OPENING

THE WINDOWS OF HEAVEN

By

Dr. Ernie Moore

Cover design and photograph by Ernie Moore

Interior graphic by Rachael Moore, used by permission© Copyright 2013 Ernest D. & Wanda J. Moore

OTHER BOOKS BY ERNIE & WANDA MOORE

FICTION: The Jake Crabtree Adventure SeriesPrequel - One Time Messengers (#1 of the Series)One Time Messengers (#2 of the Series)Terrorist Babe (#3 of the Series)The El Agha Conspiracy (#4 of the Series)Killing Coyotes (#5 of the Series)The Messenger (#6 of the Series)

NON-FICTION:Sell Your Coat and Buy a GunOpening the Windows of HeavenTraveling Israel with Your Bible

Ernie Moore’s Amazon author’s page

www.BarnabusPress.comwww.Ernie-Moore.comTo read four chapters of all the Ernie Moore novels, see great photos of Israel and more, plus get insider info on The Zulu-Solutions adventures visit: www.Ernie-Moore.com

ABOUT THE AUTHORDr. Ernie Moore’s first "professional" writing job was as a sixteen-year-old reporter for a weekly newspaper owned by the late Illinois Senator Paul Simon. He currently has eight books in print, all on the Kindle reading format. He’s written for Outdoor Life Magazine as well as a host of other publications and newspapers. He holds a Ph.D. and Th.D. degrees.

Dr. Moore is listed in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America, Who's Who in Outstanding Young Men in America, Who's Who in American Christian Leadership, and Who's Who in International Entrepreneurs.

He is an accredited journalist and radio commentator and Israel Bureau Chief for his own Barnabuspress Broadcasting Network as well as for Truth Broadcasting Network Perception Media Network. His syndicated “This Week in Israel” broadcasts are heard on these and numerous other radio stations across America and in 50 nations around the world on www.BarnabusPress.com.

Dr. Moore owns BarnabusPress.com and is certified by the Israel Ministry of Tourism as an “Israel Travel Counselor.” He organizes and leads his own tours of the Holy Land and often assists pastors with their tours. During these outings Dr. Moore enjoys one of the great loves of his life – sharing the Scriptures from their geographical locations. To arrange a tour contact him at ernmoore@barnabuspress.com.

He is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. His efforts on behalf of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution have earned him a listing on the "American Hero Honor Roll" at the National Firearms Museum in Washington, D.C. Ernie Moore is a veteran of the Viet Nam War, serving in military intelligence in South Vietnam from 1965-1967. Dr. Moore is a former member of the United States Congressional Advisory Board.

Dr. Moore and his wife have written six exciting novels on fighting terrorism. The Jake Crabtree series are centered around homegrown and foreign terrorism. They are detailed on www.Ernie-Moore.com where you can actually read four chapters for each book at no cost.

He and his wife divide their time between the United States and Israel.

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to what we believe will be an exciting journey as you read this little book. This could

be a journey that will challenge your thinking and perhaps shake up your “well-grounded”

concepts of financial life. It is one that has taken me many years to travel. Those years will be

condensed for you as you read and ponder this short work.

We first published this as a simple booklet that we used in counseling, and which has since been

provided to people as other pastors used it in their own congregations.

This is not a sermon. It is certainly not a lecture. And there is no shame in not knowing the facts

contained herein. Sadly too many people grew up in families where these truths were either

unknown or untaught.

During the nearly twenty-eight years I pastored and helped folks who came seeking advice on

money troubles we arrived at the conclusions you are about to read.

Often when someone receives Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, I spend a few hours over the

course of the following weeks discussing the life of a disciple of our Lord. We cover many of the

fundamentals of our faith. I believe, like Vince Lombardi, that the “mastery of fundamentals”

makes for great football players and for much better Christians.

With this in mind, allow me to tell you now: This book contains information on tithing, but it is

not just about tithing. Tithing is only a drop in the ocean of the real foundation of this book. Far

more important is the fact that this little book will enable you to have more freedom in your life

than you have ever dreamed possible. Would you like to be liberated to pursue the will of God

without the restraint of financial burdens due to unscriptural material dealings which hinder

many Christians? Would you like to be able to make any amount of money without it corrupting

you or ruining your life? Read on.

The Apostle Paul spoke of himself as a “servant of Jesus Christ,” but still he was free. Free to

serve our Lord as the Spirit of God directed him. He was not hindered by restraints under which

most people live. He knew the only perfect freedom on earth – the freedom to become a servant

to his Lord! No one who is burdened by massive debt, a horrible job that does not meet life’s

basic needs or ignorance of God’s financial plan can ever be free.

We are in the midst of a severe worldwide financial crisis. Government leaders do not seem to

have the slightest idea about the principle of living within ones means. And the “trickle down

pain” has damaged families, companies and even the solidity nations.

We believe that most people want a hand up more than a hand out. They want to work at a

decent job or own their own business, earn a decent wage, and hold their heads up with real self-

respect.

On another level of society, families are literally ripped from one another’s arms because of the

parent’s jobs. Due to financial constraints mothers and fathers are allowing absolute strangers to

rear and to educate their children according to pagan mindsets that hate Christianity and pollute

the young minds in ways that may never be erased. Why? Because “that’s just how it has to be!”

as one young mother said to me in frustration when I asked her that simple question. Why?

Some of what you will hear will be very familiar. I beg your indulgence. My goal here is not to

impress you with my erudite manners, but to sort of boost you up to a spot where you can see

farther and more clearly toward a place where our Lord can plant your feet. Thanks. I hope you

enjoy your reading.

A GOOD RECIPE

An old preacher once told this story: “I hate flour! I hate salt! I hate baking powder!” The old

man went on and on, and then he stopped his ranting and with a smile, looked around the kitchen

at his amazed wife. “But I love biscuits!”

So it is with lots of things in life. We love the results, but we aren’t always pleased with the

mandatory ingredients. Sure, flour by itself is not only tasteless, but can choke us, but oh, hot

buttered biscuits!

Some of what we are going to talk about will seem like simple flour. But it is more. It is about

how you could become better off materially and spiritually – all at the same time.

First of all, let’s establish some “givens.” Here are facts which we believe are beyond dispute.

AMERICA IS BECOMING A PROGRESSIVELY MORE MATERIALISTIC SOCIETY.

From the stock market to the grocery store, profit seems to be the dominant goal. Trying to keep

up with it all is not only hazardous to your mental health, but absolutely maddening.

Companies routinely deceive the public, the government and its own stockholders regarding the

condition of their products and their future. Repeatedly government oversight bodies are

releasing news stories about the latest “capture” of rogue operators. From Enron to Solyndra

corporate crashes have become a symbol of dishonesty and disaster in business, both for

investors and employees.

And how did the US Congress accomplish an approval rating of only 18%?! By many of them

proving to be liars, thieves and as corrupt as any people on earth. That is just a sad truth.

After the attacks of September 11, 2001, there was much talk of the national spirit changing, and

certainly it did for those touched either directly or indirectly. This lasted only too short a time. If

one studies the media, it would seem that the change is part “lip service” and part political hype.

Those who were patriots before that tragic day are still patriots and those who were hucksters are

still carrying on their activities today.

People are still buying things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like with money they

don’t have, and that includes our government. Our politicians have learned that they can buy

votes by give-away programs with money they borrow from China. Federal, State and personal

debt is going through the roof! Television advertisements still rave about the latest home equity

companies and the mailman is still burdened with tons of credit card advertisements. Following

close behind are foreclosure papers.

