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
Thankful for Jay and Meridel, whom I have had the pleasure to meet in Kingston; such a great testimony and ministry in Israel. Grateful for today’s scriptural mention of tithing. Let us all be respectful of one another on the blog and what we are able to individually give to it. Continued prayers for Marilyn, Doreen, Irene and Ger. His blessings to you, fellow saints in the Lord.
Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling…
Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Psalm 2:11, 12b ESV
HE WAS THERE ALL THE TIME with Lyrics –Pedal Steel Guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6JuumCOuEQ
P.S. Wonderful October newsletter from the Rawlings:
http://stillsmallvoice.tv/2020/10/06/still-small-voice-october-2020/
Thank you Beverlee for posting the link to the newsletter. I was glad to read about all that the Lord continues to do through this couple’s ministry. They “left all”, as David said, and God has not overlooked their unselfish dedication.
Have a blessed day! 💐🙏
Thank you Beverlee for your prayer, I am feeling better, but still in quarantine so will not be at my sister’s funeral; however a Link has been provided for me to view the live service
Thanks for the song Yes “HE WAS THERE ALL THE TIME”
God bless you sister Irene. I am trying to remember the name of your sister; was it Stella? Grateful a link will provide you with the live service to watch. Holding you and the rest of your family in prayer. Your sister is safe in the arms of Jesus. Amen. 🙏
Amen to Beverlee and Luisa’s comments. What a blessing the Rawlings have been and continue to be.
I met the Rawlings when they were in Edmonton; what a Blessing they are to the LORD
It is minus nine here in Edmonton, I guess winter is heading our way. brrr
Have a wonderful day saints of the Lord
I am sorry for your loss, Irene. God bless and comfort you! 🙏
Thank you Luisa
Thank You, Lord, for never letting us go. Thank You for Your eternal wisdom and for Your Word which is, was, and will always be true. Thank You for all Your children, Your servants, Your witnesses. Where would any of us be without them? Please keep us all faithful to You, Lord God, no matter what comes our way.
We also pray for wisdom and discernment for all Americans in this election season. We pray for Your will to be done in that great country, in Jesus’s great, pure, and holy name, amen
Thank you Rob and amen to your prayer. I have been watching for it to post all day. God bless America and God bless you, too! 🙌
Amen to your wonderful prayer.
I remember seeing Jay and Meridel Rawlings on 100 Huntley St, years ago I believe and so enjoyed their newsletter. Thanks for posting and also for your prayers Beverlee. Yes and God bless you Irene and comfort you on the loss of your sister. Today is my eldest brother Les’ 87th birthday. Please pray that the Father will draw him and he will give his heart to Jesus. Amen! Went to another class today on the meaning of the Hebrew alphabet which was interesting! God bless you saints!
Happy Birthday to your brother Les, Ger.
Praying for your brother, Ger.