How to tithe when you're flat broke?

[LordKnows]

I attend a very small church. We have roughly 8 give or take 3 people that attend & I know the bills come in the church mailbox just as my own do. However, for the past 6 Sundays I have been hearing "tithe, give, blessings, be a blessing, it's the Lords" more than average. I am all for helping no doubt about it. God knows it, I know it & people that see me know it... but I have no money to give at this time. When I do get money (10 or 20 bucks) it goes in gas for my car & necessities like that. As of late I have been helping my pastor with web graphics, flyers & random stuff that he wants done for our church & another church in California at no cost. He feels that because I have this talent & skill I should do it for the church because I'm able without any compensation. Whenever I do not have a job I fall back on doing freelance web graphics work. If I were charging him it would be well over $400.00 worth of work had he not been my pastor & that is a very low cost for what I have done so far. My pastor has also had my fiance (who is recently out of work also) doing work for him at his rental properties & has paid him $20.00 for a days worth of work (7, 8 hours) for 4 days paying him a total of $80.00 & I just don't think that is right. The pastor has however talked to him & let him know that he doesn't want him to think he is taking advantage of him but how can he not think that? Pastor knows our situation & knows we have not got a penny to stretch... I feel it's like being kicked while you're down. I need some advice here... & I wouldn't want to ask anyone other than fellow brothers & sisters in Christ.

I have been out of real work (time clock punching job) for 2 months without a single dime. I am 2 months behind on my lot rent PRAISE GOD I own my trailer!!! My light bill is in shut off & whenever I hear the word tithe it almost sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. I would LOVE to tithe & give my part but when someone says that tithing equals blessings or the like I almost choke. I don't give for a blessing, miracle or anything in return. I tithe to tithe. And this 10%... where does it say an amount that we are to give?

I do not want to sound like some tight wad miser that clings to money but it just seems like my church is begging. I am probably wrong but I need advice like I mentioned so if there is an elder in here I would love to hear what you think & if God gives you the words to type that will ease this for me... I have been praying really hard.

 

[amadeus2]

I recall reading something in the sequel ("Tramp for the Lord") of Corrie Ten Boom's initial testimonial life [As per "The Hiding Place" she gave refuge to Jews in Holland during WWII and when caught was sent to a Nazi concentration camp.] about her having approximately 2000.00 Guilders [Dutch money] saved up to go on a missionary journey to Russia. I don't recall the details, but God told her to give the money away to a needy cause. She did so even though God had also told her to make the journey to Russia. [Sounds a little like Abraham being told to sacrifice his son who was the son of God's promise. ]

Almost immediately after she had given the money away the Lord provided the funding for her Russian journey. Read her two books and see what she went through.

 

[LordKnows]

If I had ANYTHING to physically give I would ...

 

[amadeus2]

So you're not Corrie Ten Boom nor are you Abraham being asked to sacrifice the child of promise. You are simply a person with no money to give. I started to write a testimony here for you, but it would be mine and wouldn't fit you.

When you do have something be always not only willing to give it, but give it as the Lord moves your heart to do so. In the OT under the law God gave to Moses there was a tithing law, but what we are to give is more than 10%. It amounts to all that we have. The following verse expresses what we are to give, but it is not in terms of money:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Rom 12:1

What you have (including perhaps money) can and should also be given as you are able and according to what God lays on your heart. I certainly would not call for 10% as if you were under Mosaic law. Some, including ministers, may disagree with this, but the one you need to please is God. You can try to please others, but only if it does not otherwise interfere with your own walk with God.

So what do you do when you effectively have less than nothing, which is where you seem to be? One thing you don't do is worry about paying a minister of God who is pressing you directly or indirectly with a wrong purpose. [What is a right purpose?] I am not advocating going against someone who is called by God to be your minister. If what I have advised would cause you to do that you had better pray carefully before proceeding. Remember that even when David knew that the King anointed by God was wrong, he would not raise up hand against that anointed man.

Again, in the OT the priesthood of Aaron's children received tithes for their support from the rest of the congregation of Israel, but I wouldn't worry much about that today. We do not pay tithes to the Aaronic priesthood. We may choose to help a full-time minister to work in his ministry, but I would go slowly on helping too much a person who has a better secular income than you. Again be careful here. I don't know your pastor nor all of your circumstances and me knowing them wouldn't really help your situation.

