The Heart of The Matter..... Tithing

Our Christian walk is filled with many choices and decisions, confrontation of temptations that entice us, and the ability to choose how to respond to each. A lot of what others can see often is displayed on the exterior, which also embeds our speech and actions. We are all aware of the possibility that our outer shell can be a front, just a facade of what we want others to see, while our heart may reflect a different disposition. Sometimes the difference between the two is unintentional, but it does not negate the fact that there is a difference.  However, our God is one who pays no attention to that outer shell; He pricks the intent of our hearts.

As I read the parable of the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-27), it clearly depicted the understanding that one could very well, in their own way of thinking, give their entire being to the calling of God. It shows how we can follow all the commandments and laws with strict obedience, but we never look into our hearts to see if the most important object of God’s affection is actually, His!! When confronted by Jesus, after disclosing how closely he lived for God, the rich young ruler was asked to give everything he had away to the poor and follow Christ. The rich young ruler responded by walking away, grieving.  Now, doesn't this request go straight to the Heart of the Matter? It’s not that Jesus wanted to see the young rich ruler without wealth, He wanted him to understand that he had not given his heart completely over to God in all things, even his wealth; he lacked trust.

So the question is have you gotten to the true matters of the heart in regards to God? Is your obedience and trust in His word manifested when you have the opportunity to give, which also includes tithing? Let God know that you trust him fully and that money has no bearing on your relationship with him. The heart of the matter is that everything was given, so why not give, with a cheerful heart.

Meditate on this scripture which encourages giving from the heart:

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need……..You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. (2 Corinthians 9:8, 11)

~Toni H.

Are You A Steward?

You have to pay the cost to be the boss is a cliché that rings in our society today. It alludes to the fact that to gain status, prestige, and success, you have to “pay your dues." Now let us refocus this phrase to our heavenly Father. He definitely paid a cost for us, through Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, so that we may have eternal life with Him when our physical life ends. Not only that, He went much further; He created an earth for us to inhabit, talents so we can make a living for our families, and gifts to serve His kingdom. All of this for His children, and in return, our Father in heaven expects us to be excellent stewards of the gifts, talents, and blessings that He has given us.

So what is a steward? A steward can be defined as a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others. We came into this world with nothing, so how can anyone assume that we are not stewards for the Almighty? We have always existed in a community with many people who aid in the development of our lives and careers, so how can anyone say they are self-made? We did not give ourselves our gifts, talents, or life itself, so we are truly stewards in every sense of the word. However, stewardship goes much deeper than the managerial component. Proper stewardship shows a great appreciation for the blessings, gifts, and talents that were given and it should produce a sense of integrity and healthy pride to be called a son or daughter of the Most High God.

I challenge us as a church and as individuals, to begin to utilize our time, gifts, finances, and talents for Kingdom advancement, community enrichment, and the edification of our fellow Christian and unbelievers alike. All this will prove that we are who we say we are, it will draw others to Christ where their gifts may be used, and ultimately, it will give all honor and glory to God. We were made in the image of God, so let us respond by being grateful and honorable stewards.

Meditate on this scripture that encourages stewardship:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

~Toni H

Faith, Obedience, and Tithing

Faith, Obedience, and Tithing

When I decided to give my life to Christ I was excited about the changes in my life that were about to occur.  I knew that there were things, people and habits that I would have to give up. The one thing I honestly didn't consider giving was tithes. With four young children and a very minimal income it didn't even cross my mind. 

It wasn't until I attended a bible study that focused on tithing that I truly understood its importance. Tithing is an act of faith and obedience. I had to learn to trust God with what He had already given me by giving it back to Him. Luke 16:10 says “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." I had been entrusted with what belonged to God. Therefore it was (is) my responsibility to make a statement of faith and become a steward of tithing.  With tithing also comes obedience. Malachi 3:10 says, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." It doesn't say part of or some. It says the WHOLE tithe. These scriptures tell me that no matter what my circumstances are I must trust and OBEY God’s Word.

I encourage you today to begin to trust and obey God with what He has given you. In doing so, watch how the windows of heaven pour out blessings upon your life.  When we tithe, we receive many blessings from God. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap" (Luke 6:38). My testimony is that God's promises of blessings are true! 

~ Lynn 

Cheerful Giving

Have you ever asked someone for something and they gave it to you with an attitude?  How did you feel?  When situations like this occur it can make you feel like you wished you had never asked.  No one wants to feel like they are an inconvenience to another.  A “gift” should make the recipient happy, not sad or angry.  Giving should be an act from the heart.  2 Corinthians 9:7 states, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (NIV).”  God honors such acts and He blesses those who are willing to give voluntarily and with LOVE.  