College students are getting an education in credit card debt. Young newlywed couples are

creating massive debt on new or upscale homes, furnishings and automobiles that their parents

never considered necessary to their own happiness.

IT IS COMMON TO SEE A HUSBAND AND A WIFE BOTH WORKING A FULL TIME

JOB AND EACH HAVING SOME KIND OF PART TIME JOB!

Saddest of all, is that in many cases, not only is such employment unnecessary, but is done so

that each can buy their own “toys” and live separate lives outside the home. The upsurge in

“nannies” rearing children is, to this author, amazing and heart-rending.

Of the five primary causes of divorce the top of the list is “money problems.”

It was not long ago that financial advisors were telling working mothers that after they

considered babysitting, clothes, transportation, taxes, prepared or restaurant meals to compensate

for lost time at home, they were working for about $1500 PER YEAR! Those dollars may have

changed with inflation, but the percentages have not improved for many women.

Additionally, increased family and personal indebtedness mandates their employment outside the

home. As Rebecca Hagelin said in a World Net Daily article, “Gone are the leisurely family

dinners and the important conversations that went with them. Children learn more from

television, public influences and transient adult relationships than they do from their own

parents. Spending less time each day with their moms, and more time with an endless flow of

randomly-assigned teachers and "care givers" has left children of all ages hungry for the richness

and depth of a fully developed mother-child relationship. Family members are like ships that

pass in the night, often becoming lost in the fog of life only to crash on the reef of loneliness and

divorce. Everyone suffers, and the children suffer most.”

IN AMERICA PEOPLE WORK MORE THAN HALF OF EVERY YEAR TO PAY THEIR

TAXES! At least for those who pay taxes. We all know how many people are now on the

welfare and food stamp rolls. SSI and Medicaid roles are astonishing!

Taxes no longer are collected just to pay for local infrastructure like roads, snow removal, police

protection, etc. Now the politicians have discovered the “Golden Fleece.” They fleece (an old

carnival term meaning to pick someone’s pocket or cheat them) the taxpayers to get elected,

promising more and more “freebies” if only we will elect them.

Most recently the notion of class warfare, of pitting one group of citizens against another group

is too familiar. “I’m for you. I will help you if elected, and I will punish them!” What can be

more un-American, or immoral than that?

SOUND DESPERATE?

INDEED, IT IS DESPERATE IN MANY WAYS!

BUT IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO CORRECT.

It all begins with you. Actually, “What’s in it for me?” is not a cowardly or craven question.

Keep reading.

YOU, AS AN AVERAGE WAGE EARNER CAN STABILIZE, REDUCE AND ELIMINATE

YOUR INDEBTEDNESS, IMPROVE YOUR FINANCES AND ACTUALLY BECOME

FISCALLY VICTORIOUS. SEEM IMPOSSIBLE?

Read on and learn how to get one more foot up on handling money, dealing with financial

questions, and growing into a spiritual, balanced steward of what God has entrusted to you.

IN ORDER TO MOVE ON, LET’S ESTABLISH SOME BASIC RULES…

RULE #1 NO ONE CAN MAKE YOU CHANGE!

A young man once said to me, “Well, counseling is fine, but when do I get to make my own

decisions?” Let’s be honest. You already make most decisions in your life. Granted, when those

decisions are wrong or foolish the cost may be high.

And, yes, we all must do some things we don’t really want to. Life is full of requirements that we

might find onerous, but necessary.

We can restrict some behaviors or we can do some foolish thing and regret it afterward. But

those are our choices.

RULE #2 WHEN I AM TEACHING YOU SOMETHING WHICH IS MY PERSONAL

OPINION, I WILL LET YOU KNOW.

Throughout this book, we’ll attempt to differentiate between what is Bible doctrine and what is

personal opinion. Of course people of good will disagree even on the greatest of ideas. Your

opinion is yours and we don’t plan to rob you of that opinion. However, I will also make a strong

argument for things that I’ve learned in over forty years of business leadership as well as pastoral

experience and counseling.

RULE #3 WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD, AND SHOULD HAVE

FULL AUTHORITY IN OUR LIVES AND DECISIONS!

People differ on how much influence and authority they give the Bible in their lives, if any. Just

as they differ on other spiritual matters – it’s a decision they make for themselves.

We believe the Bible is the Word of God. I am an ethnic Jew, and a Christian. A Jew through my

DNA, and a Christian through faith in Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Messiah. I am not a

Christian by default, through church membership, baptism, or communion.

Remember that Corrie Ten Boom said, a mouse can live in a cookie jar, but that doesn’t make

him a cookie. Churches all contain people who may be members but are not saved. Each one of

us ultimately determines his or her own relationship – or lack thereof – with God. As a Christian

(just as an Orthodox Jew believes) God’s Word should have authority in my life. I am God’s and

as such, I place myself under His authority.

As one studies the Bible with an open and sincere spirit, we see not only clear teaching which

can safeguard life, but learn the answers to life’s problems. It is indeed an “Owner’s Manual”

written by the Creator for the success of His creation.

RULE #4 PEOPLE WHO DO NOT ACHIEVE SPIRITUAL AND MATERIAL

BALANCE IN THEIR LIVES ARE GENERALLY MISERABLE PEOPLE – ON BOTH ENDS

OF THE FINANCIAL SCALE. (OBSERVATION, NOT OPINION).

This conclusion is the distilled result of being “in the trenches.” When people have wrecked their

lives by “being out of balance,” and come to us for help, we look to the Word of God for the

answers.

“Well, you have been living your life according to your own rules. How is that working for

you?” I don’t say that, but there is truth in the thought.

People who are ecstatic do not come for counsel on how to increase their happiness. At least that

is my experience. It is when we feel like road kill that we finally forget our pride and make an

appointment to get some help.

SOME SILLY STATEMENTS:

“Money ain’t everything!” we hear some people proclaim proudly. Usually those who have very

little of it. Seriously now, have we really known anyone who believes that it is?

“Well, we’re poor, but we’re happy.” That is a silly statement we most often hear from someone

who is covetousness and envious at the sight of a new home or car recently purchased by a

friend, relative or neighbor.

Having been raised on welfare during my early childhood, I can attest that we were indeed poor

but also happy. My mother set a wonderful mood in our home. But when it came to doctor bills

or buying coal for our old “Warm Morning” stove, there was no rejoicing at an empty purse.

I well remember as a child of six or seven years old, taking a long screwdriver and going to

where the coal pile was before we ran out and digging in the dark Illinois dirt to unearth a few

more chunks for the stove. In the midst of that, my mother was never bitter or angry at others for

our plight.

Happiness and wealth are not connected. One is a condition of material goods and the other is a

frame of mind. Abraham Lincoln summed it up well when he said, “It has been my observation

that people are about as happy as they decide to be.”

Poverty is not a virtue. Often when we observe poverty in the Scriptures it is shown as a curse;

usually due to spiritual bankruptcy. These old clichés about “poor and happy” come along, as if

it were impossible to be rich and happy. Given the choice, most people would be willing to give

the “rich and happy” a serious try.

RULE #5 LET’S HAVE FUN WHILE DISCUSSING THIS SUBJECT!

