TITHES
Today’s Reading: Leviticus 27
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Jay and Meridel Rawlings are long time personal friends, as well as friends of Crossroads. Now residents of Jerusalem, these Canadians have lead an effective ministry in Israel for over 25 years. They are standing near the Golden Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Leviticus 27:30
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.
Our reading today is the last chapter of Leviticus. Tomorrow we move to the Gospel of John. Remember, if you are just beginning (new readers join every day), two years from today, God willing, you’ll finish reading the entire Bible.
What about the tithe? God owns everything, therefore, it is only reasonable that we pay rent, board and room, etc. We need to recognize that 10% of our gross income, whether in cattle, produce, or money, belongs to Him. In fact, if we don’t pay this sliding scale, depending on our gain, we rob God, according to Malachi 3:8-12. That final book of the Old Testament also gives God’s promises to those who faithfully pay tithes and give offerings (over and above the tithe). New Testament believers not only paid their tithe, but on average gave much more back to God. Why emphasize the tithe when many early followers of Jesus gave 30% or even 100% (Acts 2:42-47)? Of course, in today’s reading, under the Law, if someone wanted their gifts back, they paid one-fifth more.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the freedom of Grace. We give as You have prospered us with joyful and generous hearts. I’ve just read again, Lord, 1 Corinthians 16:2, where the example of the believers was to give every first day of the week for the needs of others. What a blessing You’ve given us, to partner with You for Your great cause. Keep me faithful, I pray. In the Name of the One who gave all, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Reynold has provided a picture of two of our beloved friends who live in Israel. Jay and Meridel Rawlings exemplify the New Testament teaching on giving to God. At the end of the 1960’s, as a young couple with a little son, they gave up everything to follow the Lord’s leading. I was their pastor, and I saw it happen. Jay was assistant administrator of a Hamilton, Ontario, general hospital and Meridel was a nurse there. They drove a sparkling “Sting Ray” sports car. They sold everything and left for the mission field of the Philippines. From there, they were called of God to go around the world to minister with the Jewish people. There’s too much to tell here. Why not check out their website here, and pray for this precious couple?
Yours for joyous and liberal giving,
David
I have thoroughly been blessed reading Leviticus again. A lot of detail but in the midst of it all, seeing emphasis on “I am the Lord” and the stress throughout on the Holiness of God. For these two reasons, I feel I want to delve back in to this book. Also, the various Feasts and the symbolism therein. So, am happy to continue the journey on the 3rd round as we move into John’s Gospel. My problem is that I get so interested in a particular book I just want “park” in it for a long time. Thank you David to piloting us through these chapters.
Also, today is the first day I received 100 words via my email since Oct. 13. It is a bit frustrating when this seems to happen so often. (Though, I still can access each day so have not missed anything).
I think I did pick up along the way that David is now home from Hospital. Many blessings to you for ongoing health, renewed strength and peace.
I enjoyed the two part interview with Pattie Mallete.
It reminds me of Psalm 40:1-3
“He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth – praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.”
Amen…me too…thank you Samuel!
Jay and Meridel Rawlings are lovely Christians! I met them at KGT last summer when they gave a presentation; bought their book. Their testimony is incredible as is the work they do in Israel for the Lord! So looking forward to the book of John, tomorrow. Praying for you, David, and all saints in the Lord! Wishing all a blessed day.
“Jesus replied:’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'” Mt 22:37 NIV
MercyMe – Flawless 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjLlLPZderk
What an amazing, faithful, ministry the Rawlings have had over all those years. A wonderfully evident love for the Lord. (Glad to be going out of the book of Leviticus)! It is mind boggling to me how the people were able to remember ALL the laws and requirements of this book! Have a great day all.
Today I want to get caught up before we start the book of John. I write things in a book. God bless the Rawlings, you Brother David, family and fellow bloggers.
Appreciated reading the website: Jay and Meridel Rawlings came to Edmonton many years ago. Their life truly is a Blessing unto the Lord and the many they have ministered to!
Jesus is in all the books of the Bible including Leviticus: We have much to glean from each chapter and verse of this Living Word. Thank you Pastor David for taking us through each chapter: For your words of wisdom and for encouraging us to keep on keeping in His Word!!
I am so pleased, I am able to receive this blog here in New Zealand . It’s a bit spasmodic, but eventually it pops up. Of course we are a day ahead minus 5 hours , so it’s 2:00 pm in Canada and 9:00 am in NZ, Blessings across many, many miles.
Amen!
Amen!