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There is a difference between the Tithes, Offerings, and Free will giving, all of which is described in the HOLY BIBLE ( Our instruction book given to us by the LORD our GOD (2 Timothy 3:16). Please enjoy the in-depth study, and the Revelation that follows.........

This article appears courtesy of WIKIPEDIA - "TITHES"

A tithe (from Old English teogoþa "tenth") is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a (usually) voluntary contribution or as a tax or levy, usually to support a Jewish or Christian religious organization. Today, tithes (or tithing) are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes could be paid in kind, such as agricultural products. Several European countries operate a formal process linked to the tax system allowing some churches to assess tithes.

Here is a discription of Tithing from The Holy Bible

The practice of tithe is linked to the giving of a tenth of Abraham's spoils of war to Melchizedek, the prince of Salem and high priest of God. This meeting of Melchizedek with Abraham is seen as a precursor to the tithing that would be required under the Law given to Moses. The narrative for this can be found in the book of Genesis. Tithes were common throughout the ancient Near East, as well as in Lydia, Arabia, and Carthage. Tithing and its origins are once again addressed in the New Testament book of Hebrews chapter 7. Hebrews discusses the differences between the tithe paid by Abraham and the tithe paid according to the Law to the Levite's.

Biblical teachings appear to indicate that although tithing was practiced extensively in the Old Testament it was never practiced nor taught within the first-century Church. Instead the New Testament scriptures seem to teach the concept of "freewill offerings" as a means of supporting the church (see I Corinthians 16:2 and II Corinthians 9:7). In fact the earliest groups sold everything they had and held it in common to be used for the furtherance of the Gospel (Acts 2:44-47). Such practices are testified to in the Acts of the Apostles. Also in Acts one can find a narrative relating to a man and wife who promised to sell a piece of property and donate it to the Church. Instead they only brought part of the selling price before the Lord and were struck dead for lying to God (Acts 5:4). These were clear examples that the first-century Church did not establish nor insist on a 10% (or tithe) rule but instead emphasized freewill giving. Clearly the Church believed in making offerings of money or goods to God dependent upon the conscience of its members.

It is thought that tithes were not adopted by the Catholic Christian church for over seven centuries. Although initially rejected, they were mentioned in councils at Tours in 567 and at Mâcon in 585. They were formally recognized under Pope Adrian I in 787. Tithing in Christian churches today is frequently preached from the pulpit, but denominations and sects view tithing differently. As tithing was only a requirement found in the Old Testament, some consider it to be a practice that has no place in modern Christianity. Others, such as Word of Faith advocates, espouse that tithing, which is inspired in the individual by God, will enable blessings, usually financial, with references to ten or hundredfold increases. Some organizations, such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expect active members to pay an honest or full tithe.

Here is a discription of "tithing" listed from Old Testament origins

In the time of Abraham/Abram the Hebrew

According to the Genesis account, Abram, returning from a battle by the Dead Sea, was hailed by Melchizedek, king of Salem (Jerusalem) who was also the priest of El Elyon ("the Most High God") (Genesis 14:18):

18. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

19. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:

20. And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

(Genesis 14:18-20, Holy Bible, King James Version)

When Melchizedek appeared and offered Abram bread and wine, and blessed him in the name of God, tithes were exchanged. While the biblical text is not precise in naming who actually gave the tithes, most believe Abram gave the tithes to Melchizedek . The verse records, "....and he gave him a tenth of everything;" the "he" could stand for either Melchizedek or Abram, or perhaps El Elyon Himself. A reference found in Hebrews 7:2 expresses the tradition that Abram gave Melchizedek the tithes, and this is the belief that is held by most Christians.

Biblically, tithes are received by priests and high priests according to Hebrews 7:5, the sons of Levi were commanded by God to receive tithes, the sons of Levi were appointed to be priests (Deuteronomy 18:1). This is substantiated also in the Old Testament in Numbers 18:24 which states the Levite's were to receive tithes. As mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:1, Levite's were appointed to be priests. It is not likely that Melchizedek gave tithes to Abram as some suggest because Abram was not in the office of a priest, but Melchizedek was. Later in the book of Genesis, Abraham's grandson Jacob also made a commitment to give God back a tenth of his increase(Genesis 28:22).

