“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

All through the Holy Bible God reminds us, to give, to sow, to reap, to multiply, to plant seeds and reap harvests, to  tithe, and  to bring offerings.  There are many scriptures regarding giving. Can we afford not to give?  Giving not only includes money, it also includes using your time, talents, and skills wisely whenever needed!

Why Give?

The Holy Bible warns against those who trust in their wealth (Psalm 49:6; Mark 10:24).  Our trust should be in God who gives us all things to enjoy so that we may do good works and be ready to distribute it (1^st Timothy 6:17-18.

There are many scriptures that refer to the Law of the Harvest and are repeated throughout the Holy Bible.  This principle can also be called “The law of reciprocity, which is evident in the physical world:  for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  Smile at another person and he’ll probably smile back at you” (Giving and Tithing).

In the book of Matthew, Chapter 20 Verse 28, it reads whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. “That is what the Son of Man has done:  He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.”  That bears repeating, “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

You have seen the t-shirts, bumper stickers, coffee cups, towel, banners, books, and other objects with 3:16 engraved on them regarding John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The writer is not suggesting that we repay God for sending His son, Jesus, to die for our sins.  On the contrary, Jesus made the acceptable propitiation for our sins.  “Propitiation refers to the satisfaction of the claims of a holy and righteous God against sinners who have broken His law.  Jesus appeased God’s wrath by dying on the cross for our sins.  Only Jesus could do this.  His voluntary death for us satisfied the justice and holiness requirement of God (Nelson Study Bible, page 2029).  How is your giving?

“Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you”  (Luke 6:38 NKJV).  The illustration of a good measure comes from the old time market places where grain was poured, shaken down, and filled so that it overflowed.  As a result, the buyer received the full amount purchased and more.  This type of measure will be given to the person who generously gives (Nelson Study Bible, Page 1703).  Have you had your measure pressed down and shaken together?  Did it run over?  Examine your giving.

The Least of These

Scripture reads, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  Everyone will give an account to God. Can we afford not to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, visit the sick and give of ourselves?   Can we afford to neglect the widows, orphans, children, elderly and anyone needing assistance?  Remember the Scriptures in Matthew 25:37-40!  If we neglect the least of these, we are neglecting Jesus.  These Scriptures are not referring to unbelievers.  Unbelievers do not call each other brethren.  We should make sure that we are living sacrificially holy and acceptable to God.  And guess what?  That is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1-2).

It is a fact that a slack hand becomes poor (Proverb 10:4) and one who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord and our God will pay back what has been given (Proverb 19:17).  “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good.  At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10 Message Bible).

My grandmother used to sing the spiritual song titled, “Going to Shout All over God’s Heaven.”   Do you remember it?  Part of the song is:  “Ev’rybody talkin ‘bout heav’n ain’t goin’ there (Negro spirituals.com).  Will God allow us in heaven if we have not taken care of “the least of these?”

Who Supplies?

God.  The Apostle Paul puts it eloquently in the letter to the Philippians regarding their generous giving. “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:18, Amplified Bible).

It is God who supplies seeds to sow and bread for food.  He supplies and multiplies the seeds we sow and increases the fruit of righteousness (2^nd Corinthians 9:10).  If we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly.  If we sow bountifully, we will reap bountifully.  Each person gives as he purposes in his heart to give.  Do not give if you feel you are being pressured to give or if you are in disagreement with your brother or sister in Christ.  Renew your mind and get it right. God loves a cheerful giver. He is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you will have enough and abundance (2^nd Corinthians 9:6-9).  Plainly stated, God will make sure you are taken care of so that you will be able to continue your generous giving.  How is your giving?

The Tithe

The tithe is one-tenth part of something, paid voluntarily to support a religious organization. Today tithes are voluntarily and could be given in checks, cash, stocks or bonds.  In the past, tithes were required to be paid with agricultural products (grown of the land, or fruit of the tree).  It is interesting to note that some European countries operate a formal process linked to the tax system which allows some churches to assess tithes (Wikipedia).  Imagine this practice being put into practice for Christians in the United States.  Based on this system, it would be almost impossible for the needy to be without. Do the math!  You will be surprised!