Let your motives for giving be acceptable in the sight of God.  God desires what’s in your heart more than what’s in your hand. Service that is cheerful and voluntary, that is offered out of true love to Him is acceptable in his sight. God loves it because it shows a heart like his own.

"How can I be a cheerful giver?” Well, the greatest example is that of Jesus Christ who willingly gave His life that we may have ours.  God predestined for us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29). What better way for us to emulate Jesus Christ than to give selflessly the way He gave to us.  More importantly, our greatest motivation for generous and cheerful giving should be that it pleases God and that it reflects His gift of salvation to us. 

~ Lynn

Celebrating Our Legacy Of.....Faith

Faith

As we conclude the topical discussion on the legacy of African Americans and the characteristics that have contributed to the advancement of civil rights, equality, and our way of life, let us discuss the final characteristic that brings the previous ones into motion. Perseverance, Unity, and Resiliency were key components that contributed to the vision at hand. The final characteristic that holds all three of the previous traits together is Faith.

Faith can be defined as having confidence and trust in the Lord and His word without seeing the immediate evidence, but with patient endurance, relying on the timing of the Almighty with thanksgiving. It was their faith in Christ that allowed our people to persevere through the intimidation that stood before them when they pursued their civil rights. It was their faith in Christ that brought about unity to stand together as a community to boycott public transportation. It was their faith in Christ that spurred up resiliency to continue with persistence when they suffered setbacks and disappointments. Without faith, the impossible remains impossible, but with faith in Christ, anything is possible. Our journey, indeed, is a continuous one, but when we employ faith in Christ along with perseverance, unity among ourselves, and resiliency, we can rise above the ashes and prove God's word when He says that He will never leave nor forsake us.

When I think on these things, it fills me with a deep appreciation for what our previous generations have sacrificed on our behalf so we may enjoy those things that were not afforded to them. But an even greater appreciation is due to our savior Jesus for enduring the cross so that we won't experience the separation from God the Father. He took on that pain and suffering so that we will not have to. So let us be proud of our heritage and continue on to accomplish the dream that was set before us by our ancestors and by God.

Meditate on this scripture that encourages faith:

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

~ Toni H.

Celebrating Our Legacy of .....Resiliency

 

Resiliency

Thus far, we have been reviewing the characteristics that have contributed to the legacy of our people who have and still endure struggles and hardships. The next focal point is the trait of resiliency.

Resiliency can be defined as the ability to recover readily from depression and/or adversity. It is also the ability to return to the original form after being bent and compressed. It is often mentioned that the difference between a winner and the person who gives up is the ability to try again after being knocked down and defeated. Our history is filled with these moments. How do you respond when the constitution of the land is against you? How do you respond when quality education is not an option? How do you respond when you are denied civil rights and respect? Our people responded by not giving up!! We challenged the law of the land, we marched on Washington, we staged boycotts, and we continue to cut the red tape regarding quality education. Yes, we have and still experience setbacks as a result of our quest for equality, but the resiliency that has been embedded in us will not allow us to lie down; our people have used it as fuel to drive the cause with more force.

We must continue to carry the torch and remain resilient as a culture and as individuals. Generations to come must have examples to model just as we have the generations before us to look to. Our ultimate example is Christ himself. He was persecuted, scorned, and treated unjustly, but His love for us caused Him to become resilient toward the pain he endured because He looked toward the ultimate goal of our reconciliation with God. We must never give up, but carry on the fight so we can pass the torch to the next generation.

Meditate on this scripture that encourages resiliency:

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?....No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:35,37).

 

~Toni H.



Celebrating Our Legacy Of...... Unity

 

Unity 

As we continue to reflect on the accomplishments and endurance of our people, let us look further into the characteristics that have shaped the character and attitudes of their ideals. Another characteristic that has transcended through time is Unity.  

 

Unity can be defined as the absence of diversity; oneness of mind; as well as harmony and agreement. During the times of slavery, unity was the glue that held together the operation of the underground railroad. During the civil rights movement, unity allowed for successful boycotts against public transportation. Unity within our culture has the ability to strengthen our communities, establish a unified effort to overcome institutional prejudices, and allows our people to provide a corporate response to break down adversity.

 

However, during recent years, there has been a breakdown of unity within our race that greatly differs from that of the civil rights era. Selfish ambitions have ran rampant, and looking out for our fellow brothers and sisters has become an "old school" mentality.

 

Because of this gap between then and now, I want to pose two questions. First, what is your opinion to why there is a decline within our race regarding unity? Second, what are some ways in which we can continue on the course of equality, in all respects of life? While you ponder on your thoughts, consider this scripture which encourages unity:

 

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought".(1 Corinthians 1:10)

 

 ~Toni H.