Week 12

A Tither's Blog

September 17, 2012

    I have a friend who is a wellspring of knowledge. One of her many credentials is that of financial planner (C.F.P.) I like talking $$$ with her. She takes time to explain things clearly to me. We have had several discussions about what is called "the tyranny of the urgent." Another way I have heard this expressed is, "your need does not make my emergency."

    Churches have many ministries. As Jesus taught, the poor will always be with us. (Mt.26.11; Mk14.7; Jn.12.8.) Christians are bombarded on all sides to donate, to minister and support all kinds of genuine and even heartbreaking needs. One of the most difficult lessons I have ever had to learn is discernment.

    My tendency is to give to anyone any time. Since the Lord has total control over my finances, I have a place to go when I'm faced with multiple, desperate financial choices. I pray, seek the Lord and receive the wisdom and grace I need to implement God's will. I am no longer torn by the tyranny of the urgent.

        Sometimes God asks me to wait to do a greater good. This week if you have time, you might renew your mind with Jn.11.1-44. It will bless you. And remember, be faithful to your grace-giving and tithes.

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy

Week 11

        William Wilberforce (1759-1833,) Jane Austen (1775-1817) and John Wesley's life spans overlapped. Each was a sharp observer and has described the culture and practices of that era. In those 18th and 19th Centuries, clergymen depended on patronage. Clergymen would have had the use of a house or holding on some estate. To provide his living, each preacher was responsible for collecting his own tithes. Preachers would make the rounds personally and visit the members of their congregation to collect their portion. This practice was offensive, unpopular and a breeding ground for abuse. Although the process itself was changed many times over the centuries, financial dealings remained a nightmare for most clergy. No wonder John Wesley proclaimed grace-giving.

         Given that legacy, it's also no wonder many Pastors today are reluctant to preach and teach tithing and finance. Pastors need to care for their flock. Contemporary Pastors/Shepherds require a huge amount of time to prayerfully nurture and care for the souls God sends them. It's an enormous and expensive responsibility. When Christians withhold tithes, or their grace offerings are a tad short in grace, a crushing burden is placed on the shoulders of their Pastors. Too many of our Pastors are then obligated to act as accountants, finance ministers or CFO's. That's to our shame, Church!

        In the original languages, the word 'bring' of Mal.3.10, translates as "cause to come in."  On-line giving, kiosks and other automatic delivery systems for transfer of funds to the local church are easy, convenient and totally scriptural. What's preventing you from implementing your tithing covenant?

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy  

Week 10

 All these discussions on tithing would be incomplete without some dialogue with you on giving in general. Many contemporary churches seem to favor what is known as "grace giving." Basically, grace giving is giving as the Lord leads. It's a result of prayer and it is giving offerings without using financial parameters. John Wesley (1703-1791) pioneered this. He taught and preached, "earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can."

    Tithing is a covenant and an act of worship. In the Old Testament, the tithe was used for the maintenance of the Temple and care of the priests. As we are in Christ, grace-giving transcends Old Testament sacrificial systems. Grace-giving donantions are another form of worship through finances. These grace offerings are intended to provide for every aspect of church life.

    Church maintenance, salaries, all additional ministries, outreaches, discretionary care, the finances of spreading the Gospel and everything else, are funded by grace-giving congregations. Jesus said to give. Jesus said to take care of others. Jesus said to love one another. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. The Bible has innumerable promises for those who give. Christians are blessed as they sow and bring grace offerings. (Lu.6.38)

        Tithes and grace offerings are the foundation of today's Christianity. It is love as the Lord loves--freely, openly and generously. What wonderful opportunities the Lord gives us!

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy

Week 9

I've reviewed my master list of questions, comments and concerns on tithing I've encountered over the years. I often refer to them as I write these discussions. Here are some I'll address in this blog.

• Why 10%? Why not 9% or even 11%? There's no difference.

• My paycheck doesn't cover my bills and a tithe. How can I tithe?
• For me to tithe would take too much of my paycheck. What can I do?
• Should I tithe on my net or gross income? 

