1 Timothy 6:17-19 ISV
Tell those who are rich in this age not to be arrogant and not to place their confidence in anything as uncertain as riches. Instead, let them place their confidence in God, who lavishly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good actions, to be generous, and to share. 19 By doing this they store up a treasure for themselves that is a good foundation for the future, so that they can keep their hold on the life that is real.
god is good,how quickly we forget.i,m out of a job due 2 the economy,i just need for my basics to be met,housenote/trucknote/lightbills etc.my husband is doing the best he can it is not enough
I’m very sorry to hear that ramona. I pray that God will provide and that you’ll know His peace, as difficult as that is.
Jeff
As long as we (christians)keep our eyes on Christ and dont look to to the left or right but trust God that he is our Provider, he will never leave you with out.
Quit looking at what you see, Affect what you Believe.
Be Bless
Toya
I have a question that is probably tough to hear right now, but have you tried tithing?
When I tithe I am at peace with his providing for me. I have come to a place in my 30 year walk with the Lord that I would be afraid not to tithe. Try it, he will not let you down!
In the Name of Jesus,
Patti
I don’t think ‘tithing’ is something we should do to receive peace (or feel good) or to get out of financial trouble. Why assume that Ramona doesn’t give? There are no easy answers for her right now and telling her to “quit looking at what you see, affect what you believe” (I’m not sure what that means) or assume she’s in the situation she’s in because she’s not doing something isn’t going to be very helpful right now. People can be “doing all the right things” and still suffer and go through very difficult times. Notice she said that God is good.
Jeff
Jeff, we can sometimes get caught up in whats going on around us that we forget who GOD really is, yes I know she said God is GOOD and he is all the time,she said she need her basics to be met, so that’s why I said stop looking at what you see and know that the Lord will supply all of your needs even your basic needs.
Tithing is not some magic elixir or talisman.
As long as you have Jesus and put your faith in him and through Jesus, God will provide when he sees fit.
trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower. He is our provider…no job that you could ever have will provide like he will. He will never leave us nor forsake us and he knows our needs and situations before we ever do. Start speaking those things that are not as though they are and you will see what he is capible of. Instead of telling God how big your situation is….start telling your situation how big your God is. He is faithful all the time.
God Bless
Emily, nice comment but again I wouldn’t assume what people are or aren’t doing.
Jeff
Jeff,
I was not assuming at all just trying to encourage and after reading the very first posting:
god is good,how quickly we forget.i,m out of a job due 2 the economy,i just need for my basics to be met,housenote/trucknote/lightbills etc.my husband is doing the best he can it is not enough
The part that says “my husband is doing the best he can it is not enough” basically is saying what her situation is so I was just saying instead of speaking that it is not enough….tell her situation how big her God and start speaking that he needs are met. Be careful what you speak out of your mouth because the power of life & death is in the tongue and we can cause damage if we are not careful.
Jeff I was speaking to myself also in saying this, it should go for all of us. So before you blast somebody that is trying to be of encouragement to someone else, think before you speak and remember once again…life & death are in the tongue!
” Instead of telling God how big your situation is….start telling your situation how big your God is.”
You were reading a lot into her situation and what she is and isn’t doing. All she was saying is that financially her husband’s job isn’t enough right now. She also said that God is good. A platitude isn’t going to do much good for her right now. Job’s friends had plenty of them.
See this post:
Am I being too harsh?
Jeff
Jeff – I am not going to argue with you. Once again it was not an attack on anyone just simply trying to encourage another child of God and I don’t understand why you felt like I was calling her out in a negative manner or see fit to start a dispute with me. You should take that encouragement to, as well as her, & even myself. Everyone should take that and use it, it is very helpful and speaks volume in reminding us that God is greater than any situation we may face whether it be financial, relationship, family…etc and he is in control if we allow him to be.
OK then. I know you were trying to help.