The author will not debate whether or not New Testament tithing is biblical.  Psalm 24:1 states the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.   The writer believes it was the late Evangelist Oral Roberts who stated when he gave it is as if he placed his tithes and offering directly into God’s hands.  Would you give differently, if you imagined that you were placing into God’s hands what belongs to Him?  What if God sent his angels to monitor our check books, debit cards, cash, stock, bonds, and 401Ks?  Would the giving be at the same level as required by the guardian angel?  Well, it should not be any different now.  Remember the widow’s two mites. “Her devotion to God through her contributions was her first priority”  (Nelson Study Bible, page 1741).  There is no excuse for not giving. Is there?

“For we brought nothing into this word and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1^st Timothy 6:7). Dr. Billy Graham in his book, Faith Lifts:  Finding Life’s Vital Connection…God, responded to the above scripture appropriately:  “None of us brought anything into this world, and none of us will take anything out of it, so what makes us think that we have the right to hold on to anything in between.  We need to stop grasping so desperately for things we can never hold onto anyway.  There is nothing on this earth that we truly own; there is nothing that we control. Nothing! So, we should be content to enjoy what we have and what God blesses us with in this life while we can but not hold on to it too tightly because we will have to surrender it someday.”

In closing, God will not forget your work and labor of love.  Continue to show your love!  Keep giving!

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Written by Deaconess Angie Hairston of Shekinah Glory Outreach Ministries Int’l in Portsmouth, VA

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References

Giving and Tithing: CBN Teaching Sheet. http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/cbnteachingsheets/giving_and_tithing.aspx

Graham, Billy Dr. (2010). Faith Lifts: Finding Life’s Vital Connection…God.  Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Springs, IL  60188.

Nelsons Study Bible

Going to Shout all Over God’s Heaven.   http://www.negrospirituals.com/news-song/going_to_shout_all_over_god_s_heaven.htm

Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithe

© 2011, Guest Writer. All rights reserved.

Most women know that when they become pregnant that things begin to change within them, some can feel it the moment it happens while others may need a test to confirm the great thing that is about to come forth.  Whichever the case maybe, she knows that she will never be the same again and that her life will change or transform into something she never dreamed of.  For eyes have not seen or ear heard what God has prepared for them that wait on Him (Isaiah 64:4).  And the most remarkable thing about God is; He can allow men to get pregnant and give birth as well as women in the spiritual. 

Well, pregnancy begins with INTIMACY!

Promises made while being merely in touch; give birth to nothing, but frustration!  It is during true intimacy that the seed is given; and attaches to the wall of the womb.  Promises made to God during the thrill of praise leads to frustration; unless it includes the intimacy of worship!  In worship, the seed of the Word is released; and is attached to the spiritual womb. 

Congratulations on your pregnancy! 

Are you showing yet?  All will soon be able to see that you and the Lord are intimate!  All will begin to see the glow on your face, as your countenance changes as you release your cares to the Lord, and accept His will. 

When you become pregnant you must allow God to take over your physical body and do things differently; Romans 12:1-2 says to present your body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, and be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Which means you must do things differently and think differently.  Now, because of the precious gift you are carrying you must watch your diet!  Remember; you are now eating for two!  You are eating for you; and the godly offspring, that you will give birth to.  You should no longer have the JUNK FOOD of gossip and the like. 

Quit smoking! 

That’s right; it will harm your baby!  People won’t believe Jesus is the Daddy if you keep getting hot-headed and lighting up.  Also, watch your company!  You may need to let go of the friends that still try to persuade you to play tennis, basketball or other things that may cause you to miscarry.  After all they are still in a size 7 but your body is changing, you are out growing the old things and must choose your activities very carefully. 

Don’t be afraid of your growth; you will only frustrate yourself hanging around folks, who wear those skimpy testimonies and see through, hypocritical lives.  Your maternity clothes; are the garment of praise, and to be clothed in righteousness. 

