Christian Affirmations - "I Am An Heir To All Of God's Riches" - Tithing (part 2)

(read part 1 here)

As stated in my last post, I am not convinced that tithing is any longer a Christian commandment according to the New Testament. 

As with anything else, this is strictly my opinion, and you are welcome to disagree. 

However, before you do, please search the scriptures prayerfully for your answer, and ask for God's leadership in your thoughts. 

With that said, I repeatedly hear MANY preachers, a calling of which I can honestly say I am THANKFUL to be a part of, preach hellfire and brimstone on the congregation for not tithing, and, in my honest opinion, they are simply ignorant to the New Testament teachings concerning tithing.

I am an old fashioned Baptist lay-minister, by the way, and this sort of "harping" seems to be prevalent in many churches, some more than others. 

Even more common today is the televangelist asking for your "SEED" offering to fulfill your prosperity wishes. 

In all cases, I think this is just wrong. No one should ever give just because they have been "asked" to.

If we consider the scriptures, we will find that Paul himself sent letters to the churches instructing that they prepare their "offerings" to be brought into the church for the ministration of their offices, of which Paul often noted that he himself didn't request nor require for himself-(another lesson for another day!).

However, he thought it necessary that the saints provide for the performance of the church. 

What Paul never mentioned was their "TITHES", but rather their bounty, or blessings. In mentioning these in 2Corinthians chapter 9 he also stated in verse 6 that the more one gave, the more he would reap. 

He also mentioned in verse 7 that no man or woman should give out of necessity, but out of the pureness of heart, as a cheerful contribution, and not begrudge that gift. 

One should never feel "obligated" to give, for then the gift no longer is a "gift", but more a duty. 

As I stated in the beginning of the first part of this post, for a long time I failed to "give" properly for two reasons. 

First, I was looking at how the gift was being used, rather than just "giving" and allowing God to have His way in the outcome. 

Secondly, I was "EXPECTING' a return from my tithe, rather than just giving from the heart on a consistent basis. 

I no longer find it a "burden" to tithe, but rather a "BLESSING" to give! 

And in light of what God has done for me, it is no problem to give MORE than just a tenth on many occasions. After all, it is all God's anyway, right? 

To remind my self daily of what God has done for me, I like to use daily affirmations based on bibles scriptures. 

I simply use positive words of encouragement in the bible and transform them into Christian affirmations. These help me to keep a more positive attitude and also provide more of the daily inspirations I need to keep on for the Lord.


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Christian Affirmations - "I Am Blessed Beyond Measure"-Tithing (part1)

As with many others I have talked with in the past, as a Christian I have often questioned the practice of tithing. Why did I question it? Simple. Two reasons, actually. 

Firstly, I have seen far too many churches take the money that hard-working church members contribute and WASTE it on fancy buildings and worldly activities, neither of which contribute to the providing of the necessities of the church or other obligations of the church.

Secondly, I really didn't think before that it would make a difference, especially since the (FEW) times I did practice tithing, I didn't profit any! OUCH! What a startling wake-up call! And due to this fact, I was really hindered in my spiritual growth. 

After some time, I came to realize that I really knew nothing at all about tithing - something I have now studied and believe I can respectfully write about. 

In the Old Testament, tithing was a commandment that was to be adhered to by all. It was, simply put, a rendering to God of the first tenth of the increase of whatever it was that God had provided - i.e. crops, animals. etc. 

In essence, the first tenth of the crops were to be brought to the temple for the services rendered by those officiating in the temple, such as the priests and the altar keepers. 

Note, however, this was the FIRST tenth, as I feel this is VERY important in our giving. 

Also, the FIRST offspring of any animal was to be offered to the temple, except when otherwise commanded by God to be used for certain personal offerings and sacrifices. 

If one was a merchant of any nature, the same principle applied to the increase of their trades. 

All of this was done in order to GIVE BACK to God for what He had blessed them with. 

However, in today's church age, I am not convinced that tithing is any longer a Christian commandment according to the scriptures, but GIVING BACK does bring about what the Bible promises in the form of reaping. Read 2Corinthians chapter 9.

For more on Tithing, read "Tithing - part two".

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Christian Affirmations vs. Law of Attraction

Many Christians I have met are opposed to the Law of Attraction "principle" simply due to the fact that this "manifesting" phenomenon leaves God out of the equation and in essence puts man in control of his or her own destiny.

It is believed that the universe "hears" or "feels" our vibrations and responds in kind to whatever state of mind we are in.

Supposedly, if we "think" long enough and in the right manner, those things we "think" will become a part of our life.

I won't say this hasn't worked for some, maybe even many.

Yet, I am inclined to believe that God was still in control.

I am not convinced that anyone can just start thinking themselves "anything" and it will come to pass.

In Matthew 5:45 the Bible declares that "he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good".

This is the manner in which God allows the lost sinner to see His graciousness, and thereby desire a greater portion of His blessings.

So, in keeping with this thought, I am convinced that those that have been blessed "by nature", as they would say, have ultimately been receptors of the divine mercies and goodness of God.

That said, I AM a firm believer that any person who lives with a positive attitude and constantly speaks positive words may find themselves receiving more favor from God.

And, added to that is the fact that it is has been proven that a positive attitude relieves stress, thereby resulting in a healthier person who is able to actively and physically pursue the blessings of God.

It is also through these positive attitudes that we seem to see the needs of others and respond, unconsciously and positively, to those needs, thereby fulfilling the law of "love thy neighbor", for love is not an action that must be decided upon, but which rests internally.

Constant Christian meditation and a positive attitude in life will tend to enhance spiritual growth, as we will allow ourselves to see God at work in our life daily.

By using the principle of daily affirmations based on bible promises, we are actually sub-consciously training ourselves to seek spiritual help from God.

And while maintaining a positive attitude, we are confirming that we have "faith" in our petitions to God.

It is only by faith that we can actually see God's blessings come to pass.

Heb 11:1 states "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen".

Therefore, for one to obtain anything they are hoping for, "faith" MUST be one of the determining factors, and can only be achieved through an affirmative mental state, such as we obtain through positive Christian Affirmations.

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