Understanding The Law Of Tithing

What is tithing? Are we to tithe in this present dispensation? These and many more are the questions bugging the hearts of many Christians. And this post is aimed at answering these questions and throwing some light on this spiritual law of tithing.

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S. It is holy to the LORD. And concerning the tithe of the herd or of the flock, of whatsoever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD – Leviticus 27:30, 32 (NKJV)

Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings – Malachi 3:8 (NKJV)

But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone – Luke 11:42 (NKJV)

Tithing is a spiritual law of God that is recorded in the scriptures. The issue of tithing is one topic that many people would desire not to discuss. But it is one topic you should understand well enough to decide whether to obey it or not. 

What is tithe?

Tithe is ten percent of all your increase and it belongs to the Lord. It is holy to Him (Leviticus 27:30). In the time of the scriptures, the people were mainly farmers, both of crops and animals, and so the tithe was described based on seeds and livestock. However, the principle remains the same: tithe of all your increase (Deuteronomy 14:22).

So, if you are a salary earner - ten percent of your income; a business person –ten percent of your profit; and a farmer – ten percent of your harvest or increase in livestock. And if you need to exchange it for money, it is still accepted (Deuteronomy 14:25)

Tithe is either ten percent of all your increase or it is not tithe at all. Anything less than ten percent is an offering. 

Scriptural origin of tithing

Tithe was first mentioned in the scriptures in Genesis 14:18-20, when Abraham gave Melchizedek king of Salem a tithe of all, after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him. Read more...

God Rewards Diligent Labourers

Are there prayer requests that you diligently want God to answer? Do you know that God rewards those that diligently seek Him? Many people are serving God but it seems as if God is not looking their direction to meet their needs. This post gives the reason(s) why they may be hindered from receiving their heart desires from God and the solution.

So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days - Exodus 23:25-26 (NKJV)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him - Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." - 1 Timothy 5:18 (NKJV)

The foundational question is "what are you diligently seeking?" Many people are serving God in different areas but are diligently seeking other things besides God; it may be financial breakthrough, healing, children, career excellence or life partner. They may be serving because it is the right thing to do, or because of their love for God or because of what people may say if they don't, but their diligence is channeled to another thing entirely.

One thing you must always remember is that God rewards those that diligently seek Him.
When you serve God, you become a candidate for God's blessings: His blessings over your bread and water, sickness free life, fruitfulness and long life. But it takes faith to please God, to provoke God to fulfill His word in your life. You must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

So, you serve because you love God, and in addition, with the expectation that God will reward you for your service. You must believe that God will reward you if you want to receive from Him. Now, you are not to serve God for what you will get but you must believe that he who said, "the labourer is worthy of his wages", will not owe Himself. Read more...

Understanding The Force Of Courage

God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power – power to be courageous and do exploits!

Many people Have dreams they have failed to actualize; they are tormented by fear and vicissitudes of life. They are like the rocking chair that is in motion but gains no movement; all because they lack what it takes to possess their possessions. Courage is the most needed tool for victory.

Courage is the principal requirement for exploits in life. It must have been what Caleb possessed that enabled him to give a positive report on the Promised Land (even though the giants were still there), when the others gave evil report that they were not able to possess the land (Numbers 13:30-33)

God has appointed you for greatness, but it does not come on the platter of gold; you need to step out with courage and possess it. If you must be a conqueror you have an inevitable need for courage. Men of courage are men of conquest.

In Joshua 17:14-16, the children of Joseph said they were great but they were not ready to venture out and possess the land given to them. That is how many Christians are today. They make so much noise about their inheritance of greatness, yet they lack the courage to go out and conquer the mountain before them.

DEFINITIONS OF COURAGE

Dictionary definition:

1.    Courage - the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear. Read more...

Dealing With Family Pressure As A Wife

 Family pressure is what we all experience at one time or another but our response or reaction determines what follows next. If we respond well, we defeat the plan of the enemy but if we react to it then we will have to exercise more energy to get things back to original lovely state. This post tells us how to deal with family pressure.

Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches. (Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJV)

And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:18 NKJV)

What is pressure?
Dictionary defines it as the act of pressing or a state of demanding notice or attention. It can also be defined as an oppressive condition of physical, mental, social or economic distress.

What is Family Pressure?
It can therefore be defined as pressure coming from the family members or on a family.

As a wife and mother, I can imagine some of the causes of this pressure.

Financial issues
Lack of gainful employment
Challenges from the office
Desire to engage in Self improvement
Demands from your children
Responsibilities as a wife, mother and a homemaker
External causes- extended family issues
Children's Holiday time!

What do you do? Everything and everybody is pressing and pressing; asking for attention, and some of them may have started oppressing you spiritually, physically, mentally, socially or economically.
What do you do?

Start by understanding your purpose in the family and prioritizing your responsibilities according to God's standard. Read more...