The way to know the true heart of a person is by their check register. Man may be impressed by your "deposits" but God is impressed with your "debits". Amen?! PB touches on it and I can see the restraint he is displaying when I know he wants to be way more direct. So let me do it for him. As a believer our command is to tithe 10% of our income to your storehouse aka, church. If you do not have an established church, than tithe it to a ministry you watch. I faithfully tithed to In Touch Ministries, ran by Charles Stanley, when I was not attending church. Now that my family is involved in 3 churches, we as a family, have chosen to split the tithe 3 ways equally so all 3 churches receive the equal amount of tithes. Then up and above to various ministries or events, we give a "love offering". It is what we are commanded to do. We are not to be looked upon as noble or generous, we are simply being obedient. I cannot stand when someone wants to be rewarded for doing the "right thing" or make it look like you are doing me a favor. No you are honoring your commandment to God. People are so afraid to tithe FIRST because they need to pay for shelter, food, electric, heating. When there is something left over, it is then it is handed to God. In the secular world we are told to "pay" ourselves first in the way of 10% savings then bills. Well in the spiritual world, the first 10% goes to God. There is no debate, there is no compromise, there is no excuse that is accepted by God. When you tithe with all your heart and joy, you will be blessed. Thus the "cheerful giver". The bible story that everyone knows speaks very clearly about this very topic with the story of the poor widow. She gave all she had which was not much but it was more valuable of an offering to God than the rich man who gave generously. Why was that? Because it is easy to give when you have. It is far harder to give when you don't. Let that minister to your hearts. I am not impressed by the people who give generously to their church project or the pastor or a needy family....because those very people are the ones that do it for "show". We are to be quiet givers. Those very people are the ones that give in that way yet ignore their own family that may need a helping hand. Therefore, I am not impressed. People give just what is required rather than from their heart. Who cares if you tithed and gave an offering, take someone to lunch or dinner as a treat. Why? Because you can and because you should. Stop giving only to those that will reciprocate. So be an example to someone today. Show them how to be....for you all will be blessed. Amen!
Luke 21: 1-4
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