"History Lesson"

Here is a discription of The Esretu - the standard Babylonian one-tenth tax

Hebrew was a Semitic language, related to Akkadian, the lingua franca of that time. An Akkadian noun that Abraham was most likely familiar with given his Babylonian background was esretu, meaning "one-tenth." By the time of Abraham, this phrase was used to refer to the "one-tenth tax," or "tithe." Listed below are some specific instances of the Mesopotamian tithe, taken from The Assyrian Dictionary of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, Vol. 4 "E":

[Referring to a ten per cent tax levied on garments by the local ruler:]

"the palace has taken eight garments as your tithe (on 85 garments)"

"...eleven garments as tithe (on 112 garments)"

"...(the sun-god) Shamash demands the tithe..."

"four minas of silver, the tithe of [the gods] Bel, Nabu, and Nergal..."

"...he has paid, in addition to the tithe for Ninurta, the tax of the gardiner"

"...the tithe of the chief accountant, he has delivered it to [the sun-god] Shamash"

"...why do you not pay the tithe to the Lady-of-Uruk?"

"...(a man) owes barley and dates as balance of the tithe of the **years three and four"

"...the tithe of the king on barley of the town..."

"...with regard to the elders of the city whom (the king) has **summoned to (pay) tithe..."

"...the collector of the tithe of the country Sumundar..."

"...(the official Ebabbar in Sippar) who is in charge of the tithe..."

Because of this standard one-tenth tax in Babylon, Abraham of the Genesis account was most likely familiar with the concept of giving up ten-percent of goods as tax.

In India sikh religion also provide for such practice called "Duswanth" Means one tenth part of income to be devoted for religious purposes. Tenth Master Guru Gobind Singh started this practice.

Here is a discription of tithing In the time of Moses and Under Mosaic Law

The tithe is specifically mentioned in the Book of Leviticus, the Book of Numbers, and also in the Book of Deuteronomy. These tithes were in reality more like taxes for the people of Israel and were mandatory, not optional giving. These tithes were set in place to teach Israel to learn reverently to fear the Lord God always.

There are three specific types of tithes or taxes listed here. The first was an annual 10% tithe given to support the Levites, in which the Lord God set aside for their service of His sanctuary- Numbers 18:21-28. Levites were descendents from the tribe of Levi. Members of the tribe of Levi were assistants to Aaron (the High Priest), apart of Aaron's family, the Israelite priests, and did not own or inherit a territorial patrimony. The goods donated from the other Israeli tribes, as commanded by God, was the source of sustenance for Aaron the High Priest and his brothers the Levites. The Levites received from "all Israel" a tithe of food or livestock for support, but would first set aside a portion of that tithe for the Aaronic priests. This also includes the land tithe, which is found in Leviticus 27:30-33. This tithe could be redeemed, or sold for money, but required an additional 20% contribution, making the actual tithe 12% if paid in money.

The second tithe was a festival tithe. Deuteronomy 14:22-27 commanded the Israelites to come and eat before the Lord, in the place which He chose to place His name. But if that place was too far to walk or carry their tithe, they were instructed by God to turn their tithe into MONEY and once they got to the place God had chosen to place His name and presence, they were to spend the money from the sale of the tithe "to buy whatever they liked such as: cattle, sheep, wine , other fermented drink, or anything." Then go into the house of the Lord God and eat there before Him and rejoice with all Their household, along with the Levite.

The third tithe was required every third year to assist the poor Deuteronomy 14:28-29 This year was called "the year of tithing," Deuteronomy 26:12-14. When the Israelites had completed tithing of the increase of the land, they were to give this tithe to the Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows. All these tithes or taxes put together would consist of around 23% of a person's income per year.

Here is a desciption of tithing In the time of the Israelite Kings

"LMLK seals" were used - (LMLK stands for the Hebrew letters lamedh mem lamedh kaf (vocalized, lamelekh), which can be translated from Hebrew as:

"[belonging] to the king" (of Judah)

"[belonging] to King" (name of a person or deity)

"[belonging] to the government" (of Judah)

"[to be sent] to the King" )

LMLK seals may represent the oldest archaeological evidence of tithing. About 10 percent of the storage jars manufactured during Hezekiah's reign (circa 700 BC) were stamped (Grena, 2004, pp. 376-8). See 2 Chronicles 29-31 for a record of this early worship reformation.