Be sure to get your rest!  You can’t do everything!  You don’t want your diet and time with Jesus ruined; because you stay tired! 

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I know what is growing in you will look just like its Daddy!  Don’t fear the trimesters just read the Manual.  Seek time with God and allow Him to be in every part of this process.  He wants to share this time with you.  Allow Him in the labor room with you, allow Him to hold your hand as the pressure becomes intense and you question why He allowed this to be, allow Him to refresh you with ice chips when your mouth is dry and you cannot find words to say, allow Him to hold your hand, you can squeeze as hard as you would like, He can handle it. (I Cor 10:13). 

My Sister and my Brother…..it’s time to push!   

Because something great is about to come forth!  Push when you are tired, push when you are frustrated, push when others don’t understand,

 PUSH - Pray Until Something Happens! 

Don’t give up!  Push because something is coming out of you that will change your lives forever.  Something that God has planted within you months or even years ago. Nothing can stop it!  Allow it to come forth! YOU ARE ABOUT TO GIVE BIRTH!     

-Be Encouraged! 

Written by Bishop Albert Ray Rouson and Elder Alvia Cabbler 

9/28/2010

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© 2010, Guest Writer. All rights reserved.

So get on your knees and become one of the greatest!

© 2010, Guest Writer. All rights reserved.

Have you ever had a dead line that you had to face? Let me tell you that you can face it. When the time came Jesus Steadfastly set his face and dealt with it, because it was time to face it. We must remember that “they that live godly will suffer persecution.” Life is not just separation. Ecclesiastes 3 says there is a time for everything under the sun. There is a time for mourning, a time for dancing a time to laugh and a time to cry a time to break down and a time to build up. God does not give extensions of suffering, there comes a time in this life when we just have to face it.
Jesus knew it was just time. He could not put off what he was put on this earth to do. As hard as it may have seemed he knew that it must be done. Luke stepped all over the hard things that Jesus was going to endure, the details were left out, it said, and “He will go up” But Christ said I can’t ascend until I am crucified. Some time we wish we could have an extension from God so we will not have to face our deadline. How many of you know about extensions? How many have paid bills and needed an extension? The power company will sometimes give you another week to pay your bill or maybe even till payday. God does not deal with extensions… when it’s time to face it you must face it. You must know that if the Lord brings us to it, He will bring us through it. You can face it. When God delivers you everyone will see it. Jesus had to be crucified before we could see His glory. And like Jesus’ example we have to crucify our flesh and face hell just like He did in order for others to see God’s glory in us.
Don’t worry… “You can Face it”

There are three expectations we can be sure of when we make up our minds to face what you have to face:
1. Expect the devil to put fear in you- Luke 13:31-33- on the way to Jerusalem the Pharisees told Jesus to get out of here (look for the devil). He will always present himself. When you make up your mind to face what you have to face. The devil will put fear in you. Jesus said in (Luke 13:31-33) I cast out devils.

2. Expect people to change on you- They will change on you. When Jesus entered Jerusalem there was a crowd of people. Let me tell you that you can’t trust a Sunday face. On Sunday everyone is for you and smiling and shouting and rejoicing. But by Friday, the real you will be out. The same people who cheered for him in the previous chapters were the same ones who cried “Crucify Him” in the 23rd chapter of Luke. The same people who crucified Jesus will do the same thing to you. When you make up your mind to face what you have to face. People around you will change. The same people he fed when they were hungry, and healed when they were sick, the same ones He gave sight to and delivered turned against him. When the people who are close to you change, let it happen.

3. Expect God to work for you- It would not be put before you if He could not bring you through it. Everybody is facing something and he gives us the ability to handle it. We can over come whatever we need to as long as we face it. We must walk in integrity and face it like a soldier. What ever you have to face, face it with integrity. What ever is before you today, know that it’s time for you to stand up and face it. You can face it! God will give you the strength you need, He will give you the courage you need he will give you the peace you need. Just face it and let God’s glory be revealed in your life.

© 2010, Guest Writer. All rights reserved.

Written by Ricardo Valentino 

© 2010, Guest Writer. All rights reserved.