I would advise you to look for your own answers in prayer and scripture. The scripture that usually to comes to my mind first is this one with regard to priorities:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" Matt 6:33

The "all of these things" could include money, but that is up to God according to your situation and what He (not me and not even you) sees as your needs. Remember that Jesus, the man of flesh, did not want to suffer and die, but he accepted his Father's will no matter what it was. For the flesh of Jesus, we know that it was a very prolonged and painful death.

Your situation may not be life threatening, but you do need to know what God requires from you rather than what you may think you need. Weigh carefully the difference between needs and wants. I believe you understand the difference already. I will be praying for you.

 

[LordKnows]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!!

 

[Brad Huber]

I have seen many times where the shepards and those that ask for money live much better than those they ask, who have barely enough to live on. First of all, the tithe was something instituted to give an income to those dedicated to service for the Lord, and they werent allowed to "make a profit" to live on. Although its a great idea to help out a "FULL time pastor", who has many productive hours helping those in need spiritually, emotionally, and physically, we do not live by jewish law and traditions. I dont go to church regularly, due to work schedules, and me not liking most of the churches I have attended near me. And its not like the regular people there are bad, its always some leaders that do not belong in charge, that make me leave. That and also that I am gifted in many ways, that could help in churchs, but all they want from me, is to bring more people there, give money, and work for one of the leaders, doing work that are not in my areas of gifts. Those types of churches like themselves just the way they are, and just want more money and people to forward their own visions of glory for that specific church. I have been involved with good churches before, but had to leave as the Lord led me for His own purpose for His glory and for my own growth.

You can give more than just money for your "tithe" if you are low on funds. You can give your time to things needing done, manual labor, etc, that they might have to pay for. One time I cut up a bunch of wood for someone poorer and unable to do it themselves, as long as you give of "yourself" in some significant way, often you do more than giving money for a newer/bigger church or church buildings, that may not be really needed, just wanted. I like to save money to give to those in need whenever they need it. Just gave some a bit ago to a lady at work who had to have an operation and was short on money to pay rent and heating, etc. while she was off work.

 

[Dovegiven]

According to Hebrews 7, the Aaronic priesthood ended and was replaced by the earlier eternal priesthood of the order of Melchizedek, of which Jesus is great High Priest. It explains how that eternal priesthood has always received tithes of men, at least 430 years before the Law arrived, and now on into eternity.. The hands of men have always been involved actually handling the tithe, even allows to eat it. The mortal priesthood collected it a while under commandment of the Law.

The Law existed between the manifestations of that eternal priesthood, commanding offerings too. Offerings didn't begin with commandments of the Law, but started among Adam's sons, and remained the will of God in the New Covenant. So there is no end to tithing or offerings.

The tithe is based on your increase. You might only realize actual increase in wealth like a farmer who has only one harvest in September, sinking all he has into producing a crop. Deducting the cost of seed and expenses of farming, the net gain was subject to the tithe. In the Old Covenant a Levite priest might visit the farm only interested in what your net produce was, then assess your tithe. They operated a little like our modern IRS.

Not being able to "afford" to tithe suggests you might be out of place. I transferred to another state to move up from a government GS 11 pay grade to a GS 12/13. We were very happy before moving, deeply involved in our church life, having lots of friends and great weekly fellowship. My paycheck rose nicely, but we couldn't duplicate our church life, and found the people around us were very different. Not finding a church that would let us jump into leadership, I stopped tithing, began giving to some TV ministries that blessed us. Not long after, we began noticing our left-over funds were shrinking. It didn't make sense. So, I resumed a sideline business designing private fishing and duck hunting lakes for ranchers and timberland owners. That grew such that I was gone from home traveling to ranches out of state, or going to government seminars, more than 6 days a week. Even with a huge increase in income, we were not realizing it. The whole experience was like all my pants had holes in the pockets.

I finally sought the Lord about it. A friend "had a word of knowledge" for us later. The Lord didn't suggest jumping up and moving in the first place. He had us where he wanted us "back there". So I retired from government, and we returned "home". The business supplies, we are tithing once again, and blessed more than what we gave up.