Have you ever noticed that we enjoy being around people who have fun? We go to sporting

events and get tickled by the antics of people who are having a ball even when our team is

behind. The great comedian Red Skelton constantly laughed at his own jokes; sometimes even

before he gave the punch line. After all, he knew what was coming. People loved him, laughed

with and at him, and flocked to see him, whether on television or in person, because he had so

much fun.

I promise I am going to have fun while we pass this brief time together. You may be at the top of

your game, or in the dumps, but let’s find some things we can agree to laugh about.

Some things we discuss will be very serious, but let’s determine to not always be too solemn. It

isn’t contradictory to be both serious and not solemn.

Take off your shoes, sit back in your seat and let’s be honest with each other for a while. When

folks discuss money, they often erect barriers of self-protection. Let’s knock down the barriers

which may separate us and work together to share some time, some insight, and hopefully –

prayerfully – some Bible concepts which will allow you to be a more successful steward of that

which has been entrusted to you, and that which God will give you in the future.

GOD IS NOT A CARTOON COYOTE

Malachi 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and

have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye

said, Wherein shall we return?

God is not like the cartoon coyote, tiptoeing to hide behind one tree after another, tempting and

teasing us with His “hidden” will. In fact, the Holy Spirit hungers to tell us all we need to know

to allow us to be a blessing to the Lord, His people, our family, nation, and ourselves (James

4:5).

Much religious teaching is so far away from the Bible today! Theologically liberal churches are

teaching pop psychology, humanism, and positive thinking (which is neither positive nor

thinking; sort of like Grape Nuts™ cereal, which is neither grapes nor nuts).

People are starved for leaders who will stand on principle regardless of personal cost. Young

people have tremendous potential but are in desperate need of positive examples in their lives.

They yearn to ask people to teach them, “Why do you believe that?”

God has given us His Word to guide us, and His requirements which seem so old fashioned and

are so seemingly restrictive that modern society mocks them. It is like the drowning man

laughing at the swimming style of a person coming to rescue him. The truth of God’s Word

doesn’t fit into what popular culture thinks, so people reject it without true examination. Again,

we ask, “How’s that working for pop culture today?”

Here’s an example of wrong thinking. “A budget restricts my spending.” Not true! You still have

the same amount of money, but a budged shows you the wisest way to spend it. When you

organize your finances you get a clear picture of the direction you need to go.

We suggest you look at Dave Ramsey’s books for great advice on this area of your life.

“Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their

honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst” (Isaiah 5:13).

Today many people are going into the captivity of debt, peer-driven slavery and futureless jobs.

Some of these people even have a genuine, albeit frustrated, desire to serve God, but cannot due

to poor finances. They are like a squirrel in a round cage. They run constantly but get nowhere.

These folks sense that there must be a better path for their life. They hunger for a highway to

fulfillment, peace and accomplishment, but they seem to be on a dusty, rock strewn path to more

debt, misery and anguish. They are ignorant of what the Bible says about financial freedom and

stability. Like people surviving an airplane crash in the Sahara, they need someone to lead them

to the oasis, but alas, worldly culture has no map for them.

The ideas of hard work, “keep your nose clean,” and mind your own business are clichés not

answers. Lots of people work very hard and never get ahead. The Christian world and the

unsaved world alike are in terrible need of a foundation on which to build a secure life. Not one

which will make them rich, or keep them poor. One which will see them fed with bread

appropriate for them and bring joy and fulfillment.

Proverbs 30:8-9 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed

me with food convenient for me: 9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or

lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

We must first remember that as Christians, our goal is not to serve God better, but to “know God

better;” to walk closer with Him. To live a life where we love the Lord enough to learn His ways

and obey those ways. It is then that service to Him will be a “natural” part of our lives.

LISTEN WITH AN OPEN MIND AND OPEN HEART and you will find one key after another

which will unlock the shackles of poverty, debt, and hurt. These keys are not invented by

mankind, but hang on a ring provided by the Master.

Keys so simple that in some cases they seem like a fairy tale – just winsome myths. Well, they

are factual. And they are as timeless as the Scriptures themselves. We will share Fifteen Bible

Truths which will indeed “make you free.”

IF THERE ARE THREE WORDS THAT CAN INSTANTLY MAKE SOME PEOPLE

FURIOUS, THEY ARE:

Preacher

Money

Giving

As a pastor for over twenty-eight years, I taught many of the ideas in this book, only to have

someone approach me after the sermon and angrily ask, “Where did you get such an idea?! I

never heard that in all my life!”

I was privately amused, for as I preached I had provided Bible verses, commented on them, and

often explained how the verses and their concepts worked in concert for our material and

spiritual blessings. It mattered little to my angry listener – the idea that God had a financial plan

was just too revolutionary.

As likely as not, I would preach these “revolutionary” ideas and overhear such angry comments

as, “Why doesn’t he just stick to preaching the Bible!?”

I beg your pardon, but these ideas ARE in the Bible! You’ll see.

We even had one person say to their friend, “Well when he stops preaching on tithing I’ll come

back.” I am ever amazed at such thinking!

As a pastor of the same church for over twenty-eight years, I have never preached on tithing or

other financial truths to raise money. I do not fault those who do, but in our case, the Lord has

never led in that direction. Rather, I taught the truths for the opposite reason -- to put money into

the lives of my listeners. I believe that when people see these truths and apply them in their

personal lives, the church’s offerings will be well cared for.

“SALVATION IS A GIFT, BUT MY MONEY IS MY OWN!!”

It is strange isn’t it, that some people can agree that our lives, both physical and material, are

gifts from God while others become angry at the very thought.

Saved people know salvation certainly is so. Still, some of these same saved people believe their

money is their own. Having said that, they usually also believe that the preacher (and though,

unsaid, God also) should just stay out of that area.

They forget that everyone’s ability to earn a wage initially comes from God.

Deut. 8:18a But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get

wealth…

They forget God has, in His Word, provided us the means not only of earning our daily bread,

but of amassing untold material wealth.

GOD HAS LAWS FOR GOVERNING THIS WORLD

I believe that the laws that govern material blessings – indeed the whole blessing of the Lord –

are the same as natural laws of gravity and physics.

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

According to this verse, those who properly use the laws God has provided can bring joy and not

misery. You can be wealthy and have happiness as well as spiritual joy.

Let me stop here. The idea of “using” God’s laws seems to some people as sinful in and of itself.

“We ought not to use God in any way,” they insist. It just sounds bad.

My position is the opposite. God gave Adam and Eve dominion over all of creation. He set them

to oversee and to eat of the garden’s produce. And this was before the fall of man. Sin was not

present, but they were to use His creation for their personal benefit. When they followed this

path, they would also use their ability to benefit their Creator.

VITAL POINT: You see, the idea is that the creation uses the tools made available by the

Creator so they can be of more use to the Creator. We run into trouble when we begin to

“consume it upon our own lusts,” i.e., to use God’s equipping us for our own glory and not for

His glory. More on this later.

HERE IS THE MOST AMAZING THING!!!

These financial laws, just like the natural laws of gravity or physics apply to the saved and the

unsaved alike.

Matthew 5:45b … for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on

the just and on the unjust.

Let me illustrate: Please stand up. (Take your book with you.) Now jump into the air and stay

there for a count of ten. <grin>

Can’t do it? Why not? Because of the law of gravity.

And just as gravity brings us all back to earth, it is God’s “natural law of finance” which

determines our material blessings. Yes, material blessings can be determined just as surely as

jumpers come back to land. (And ignoring them can really bring us back to earth!)