The book of Nehemiah also talks about the collection of tithes. People were actually appointed to collect mandatory tithes and place them in specially designated chambers which eventually came to be known as storehouses -Nehemiah 12:44.

Here is a description of Tithing in the Books of the (Minor) Prophets

The book of Malachi has some of the most quoted Biblical versus on tithing, Malachi 3:8-12. Jews, Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians who tithe, understand that no man may outdo God in the act of charity. These verses talk about the supposed cause and effect of tithing. If one gives to God, they are to be blessed, where if one refuses to give they will be cursed. They also refer back to the storehouses mentioned in Nehemiah. (Malachi 3:8-12):

8. Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, `How are we robbing thee?' In your tithes and offerings.

9. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me; the whole nation of you.

10. Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house; and thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.

11. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts.

12. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

SIDENOTE:

"Revised Standard Edition"

The book of Tobit (1:6-8) provides an example of all three classes of tithes practiced during the Babylonian exile:

But I alone went often to Jerusalem at the feasts, as it was ordained unto all the people of Israel by an everlasting decree, having the firstfruits and tenths of increase, with that which was first shorn; and them gave I at the altar to the priests the children of Aaron. The first tenth part of all increase I gave to the sons of Aaron, who ministered at Jerusalem: another tenth part I sold away, and went, and spent it every year at Jerusalem: And the third I gave unto them to whom it was meet, as Debora my father's mother had commanded me...

Here is a desciption of Tithing in the New Testament

According to Catholics, as those who serve the altar should live by the altar (1 Cor 9:13)), provision of some kind had necessarily to be made for the sacred ministers.

In the beginning this was supplied by the spontaneous offerings of the faithful. In the course of time, however, as the Church expanded and various institutions arose, it became necessary to make laws which would ensure the proper and permanent support of the clergy.

Many Christians (both Catholic and Protestant) support their churches and pastors with monetary contributions of one sort or another. Frequently these monetary contributions are called tithes whether or not they actually represent ten-percent of anything. Some claim that as tithing was an ingrained Jewish custom by the time of Jesus, no specific command to tithe per se is found in the New Testament. However, this view overlooks the fact that Israel's tithes were of an agricultural nature, not financial. [1] References to tithing in the New Testament can be found in Matthew, Luke, and the book of Hebrews.

For Catholics, the payment of tithes was adopted from the Old Law, and early writers speak of it as a divine ordinance and an obligation of conscience, rather than any direct command by Jesus Christ.

Some Protestant denominations cite Matthew 23:23 as support for tithing.

"Away with you, you pettifogging Pharisee lawyers! You give to God a tenth of herbs, like mint, dill, and cumin, but the important duties of the Law -- judgement, mercy, honesty -- you have neglected. Yet these you ought to have performed, without neglecting the others. "

(Albright & Mann, Matthew, Anchor Bible, Vol. 26 (1971))

and its parallel Luke 11:42

"Woe to you, Pharisees! You tithe mint and rue and every edible herb but disregard justice and the love of God. These were rather the things one should practice, without neglecting the others. "

(Fitzmyer, Luke, Anchor Bible, Vol.l, 28A (1985))

Because of Jesus' specific mention of the tithe in this passage, those who support the tithe believe that he gave his endorsement to the practice of tithing in general. Some scholars disagree, however, pointing out that Jesus was simply obeying Mosaic law as an obedient Jew and telling Pharisees they ought to have tithed as they claimed they were living under that law.

The final mention of tithing in the New Testament is Hebrews 7:1-10. This refers back to the tithe Abram paid to Melchizedek. This passage, although serving as confirmation that Abraham did indeed pay his tithe to Melchizedek, is not so much about tithing as about trying to show the superiority of Christ to that of the Levitical priesthood.

Most New Testament discussion serves to promote giving over tithing.

2 Corinthians 9:7 talks about giving cheerfully; 2 Corinthians 8:3 encourages giving what you can afford; 1 Corinthians 16:2 discusses giving weekly; 1 Timothy 5:18 exhorts supporting the financial needs of Christian workers; Act 11:29 promotes feeding the hungry wherever they may be; and James 1:27 states that pure religion is to help widows and orphans.