What is our responsibility towards support of a church? Make sure whether you can personally add finances that the ministers who support you are making their living from the gospel they minister. Doing valuable services for them is certainly a good work. Mostly it is the Lord who wants each of us to yield up our entire being to his service. That can include offerings of our talents and skills that keep the church from hiring a contractor. I like the saying "a penny saved is a penny earned"..

Study 1 Cor 9 concerning our obligation to support the ministry God has appointed us, then 2 Cor 9 to understand about freewill offerings to the needy outside our church. Key verses are 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (KJV)
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
and 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (KJV) 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.


Ask God to show you what your part is to receive from him seed to sow and meat to eat.

 

[Dovegiven]

At a men's fellowship meeting of combined area churches, a feature speaker challenged us to pray asking the Lord to supply a one-time unexpected seed that year. This time ask expecting, and commit it all to tithe first, then the entire balance distributed to ministries. We each wrote down our desire and turned the page in. A year later all those goals were met, all from bonuses, tips, inheritances, unusual profits, some invention ideas that were sold, idea rewards, lots of other ways including people just handing over money. The rule was for none of us to chip in regular personal income, but to keep tithing it and giving of some of it as usual.

It took that exercise to realize I was in a rut, not living by faith in the financial realm. I was just dumping money like having an insurance draw on the bank account, without worrying about not being able to do anything more for anyone else. We were in our tight comfort zone, barely living within our means for decades, sometimes barely able to give a whopping $20 love offering.

It's easy to believe for that. When it comes in a battle is likely. It's easy to forget that pledge. It's easy to spend it on stuff. But when mine came along that time it "burned" in my hands. We didn't keep a dime of it, yet when needed most we always have received, sometimes at the last moment, what we needed or pledged to give. It took years of learning, but now we enjoy being able to support the gospel more than ever even though my income has dropped substantially.

I retired to hunt and fish, travel, preach and teach, but stay working though nearly 71, though working "smart". When I retired and stopped all work, there was no increase for blessings of my products of my hands. Once working a few days a week to have to give to them that have not, seed to sow resumed, and unexpected seed comes above that.

What works? Long term wise money handling. Make up the mind to follow the 10-10-80 plan. Each payday tithe 10% to a local church, attending there regularly, not forsaking fellowship.
I believed and received promises for tithers, so our 90% behaved like it was 100%. When we realized that was constant, we began saving the next 10%. Soon the remaining 80% was behaving like 100%. We will obey to leave our children and children's children a biblically supported inheritance. Along the way then adds the special seed to sow, all of which is given as the Lord directs.

How to start? Write down every purchase, date them, and compare to income. If the spending exceeds income, immediately stop buying something that isn't necessary. At some point you should break even. Look for more income, maybe taking on a little side job for 10 hours a week. There are hundreds of small part time jobs around us. Devote it all to getting out of debt, saving interest. Increase giving as the Lord instructs. Believe for blessing on the tithe, and expect to become someone who always blesses others. All together you will prosper and cause thanksgiving to the Lord.

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

I attend a very small church. We have roughly 8 give or take 3 people that attend & I know the bills come in the church mailbox just as my own do. However, for the past 6 Sundays I have been hearing "tithe, give, blessings, be a blessing, it's the Lords" more than average. I am all for helping no doubt about it. God knows it, I know it & people that see me know it... but I have no money to give at this time. When I do get money (10 or 20 bucks) it goes in gas for my car & necessities like that. As of late I have been helping my pastor with web graphics, flyers & random stuff that he wants done for our church & another church in California at no cost. He feels that because I have this talent & skill I should do it for the church because I'm able without any compensation. Whenever I do not have a job I fall back on doing freelance web graphics work. If I were charging him it would be well over $400.00 worth of work had he not been my pastor & that is a very low cost for what I have done so far. My pastor has also had my fiance (who is recently out of work also) doing work for him at hhhi rental properties & has paid him $20.00 for a days worth of work (7, 8 hours) for 4 days paying him a total of $80.00 & I just don't think that is right. The pastor has however talked to him & let him know that he doesn't want him to think he is taking advantage of him but how can he not think that? Pastor knows our situation & knows we have not got a penny to stretch... I feel it's like being kicked while you're down. I need some advice here... & I wouldn't want to ask anyone other than fellow brothers & sisters in Christ.

