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