For too many years Christians have treated finance like it was voodoo – MYSTERIOUS, AND

DANGEROUS TO MEDDLE WITH!! THE LAWS OF FINANCE are not some magic potion

or false teaching!

Any time we bring up wealth in certain uninformed circles, the opinion surfaces that wealth

“could just be Satan’s way to bring us to ruin!” As strange as it may seem, many of these same

folks believe that sustained wealth is a matter of “luck.”

I have listened and arrived at the conclusion that when someone says, “He’s sure lucky,” they are

attributing success as a gamble or dishonesty on the part of someone they don’t particularly like.

On the other hand, when one of their friends does well, luck seems to have had little bearing.

Rather that person was hard-working, perceptive, and took advantage of opportunities which the

Lord provided.

Certainly, we are quick to admit that wealth can be Satan’s pathway to ruin for some people. So,

too, can poverty. The deciding factor here is one’s spiritual condition, not one’s material

situation. We can do good with money or we can do harm. We can be a blessing while still

materially poor, or we can steal and cheat. The path is ours to choose, depending on our spiritual

condition.

LET’S LOOK AS SOME COMMON SENSE IDEAS:

We know that successful companies operate along strict financial rules which, when followed

determine their well-being, all things being equal. (Sadly, our government has no budget

currently, and none in the planning. And look at how poorly our economy is doing.)

We wish and pray the government would practice sound financial rules with our money.

God has laid out very definite information on finances in the Bible.

Then let’s AGREE for once and for all time that we can expect God’s blessings on our financial

lives if we will but learn, obey, and pursue His teaching regarding this vital area in our lives;

and, too, if we will work according to those standards. Work is certainly a factor.

TRAINING CAMP

It’s said that at every training camp the late football coach Vince Lombardi would gather his

players around him, hoist a football into the air and intone, “Gentlemen, this is a football!” Sure

they all knew what it was. Coach Lombardi knew they knew it, too.

What he wanted to bring to their attention was the truth that what wins football championships is

the MASTERY OF THE FUNDAMENTALS! Unless a player could run, tackle, block, fall,

keep his mind on his responsibilities, and take a hit, he could not win games. With that in mind,

let’s look at some of the fundamentals of what we call BIBLE FINANCE!

GOD’S FINANCES ARE NOT JUST ABOUT YOU!

God has bigger fish to fry than making you or me rich. For instance, God uses Christians to

finance His various ministries. Most of the time, they earn the money outside of Christian circles.

Jobs, salaries, investments, and inheritances all provide the wherewithal to accomplish

marvelous things in and for God’s work.

Missions, churches, full time worker’s salaries and benefits, transportation, and ministries to the

poor and needy all need money to operate. You see, our money can come from worldly

endeavors and fuel heavenly works.

THERE ARE TWO CYCLES OF MONEY IN THE WORLD.

Picture two circles side by side.

One rotates clockwise and one counterclockwise. One is the materialistic world, having no

discernible spiritual attributes. It is business, jobs, and other financial entities.

The other is an obviously spiritual entity, using material wealth to carry out the plans of God on

earth.

One is companies and people who never heard about God’s will or who knowingly avoid or deny

it. The other consists of the finances of Godly people who earn livings (likely from the other,

worldly circle of finance), and then bring that money into the “spiritual realm.”

They tithe, give gifts and offerings, support ministries, and often just give obediently because the

Holy Spirit speaks to their hearts. They may even give while not understanding why the Lord

moves them to donate or support a cause.

THE TWO CYCLES OF FINANCES

God tells us not to worry about the provision of what we eat and wear. (Luke 12:22 And he said

unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat;

neither for the body, what ye shall put on.) That sounds totally insane to an ungrounded person

who doesn’t know God, but I remind you that God is not insane.

Note that the Bible nowhere tells us not to make provision for ourselves materially. (Double

negatives = a positive) In fact, Paul wrote to Timothy that a man who would not care for his own

flesh and blood was worse than an infidel! (1 Tim. 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and

specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.)

Does the Bible contradict itself? Not at all.

Today lack of knowledge on money handling – both from a Biblical and practical perspective -

has put more people into bondage than all the slave markets of history. (Isaiah 5:13a Therefore

my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge:…) This verse is not

speaking of financial knowledge, but it certainly applies to today’s society.

It just teaches that we are not to be consumed with the exterior of man and forget the more

important interior.

Likewise we are not to be totally focused on financial matters to the hurt of our spiritual selves.

Balance is the word!!!

We must be well-versed on the Word of God regarding our finances.

And we must realize that God cares about our material needs.

BUT… God will not balance your budget when you have spent foolishly.

God cares about your finances. The greatest proof of that is His Holy Bible. He has given more

space to teaching on material living than on heaven. Could it be that, in His wisdom, He knew

we would need it more?

GIVING IS FUNDAMENTAL TO GODLY FINANCES!

There are over 1200 verses in the Bible containing some form of the word give.

We believe that one of the real purposes of our life is to be a conduit from God. As a garden hose

does not water your flower bed, but carries the water from the faucet to the flowers, so too, we

can be a “hose” for God to conduct real blessings to others.

Whether it is in the form of giving to our church as a means of getting out the Gospel message of

Jesus Christ, helping a needy single mother with tuition for her children to attend a better school,

or helping to fund the annual fire company drive,… all these and so many more are “watered”

through us, by the provision God provides us.

4. FINANCE IS A SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOR.

Our personal finances are a spiritual matter.

We trade some of our lives for the wages we earn. Our lives are a gift of God.

He tells us to do all that we do to His glory.

(1 Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of

God.) That of course, includes going to work. There is much in the Bible which speaks of our

reputation as good workers. Surely He would not care about this if our very lives were not

spiritually based.

As we move through the fifteen different facts about tithing, remember that we are always

talking about SPIRITUAL MATTERS first, and material things second.

TITHING DEFINED: GIVING THE 1ST 10% OF ONE’S GROSS INCOME TO THE LORD,

SPECIFICALLY TO A LOCAL NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH.

[Perhaps I should insert a note here. There are two sides of the issue regarding giving the tithe to

one’s local church. There are godly people who stand on each side. That they disagree is human.

That they continue to love one another is mandatory. Surely we can disagree without being

disagreeable. The reader can choose where he stands. That is the liberty that God gives us as

stewards who must answer to the Master someday. In the meantime, we beg of you: allow us the

freedom to say our piece, as we certainly allow you the same right to disagree. This issue should

not cause you to lose the blessing contained in this book, and in the Bible teaching found in it.

EDM]

The “tithe” is not caring for our parents, the YMCA, a little league sports team, or some other

person or activity, even a Christian ministry.

THE TITHE IS:

OFF THE TOP

OFF THE TOP BEFORE DEDUCTIONS FOR TAXES, UNION DUES, HEALTH CARE OR

ANYTHING ELSE

OFF THE TOP BEFORE ANY BILLS ARE PAID

ILLUSTRATION:

I will give you ten-$10 bills. You immediately give me back one $10 bill. That is our deal.

After a while, I will give you another set of $10 bills. You immediately give me back one $10

bill.

Now imagine the reaction when you say, “Wait a minute God! I have a great heart, but you see,

there’s this thing I want, and I am going to spend the $10 bill that you asked returned to you.

“Please understand. I know this is your program, but I want to work on a program of my own for

a while. I hope you understand.”