I have been out of real work (time clock punching job) for 2 months without a single dime. I am 2 months behind on my lot rent PRAISE GOD I own my trailer!!! My light bill is in shut off & whenever I hear the word tithe it almost sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. I would LOVE to tithe & give my part but when someone says that tithing equals blessings or the like I almost choke. I don't give for a blessing, miracle or anything in return. I tithe to tithe. And this 10%... where does it say an amount that we are to give?

I do not want to sound like some tight wad miser that clings to money but it just seems like my church is begging. I am probably wrong but I need advice like I mentioned so if there is an elder in here I would love to hear what you think & if God gives you the words to type that will ease this for me... I have been praying really hard.

Giving of your time is always a good thing. God does notice and you can count on that.
Now let me ask you this.....how much time have you spent before the Lord about this concern of tithe?
It does not matter what any one in here says or think they know - IT IS ALL ABOUT .... What Does God Want Of You In This ?
People work hard to use scripture and made up stories to make them selves feelmbetter about not giving the tithe.
God wants a cheerful giver.......so these people have nothing to worry about.. lol

Also watch out for the forum hard hearted as well - they tend to speak what they hear or read and do not reallyne er find outmthe truth. These folks spend much time pushing how preachers fleece their flocks and so forth. Dont even give ear to it.

I was out of work and in a different state not knowing any one. I ended upmdigging in dumpsters for cans and bottles to take back for the deposit.
Long story short........i began to tithe and seed out of every dime i got. God began to move honoring His tithe. Bills got paid and apartment furnished and so forth. So in my heart......i say how can you not afford to tithe.

So bottom line my friend is to seek God and follow His desire and forget about what others say about it. Only YOU can find out whatnGod wants YOU to do.
Blesings
James

 

[Ophel]

It's easy to tithe when things are going smoothly financially, but it is hard to tithe when things are going poorly, financially, and that is when we need to step into faith and pay our tithes by faith---believing. God always honours that kind of faith, because it is obedience to His word to put Him to the test.


.

 

[Ophel]

I attend a very small church. We have roughly 8 give or take 3 people that attend & I know the bills come in the church mailbox just as my own do. However, for the past 6 Sundays I have been hearing "tithe, give, blessings, be a blessing, it's the Lords" more than average. I am all for helping no doubt about it. God knows it, I know it & people that see me know it... but I have no money to give at this time. When I do get money (10 or 20 bucks) it goes in gas for my car & necessities like that. As of late I have been helping my pastor with web graphics, flyers & random stuff that he wants done for our church & another church in California at no cost. He feels that because I have this talent & skill I should do it for the church because I'm able without any compensation. Whenever I do not have a job I fall back on doing freelance web graphics work. If I were charging him it would be well over $400.00 worth of work had he not been my pastor & that is a very low cost for what I have done so far. My pastor has also had my fiance (who is recently out of work also) doing work for him at his rental properties & has paid him $20.00 for a days worth of work (7, 8 hours) for 4 days paying him a total of $80.00 & I just don't think that is right. The pastor has however talked to him & let him know that he doesn't want him to think he is taking advantage of him but how can he not think that? Pastor knows our situation & knows we have not got a penny to stretch... I feel it's like being kicked while you're down. I need some advice here... & I wouldn't want to ask anyone other than fellow brothers & sisters in Christ.

A pastor who is honest will pay for an honest day's work and not think anything of it, nor try to get a deal. Now it is different if people like yourself, or tradesmen offer to do it as a way to bless the church, but to expect to not pay proper prices for good work is nothing more that cheap and is very belittling. Not right.

Your pastor needs to feel the pinch a bit more, I should think! Maybe he needs to do without for a bit to experience lack due to his being so cheap. You and your fiance can give him an invoice, and inform him beforehand that your business practices have taken a step forward!

I have been out of real work (time clock punching job) for 2 months without a single dime. I am 2 months behind on my lot rent PRAISE GOD I own my trailer!!! My light bill is in shut off & whenever I hear the word tithe it almost sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. I would LOVE to tithe & give my part but when someone says that tithing equals blessings or the like I almost choke. I don't give for a blessing, miracle or anything in return. I tithe to tithe. And this 10%... where does it say an amount that we are to give?