Jeff
Tithing is a Christians way of paying God for the bountiful gifts that he bestoes and gives God a chance to create us to repeat 10 fold. When a person gives to God whether it is money , time, a deed for someone else, the giver Especially if this gift is from the heart not because he or she must recieves so much more. I have given folks money, time or supplies or groceries many many times. not even thought about it. ANd months or years done the road when I have needed finiancial assist or help someone a total stranger has helped out. This is one way of recieving. In church the retired pastor made a statement about titihing.
You go to the dry cleaners and they want money, you go to the store and pay for groceries, you pay for your electric bill. God’s house which is the church buidling needs the tithes to pay for the building, electric, water, music etc.
God loves a cheerful giver.. and he does respond in his time not our time.
Sharon,
You have really got into some bad teaching. We don’t pay God for gifts he’s given us. He doesn’t need a gift from us to “give God a chance” to do anything. He is God and can do whatever he wants whenever he wants.
This idea of giving someone money today and getting some when you need it later sounds more like magic or carma than Christianity.
Please check out some of the following:
John Piper on the prosperity “gospel”
More John Piper
Kim Riddlebarger on Using God
Thank you Stan.
Sharon, chances are you have great intentions. Many of us have been indoctrinated this way but it’s just not Biblical.
Jeff
Lets all send her some money. Ramona-we will need a address in order to help.
Rich that’s very nice of you. I’m not sure if Ramona is following these comments. If she is, I’m not sure if she would want to give out an address but we can see if she responds.
Jeff
Jeff, They really came out of the woodwork on this one. Very odd.
People have been searching for “Scripture of the Day” and my blog comes up very high on this.
Jeff
Lets not forget whats being talked about here, the key underlying idea…FAITH. You’re right the idea of tithing is not a magical charm nor is it karma. What you as the tither are doing is stepping out on faith, in this case ramona would be giving beyond her means. We do not give and expect something in return, for that is not the true spirit of giving. The big idea here is to have faith, its when we have faith and give God our all, whether it be the tithing of money or our time or some other resource we have to offer that big things happen.
Living in the times we do, its too easy to pray God please provide money. I know I do this especially, but sometimes we tend to forget that God is looking out for us, and we have no idea how he is going to use our situations…I do know that He is an awesome God and he works in very mysterious ways, sometimes they are HUGE acts and sometimes they are tiny, so tiny that we are unaware of them and until everything is in place.
Like I said before, its not just about the act of giving, its our attitude when we give and its the faith that we show by giving.
Nate thanks for stopping by.
I’m not sure exactly what you’re saying here. Should Ramona give beyond her means? If she does so in faith, then will things get better for her?
Again I’d like to say that we shouldn’t assume that Ramona isn’t doing these things. Sometimes people suffer and it is ordained by God. It’s not because of something they’re not doing.
Jeff
How’s this for a thought? As I understand scripture (correct me if I’m wrong) the Bible tells us to tithe into the temple. As far as I know, the temple was destroyed and hasn’t been rebuilt. If this is true, how then are we to actually tithe? Now if we’re talking about ’seeding’ that’s a whole different thing. After all, we will reap what we sow.
However, to assume that any one person is not already giving from their lack, (lady with the 2 mites at the offering) is flat out judgemental.
Judging the people around us will not get you any closer to the truth, and that truth is what will truly set you free. Hint: Truth is actually spelled with a J.
Anyway, tithing is definitely an act of faith. Faith is measured strictly through our actions. Hence the term: “Act of faith.”
Just a thought. Peace, Love, Love, Peace……….MKJ
Mega, that’s why I don’t even like the word tithe.
I’m not sure about seeding. Do you have Scripture for that. I know it says we reap what we sow in 2 Cor 9.8.
The truth that sets us free is the gospel.
Jeff
Mega, have you tried just saying “Thank you Heavenly Father for restoring my finances” along with other thank you for things you need. The “Secret” does work. this has worked for me, restoring my neck and body after car accident, and my finances. just keep saying Thank you for things you need and watch the miracles take place in your life. you are in my prayers too. God bless you and yours
B this has nothing at all to do with God, the Bible or Christianity and has everything to do with superstition and false teachings. I almost deleted your comment but I have a hard time doing that.