(Yes, I have actually heard people talk like this during counseling sessions.)

Do you honestly think God will be understanding and allow you to work “your own program”

for a while, discontinuing his tithing rules and continue to provide you with ten more $10 bills?

Do you think He might remove His supernatural provision since you derailed His program?

Millions of otherwise sensible Christians are choosing “their own program” for material gain

today, while also praying to God for provision, all the while wondering why it is not

forthcoming.

At the same time, there are people who are not saved by God’s grace who are giving 10% and

more of their incomes, and (just like a farmer who can be saved or lost, but who plants and

harvests good crops) are seeing God’s bounty come to them in the material realm.

Matthew 5:45b … he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the

just and on the unjust.

Granted these people may not be giving to the church, worthy ministries, or even God’s obvious

work, but they are being conduits to some kind of charity out of what He has provided them.

Yes, I grant that they may even be pagans spiritually, living disgraceful lives, but they are

utilizing His principles of giving. They may not even realize it, but like the farmer who uses

good principles of planting, growing and harvesting, they work.

How many times have we seen a newspaper picture of someone who lives what we would call a

sinful life giving a large check to a charity, and wondered how God can prosper them so?!

The answer may lie in this rule of giving away some of their material goods. They are willing –

regardless of their motives – to give away their money, and so God returns a harvest of their

seeds so they can give more.

God used the ravens to feed Elijah. A dirty-mouthed, unclean bird carried bologna sandwiches to

the Lord’s great prophet, and some of their cousins fund works in our world which are caring for

the downtrodden peoples of this world.

FIFTEEN BIBLE FACTS ABOUT TITHING:

1. ALL WE HAVE COMES FROM GOD.

1 Chronicles 29:14, But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so

willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

This verse is simply an acceptance of the truth that we ought to have humble hearts before God

and recognize that everything we have, hope to have, or have ever owned was given to us by the

Lord. In fact, even the tithes and offerings we give to His church or works were first given to us

by God.

(Remember, truth is not predicated upon belief. You can know something is true, and another

person can dispute it. The truth does not change based upon who accepts and who rejects it. So it

is with these Bible truths.)

Certainly this would include even our own lives.

1 Cor. 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit,

which are God’s. (Notice this speaks of a “wholeness” of the Believer.)

As Christians we have no claim to independence, whether in our choices in life, our finances;

even our course of direction and activity. The price God paid for us is the shed blood of Jesus

Christ.

(Definitions: A. Cultural Christian - a person who claims to be a Christian but who has not

repented of his or her sins and not accepted Jesus as his/her personal Saviour. B. Born Again

Christian - one who has reached the age of accountability, learned the lesson of a need to be born

again (John 3), and has prayed and received God’s gift of salvation through grace, not works

(Rom 3:10,23;5:8,12;6:23;10:9-13).

In light of that, we can have no argument with Christ’s authority: (Romans 12:1-2 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. 2And be not conformed to this world: but

be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and

acceptable, and perfect, will of God.)

2.WE MUST SOMEDAY ANSWER TO GOD FOR THE WAY WE MANAGED WHAT HE

PROVIDED TO US.

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

1 Cor. 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Eventually there will be a day of accounting to God.

It is interesting, isn’t it, that even people who deny the authority of the Bible give credence to the

idea of a day of judgment.

A steward was the overseer of a farm. He did not own the land or livestock, but he operated more

or less on his own. At the end of every year, he would meet with the owner of the farm and

provide an accounting of where he had been successful and where he had failed.

So it is with us.

What God has given us to work with is not our own, as we plainly see above. It is on loan to us,

for the profit of the Master. There will come a day of accounting to Him – not for salvation (that

is a free gift through Jesus Christ), but for determining if we were good or poor servants.

Matthew 25:14-29 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called

his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15And unto one he gave five talents, to

another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway

took his journey. 16Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and

made them other five talents. 17And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

18But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19After a

long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20And so he that had

received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me

five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21His lord said unto him, Well

done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee

ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22He also that had received two

talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two

other talents beside them. 23His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou

hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the

joy of thy lord. 24Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee

that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not

strawed: 25And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is

thine. 26His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest

that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27Thou oughtest therefore to

have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own

with usury. 28Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

29For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that

hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

3. GIVING TITHES WAS PRACTICED BY ABRAHAM BEFORE THE LAW OF MOSES EVER

COMMANDED IT.

Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy

hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

Some people argue that they do not have to tithe according to the Bible; that tithing was only for

those who had to live under the Old Testament Mosaic Law.

That sounds good as long as one doesn’t read the whole Bible carefully.

In the verse above, we see that when Abraham returned from a battle with evil kings and carried

the spoils of that battle, he gave Melchizedek ten percent of all that he brought back. That was

centuries before Moses was even born!

4. TITHING WAS COMMANDED BY THE LAW.

In the Old Testament, (if we may simplify) there were three tithes commanded:

1. 10% to the Priests and Tabernacle.

2. 10% to the Poor.

3. 10% to Savings and Holiday (What we would call vacations).

ALL THIS IS FOUND IN THE PENTATEUCH (the first 5 books of the Bible)

Today at least 53% of American’s income is confiscated through taxation, and more is

apparently on the way. That is unconscionable!

Perhaps the reason God has allowed this to occur is that we live so flagrantly away from His

teaching.

Many people do not care financially for their own families as they ought.

Some folks over-spend and go into terrible debt.

We have long taught that a person should not incur long-term debt for something which will not

increase in value over the term of the loan. For instance, using a credit card is a fact of life for

those of us who travel and need to rent a car, etc. Paying the balance when the bill comes in is

sensible. Using the money for other purchases and letting the balance grow is not.

So, in review: Some people do not tithe, or even give much.

Some otherwise “honest” folks cheat on their taxes.

Some live far beyond their means and suffer from runaway materialism, buying what they cannot

afford, to impress people they don’t even like, and they do it with money they do not have.

Much of society looks to Big Government to care for their needs, their parents’ needs, even, and

their retirement, instead of looking to the God who provides instruction instead of entitlements.

ILLUSTRATION:

A true story is told that when folk hero Davy Crockett was a member of the U.S. Congress, a law

was proposed to provide an income for the widow of an army general. So many lawmakers stood

and said how wonderful it would be if the government were to give from the seemingly

bottomless bounty of the Federal coffers.

After a while, Mr. Crockett stood and expounded on the idea that it was not the government’s

responsibility to care for a man’s family – general or not. That was his own responsibility, and

not the nation’s. Retirement benefits were not guaranteed in the Declaration of Independence,

nor the Constitution, and once it began, there might well be no end of it.

This sounds terribly hard-hearted and certainly not “politically correct” doesn’t it? But Davy

Crockett was right. Government is not God, yet that is how many would have us “feel.”

Notice the word feel as opposed to think.

If more of us would think, (and think in accordance with the Word of God) we would not be

duped by so many “warm fuzzies” from the politicians who would like to buy our vote with yet

another give away “entitlement.”

Many Christians remain horribly ignorant of clear Bible teaching on how God could bless our

financial lives, and due to this lack they continue to look to the government for provision.

Perhaps the world would be better off if we learned and obeyed Bible concepts and principles on

finances rather than the passions and feelings of the moment.

“Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their

honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst” (Isaiah 5:13).