I know the feeling! Believe me!!! All you can do is tell God about it---He sees your heart! We wanted to tithe for years before we finally bit the bullet and benefited from it. Right now we are experiencing a big financial crunch ourselves, but we need to continue in the tithe as representative of our faith. It is incredibly hard at times to release to God what He desires, but once done, we know we have pleased the Lord and the outcome of all of it is in His loving and powerful hands...and not our own. He cam make $1 stretch to cover what $10 covers!

I do not want to sound like some tight wad miser that clings to money but it just seems like my church is begging. I am probably wrong but I need advice like I mentioned so if there is an elder in here I would love to hear what you think & if God gives you the words to type that will ease this for me... I have been praying really hard.

Such a small church really needs faithful tithers to do all it needs to do. My brother-in-law was a pastor of a home church for a time, but the people just didn't tithe, although some gave. They treated it like it was a small group or something, forgetting that he and my sister had a mortgage to pay, and they lacked a sense of ownership, and of mission and purpose. My brother-in-law never mentioned tithing, expecting that these people would be spoken to by the Spirit and would o9bey Him. They didn't, and so he eventually disbanded the group. I visited once when I was in town there, and found them all to be strong, spiritually mature people, too. so...I recount this example to say that sometimes a church whose needs are just not being met is a temporary work.


.

 

[Chad]

Hi @LordKnows

I just listened to a sermon on this very topic the other day from David Jeremiah. It covers your concerns.

part 1

part 2

 

[Bendito]

I attend a very small church. We have roughly 8 give or take 3 people that attend & I know the bills come in the church mailbox just as my own do. However, for the past 6 Sundays I have been hearing "tithe, give, blessings, be a blessing, it's the Lords" more than average. I am all for helping no doubt about it. God knows it, I know it & people that see me know it... but I have no money to give at this time. When I do get money (10 or 20 bucks) it goes in gas for my car & necessities like that. As of late I have been helping my pastor with web graphics, flyers & random stuff that he wants done for our church & another church in California at no cost. He feels that because I have this talent & skill I should do it for the church because I'm able without any compensation. Whenever I do not have a job I fall back on doing freelance web graphics work. If I were charging him it would be well over $400.00 worth of work had he not been my pastor & that is a very low cost for what I have done so far. My pastor has also had my fiance (who is recently out of work also) doing work for him at his rental properties & has paid him $20.00 for a days worth of work (7, 8 hours) for 4 days paying him a total of $80.00 & I just don't think that is right. The pastor has however talked to him & let him know that he doesn't want him to think he is taking advantage of him but how can he not think that? Pastor knows our situation & knows we have not got a penny to stretch... I feel it's like being kicked while you're down. I need some advice here... & I wouldn't want to ask anyone other than fellow brothers & sisters in Christ.

I have been out of real work (time clock punching job) for 2 months without a single dime. I am 2 months behind on my lot rent PRAISE GOD I own my trailer!!! My light bill is in shut off & whenever I hear the word tithe it almost sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. I would LOVE to tithe & give my part but when someone says that tithing equals blessings or the like I almost choke. I don't give for a blessing, miracle or anything in return. I tithe to tithe. And this 10%... where does it say an amount that we are to give?

I do not want to sound like some tight wad miser that clings to money but it just seems like my church is begging. I am probably wrong but I need advice like I mentioned so if there is an elder in here I would love to hear what you think & if God gives you the words to type that will ease this for me... I have been praying really hard.

The tithe is a seed that you plant...If one cannot tithe money, which is kind of weird since we get paid for our work most of the time, we can tithe of our blessings from the Lord...Time, work, money whatever the Lord gives us a tenth belongs to Him... No we don't have to tithe but it would be super stupid not to. Don't you agree?

