I’m rushed this morning, but I wanted to point you to a post I read this morning. My thoughts on it are in the comments, but I’m pasting them here, too. The article is on giving, but it’s not a traditional, “hey, tithe to your church!” kind of thing. It’s a very interesting commentary on one of Yeshua’s statements. Read it here. My Comments: I think it’s difficult, given the amount of Greek-ness we get soaked in, to be on the receiving end of others’ giving, too. At least, it is for me… and lately, that seems to be where I am more often than not. I find it frustrating to have so little (or no) excess from which to give. But, I suppose that it’s a cycle, and there will come a day when there is more left over and we have more to give back. I’m not saying that in a “look at me” way or “poor me” or for any reason other than this strikes a chord in me. All my life I would never have characterized myself as someone who enjoyed or truly wanted to give… Maybe because I always felt it was mandated by the “church,” and I didn’t usually feel that was where it was needed most. And now that God has set me on this path of discovery, I find myself wanting to give back to Him and those around us, yet having less with which to do it. It’s kind of funny, in a way… kind of something at any rate. That being said, I think, maybe, that this applies in more ways than monetarily, although I tend to end up focusing on that a lot. I just realized that maybe, even if I don’t have excess of money, I might have excess in other areas from which I can give. Skip said that our gifts from God are like an orange tree – we don’t eat our own oranges, we give them away. Maybe that applies here, too? I think it’s difficult, given the amount of Greek-ness we get soaked in, to be on the receiving end of others’ giving, too. At least, it is for me… and lately, that seems to be where I am more often than not. I find it frustrating to have so little (or no) excess from which to give. But, I suppose that it’s a cycle, and there will come a day when there is more left over and we have more to give back. I’m not saying that in a “look at me” way or “poor me” or for any reason other than this strikes a chord in me. All my life I would never have characterized myself as someone who enjoyed or truly wanted to give… Maybe because I always felt it was mandated by the “church,” and I didn’t usually feel that was where it was needed most. And now that God has set me on this path of discovery, I find myself wanting to give back to Him and those around us, yet having less with which to do it. It’s kind of funny, in a way… kind of something at any rate. That being said, I think, maybe, that this applies in more ways than monetarily, although I tend to end up focusing on that a lot. I just realized that maybe, even if I don’t have excess of money, I might have excess in other areas from which I can give. Skip said that our gifts from God are like an orange tree – we don’t eat our own oranges, we give them away. Maybe that applies here, too?
1. God is such and AMAZING provider! Yesterday He blessed our family with a surprise gift from people we have never even met before (well, one we met a long time ago)! It is yet another reminder that He is faithful, reliable, and TRUE! David says he will proclaim God’s goodness, and that’s what I’m doing! 2. I’m learning a lot…. which means there are a lot of discoveries, and even more questions. I’ve learned a lot about the difference between the Greek and Hebrew mindset. And I probably need to go and listen and read more so that it really sets in. Right now I’m listening to information about the book of Genesis. It’s fascinating and mindboggling and engrossing and challenging and makes me hungry to know more because it’s like cleaning a pair of glasses so I can see more clearly. I’m learning a lot about the Bible, but also a lot about the God who made me. 3. Today I’ve been reading about tithing. I almost hate posting about it because sometimes I get such strong responses from people who are seriously not happy with my opinion. But I’ll put it here anyway, because it’s my blog, and because I can. You don’t have to agree. And honestly, there’s so much to learn and so many views that I haven’t quite made up my mind what to do with all the information I’ve read and listened to. Anyhow, here it is: There seem to be several views on tithing. There is, of course, the traditional view: give 10% (either to the church or to the ministry, depending on your pastor/denomination). Then there’s two other views: a. The Hebrew View #1 (the Old Testament is still alive and valid, based on Jesus adherance as well as Paul’s, Peter’s and the other disciples, with the view that the Messianic sect of Judaism didn’t separate from the Jewish synagogue until Constantine became emperor and standardized Christianity as we know it today): this view says that the tithe originated when God gave Moses the Law. There were 3 tithes – one that was 10% and went to the Levites (and the priests); one that was 10% of the 90% left over after the first tithe that was saved for the annual pilgrimage to wherever God wanted them to worship (traditionally the temple in Jerusalem) and eaten in a huge celebratory feast. Then every 3rd and 6th year there was a tithe given to the poor, widow, and foreigner (those who didn’t have land to farm in order to provide for themselves). There was no tithing in the 7th year because the land was not farmed. Of course, the implications here are multiple: we no longer have a tribe of levites, nor a priesthood that serves at the temple. We no longer have a temple since it was razed by the Romans (I think). So, there is no tithe to be given unless you count the one in the 3rd and 6th year for the poor, widow, and foreigner. Our tithes don’t usually go to that (some do, but a lot of it goes to salaries and building maintenance). So, following the logical trail, the tithe doesn’t apply to us today. Okay, so what about Paul’s exhortation to the various churches (I think it was Galatia or Corinth)? The answer there is that Paul is applying an Old Testament principle of giving, but he’s not commanding it, nor is there any implication that God is commanding it. There’s a request for the church to be generous and give what they promised to give. There are no numbers commanded, just a statement that it should be whatever they decided in their hearts to give. b. The Hebrew View #2 (the Old Testament, or rather the Law, is no longer applicable to Christians today because Jesus’ death and resurrection was the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all the requirements of the law and nullifying it by creating a new Covenant based on the forgiveness found in the blood of Christ.): Similar to the Hebrew View #1, there are types of tithes, but all of the tithes were agricultural and meant to be eaten. The tithes were from anything