5. THERE ARE 2 DISTINCT TYPES OF BIBLICAL “RELIGIOUS” GIVING.

Malachi 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we

robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even

this whole nation. 10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine

house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows

of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Tithes = a debt you owe - 10% of gross income

Giving the tithe to God (His work) is not a matter for prayer or cogitation, it is a matter for

obedience!

My dear friend and mentor, the late Charles “Tremendous” Jones, said we ought not to talk about

giving. Instead we should use the word returning when we tithe or give gifts or offerings. After

all, it was God, he said, who first gave us what we have.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the

Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and

godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

I personally think we would all do well to remember that the remaining 90% is the Lord’s too, if

He is indeed, our LORD.

Why would God command us to tithe?

Perhaps to force us to remember that it He who blesses us by providing the wherewithal of our

incomes.

Perhaps it is to remind us that we ought to live according to faith, and not to believe so strongly

in our own ability to be “self made.”

Assuredly it is to test our obedience.

Anyone can stand in church and sing “I Surrender All.” Alas, many who so sing are robbing God

of the tithe, to use His phrase.

If you were God would you overlook robbery?

One thing we taught for years when I pastored is how to make tithing easy and simple. Just Do

It! I’m totally serious. Make a decision and then act to make it good!

Simply decide today that this is your belief and do not re-examine it in difficult times. If you

believe in tithing, then set the tithe apart as soon as the money comes in, give it with a joyful

spirit, and never think of it again. Especially do not think of it as if you are giving something that

is yours. It first belonged to God. It still belongs to God. It will forever belong to God.

Period. Simple! Easy!

The SECOND FORM OF GIVING – OFFERINGS

A tithe is a debt we owe. But what about offerings?

Offerings defined: A seed you sow - anything one gives to the Lord’s work that is above the ten

percent tithe.

The word “Offerings” is plural. More than one.

It is the offerings which one gives from a motivated heart, directed by the Holy Spirit to a place

that He directs. It may be to any number of places, including but not restricted to the local

church.

Consider Genesis 12:3 and see is this does not include giving to Israel.

“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all

families of the earth be blessed.”

Perhaps one would give to a home for unwed mothers so they have an alternative to abortion.

(We believe there are always alternatives, and helping these women is an important ministry.)

Perhaps another will choose to support a foreign missionary, a work to public school children, or

some other soul-winning ministry. As the Lord leads and you obey, you are actually sowing

seeds for Him to sprout, nurture and take all the way to harvest.

Mark 4:8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and

brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

(The verse used here does not refer at all to tithes or offerings, but it demonstrates the principle

of sowing and reaping.)

QUESTION:

If you were God and considered two people: one who was distributing as He led, and another

pushed Spiritual direction away and justified disobedience by his own personal needs and

desires, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU GIVE MORE MONEY TO?

You see, it is like this… the more one gives, the more God gives him to give. Why? Because

God knows He can trust this person to do with the money as He leads. The giving person

becomes a conduit He will use to further His causes.

Remember the watering hose? Look at it this way. We are in charge of the hose God uses to

water His world. If we crimp the hose by turning it back on itself we stop that flow. Directing it

as the Lord leads means we are partnering with God’s will and His work.

This is just simple, pure, honest Bible.

6. JESUS SAID TITHES ARE TO BE GIVEN EVEN TODAY

Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and

anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and

faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

1. Ye tithe... these ought ye to have done.

Occasionally we hear some person argue that, “In the New Testament tithing is out of vogue.

Certainly it is not a part of a modern Christian’s life. After all we are under grace.”

Answer this: Was Jesus refuting the tithe or endorsing it, even to the smallest detail of the herbs

of one’s garden?

Remember, this was an agrarian society in His day. He was teaching very clearly that the tithe –

even in the smallest matter should be paid!

Yes, He also taught one additional point here, and that is that we ought to not just keep the letter

of the law, but even more so the spirit of the Bible’s teaching.

7. TITHES GO TO THE HOME CHURCH

Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house,

and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of

heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

One does not have to be a rocket scientist to know that the storehouse was the granary, or barn. It

was located at home.

It was on the place we lived, and were blessed. If you cannot tithe to your home church, then find

a church you can tithe to and attend there.

We know of multitudes of honest, Christ-honoring ministries. They deserve support. Offerings

are God’s designated means of supporting them.

Forgive me a personal aside here if you will. We believe in storehouse tithing. At the same time,

this writer and his wife have more than “double tithed” for the past 20 years of our lives.

That is ten percent to the home church, and another ten percent in offerings as the Lord has led.

Often part of that has gone to mission works all over the world, to maternity homes, Christian

camps, and to needy brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Our income is humble, and yet we have seen God bless us without fail for over thirty-eight years,

and provide for us and our needs.

We are not bragging or whining. Quite the opposite.

We were facing bankruptcy in the early ‘70s when we decided that God’s way would be our

way, and, later when He blessed our decision, we decided to increase our giving by a percentage

a year until it was at the current rate. That proved repeatedly that God CAN provide for people

who are poor and who tithe their meager income before taking any other expenses out!

God can allow the church to have its “tithe” and other worthy ministries be funded as well!

God’s hands are only restricted when we “crimp the hose.” My wife and I have endured some

rough times over those years, but we have not reduced our giving because we promised God.

Oh, Christian, please do not take this for anything but what it truly is – a praise of our Lord’s

benevolence and provision.

8. GIVING CHEERFULLY DELIGHTS GOD IN US.

2 Cor. 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or

of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

According to the late Dr. Curtis Hutson, that word cheerful means literally hilarious; i.e.,

someone who really “loses it” at the opportunity to give. We delight God with the proper

attitude about giving.

There are too few ways that we can delight God in us. We should take advantage of every one.

Giving from one’s income is a wonderful thing. It should make all of us happy (hilarious?) when

we help support a good cause, or donate to the support of a needy missionary. Granted that is a

wonderful thing, and it can give great pleasure.

One thought here. When we obey regarding tithes and offerings, let us not get too smug and self-

satisfied. Remember that it was a poor widow who threw in all that she had which most pleased

Jesus.

9. A HEART TRULY GRATEFUL TO GOD NEVER HESITATES TO GIVE.

2 Cor. 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is

abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR BLESSINGS ARE A RESULT OF GOD’S BOUNTY TO YOU,

THEN YOU ARE QUICK TO GIVE

Phil. 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

10. BIBLICAL GIVING CAUSES THE GIVER TO PROSPER.

THERE IS A QUALIFICATION TO THIS, BUT LET’S LOOK AT THE RULE FIRST:

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken

together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye

mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

There are two different actions here. The first is ACTIVE: Give. That is the command, and to

achieve it, we must do something. We must take something God has given us and release it.

The second is PASSIVE: PROVISION: “Shall men give into your bosom.” This simply means

that we receive materially through some means, and it is our responsibility to preserve that

through good stewardship. We don’t request a gift for ourselves. It happens through the

leadership of the Lord. We are the recipient of His response to our obedience.

Interesting, isn’t it? Actually, it all boils down to one word: FAITH. Either one has it or one does

not.

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine

increase: 10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new

wine.

In over twenty-eight years of pastoring, we counseled literally hundreds of folks on their

finances. I cannot begin to tell you of the many times that we came to this area of tithing and

heard, “Preacher, we can’t afford to tithe!”

It is then that I told them that I would help them with a budget if they desired.

After all, a budget is not a reduction in spending it is a master plan to spend wisely.

