Since I can’t get my pictures to upload here for some reason, I will talk about tithing today.  I don’t intend for this to be a theological blog or anything, but this is the way I lead my life so I will talk about it if it is important to me.

  I have attended church since I was a very little girl.  For my first few years, we didn’t go to any church, then one day my mother decided we really should go.  She ordered us new clothes and I can still remember the day the box arrived and Mom pulled out a pretty plaid dress with a full skirt and long sashes that was for me.  I was so excited.  This church thing must be really important to get new clothes. 

  We went to a little Brethren church and my class was downstairs in the basement. I was always a shy child, but I felt welcome in this place.  We all sat on little red chairs and listened to our teacher.  She told us Jesus loved us.  Who was this Jesus and why did he love me?  He must be really nice.   We went to this particular church for a few years and then switched to a Methodist church that was closer to home and I grew up in that church and was married in it.

  I had some wonderful teachers while there. I remember Mrs. Dimett, Miss Neff,  Miss Neff(yes, there were two Miss Neffs, sisters) Mrs. Cranor and Mr. Bane.  They all taught me many things about the Bible and about God.  I joined the MYF youth group and was very active in it for years and later, David and I would be the leaders of the group after we were married.

  Growing up I heard about tithing.  We all should give a tenth of what we make to God.  It is Biblical and God expects it. That isn’t much when you think about how much our government takes from us.  Not giving is really stealing from God.  My Dad always said, “You can’t out give God.”  I have learned that is so true.  I hate to admit it, but when David and I were first married, we didn’t tithe as we should. Sure we gave to our church, but we always had bills to pay and thought we needed the money more than God. As we have grown in our faith, we now tithe regularly and I want to tell you, what my Daddy said was right.  You can’t outgive God.  Sometimes when I write the check for church I think to myself that we could really use the money for something, but I write it anyway in obedience.  And guess what?  All our bills get paid and we live very comfortably and I just don’t worry where the money is coming from anymore because I know that God will provide.

  When I was growing up, people nowadays would consider us poor.  I never felt poor.  Maybe it was because we had all the important things in life, a family that loved us, a roof over our heads, clothes to wear and good food to eat.  My parents were both hard workers and did all they could to provide for us and keep us safe.  I always felt safe and loved.  They tithed even though I know it must have been hard sometimes.  Our aunt lived with us and she didn’t make a lot of money, but I heard her and my mother talking about tithing and my aunt believed it was so important that I am sure she did without some things to be obedient to God. 

  I guess what I am trying to express is that tithing is Biblical, it is necessary, it does a person good, and no matter what you think, you can never outgive God.  He will provide for you. 

  Now we go to a Southern Baptist church(yes,we have tried many denominations) and we tithed gladly.  It is the first check I write every month and we don’t miss it one bit.  Try tithing and see what happens. God will bless you in more ways than you will ever know. 

  Here’s to tithing and being faithful.  Bye.