Jeff
i think u want to be right and i think u want to argue and. what everybody said was all true . . but the words she just wrote are kind and i think its was straight from b’s heart . so how could u say that to her with your name being Scripture Zealot.come on you know everything that b was sharing emily was sharing its in the bible . thier message was very clear . so how dare u to tell a good loving christian that .and that u wanting to delete there comment . u know what is wrong here u thing u are in charge and your not GOD IS ‘
denise, if you could tell me where in Scripture it says those things it would be helpful. The Secret is false teaching and we need to use discernment and search the Scriptures to see if what people say is true.
Jeff
Jeff,
You have some serious patience.
May God shut the mouths of the false teachers roaming the land!
Too harsh? Not at all.
I usually come back and ask them to do some work in backing up what they say. Then I don’t usually hear from them.
To think that The Secret and the Bible are compatible is rather jarring.
I wonder how long this thread will end up being.
Jeff
you are right i know that i cant write and say things the right way that is one of biggest thing s i hate about me idont know the right punctuation and the grammer like ya do and i cant read very good either . . i did go back and read everything the best i could . and i know that you dont have to do somthing for another person are for what ever reason to get god to help you .so i was wrong and i am sorry .all i know is that god is in my heart . and i want to get it right . i dont want to learn the wrongs things because i belive . thank you
denise, that’s great that you want to get it right. Are you able to read your Bible and go to a good church?
Jeff
yes i do read my bible the best i can. i dont go to church, i used to . i do watch joyce myers and charles stanley on tv.
He denise, if I may say, Joyce Meyer is part of the prosperity gospel (sort of) and can be a little off on her Biblical teaching. Charles Stanley is very good. He presents the gospel so well. It would be good if you could find a female mentor of some sort.
I’m not sure if you wanted any advice but I’ll pray for you and feel free to keep posting if you want.
Jeff
Also denise, I’m sorry I criticized your writing. I don’t know what your background or story is. I removed that from a previous comment.
Jeff
I’m not sure any of us ever get it right, each of us interpret and reflect differently based on our individuality, so we must never stop searching no matter the interruptions or disappointments, we keep searching. Whether it’s through heated debate or peaceful devotion. The truth is not always attractive, it’s usually what we don’t want to hear, and this is where some believers get confused and defensive, maybe even protective. It can be a lonely treck down the road of truth seeking, Christ says ‘give up everything and come follow me’, this includes ourselves, and we must die to the cross just as He did. Anything that distracts from His supremacy (such as teachings like ‘The Secret’), is not truth, it again puts Man in control the very opposite of what Christ teaches. The point is, lonely or not, the goal is to spend our lives ‘sweetly broken’ before Him, praying that we do not miss or arrogantly rebuke what is true. He knows our needs and our hearts; no one can deduce or understand this…no one, not even through interpretation of a blog. As I said earlier truth seeking may feel like lonely place at times, however I haven’t felt more lonely than standing in a crowded room, (believers or non-believers) who have proudly accepted their owns systems. Jeff, I am so thankful there are brave truth seekers still out there.
I have to say that this thread was very thought provoking to me. A few scriptures came to mind after reading all the comments.First of all,Matthew 7:11 “If you, then,though you are evil,know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”also I thought of Paul and IICor 12:7-10 verse 9 says”My grace is sufficient for you,for my power is made perfect in weakness”and finally Romans 8:38-39 “/For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation , will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.We all have our opinions and our own perspective on things and are subject to miscommunications,emotions and soft spots but God’s word is true. Stand on the promises of God and be encouraged!!Our God reigns and he loves us.