I lovingly told them that if they would not agree to tithe according to the Bible, then our

counseling was over. After all, why should I waste valuable time when they will not agree to

obey the Bible?

I believe that God will never bless a believer materially who will not trust Him in the area of

tithing.

Allow me this question: Are you saved? How do you know? “The Bible,” you say.

All right, then what will happen to the person who obeys God in any particular area of the Bible?

“They will receive the reward of God for their obedience,” you say.

How do you know? “Well I have faith in the Bible,” you say. Did you just hear yourself? Faith.

Can God’s Word take a person to heaven and fail to bless their financial obedience on earth?

Does one have faith in an afterlife and doubt the Bible’s teaching for this life? That is absurd!

YOU HAVE GOD’S WORD ON IT!

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine

increase: 10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new

wine.

In both verses above we see the same system of provision in operation:

Given through obedience to God’s Word.

From Mankind’s financial system (as opposed to a miraculous bank deposit).

Multiplied, and returned to the giver.

Magnificent Abundance – We become the conduit of God’s blessings, and those blessings also

adhere to ourselves!

11. A TITHE KEPT BACK AND NOT GIVEN, IS A TITHE TAKEN AWAY BY THE DEVIL.

Malachi 3:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of

your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of

hosts.

PASSIVE PROVISION!! In this passage we see the Lord preserving the work of our hands. We

cannot stop tragedy from happening, but God can.

The Devourer is Satan. Surely you know he hates the creation of God. He wants people fearful,

doubting, and trying to control their own destiny.

One of the fastest and simplest ways for the devil to scare anyone is with material need.

Embarrassment, decreased self-esteem, hopelessness; all these are the fruit of Satan’s financial

attack.

God in His sovereignty allows such things to happen to the people who trust and also those who

reject His financial system. One is a test and the other is punishment.

The obedient one has the faith to trust God through difficult times, knowing the test will end and

that victory will come.

The disobedient usually will become bitter, more worldly and sometimes they will get desperate

enough to pray and read the Scriptures looking for answers (which are certainly there, waiting to

be found and obeyed).

Notice that this section of Malachi is written to people who were robbing God of the tithe they

owed. Their crops (fruits of the ground) were failing. The vines in their vineyard were dropping

the grapes before they were fully ripe and ready to harvest.

God promised these backsliders that if they would honor the tithe and give offerings that He

would restrict Satan’s efforts to hurt their crops and vineyard.

THE LESSON IS CLEAR AS CRYSTAL!!

When a person does not tithe to God as they ought, they do not get to retain for themselves what

they should have given to God. It is lost to the devourer through unexpected and costly

circumstances.

Let’s look at an illustration.

A tither has a tight budget, but is honest in his giving to the Lord. The car goes further without

repair than it otherwise would have. That borderline refrigerator lasts unbelievably long.

Finances develop which would otherwise not have developed.

Doubt it? Then honestly re-read the above verse. It really is simple and clear for the one who is

listening to the Holy Spirit teach him.

Note: Sometimes the financial trials are the result of previous unscriptural financial living and

restoring one’s finances takes time, even after repentance to repair. Stand strong!

12. DISOBEDIENT GIVERS ARE NOT SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTIANS. (They lack discernment,

or wisdom.)

Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between

him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

ONLY WHEN ONE IS GIVING PROPERLY DOES GOD GIVE HIM DISCERNMENT AND

SPIRIT-FILLED WISDOM.

This is a difficult truth to accept for a lot of people.

No doubt this fact is untaught in many churches. The pastor may never have seen this for himself

or he may fear that preaching such principles might hurt or anger some members.

We have heard pastors say that they do not teach straightforward truths on tithing because of a

sense of compassion for the poor among their members. It seems to us that such teaching might

be used to set some of their poorer members free from the bondage of poverty.

Discernment simply means the ability to understand right and wrong, good and evil; to make

good decisions.

It is a gift from God. In fact we have often described wisdom as “God’s perspective on any given

situation or subject.”

The one who robs God obviously lacks discernment in the area of finance. Furthermore, the

Bible tells us that a “double-minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8).”

13. BOUNTIFUL GIVERS ARE GOD’S SOURCE OF HIS PROVISION FOR THE:

A. Church.

B. Missions and Ministries.

C. Poor and Needy Folks.

D. Other Givers.

E. Other Works or Needs.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken

together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye

mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

“shall men give into your bosom” - we will at times receive material gifts and blessings from

others.

Sometimes receiving a gift is difficult, but we ought not to deprive others of a blessing when the

Lord moves their heart. Surely we are not looking for charity, or pity, but there are times when

the Lord definitely causes someone to have us on their hearts, and to hunger to help us.

Let us then say a simple and sincere “Thank you,” graciously knowing that it was most likely

because we were being a blessing to others and obedient to God in our lives and in the tithe.

14. GOD GIVES BACK PROPORTIONALLY TO YOUR GIVING ABOVE THE TITHE.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken

together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye

mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Proportional giving means that when a person has been enabled by God to earn more than they

need for sensible living, then He holds them responsible to increase their offerings

proportionally.

Remember, the tithe (10%) is obligatory. It is the debt we pay. That does not change regardless

of our income, large or small.

However, when we have the means to give offerings, God will move our heart. He will direct our

attention to worthy causes which win people to Christ, minister to hurting souls, uplift and teach

and motivate people to glorify Christ.

What the money works out to is this:

“For with the same measure that ye mete...”

$100 gift for someone earning $1,000/mo = 10% offering above the tithe

$100 gift for someone earning $10,000/mo = 1% offering above the tithe

PROPORTIONAL GIVING IS A SLIDING SCALE OF GIVING, BASED ON WHAT ONE

HAS, AND GOD WILL RETURN IT TO EACH ACCORDINGLY AS THEY GIVE.

Here are the laws of sowing and reaping:

We reap what we sow.

We reap more than we sow.

We reap later than we sow.

We reap multiplied blessings as we sow.

This is not rocket science. Ask any farmer or gardener if they do not expect this in their work.

15. GIVING SHOULD BE A SIMPLE THING, DONE SIMPLY AND HONESTLY, WITHOUT

FANFARE OR STRUGGLE.

Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he

that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Acts 4:34-35 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of

lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35And laid them

down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

ILLUSTRATION:

We once had a gentleman in our fellowship who only wanted to give to the grand and glorious

causes. He loved the tear-stained cheeks of the missionary who showed slides of little orphans.

Christmas time brought out his check book for toys for poor children. Anything that was a “big

need” or tender cause was sure to get him motivated. The truth is that he did a tremendous

amount of good in his giving.

This man’s giving, as we later saw, was not motivated by principle, but rather by emotion and

the self-serving ego that got him great attention and praise. It also caused him to become very

bitter as he gave to causes outside the church that exploited him and abused his kindness. Had he

been moved by a better internal system, he could have done multiplied more good with God’s

bounty placed under his stewardship, and been given the discernment to know which were

legitimate causes.

GIVE TO GREAT CAUSES, BUT ALSO GIVE TO THE SMALL ONES, AS THE LORD

LEADS, WHICH CONSIST OF THE SIMPLE AND BASIC NEEDS OF MINISTRIES!

The money given in the early church age was given with simplicity. It did not have to be

“earmarked” on the church offering envelope.

TOO OFTEN WE GIVE TO OUR “FAVORITE MINISTRY, OR TO ONE WE ARE

INVOLVED IN, TO THE EXCLUSION OF ALL OTHERS.”