     The tithe is not some random, arbitrary or variable amount. 10% is the amount God established as covenant. Scripturally, the

covenant is not 9% or 11%. Scripturally, 9% or 11% represent noncompliance as tithes. Odd percentages are offerings. Both tithes and

offerings are voluntary.

     Give to God first, please. The net amount of a paycheck will usually cover the gross amount of a tithe. Tithing is not about giving too

much or too little. The tithe is a covenant of God and God alone gives the increase. Therefore, the dollar amount of your financial

worship is not God's primary goal. All God has asked is your love and prayer-filled heart of trust to faithfully tithe.

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy

Week 8

      Over the years I've heard many things from many people about tithing. I've observed many things also. My focus this week is "mental assent."

     Mental assent is a behavior whereby people agree verbally to something, but then do nothing about it. They say, "Yes, yes." And they nod their heads and act all lovely, but, their hearts resist even as they seem to agree. The Pharisees of Jesus' time did this. Again and again the Lord exhorted them to open their hearts, but they would not. This is one obstacle I encounter with the topic of tithing. When I speak about it or teach it, outwardly people seem to agree with what I'm saying. Then faces go blank, invisible walls get built and no change takes place. The tithe covenant is a precious gift from God. I experience enormous frustration trying to understand why more people do not tithe.

     That leaves me to guess as to why so many in the Body do not tithe. For starters, I know that for some change is just too inconvenient and painful. In order to change, one has to admit that a change is needed. Then, commitment has to be made to the change itself. Then, effort has to be exerted to effect the change.

     But for those who receive the revelation of the tithe covenant, who pray and embrace it, the Lord pours out His love and grace and power. The needed changes do take place and the former mental assenter experiences victory and joy. Tithing is such a simple act. Oh, do commit to God's covenant today!

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy

Week 7

     Number sense is a God given gift. Those with number sense are very aware of the dollars. They read articles and newspapers. (Some even enjoy reading the Wall Street Journal.) They balance their check books, are tuned into most things finance and are fiscally competent. We do want more disciples in the Body who are financially mature and responsible. You are desperately needed. Welcome!

     If I had number sense, I would be strongly tempted not to tithe. First, I know that tithing is not required, nor is tithing a panacea or "get rich quick" scheme. I also know that tithing does not always look like it's going to "add up" financially. But God! But God! Tithing has entered me into a new dimension. I meet the Lord in prayer and He gives me grace and heals my bad attitudes. He gives me courage to press into Him. No matter the circumstances of my finances, I rely on His grace. I love the special place in the Lord tithing has brought me.

     God's economy is different. God's economy is a faith-based economy. His economy is powered by love and expressed in obedience. Because it is a faith-based economy, there will be spiritual challenges. (Ep.6.12) Yet the Bible upholds, that whenever a Christian acts in faith and tithes, God's response is, "Yes and Amen." (Pr.3.9, 10) To believe God, to take Him at His word and commit to tithing is a Christ-like leap of faith. (Lu.7.9) Hallelujah!

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy

Week 6

     Many Christians are reluctant to start tithing. Believers who don't tithe and have been willing to talk with me about it, often express fear in some way. Christians are twisted and tormented over financial issues. Christians fear the European market, the New York Stock Exchange and the economy in general. Christians fear the IRS, their banks, their bills and the convolutions of their own financial situations. Some are in such binds that they are stressed and embarrassed about it. Some actually fear reprisals from God. I am declaring--now and forever--that God is not the author of fear!! Fear at the level I have just described is an emotional lie and a huge deceit from another place.

     I do think a major fear in this 21st Century's 'fear the tithe' epidemic, is the fear of losing control. People do not want to lose control of their money. They think by turning their finances over to the Lord that somehow they will lose. But God does not need our money. Tithing is a covenant initiated by God. And my Bible teaches that the Lord always honors His covenants.

     Paul said he was content. Contentment is a wonderful place to live in this day and age. It's much better to be content than to be afraid. The Lord heals fearing and shame-filled Christians. He pours out His grace on those who don't tithe because they are emotionally bound. The tithing covenant is a total commitment from God. Don't run from the tithe, Brethren. Your greatest blessing would be to cry out in prayer, "Abba Father!" and embrace tithing.

Until next time.

Love in Christ.

Miss Dorothy