Tithing

DEAR GOD,
Each year as I determine how I can give to you financially, I consider what I receive from giving. I know that supporting the church and the work of godly people around the world can provide great joy. Also, I want to give to you because you truly are my number one priority, and I am so grateful for the blessings you have given me. I know that maintaining a habit of regular tithing will help remind me that you are the source of all my blessings. God, as I commit my tithes to you, I ask that you use my gifts to support your work in my community and around the world to meet the needs of those less fortunate than I am. By my gifts, may I show my commitment to you and honor you for your faithful provision in my life.

*** Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make more room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. LUKE 6:38 ***

When times are tough its never easy to give what you don't have. But it does help to think of what the Lord has provided you with and where you can do without in order to tithe and help provide for others doing Gods work. A simple phrase is used in our house, one that we use anytime we buy anything other than food....." Buy what you need not what you want." It can be hard to live buy only buying the things that you need but after doing it for so long it becomes easy and you gain a better view on your wants and needs. Especially when you can use all the extra money to put in to tithing and supporting the church. Yes, some purchases can be a want more so than a need but I like to look at that as blessing from the Lord for all the need only purchases. The greatest blessing I have been given from this was the day my oldest Sylvia said to my second child David, when he was begging for something outrageously sugary from the store, "Brother , do you need that or do you just want it?" My heart just melted. She went on to further say " Brother, lets just ask mommy to make us some cookies and save the money and give it to offering at church." My cup was overflowing, I know it was the Lord just blessing me by showing me my way of saving to tithe all that I could was now also a part of my childrens heart as well.

Until the day we are called to a great service for the Lord, we take joy in supporting those that already do.