Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine. Continue reading
Tithe
Not Greedy for Money
When I have any money, I get rid of it as quickly as possible, lest it find a way into my heart. JOHN WESLEY Continue reading
A Bribe from the Devil
Gen 14:21 Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”
There are some people, companies, and organizations that you should not take anything from. Don’t take a bribe from the devil!
Abram gives us this example when he was willing to give the recaptured hostages back to the king of Sodom but then he refused to keep anything else.
Abram would pay tithes to Melchizedek and, at least in principle, it look as if Bera wanted to do the same to Abram.
He refused it.
I think we need to be careful with where our money comes from.
For years the Italian mafia has been a part of the Catholic church. Now I’m not here to disrespect the Catholic church but if a mobster comes to church and puts something in the offering plate, what is the history behind that money – how was it earned? It would be a hard temptation to turn away from a large amount of money in an offering plate, even if you know it may be from illegitimate or sinful means.
Gen 14:22-23 Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours!”
Abram refused Bera’s offer. And so there are times you should too!
Let your blessing be from God Most High and not the devil!
Abba, give me discernment over the gifts given to me and the strength to refuse those that would curse and not bless me. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN
The Heart of Giving
Gen 14:20 And he gave him a tithe of all.
Tithing is a hot, debatable topic in the church. Some say it was Law and therefore Christians are not bound to it; this despite the fact that Abram giving tithe to Melchizedek was before the Law.
Giving is not mandated by a law – giving comes from the heart and a need to help someone.
In my research on the subject one commentator said that Abram did not tithe to Melchizedek of his own resources but with the spoils he took in the rescue of Lot.
The Bible does affirm this but can you make it a legitimate excuse not to tithe because of it?
Years later, Abraham’s grandson, Jacob said, “…of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.” Gen 28:22
His decision also predated any law to do so.
His decision was also based on the resources God would bless him with.
There is no easy answer to whether you believe in tithing or not. You either do or you don’t.
Despite the fact that it’s in the Law, do you think God would demand less of His people today – the people He fills with His own Holy Spirit?
If God demanded 10% from His people under the Law – do you think He would now be happy with you giving 1% under Christ?
Does God move backward or forward?
Does He lower His standards or raise them?
There is more to be said and so I shall.
Abba, I ask for guidance in giving. You have abundantly blessed and I should never be stingy or greedy with what wasn’t mine to begin with. I am just a steward. In Jesus’ name, YES&AMEN
Give Honor
Gen 14:20 And [Abram] gave [Melchizedek] a tithe of all.
Who is this man that Abram would give him a tenth of all?
He was a king of a city and a priest of the Most High God, but is that enough to warrant such giving?
Perhaps in such a godless land, Abram was glad to enjoy fellowship with someone that believed and followed God as he did. And this wasn’t just some ordinary person. The fact that he was a king and priest made him much more unique, especially when you compare him to the king of Sodom, an exceedingly wicked man.
Today we honor special people.
I once was received an email from a man I did not know. He wanted to know if I was the Tim Swanson that served with him in Vietnam.
I told him I was in high school when the war ended.
But then I thanked him for his service in Vietnam to help keep freedom for a kid like me so I could stay in high school.
He wrote back and said he’d never been thanked for his service in Vietnam.
As Abram gave a portion of his goods to honor Melchizedek – surely you can give a portion of your time and effort to honor someone that has made a difference in your life – no matter how small.
And how much more should you honor the Lord and Savior for what He has done for you, which is so much!
Abba Father, my praise is insufficient to honor You. My tithe is insufficient. The truth is I can never do enough for what You have done for me. I can offer nothing to You but my life. Take me – I am Yours. In Jesus’ name, YES&AMEN.
Giving
Gen 14:20 And he gave him a tithe of all.
It is one of the most difficult things for most Christians to do – tithing.
In fact, many Christians don’t believe in the practice stating as their reason that tithing was part of the law.
That is not the case. Tithing predates the law by at over 400 years.
There was no law that commanded Abram to give a tenth of everything to Melchizedek – but he did.
Abram did this out of the joy in his heart to give.
Had Abram received anything from the king and priest of Salem?
Certainly he received and accepted the communion between them, symbolized by the bread and wine. And he accepted the blessing that Melchizedek spoke.
When we receive the Communion of God (the body and blood of the Savior) for ourselves and then accept the blessing of God, then joy should be the motivation to give from the heart!
Abba, I fail in this area in so many ways – giving! Giving to you and to others in true need. Yet I have never turned down any of Your blessings for me. I repent of my shortcomings and seek Your help to overcome it. In Jesus’ name, YES&AMEN
Morning Thought with Pastor Tim 