Oh and I forgot to put that Matt 7:11 does not say “..If you tithe…”
Jeane thanks for the comment and the encouragement. And also Cindy. I appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
Jeff
Sometimes I think it’s great to remind God of his promises. (In the right spirit, and I’m not talking about ‘manipulating God.’) But reminding him of who he is and what he has done. (For you, and throughout scripture.)
Faith can be an action, but mostly, it’s a gift. A gift you can ask for, but a gift none the less. Simply keeping your ears open for God’s direction can make all the difference in life. Sometimes he can prompt you to give, sometimes he can lead you to provision. I personally wouldn’t feel right not to give at least my ten percent, which to me isn’t religious, because I do it out of love and faith in God, not out of guilt. I would hate to condemn someone who disagreed with tithing, as long as I didn’t feel that their teachings on it were harmful to anyone but themselves. But I think if we were to consider the fruits of the Spirit, and Godly principles, we would find that it’s better to risk being generous, than to be tactfully selfish.
Besides, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to ask from God; Mat 7:7 (NIV) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” For as God’s eye is on the sparrow, how much more he watches over us and our needs.
Jeff, in your ‘Zeal’ to defend the first person that comes along, in your attempts, perhaps, to be non-judgemental and welcoming, consider how many other people you’ve fought to invalidate – in order to not be wrong? – people a lot of others may have agreed with too, with sound thoughts.
In fact, throughout scripture, a lot of rebuke has come upon those who didn’t even think to ask from God, but rather waited for a miracle of provision, or trusted in the wealth of the world rather than humbling themselves like a son to a father. For example:
In Isaiah 39:4 “The prophet asked, “What did they see in your palace?” “They saw everything in my palace,” Hezekiah said. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.” 5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the LORD Almighty: 6 The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your fathers have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the LORD.”
Job 5:5 “But I have seen a fool taking root… 8 But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. 9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.”
Countless stories like where Saul saught the spirits, rather than seek God for truth, etc.
God cares enough about our circumstances that we can ask him, in confidence that he will provide. It’s not SO MUCH about the giving, as the not keeping. Like the mana that was stored up which turned to rot – Or the talent buried in the ground, or the branch which bore no fruit which was cut off.
Mark 10:24 “The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” ”
This story is about a man who acknowledges Jesus as God, then asks what he must do to enter the kingdom of God, and when he asks him to sell all his possession and come follow him, he consigns that he cannot. It is not a religious act of giving (AND THANK GOD FOR THAT) but a challenge to us, that if our lives belong to God then we need not the security of our wealth, but his divine provision.
I pray that we can find that security in him.
As though the coin belongs to Caesar (so to speak) the whole Eearth belongs to our God – in the same way our lives, and the duty of our care when we abide in his house.
LOL I just read your “Too Harsh” post (or some of it) and to be honest, I never read Job that way. When I saw what was supposed to be a rebuke – I took courage from it. Funny how that works. When he says to Job about how he should lay his case down before God, I saw that as being true, as instead, Job’s reaction was to get mad about it. I mean I hope none of us face a fate quite that grizzly, but I have to admit, my first reaction isn’t always to ask God for grace, mercy or power. (Or love, or compassion, patience, understanding or whatever the case may be.) Point taken, none-the-less, when in suffering, often the last thing people what is an answer, or solution, they want to grumble or be heard in order to deal with things. It’s only when the hard soil is truly broken down and ploughed up that seed can be sown.
Hi Jonathan,
Maybe it’s late, but I’m having a hard time understanding what you’re trying to say. (Maybe less words would help?)
I’ll say that I’m all for giving a percentage of income. I don’t talk about it usually because it’s between me and my wife, and God. I also ask from God everyday. And God does reward the giver. But if someone is in financial trouble and you tell them to give to God so that God will give back to them, that’s teaching them a wrong attitude. Now I’ve used too many words.
The thing about Job is his ‘friends’. Many people in this thread resemble them. I’ve been on the receiving end of this and it’s terribly deflating.
Thank you for stopping by and writing though. I really do appreciate it and I agree with much of what you say.