 

[Curtis]

Time = money = life. It takes time to go to work to make money, which actually equals your life spent getting it. This is why so many people are unwilling to give it up. Money = life. Even giving things away equals time out of your life to get the money to buy it. The only way a person can give money, time, or things freely is they must "see" something more valuable, than what they giving away.
Jesus gave up his life, and endured the pain of the cross because he saw "the joy that was set before him" which was us his Church. We also are called to run the race set before us by "looking unto Jesus"
Seeing our treasure stored in Heaven is vital before a person can really give up of his possessions he has on this earth. Money is not the only thing you can tithe unto the Lord as time = your life.
Praying for your Church, asking the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers to fill up your small body of believers takes time out of your life. Constantly praying for others who are sick, and don't know the Lord takes time out of your life also. Going to intercessory prayer meeting is something most Christians don't do, because they simply do not have time to. If you are out of work you have all the time in the world to work as a co-laborer with God in bring forth his Kingdom here on earth. Plus, the Lord "rewards" those who diligently seek him.

 

[LordKnows]

I kind of get it - I just don't know where the whole 10% came from? Also, I have given more of my time lately to my church than ever before. (I just started going back to church again after not going since I was a small child) I have been looking for work like no other. Without having any money I mean TOTALLY flat broke busted not a dime broke. I'm not one to say I'm broke yet have a stash in a saving account - When I say I'm broke I mean that if the Mail man were to stop & tell me I had a letter that needed extra postage of 35 cents I wouldn't be able to pay.

My other inquiry is this 10% ... is that gross or net? And is it a once a week thing on say Sunday or each & every time we attend something at church like Wednesday Bible study also. Because I'm beginning to see that tithe basket more & more. I may be just be seeing it more & more because I have nothing to put in it.

I never cared to go to Church before last year because it was either too big (many members) & I didn't feel as if I belonged or because of the constant begging the churches did. It was always "give your 10% to the church" 30 minutes later it was "give a love offering for the pastor" then it would be 10 minutes later "so & so is going to be needing money for the missionary trip to Africa & needs $1,000 to love for a month & will be gone 2 years" I started thinking (back then) wow, I should quit my job, start a church & become rich... I KNOW that's not the right way to think but C'mon with the "needing" already... we ALL need something & I AM all for giving more than 10% BUT it puts a very bad taste in my mouth each & every time they have a "reason" they need money. Makes me think of the guys standing on the corner with a cardboard sign sometimes or the Creflo Dollars out there that need jets & $1,900 suits. Now I know bills need to be paid I am not ignorant to that fact, I should know first hand as mine are due to be turned off any day now. But here we're being told to pray whenever we are in need (and I have been like no other, Gods prolly tired of hearing me) or have something we want the Lord to know even though he knows all... so why doesn't the church do that same thing? I do NOT respect anyone that claims that the bigger the tithe the bigger the blessing or "miracle". I just don't & won't! MY GOD is NOT that simple. He's NOT a simpleton. He KNOWS our hearts MUCH better than we do. I really have no idea where exactly I'm going with this BUT... I guess what I'm saying is I have just seen too many times pastors driving BMW's, Cadillac Escalades while living in huge homes in the suburbs while their congregation can't repair a tail light on their rusted out backfiring 1995 Ford Escort. My pastor doesn't fit that bill but I have seen many who do. I know I sound a bit harsh but it's the truth what I have here.

I just wished & pray that we were all equal - equal in the same way the Lord has us in his eyes. Nobody's better, nobody any less.

This is really a tough requirement to follow when ends not only don't meet, there isn't even a end to start.


Thanks for reading my rant - I'm sorry to have vented like this but I would rather do it here with my brothers & sisters than to worldly people that would have me just walk away altogether because THAT is the very thing I refuse to do.

With much of the Lords love~

 

[Curtis]

I kind of get it - I just don't know where the whole 10% came from? Also, I have given more of my time lately to my church than ever before. (I just started going back to church again after not going since I was a small child) I have been looking for work like no other. Without having any money I mean TOTALLY flat broke busted not a dime broke. I'm not one to say I'm broke yet have a stash in a saving account - When I say I'm broke I mean that if the Mail man were to stop & tell me I had a letter that needed extra postage of 35 cents I wouldn't be able to pay.

My other inquiry is this 10% ... is that gross or net? And is it a once a week thing on say Sunday or each & every time we attend something at church like Wednesday Bible study also. Because I'm beginning to see that tithe basket more & more. I may be just be seeing it more & more because I have nothing to put in it.