that was grown, and sometimes livestock. The use of money in place of the agriculture was penalized by adding an additional 5% on top of the 10%. The tithe was meant to be consumed in a feast. The people were supposed to invite and include the poor, the widow, and the stranger/foreigner in these feasts. They reminded the people that the things we are given are fleeting and not meant to be hoarded (remember that thing about storing up heavenly treasure?). Anyhow, the implication, again, is that the tithe as is traditional in our churches is not mentioned again in any way (the obligatory 10% of all income). And even if the assumption is draw connecting the Old Testament system of tithes to Paul’s statements to the churches in Corinth or Galatia, if the Old Testament Law is no longer valid, then wouldn’t that invalidate the tithe as well? If it’s argued that the tithe dates back to before the Law was given, then closer look would show that Abraham only tithed one time that is recorded, and Jacob’s promise of tithing was based on an attempt to bribe God into blessing him. There aren’t any other records of anyone tithing (that I know of). Everyone agrees that our giving today should be an expression of our thanksgiving for the blessings that God gives us. It should be given without obligation. It should be of our own determination (not a prescribed amount). It should be given to support the ones who preach God’s word (pastors and the church), the poor, widown, orphans, and those within the church who are in need. And it’s not a tithe. It’s a reminder to us that everything we have belongs to God. It’s a voluntary symbol of His blessing given to others from what I’ve been given. I still don’t know how much or of what, or even if I’m completely off my rocker. I don’t know the answer. And maybe that’s okay. Maybe that’s part of the point. It’s not about me controlling everything. It’s about learning to listen to YHWH and about learning to relate to Him. It’s about being in the center where He is and doing what He wants in order to bring Him recognition and praise. It’s about faith. Here are some interesting articles: http://www.acts17-11.com/dialogs_tithe.html http://www.layhands.com/MustChristiansTitheTenPercent.htm http://skipmoen.com/2009/07/15/tithe/ http://skipmoen.com/2010/04/06/more-on-tithing/ http://skipmoen.com/2010/04/05/the-principle-of-excess/ http://www.eshavbooks.org/08-topical.htm (see All About Tithing mp3)
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others Right now I’m holding onto this verse and others like it. I get overwhelmed, and sometimes feel beaten down, by our financial situation (so does half the country, I imagine). But God has faithfully provided for our needs over and over and over, sometimes in surprising ways. For example, about a month or two ago our budget was short by around $500 or so… not a happy place. John had done some work on the side and expected to make about half of what we needed from this job. When we received the check it was for exactly how much our budget was short that month!!! How cool is that?! God does provide, but it’s easy to miss it or forget it. Right now I’m working on the board of a new school that is being planned. It’s so awesome and I’m SO excited! Briefly, it’s going to be the first platinum rated “Green” school in the country. But, most awesomely (is that a word), the entire curriculum that I am working on is based on project-based and experiential learning! It integrates the students into their community as they learn, and it provides counseling centers and other services for both students and their families. It is amazing!!!! It’s a huge undertaking, and sometimes it seems like it will be impossible to get the funding we need to build this school (oh, and it’s not some fancy place that only a few really rich kids can go to… it’s affordable and we hope to scholarship anyone who can’t afford the TINY yearly fee – it really is tiny – like less than one month of daycare in my budget). I have to remember that God knows all the details of our plan and already has everything we need provided for. Trusting Him is where faith gets built. But, one of the reasons He is so generous with us is so that we will be generous with others. Hope Inspirational Schools wants to give back to the community in order to be an example to others, but also to provide an alternative for student who have difficulty learning in a more “traditional” manner. I also know that while my family doesn’t have a lot to give, we do like to give. There’s a joy that comes from knowing that you’re doing the right thing and that it’ll help someone. Easy? Not always. Amazing? Always. If you’d like more information about this school, check out the website (please don’t judge based on how it looks – it’s VERY much a rough job and is in the process of being reworked).
Zechariah 7:9-10 This is what the LORD Almighty says: Judge fairly and honestly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and poor people. And do not make evil plans to harm each other. You’d think that these guidelines would be common sense, that people would do this naturally. However, maybe it’s because of the sin in our world that we no longer naturally judge fairly and honestly, are merciful and kind, and take care of others. I suppose if you look at the news it’s even more obvious that these laws are broken all the time… But then you hear stories that bring a smile to your face. This morning on the news (while I was waiting for my computer to wake up – it’s worse than I am!) I heard a story about a law firm here in Orlando that is giving away 1000 turkeys for Thanksgiving! I thought that was awesome! There were some men lined up at 4am to get a turkey for their family because they didn’t have the money to buy one otherwise. In a time when the message seems to be all about plenty and getting more and more and more I am challenged to remember just how blessed I am. Have times been easy? No! But God has so faithfully provided us with everything we need, and a little extra to do some things for Christmas. No matter how many packs of diapers we’ve needed or how much food the little ones were packing away, He’s always put the money there to cover it. We are healthy (mostly) and have good doctors to get us well if we need it. We have a place to live that is comfortable. We have family that loves us. We have a church we love. We are truly blessed. There is still honestly and goodness and kindness in the world. No, it’s not everywhere, but little things like the generosity of this law firm remind me of how much we’ve been given and that there are people who want to do good for others. So, as we start out this holiday season (or continue in it, depending on your perspective), I want to remember to give a little more away – even if it’s just a kind word or deed. I think that makes God smile. And that’s a great thing!