Jeff
Sorry about the many words. I didn’t want my meaning misunderstand through lack of clarification – apologies in achieving that end inadvertantly, lol.
In summary:
Yes, it’s probably not a good idea to write a doctrine on ‘giving’ as a quick-fix to financial need.
I think the main pointer is that you probably can’t do anything to your capacity without the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and once he’s in your ear, you will probably find your solution anyway – on whichever path it lies – whether through patience, perseverance, revelation or otherwise.
Think yourself incapable? Go to somebody you trust who does for advice.
Something I’ve had to learn is not to forget to ask God, and not to doubt the answer that I get. (Usually it’s simply a peace or a knowing – which is a grace-given gift of faith more than sufficient for me.)
But in those really dry times where you can’t seem to find God, that’s when you need to hang onto his seeds of promise; which is really more to remind yourself who God is.
When the storms come, you wanna let go of everything you don’t need and cling to his word. Find your identity in him and stand fast.
Then when the rain subsides and the clouds disperse, supposing you’re still there… you are now in a time of favour and growth! Make the most if it. This is where the fruits of the spirit are easiest to bear and to most effect.
Well there I go – off on a tangent again, that quickly crept from a summary into something else.
Well enjoy and have a good day, lol.
Cheers.
*didn’t want my meaning misunderstood
Thanks Jonathan that was much easier to understand. One thing I disagree with is having a peace about something as confirmation. We can’t trust our feelings. Plus, if it’s a difficult thing we need to do, we may have the opposite of peace and it’s the right thing. God does give us peace but I don’t see anything in Scripture where it says that peace is a confirmation. Our conscience might confirm a decision and that may be something like peace but then of course we need to look to Scripture for confirmation.
Those are just nitpicking and just my little opinion.
Jeff
Very nice graphic design.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff, loving your site too.
Yeah that’s one way I seem to hear from God.
)
Sometimes I have dreams about things, Sometimes it’s the way events play out, the words that come into my mouth, the things that other people say, and the way that they say it, the thoughts I have that aren’t my own – of course it’s not only God through his holy spirit that tries to influence us this way; you’re right, often the devil will try to use these same avenues for his purposes, to confuse, distract, steal away.
And it’s true, we need to get used to discerning between conscience/learned patterns and spirit. Between the flesh and the spirit, then between different kinds of spirits.
I think once we get used to it, we can discern different spirits in many kinds of things. (I’m not talking about some creepy voodoo life-force theology – just that angels and demons can seem to try to influence things.)
I’ve learned that sometimes things we struggle with aren’t simply because of our human ineptitude but are direct attacks from the devil to undermine our authority and power.
Which, In Christ, as kings and priests, we are inherently entitled to.
So often when I do have a strong peace in something (usually through praying about it and seeking God) it can end up being undermined by things like relationship problems between friends and family or struggling with attitudes and belief systems, which can cause you to question what you already came to believe or doubting what God has ‘told you’.
But it does seem to be a constant battle between our flesh and our Spirit, as Paul talks about a lot in his letters.
One we can never relax and be done with, unfortunately, making the words that proceed out of the mouth of God all the more necessary and dilectible.
Of course, that’s just the way I see it
i know i have been through alot of bad times being out of work .just bringing in grocey was hard. my house went into forcloser . now im sick with my kidneys i have no insurance . but i can say this i feel god with me . i had no money to give to nobody. i just kept praying . there was time a had 6 cent in my pocket . it did not matter. i felt joy i belived and i had the most faith than i have ever had. my house is out of forcloser i m eating, iam in a program to help my health, and i have dallor bill in my purse . he did all this because he loves me .
denise I’m so sorry to hear about all of your troubles and pain but SO glad to hear that God is using this to grow you closer to Him and that you’re seeking Him and taking refuge in God. Many people just give up. May God be ever present in your mind and continue to give you faith and joy in whatever circumstances He has you in.
Jeff