Tithing – Household Words:

GUESS WHO? Genesis 14.

In Genesis 14, four kings attack five kings; NINE kingdoms go to battle. Initially, the four capture the five and keep them captive 13 years. Then the five escape, and the four pursue and capture the five kingdoms and their people a second time. In the process, they also capture the rich man Lot andContinue reading “GUESS WHO? Genesis 14.”

GIVE GOD THE GLORY–and the Money. Nehemiah 10:35-37.

It’s great to hear athletes and movie stars give God glory. Sometimes it is heartfelt, other times it may not be. The wording can be clichéd; when I was in a similar situation, I would say: “Yeah, God really blessed me.” But the point is, on some level the celebrity recognizes: I DID NOT DOContinue reading “GIVE GOD THE GLORY–and the Money. Nehemiah 10:35-37.”

HARD WORDS. Malachi 1:6-3:9-12.

Have you ever seen a news clip of a judge rebuking a criminal defendant—and you agreed? That’s how I feel about some of God’s rebukes in the Bible: He is holy and just and more than fair, so we cheer for Him, even when the words are terrifying. The fact is, sometimes God must rebukeContinue reading “HARD WORDS. Malachi 1:6-3:9-12.”

MY HOUSE LIES IN RUINS. Haggai 1:4-7; 2:4.

Have you ever gotten your priorities out of whack? You know, you’re working hard on hobbies, but ignoring school projects? You’re dedicated to a sport, but falling behind on summer reading? You’re having fun going places with friends, but you’re taking too much time off from your job? From time to time, all of usContinue reading “MY HOUSE LIES IN RUINS. Haggai 1:4-7; 2:4.”

Giving and Giving Back.

When I was a child, our church launched a building campaign so we could replace our decaying building downtown with a new and much larger building on the west side. Everyone knew the slogan “two by two” meaning we would give two times as much for two years. That is, we would “tithe twenty percent”Continue reading “Giving and Giving Back.”

I’ve Never Seen a Hearse Pulling a U-Haul: You Can’t Take it With You.

Do you give? Are you giving to God’s kingdom the way He directs you to? You have to start now. It’s so much easier when you are young and you have no bills and few expenses. Pray and ask God what He wants you to give. God asked the children of Israel to give rightContinue reading “I’ve Never Seen a Hearse Pulling a U-Haul: You Can’t Take it With You.”