I never cared to go to Church before last year because it was either too big (many members) & I didn't feel as if I belonged or because of the constant begging the churches did. It was always "give your 10% to the church" 30 minutes later it was "give a love offering for the pastor" then it would be 10 minutes later "so & so is going to be needing money for the missionary trip to Africa & needs $1,000 to love for a month & will be gone 2 years" I started thinking (back then) wow, I should quit my job, start a church & become rich... I KNOW that's not the right way to think but C'mon with the "needing" already... we ALL need something & I AM all for giving more than 10% BUT it puts a very bad taste in my mouth each & every time they have a "reason" they need money. Makes me think of the guys standing on the corner with a cardboard sign sometimes or the Creflo Dollars out there that need jets & $1,900 suits. Now I know bills need to be paid I am not ignorant to that fact, I should know first hand as mine are due to be turned off any day now. But here we're being told to pray whenever we are in need (and I have been like no other, Gods prolly tired of hearing me) or have something we want the Lord to know even though he knows all... so why doesn't the church do that same thing? I do NOT respect anyone that claims that the bigger the tithe the bigger the blessing or "miracle". I just don't & won't! MY GOD is NOT that simple. He's NOT a simpleton. He KNOWS our hearts MUCH better than we do. I really have no idea where exactly I'm going with this BUT... I guess what I'm saying is I have just seen too many times pastors driving BMW's, Cadillac Escalades while living in huge homes in the suburbs while their congregation can't repair a tail light on their rusted out backfiring 1995 Ford Escort. My pastor doesn't fit that bill but I have seen many who do. I know I sound a bit harsh but it's the truth what I have here.

I just wished & pray that we were all equal - equal in the same way the Lord has us in his eyes. Nobody's better, nobody any less.

This is really a tough requirement to follow when ends not only don't meet, there isn't even a end to start.


Thanks for reading my rant - I'm sorry to have vented like this but I would rather do it here with my brothers & sisters than to worldly people that would have me just walk away altogether because THAT is the very thing I refuse to do.

With much of the Lords love~

Asking for money has always been a big problem for a lot of people in the Church. The Apostle Paul worked with his own two hands so not to depend on others for his keep. My wife and I for many years used to travail the country ministering in music, and teaching the Word of God to different Church's, and we never asked for money, not even a penny. We rejoiced that the Lord provided the funds, and the privilege to be a co-worker with God in spreading his Word. I have always had a full time job, and I had not problems spending it for the right cause in the ministry.
The Church my wife and I go to now was started by a family who believed God called them to start a Church. It was just a small ma -pa family Church that grew very quickly, and prospered. They have since passed away a few years ago, and now their daughter is the pastor, along with all her five daughters, and her son in laws. There are five buildings on 20 acres, and they are all paid for, so there is no burden of having to get a certain amount of money every week. Besides, we have less than 100 people in the congregation, and every body know every body. The Church does not take in a lot of money but some how there is always way more then enough to do what ever we wanted, like retreats, or what ever. Now that I am retired we are giving most of our free time to whatever the Church needs. I would not want it any other way. It's fun!!

 

[InTouch]

If I had ANYTHING to physically give I would ...

Give what you've always had since you since the day you were born.It is more valuable then money.To love one another as you love yourself, for we are all apart of the same creation.A smile,a piece of bread to the hungry,arms to comfort the heartbroken are a few of the many ways to tithe to the church.If you feel it right and have the means then give to your house of worship.But remember that it is we who are the temple of God.

 

[KingJ]

I attend a very small church. We have roughly 8 give or take 3 people that attend & I know the bills come in the church mailbox just as my own do. However, for the past 6 Sundays I have been hearing "tithe, give, blessings, be a blessing, it's the Lords" more than average. I am all for helping no doubt about it. God knows it, I know it & people that see me know it... but I have no money to give at this time. When I do get money (10 or 20 bucks) it goes in gas for my car & necessities like that. As of late I have been helping my pastor with web graphics, flyers & random stuff that he wants done for our church & another church in California at no cost. He feels that because I have this talent & skill I should do it for the church because I'm able without any compensation. Whenever I do not have a job I fall back on doing freelance web graphics work. If I were charging him it would be well over $400.00 worth of work had he not been my pastor & that is a very low cost for what I have done so far. My pastor has also had my fiance (who is recently out of work also) doing work for him at his rental properties & has paid him $20.00 for a days worth of work (7, 8 hours) for 4 days paying him a total of $80.00 & I just don't think that is right. The pastor has however talked to him & let him know that he doesn't want him to think he is taking advantage of him but how can he not think that? Pastor knows our situation & knows we have not got a penny to stretch... I feel it's like being kicked while you're down. I need some advice here... & I wouldn't want to ask anyone other than fellow brothers & sisters in Christ.