Here is a description of Modern-day teachings

In recent years, tithing has been taught in Christian circles as a form of "stewardship" that God requires of Christians. The primary argument is that God has never formally "abolished" the tithe, and thus Christians should pay the tithe (usually calculated at 10 percent of all gross income from all sources), although at the Council at Jerusalem the Apostles did not include it in the letter to the Gentile believers (Acts 15:29). The tithe is usually given to the local congregation, though some teach that a part of the tithe can go to other Christian ministries, so long as total giving is at least 10 percent. Some holding to prosperity theology doctrines go even further, teaching that God will bless those who tithe and curse those who do not.

Some scholars cite that since the account of Abram giving tithe to the high priest occurred before the law was given to Moses, the tithe does not fit into Mosaic Law and therefore is relevant today. That interpretation, however, is suspect since Abram also practiced circumcision before the Mosaic law came into being, but that practice has itself been de-emphasized in the New Testament church. It is therefore a much better interpretation, both similar to circumcision and the observation of the Sabbath, that the practice of tithing (that is compulsory giving of 10% of ones income) is no longer applicable to the New Testament church. Instead church members are encouraged "to give as the Lord has prospered (them)” [I Corinthians 16:2], and "every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” [II Corinthians 9:7].

Opponents of tithing argue that the only Biblical references to the tithe occurred (or referenced events that occurred) during the period of Mosaic Law, applicable only to Jews. They further argue that Jesus taught He came to "fulfill" the Law, which they believe occurred at His crucifixion, and therefore Christians are no longer obligated to pay a minimum amount, but should give only as God specifically directs them to do (which may be more or less than 10 percent) 2 Corinthians 8 & 9. Further, opponents hold that the "blessing/cursing" teachings used in prosperity theology would result in God being able to be "bribed" or acting as an "extortionist". In addition, the blessings / curse point of view invalidates the gospel, i.e. if one is cursed, then Christ could not have been a "curse on our behalf" and if we can get more blessing by tithing, then we cannot possibly have "all Spiritual blessings in Christ" (Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:3). If it's true that all giving should be non-compulsory and rooted in the Christ in each believer, then tithing is moot.

Proponents argue that one cannot throw out the Law in the name of "fulfillment" because that also would cause the argument that Christians are no longer obligated to live a holy lifestyle according to the ten commandments, which scholars agree is not the intention of Jesus' teachings that He came to "fulfill" the Law. Yet these neglect to include Matthew 22:37-40, which states the summation of all the LAW and all that was described by the prophets is LOVE!

There has also been much controversy with the introduction of "membership covenants" in many evangelical churches in North America, spearheaded by many mega-churches. These covenants require giving 10% to that church as a condition of membership. Prospective members must sign off on a contract and are interviewed regarding their lifestyle, including tithing.

Proponents say that these covenants are a form of accountability, and in any event have the right to set their own membership criteria. Opponents say these covenants are a form of financial "extortion".

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THUS SAITH THE LORD............

The issue: The giving of First fruits, Tithes, Offerings, and Sacrifices

The Question - Is such giving stilled required from God?

The question stems from confusion of Old Testament and New Testament principles. From this day forth, let it not be said among YOU! I encourage you to get understanding in all that you do.

The reason for the Law, Jesus the Christ, and our creation is all tied together through one catalyst = SIN. Sin seperates us (mankind) from God. Sin also causes us to lose sight of our true purpose for being created. What you are about to read is called "REVELATION". Revelation is Gods hidden meaning behind His actions, words, and purposes, such is given to those who seek GOD with all their heart, mind, body, and soul. The title of Phophet is a common name given for those who seek the divine will of God. For an in-depth study of this teaching/revelation see the " KINGDOM HISTORY" tab on our main page - Thank You.

