Living Words of Encouragement

Tithing

Recently, I was asked some questions on tithing. What does it mean to bring into the storehouse? Do I have to give to God before taxes or after the government take what they want? Can I just pay my bills first, and then see what I have left? How will tithing benefit me?

Well, tithing actually began way back in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 14: 18-20, we see King Melchizedek, a priest, blessed Abram and he in return gave the priest a tenth of everything he had. At this time, the priest stood between man and God. The priest was the spokesperson for the people.

Jacob pledged to offer God a tithe of all his possessions upon his safe return.

Genesis 28:22. He made a commitment to God that if he was brought through, he would not forget what God had done for him. Tithing was given to support the Levites and priests (the spiritual leaders) Numbers 18:20-32. The job of the Levites and priests were to keep watch over God’s house, to keep spiritual matters before the people. This meant that they were not required to go out and work a job in the fields, etc, because God had selected them to oversee His house. Therefore the tithes that were brought into the Lords’ house were used for its upkeep and to take care of those God had put there to oversee His affairs.

In the book of Malachi 3:8, he equates the neglect of the tithe with robbing God. He asked the question “Will a man rob God?” and goes on to say the robbing is done when you don’t bring God his tithes and offerings. The storehouse for us is wherever we are spiritually being fed; this is usually the church you attend. If you made $500 a week, then you should give off of that; this would be your first fruits. You can pay your bills first, you can do whatever you want, the question is, will God be pleased with you? I will say that God knows your every situation and He always comes through. However, He knows that for many it will be a sacrifice but it is so much better to do what God expects than what our flesh says.

Some of us have been blessed beyond measure and a tithe of ten percent will seem like such a small sum to us. So this tithe is given and then because we have been blessed so much through “heavens open windows” that we have a burning desire to give offerings where they are needed to bless others.

Remember to always commit to obedience to giving the best you have back to the Lord.

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