known through Abraham over six hundred years before the laws of giving were revealed to Moses. Jacob also tithed to acknowledge his gratitude to God, the Provider of all his blessings.

The Israelites were not only taught to bring their tithes to the Lord as a spiritual and moral obligation, but they were to rejoice with a heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of honoring God with their tithes and offerings. Tithing reminded the Israelites that they, as well as the land, belonged to the Lord. Since all they possessed was the result of His loving provision, before all other considerations, their tithes to the Lord were to be given first. Furthermore, no Israelite could come before the Lord without an offering commensurate with his income. To merely bring leftovers or a small part of one's tithe would be an expression of disobedience and ingratitude. "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." (16:17-20).

Although the Law commanded the Israelites to present their tithes to God no legal penalty was stated for those who failed to do so. The giving of the tithe was a testimony of love for God and an acknowledgment that He is truly the owner of all things. This offering was to be a voluntary expression of love. But the blessings of God would be withheld from all who selfishly withheld their tithes, whether rich or the poor.

Today, the Lord's ministries, missionaries, churches, Bible schools, translators, and other agencies are being sustained through the tithes and offerings of His people. To Israel, their only place to bring their tithes and offerings was the Temple. For the Church, Christ's Body on earth, tithes should be given to support the ministry of the Word and where one receives spiritual nurturing through the Word of God.

By the way, giving tithe is more than just giving money, some people do not have income coming in, in this case a tithe would be giving 10% of your time to God or the church, giving food or clothes that you do not need or wear any longer. Tithing is not about money, it's about acknowledging God and thanking Him for what you do have. " But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." (II Corinthians 9:6-11).

Today's Psalm: 37:4
"Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
In thanksgiving we lift our voices of praise from grateful hearts, Father, as we sing songs of praise and adoration to You, our blessed King. Whether in seasons of prosperity or in seasons of want we find Your grace sufficient to meet each one of our needs. You guide us, protect us, and You provide for us as we journey here below. I thank You for every good and perfect gift comes from Your hand. In Jesus' name.....................Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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