Tithing & Forgiving of Debts 03.06.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday March 6, 2008 and today we are continuing our study on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 14 -- 16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about clean and unclean food; the Law of the tithe; dedication of the firstborn; the three feasts (festivals) to be observed; judges and justice. The focus of this study is the importance of tithing and forgiving of debts.

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 truly tithe on all the increase of your harvest from what you sow. "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).

Tithing reminded the people that they, as well as the land, belonged to the Lord, and who should occupy first place in their lives. Since all they possessed was the result of His loving provision, their tithes to the Lord were to be given first, before all other considerations. Furthermore, no Israelite could come before the Lord without an offering commensurate with his income. To bring less would be unacceptable and an expression of disobedience and ingratitude. The Israelites were also taught to rejoice with a heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of honoring God with their tithes and offerings and that by doing so they will see the blessings of God. "At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest." (14:28-29).

More than five hundred years before the Law was given to Moses, Abraham, paid a tenth (tithe) as an acceptable offering to the Lord. That principle continued throughout the Bible, and includes all believers today who are called the children of Abraham. Today, the Lord's ministries, missionaries, churches, Bible schools, Bible publishers, translators, and other agencies are being sustained through the tithes and offerings of His people in order to reach out to the lost and those who live in poverty.

Israel was instructed to observe a year of release every seven years when all indebtedness was to be cleared from all the records. "At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release. And this is the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth ought unto his neighbour shall release it; he shall not exact it of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD's release. Of a foreigner thou mayest exact it again: but that which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release; Save when there shall be no poor among you; for the LORD shall greatly bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day" (15:1-5).

God has always demonstrated loving concern for the poor, the widow, children, and the helpless. The sufferings of distressed people touch His heart. "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. And if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve thee six years; then in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from thee. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of thy flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy winepress: of that wherewith the LORD thy God hath blessed thee thou shalt give unto him." (15:11-14).

God is just as compassionate today when He observes men, women, and children who live in poverty and expects us to respond as His Body on earth. Can anyone believe that God is indifferent to the pain, sorrows, griefs, and trials of His creation? In the darkest night and wildest storm, He is saying to all who receive Him as Savior and Lord, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. "But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." (Matthew 14:27).

The Gospel of salvation is a testimony to the tender mercy of His nature. He has remembered all of us when we were eternally lost and bound by Satan and separated from the riches of His grace. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). All who have received Christ as Lord of their lives and who have manifested His concern for the needs of others will hear the King say unto them: "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matthew 25:31-36).

As we read God's Word, the Holy Spirit will provide His guidance, regardless of how difficult our circumstances may seem, He will give us the peace and comfort we need to endure all of our struggles, including financial.

Today's Psalm: 72:12-13
"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with a new day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings that you have given me. Lord, I surrender all my financial affairs and concerns over to You. I ask that you remove my worries, anxieties, and fears about money, and replace them with faith. Help me strengthen my faith as I read Your Word and apply it to my life. I know and trust that my debts will be paid and money will flow into my life. I have only to look to nature to see proof of the abundance you provide. I release all negative thoughts and know that You will help me to be prosperous in all that I do. I commit to being grateful for all that I now have in my life and will learn to manage my finances wisely, seeking help where needed. And finally, I ask you to help me understand my purpose in life and to act on that purpose with courage and strength. I love You, Lord and ask these things in Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wonderful day.night.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net