Since the fall of Mankind by Adam and Eve (the first created beings on Earth), we were all seperated from GOD through their sinful act of "DISOBEDIENCE". Because Mankind was created NOT to be seperated from God, but to be one with Him. God set up "the LAW" as a way to reconcile us ( reconnect us) to Himself again. The Law not only allowed the opportunity for all of mankind to keep from being destroyed by a Holy, Righteous God, but the Law also showed us how to show reverence to God, and have respect for one another. Yet, with all the good intentions the law served, it could not complete/fulfill the purpose for which it was intended - to make us Holy, Pure, clean, and righteous as God is. To be Spiritually restored (born again), operating in His image and likeness, as well as being full of His word, and His power, in order that we could rule and have dominion over the Earth realm, bringing His Kingdom (authority) to the Earth ( He rules the Earth through us) - there needed to be a fresh start/ a new beginning!

This new beginning came in the form of Jesus the Christ. The fall of mankind came into the world through one man - (Adam) therefore, mankind could now be restored through one man - Jesus the Christ. Do you recall that we were oringinally created to rule this Earth on behalf of God, Jesus came to give us the perfect example of this - meaning: Jesus came to show us how God could fully occupies one man, by word, power, and action. That's it - the meaning of the entire bible, the reason for creation, everything. When you believe all that Jesus the Christ represented, and in all that God did to reconnect Himself to You, and begin to seek Him out, learning how to be like Him (CHRISTLIKE), then that is what will happen, you'll be Christlike, NOT GOD and/OR THE CHRIST, but Christ like! This process is commonly called SALVATION! So where does first fruits, tithes, offerings, sacrifices, and giving come into play? The follow shows/explains how God ordered the Earth:

In the Old Testament - GOD

Moses - God's prophet

High Priest - Aaron

Levites - Ministers of Gods sancturary

* Please note Moses, Aaron, and the Levites were from the tribe of Levi, they were all brothers.

Then we had the rest of the People ( Israel)

The rest of the people (those that were not chosen of GOD to minister to Him or on behalf of Him) were instructed by Moses to bring gifts, first fruits, sacrifices, and offerings to Aaron the High Priest. They were also instructed by Moses to bring the tithes to the Levites. The Levites were then instructed to Give a portion of the tithes they received to the High Priest (Numbers 18). All of this, along with other statues and commands came to be know as "THE LAW"

In the New testament - GOD

Spirit of Truth - Our teacher who brings Gods word to us (John 16:13)

High Priest - Jesus the Christ (both King and High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek "Hebrews 5:6") who pleads and interceeds on our behalf.

Apostles, Prophets, Evengelists, Teachers, and Pastors - also knows as the Royal Priesthood are those who have been Spiritually reborn (born again) preaching, teaching, and equipping others who are called to enter Gods Kingdom (Ephesians 4:11).

Then we have the rest of the People (the world) either babes in Christ and/or sinners.

The rest of the people ( the world) sinners and babes in Christ are still blindly following the Law of God, and under the law they are required to bring the tithe to the ministers ( the Royal Priesthood) of GOD, until they receive the revelation of What Jesus the Christ has done for them. They can only be set free when they begin to seek God on their own and build an intimate relationship with Him. Building a personal, one on one relationship with GOD is vital, because their are SOME Pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc who have not completed the CHRIST LiKe process and /or they have no revelation of what their true purpose is, so they keep people in bondage under the LAW, because they themselves do not know better. Once the people grow, recognizing their true calling and purpose of life in Christ - they will be set free, and able to go out into the world teaching others, expanding God's Kingdom, teaching others to be Christlike.

Example of how giving should be done in the church body today:

GOD - God receives us as a gift to indwell

High Priest - Jesus the Christ - receives us as a Gift to offer God, when

we as the Royal priesthood offer up ourselves as a Holy Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

When the priesthood has set themselves apart from the world, walk in obedience to GOD, seek GODs will, and grow towards maturity they can be offered up to the High Priest.

Here are more examples of giving for those that have received the revelation that they are no longer under the LAW. (see Hebrews 10:1-25 for scripture references)

Under The Law In The Kingdom

There was a collection for the Now we are the temple.

temple tax.

The tithe was for us to rejoice in Now we are encouraged to give all

what God has blessed us with and for the time to those in need (the least

the support of the stranger, orphan, of these) this is how we rejoice

and widow. with God. God/Jesus says giving to others is like you are giving to Him.

There was the Feast of Remembrance.

Now there is Communion.

There was the Wave offering.

