by Katherine Kehler
Also available as a podcast at: http://thelife.com/blogs/experience/kindle/2008/03/11/try-tithing-2/
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“Bring all the tithes…so there will be food enough…if you do, I will open up the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great you won’t have room enough to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!??
(Malachi 3:10).
An email with an interesting challenge came to me today. The email read, “I need your help. I am behind on a lot of bills. I am a waitress and each day I try to put back my tithes that I have made that day. But the bill collectors are calling and it seems that I need money to make ends meet. What do I do? I need spiritual help.??
Seems like she isn’t the only struggling with whether to pay bills or tithe. Let me give you the answer I gave her - in the natural way of thinking, tithing doesn’t make sense if you are in debt. However let me give you a promise from God:
“Bring all your tithes…if you do, I will open up the windows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing so great you won’t have room enough to take it in. Try it! Let me prove it to you?? (Malachi 3:10).
God promises that if we give Him the first tenth of our income, He will pour out a great blessing on us. This has been our way of life (Marvin’s and mine) for all of the years we have been married, and we certainly have been blessed.
But let me tell you a story about another waitress, which illustrates this point. Formerly, I used to lead a Bible study for businesswomen in Vancouver, BC. Our waitress would linger and listen to our discussions. One week, we were discussing tithing and the waitress was very cynical. But the next Sunday, she decided to put? a tenth of her weekly tips into the offering plate at church.
You can imagine her surprise when at the bus stop the next morning she found a wad of bills lying on the ground. God has a sense of humor? - but He does keep his promises. I would encourage you to try it? - He does keep His promises.
Another tip: if you? are trying to budget, begin applying the following budgeting tips (see Related Links below) and watch what God does.
Dear Father, You have given us so many gifts we never open. Today, I ask that each woman and man that reads this devotion would give their tithe as soon as they get their pay check and let them be surprised by what you will do in response. Amen.
Questions: How have you been blessed in the past by your giving?
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/experience/devotionalformen/authors/katherine-kehler/
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March 11th, 2008 at 4:36 am
All I can say is: “God does not lie!” His promise from Malachi is just that–His promise! I began tithing last November. I fully anticipated my step of obedience to be met with resistance from the enemy, and it did. My washing machine broke. My car needed repair. Bills piled up quickly. But I resolved to not worry, for I knew God would provide. I’d deliberately not told too many people about my needs and just reminded God of his promise in His Word.
Within a week, two men showed up on my front porch carrying large bags full of wrapped gifts for my daughter and me, enough for us to open a gift a day each until Christmas Eve. Each gift had an accompanying Scripture to be read. Included was a card w/a gift certificate to a grocery store for $100.00 All of this was given anonymously. Two days later, a Lowe’s truck backed up in my driveway, bringing a brand new washing machine. Again, from an anonymous giver. The next week some kind people (unaware of anything going on) put a few dollars together and gave us a Christmas card. Inside was $420.00 I was able to pay every bill on time! Oh yes, and I tithed on what was given us, as well!
Tithing isn’t about God needing our money. God wants us to see who our god is….money, or Him? He knows the answer already, the lesson is for US. It’s a step of faith and an act of obedience. When we tithe, we say to God, “I trust You more than I trust money, and I am completely and utterly dependent upon You.” God honors that.
March 11th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Is tithing ten percent of your gross or net salary?
I unfortunately get up to sixty-five percent of my net garnished weekly.
What am I to do?!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 5:02 am
Ray, perhaps you could pray about it first, then just begin giving as you’re led. Ask God to keep you sensitive to His leading as you take a step of faith. God wants your heart first! Seek Him. Dig into His Word. Ask Him to speak to you. Also, begin giving of your time, or things you have already. Help a friend with yard work. Anonymously pay for the person’s meal behind you in the drive-thru. There are so many ways to give of yourself….
God will show you and guide you as you “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33)
March 12th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
thank you so much!!!!
Very encouraging!!!!