Summation:

Perhaps much of what you have read here has been new to you. We all need to be exposed to

unknown truths to grow. If you are already wealthy, then you most likely are practicing giving

whether you knew the Bible’s teachings or not. If you are not wealthy, but are “getting by,” the

same quite probably applies to you.

On the other hand, if you are really broke, this part of our book may have upset you a bit. It is

not our goal to alienate, hurt or anger you. Actually, everything we have taught is not only

Biblical, it is our personal experience.

We want to be a blessing to those folks who are not doing so well materially.

Having been raised in great need, and having seen how wonderfully those simple farm folks of

Southern Illinois helped my mother care for four children under four years old, and keep her

family together, I know well the feeling of being a recipient of God’s blessings to others who

passed it on.

We also know how good it feels to see God’s provision to our own lives today, and the wonder

of seeing Him “multiply our loaves” to other ministries and works as we give our tithes and

offerings.

We only ask that you will prayerfully consider any part of this little book that you might find

fault with. Allow the Lord to be the final arbiter and move ahead as He leads.

ILLUSTRATION:

An itinerant preacher of Civil War times had six children and a wife. They literally lived with in

a horse-drawn wagon, staying wherever he preached as some kind family took them in. The man

had nothing but what he carried in that wagon.

One time, he preached a sermon on tithing. Afterward, a wealthy farmer approached him

privately and said, “Sir, do you tithe?”

“No, I do not. We are far too poor,” came the preacher’s reply.

“I will make you a deal, Parson. If you will tithe honestly from whatever is paid you, in whatever

means, I will make up any need you have in your living from my own farm income.”

The preacher agreed, though truthfully, he was skeptical. A month later, the wagon came down

the farmer’s lane.

When greeted, the preacher said to his intended benefactor, “Sir, I am ashamed. Recently I

agreed to trust you for my shortcoming in income from tithing. How foolish that I would trust a

well-meaning man more than my Lord! I beg your forgiveness.”

SOME FOLKS ARE BROKE BECAUSE THEY ARE STINGY WITH GOD. - “giving if at all,

with a struggle.”

GIVE WHEN YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO GIVE, GIVE ANYWAY WITH FAITH THAT

GOD WILL KEEP HIS WORD TO THE GIVER.

“Giving by the percentage”

GIVE MORE WHEN GOD INCREASES YOUR ABILITY, AND THEREBY ENABLE HIM

TO INCREASE YOUR ABILITY TO GIVE EVEN MORE.

2 Cor. 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which

soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

A final thought:

Pastoring allowed me many true life illustrations.

A young couple came to know Christ and joined our church. On a visit to their home, they asked

me to teach them Biblical concepts which would help them to be genuine Christians. “We don’t

want to be ignorant or hypocrites,” they said.

I agreed to share my convictions with them, and eventually we came to the subject of tithing.

They accepted or embraced the idea, and immediately began tithing.

When they joined our church he sold a very worldly commodity to earn his living. Soon the Lord

gave him an opportunity to enter into business for himself. As the years passed, his tithe grew

from a few dollars a week to hundreds of dollars a week. His company continued to grow and

prosper.

One day he came to me after church and said something like this: “Preacher, I think I’ve messed

up!” It seems that he had been “robbing God.” He was giving, but just couldn’t part with the

whole ten percent.

Co-incidentally, his greatest source of business had just announced that they would no longer be

buying his product. This amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual sales.

“Do you think it is too late for me?” he asked. I said I honestly didn’t know, but that God was a

gracious and forgiving God. He should make amends and ask God for forgiveness.

He made his tithe good, and in just a few days, he received notice that the purchaser of his

products had reconsidered, and would be ordering more than ever! God sometimes works fast.

How difficult is it to see God’s hand in the affairs of this man? He certainly saw it when he

reported the facts to me. What excitement he had!

This may never happen to you. But you can be assured that all the information in this little

booklet is accurate, that it works in the lives of sincere people – SAVED AND UNSAVED

ALIKE – who are willing to follow God’s natural laws of tithing and giving.

Just as scientists can place the space shuttle into orbit and bring it safely back to earth repeatedly

USING NATURAL LAWS, you can prosper in the Lord using the natural and spiritual laws of

giving tithes and offerings!

REMEMBER THE DEFINITION OF CHARACTER: KEEPING A COMMITMENT LONG

AFTER THE EMOTION WHICH GENERATED THE COMMITMENT HAS PASSED.

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AS YOU OBEY HIM.

APPENDIX

Please allow me to share the precious Word of God regarding Salvation. I believe it would be

shameful of me to teach on finances without sharing the richest blessing anyone can ever receive

– eternal life.

Some theologians and pastors have made this issue very confusing at times. Actually it is so

simple that a child can understand it.

FOUR THINGS ONE MUST BELIEVE AND ACCEPT

1. EVERY ONE IS A SINNER

Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death

passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

Who do you know that hasn’t told a lie? Even little children are disobedient. Everyone is a

sinner.

2. UNREPENTANT SINNERS ARE CONDEMNED TO AN ETERNITY IN HELL

Ezekiel 20:18 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die…

Romans 6:23a, “The wages of sin are death.

These verses are not complicated but allow me to explain a bit… There are two deaths spoken of

in the Bible. Physical death when the body perishes. Spiritual death when Christ’s death is

rejected and the soul is sent to hell to endure eternal punishment and pain.

3. JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR SINNERS

Romans 5:8, “In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

It is simple really. I used to believe as a young person that Jesus died on a cross for the good

people. Then I learned that there is “none righteous.” Jesus died for every sinner who has ever

lived and ever will live. While they were yet sinners. That includes you and it includes me.

4. REPENTANT SINNERS WHO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST ARE SAVED

Romans 6:23b …but the gift of God is eternal life.

Romans 10:9,10 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in

thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart

man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

The word “repent” basically means to change one’s mind, or to change direction. When a person

has not trusted in the Lord, they must repent. They must accept the four things above, realize

they are condemned to hell for eternity if they do not change their direction. This is not because

God is not good or loving, but because the individual rejects His means of salvation and escaping

hell’s fires. God made the way through His Son, Jesus Christ.

And note that Romans 6:23 says that eternal life is a gift. It not something one can earn or

purchase.

A gift must only be received and accepted to benefit someone.

If you understand this and would like to receive eternal life; if you are ready to confess that you

are a sinner and need Jesus in your life, then we suggest a heartfelt prayer of acceptance such as

this,

“Dear Lord, I do come to you in this prayer as a sinner. I admit that I need saved and I am

trusting the best way I know how in Jesus Christ as my Saviour. Please forgive my sins and save

me.

“Lord, I want to learn your Word, to know how to live for you. Please guide me and help me.”

“Amen.”

That of course, is not the end of it. That is just the beginning. You need some guidance now to

learn what it means to live the Christian life.

Please seek out a church that preaches the Word of God. A church that believes the Bible is

indeed, the Word of God. Attend regularly. Speak to the pastor and tell him what you have done

and ask him to guide you in your spiritual growth. Then follow the Lord in what we refer to as

Believer’s Baptism by immersion.

All this may seem almost overwhelming, but I assure you that when you find the right Bible-

believing and preaching church, there will be people there who will help you to learn, grow and

rejoice in what the Lord is doing in your life.

May the Lord richly bless you as you obey Him and follow the clear teaching of the Bible.

For more information you can go to www.Preciousseed.com