Tithing is a blessing and will always be an interesting topic of conversation of us. There are
so many different ideas and beliefs about it - that this will be debated until the end of time.
The amazing thing is that on some level, all of it is true. Yes tithing was one of the
laws we were release from. No, you don't have to tithe if you don't want to. No, you
don't have to give 10%...you give what you can. Yes, when you tithe, the intention
is suppose to be for helping to spread the 'Word.' And of course, you do it willingly
and with joy in your heart.
Tithing is extremly personal. You either will or you won't. And the world surly won't
come to an end if you don't. But I still believe that when your intentions are right
you give willingly and joyfully , and you truly believe you will be blessed for your
tithe--then you will be.
This is a very interesting article, and I enjoyed reading it so much, that I wanted
to share it with you. I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I did.
Can You Tithe Your Way To Financial Blessing
By Jim DeSantis
Jesus released us from the law!
In the course of being active in the local church and studying and attaining Associate
Degrees in Pastoral Counseling and Theology, I became convinced that the teaching - "you
can tithe your way out of debt" is a false teaching. Sadly, it is pervasive in the
church today.
Now, it is not my intention to upset the church. I am not a radical by any means. But,
I believe there is no scripture that justifies this, NO, not even Malachi.
In fact, much of the church teaches Malachi incorrectly by not quoting the entire
passage on tithing. They leave out its beginning where Malachi quotes God as
saying - "you have gone away from mine ordinances". The word "ordinances", according
to Strong's Concordance, means "laws". And, as Paul said -" He (Jesus) released us from
the curse of the law".
Common Sense Still Goes A Long Way
This teaching, that you can tithe your way out of debt, or, to put it another way they
teach it, "you can't out give God", has ruined many Christian families.
We had an evangelist come to our church and teach "Do you want a better house? Give
yours away and God will give you a better house!" One woman in the church actually
put her wedding ring in the plate because she was so far in debt she had no money to
give. She would have been better off pawning the ring for cash and putting it towards
a debt! You can imagine, her husband was not at all pleased! The Pastor had enough
sense to give her back the ring.
Get this - if you are giving to get, you will be disappointed and go broke!
The Bible Teaches A Lot About Money
Jesus taught a lot about money. He taught that we should be good stewards of God's
money. He taught that we should be smart investors of God's money. He taught that we
should pay our taxes - "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's". And, Proverbs tells
us - "neither a borrower nor a lender be".
The Bible is full of advice about money, debt, work, and responsibility. Unfortunately,
most Christians don’t read it and study it. They would rather take the word of some
evangelist because it sounds good and they are desperate!
A fellow Christian once said to me - "I tithe faithfully but God is not blessing me.
I can't figure it out."
I answered - "Well, maybe it's because you spend $50.00 a week going to a massage
parlor and another $20.00 a week on beer. That's $70.00 a week you could be giving
to God's work."
You See I Believe God Does Not Look At How Much You Give
He looks at your heart, your motive for giving. He looks at what you do with the
money he has put into your hands. There are many scriptures to support this. Take
some time and read the book of James. It's a short and powerful book.
Because of Malachi, many people believe that all we need to do is give God 10%
("tithe means 10%) plus an offering above the tithe amount and we have met God's
law. But, we are no longer under the law, remember?
You might say to me - "Jim, I don't have any money to give". Well, I would say to you -
actually, you do. Here's my 4 step formula to get you out of debt and financially blessed.
1) You must pay off your debts, especially if you are a Christian.
If you are a deadbeat, what does this say to non-Christians? Get a second job if you
have to. But, get out of debt! Get Christian Credit Counseling if necessary. Get out of debt!
2) Give what you can for now. Even one-dollar! Give it cheerfully!
3) Don't give to be blessed. Give with the idea you are helping the work of the
church or organization getting your donation. God will take care of you automatically.
He knows what you need in the way of finances.
4) Stop squandering God's money. Spend on what you need, not on what you want.
In my own life, once my wife and I understood Malachi, our financial situation changed
dramatically for the better. We ask the Holy Spirit how much we should give, ignoring
the 10% rule. Sometimes it's more than 10%, sometimes it's less than 10%, sometimes
it's zero.
Ever since my wife and I have been giving this way, most of our debts are gone, our bank
account has grown, and, best of all, our needs are always met. Now, you likely have a
Mortgage or pay Rent, maybe a car payment, you have to put food on the table, buy clothing,
pay Doctor bills, etc.
These are debts that almost everyone must incur. Beyond these, always
ask yourself, “Do we need this or just want this?” This simple question will get you out of
debt faster than any budget plan devised by man. And, it will keep you out of debt!
You will be blessed.
Star Attraction
What does Les Brown have to do with Persistence,
success, being positive and hanging out with the right people? You can find out
the latest by going to:
September 5, Prosperity Tools
Prosperity Tools offers you free information about prosperity mandalas, having a prosperity journal,
using prosperity affirmations, prosperity exercises and a prosperity prayer.
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September 3, Video Of The Month
Every month new videos will be featured to motivate and inspire. This month's feature is
Go For Your Dreams. Please watch and enjoy!
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September 3, Inspirational Success Stories
Inspirational Success Stories is about bringing you individuals who successfully accomplished
goals by using the law of attraction. This month feature is The Secret That Changed My Life!
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September 1, Persistence
Les Brown says persistence is key to succeeding and believes there are three groups of people, winners and losers,
and you will have to read to discover the third group.
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August 28, Confessing God's Word About Your Finances
Why are you not using God's Word when it comes to your finances? Never thought you could?
Then discover how faith, positive phrases, optimistic thinking and God's creative power
can get you out of debt.
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August 21, Manifesting Money: Learn A New Money Manifesting Technique
Interest in manifesting money is at an all-time high, so here is a new money manifesting
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August 17, The Science Behind The Law Of Attraction
The science behind the law of attraction reveals there is more to the law of attraction than you
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your present realtiy!
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August 8, Resisting Detachment: Examine Your Attachments
Are you resisting detachment because you don't want to give up all you have? Then it's time to examine
your attachments and their importance in your life... then learn how being detached can give you
freedom from needing.