Now there is the Sacrifice of praise

For those that have not accepted their freedom: The teacher or those of the Royal priesthood may continue to use the law as a reference - to teach you reverence for GOD (Galatians 6:6). Under the Law - the Priest/pastor/teacher recieves your tithes as a inheritance provided to them from an ordinance set up from God. The Priest- hood is to then take a portion of their tithe and offer it to GOD (GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED). This practice is to remain in place until the babe in Christ (new convert) or sinner, accepts and receives understanding of what Jesus the Christ has done for them. When the believer reaches that level, they are to come from under the teachings of man and enter into the teachings of GOD for themselves (matthew 6:33/ I John 2:27) Hopefully their teacher has taught them how to seek God for themselves. This is a mind boggling thought. As long as people remain closed- minded to the revelation and understanding of Jesus the Christ and the meaning of His sacrifice they will never fully come to live out why they were truely created and/or get to enjoy all the blessings and promises God made available to them.

The full manifestation of everything described is LOVE. Jesus the Christ has summed up all the laws/commandments for the Kingdom of God into two that are very important. The summation is this - Matthew 22:37-40 Amplified bible - 1st. - "Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, and your soul, and with all your mind (intellect). This is the greatest commandment. 2nd. - You shall love your neighbor as you (you do) yourself. "

In conclusion, God has been calling you to enter into His kingdom since the day you were born, and for those who are chosen to enter, first you will need some training, a teacher to give you a proper example of how to live the Christian, kingdom life. The teacher, as stated before is entitled to compensation (Galations 6:6). Do not become dependent upon the teacher, for your relationship with God, this is Idloltry. Learn from your teacher, How to hear from God, and how to practice Godly principles, then begin to seek God ON YOUR OWN, thereby developing a intimate relationship with God in Christ. God desires to teach you on His own. You have the same annointing the rest of the body of Christ has ( I John 2:27), and as God brings to completion the work He is performing in you, He will then lead you to Go out and teach others, repeating the cycle, building up a church body, not a church building...

When you have received your calling and you have made your election sure from the Lord, and you are beginning to gather a flock of people who the Lord has called to learn more from you, begin to teach them using the resources you have available (Mark 6:37-38), and God will give the increase. Freely you have received, freely you shall give - it doesn't' cost to teach the word of GOD. God did not say go and build a building, accumulating debt, all the while keeping His sheep in bondage for years and years, rather than releasing them to go out and apply what has been learned. You don't have to resort to the Law as a reference if you can truly relate to the people the meaning behind the law, allowing God to bring comfirmation, especially since you know all Gods children are called to freedom. We can assemble anywhere as a church body, in houses, parks, etc - (Hebrews 10:24-25). I repeat, build His church body, not a church building. Be of good cheer, God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in Glory, Trust Him, keep an attentive ear to the Spirit of the Lord and His prompting's. Go practice and teach giving, teach freedom, not bondage. I caution you, do not put a yoke upon His flock and do not hold them back. They too are called to go out into the world and preach the gospel, give them a proper example to follow in Christ. Most Teachers/Pastors get worried about releasing the sheep to go out, because they have become dependent upon the sheep, rather than God to meet all of their needs. I encourage you not to worry, GOD will supply, for the Harvest is truly plentiful!.

Whether you are under the law or free, be encouraged to stay commited to giving on a regular basis, give out of love, not guilt. GIVING engrains in your mind you are trusting of God for all your needs, giving also shows your reverence for HIM (GOD). Lastly, never, ever forsake assembling with other believers, encouraging one another, showing love to one another, taking on one anothers burdens in Christ (by His strength-not ours) "Hebrews 10:24-25".

AMEN and God Bless You All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BE SET FREE IN CHRIST

Luke 6:38 (Amplified Bible)

38. Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.

Luke 12:22-25 (Amplified Bible)

22. And [Jesus] said to His disciples, Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious and troubled [with cares] about your life, as to what you will [have to] eat; or about your body, as to what you will [have to] wear.

23. For life is more than food, and the body [more] than clothes.

24. Observe and consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn; and [yet] God feeds them. Of how much more worth are you than the birds!

25. And which of you by being overly anxious and troubled with cares can add a cubit to his stature or a moment [unit] of time to his age [the length of his life]?

......I encourage you to read Luke 12:22-31,32-end (amplified bible)