I have been out of real work (time clock punching job) for 2 months without a single dime. I am 2 months behind on my lot rent PRAISE GOD I own my trailer!!! My light bill is in shut off & whenever I hear the word tithe it almost sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard to my ears. I would LOVE to tithe & give my part but when someone says that tithing equals blessings or the like I almost choke. I don't give for a blessing, miracle or anything in return. I tithe to tithe. And this 10%... where does it say an amount that we are to give?

I do not want to sound like some tight wad miser that clings to money but it just seems like my church is begging. I am probably wrong but I need advice like I mentioned so if there is an elder in here I would love to hear what you think & if God gives you the words to type that will ease this for me... I have been praying really hard.

Sorry about your situation. I hope it has improved since. Understanding why God puts us through the things He does is mostly beyond us. I use to think I had a handle on it. 1 Cor 5:10 has always comforted me. It makes it clear that God puts us where He needs us and will hence look after us. If He doesn't need us, we will go to heaven. So as hard as it is, just hang in there and keep looking for work.

As for tithing, we are in a new covenant with God. This does not mean the laws fall away but we must grasp that Jesus fulfilled them / died for all the ordinances against us Col 2:14. The whole system of working with God on a promise basis is GONE. Don't tithe = God curses you Mal 3:9. Tithe = God opens windows of heaven Mal 3:10. All gone! God does not liaise with us on this old covenant basis any longer. We have moved on and must move on. Now moving on does not mean ignoring and forgetting. Nothing God says is in vein. Moving on is to understand what the purpose for tithing was. Just as with stoning adulterers to death. Why did God ordain that? Maybe because He hates the sin? So with tithing, why did God want it so badly for His people that He was prepared to open the windows of heaven to them if they did it. You have answered this in your OP. But lets just clarify it. To help those in full time ministry. God wanted 11 tribes to support 1, the Levites. By giving 10% the Levites would receive 110% of the average income of all Jews. They would live on par with others. By enforcing it strictly to the degree that payslips and bank statements are checked is evidence of God not wanting the Levites to suffer or beg for money. It also shows that God blesses obedience and giving. So today we need to be mindful of these truths. If we attend a church we should give and as regularly as we can. Always bearing in mind that 10% is a fair % but not to be the rule. We should also gauge the prosperity of those in charge. If there is a surplus, a respected preacher should take his modest share and invest / donate / pay missionaries etc with excess.

The charity work you are doing is unto the Lord. Nothing to do with providing for your pastors rent and food. But he cannot / God does not expect anything of you until you can provide for yourself. There is a NT truth that Paul reveals to us in 2 Cor 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. The significance of ''God being able is important to grasp. This basically means it is not dependent on your qualification, work experience, family inheritance...rather God can defy the norm. If this happens, our cup would be overflowing. So many teach that you give as your cup overflows. It is understandably hard to give if your cup is not overflowing. Is it not overflowing because we are not giving? Very likely but who is to say? We have already given Him our all when we first got saved. We would not be saved if we didn't. So, who can understand God? . We just have to accept our lot really.

What is crystal clear is that God knows our hearts. We need to know them too. I believe we can solve all our issues and better understand / hear from God if we just continually get on our knees and judge ourselves harshly. This should be Christianity 101 on all matters. As Rom 14:5 says let each be fully convinced in their own mind.

 

[B-A-C]

Luke 21:1; And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.
Luke 21:2; And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.
Luke 21:3; And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them;
Luke 21:4; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”

(Also see Mark 12:41-44; )

 

[LordKnows]

But he cannot / God does not expect anything of you until you can provide for yourself.

THIS is EXACTLY what I thought myself!!!!!! THANK YOU JESUS for letting me know what I thought was correct.