FATHER is the same yesterday, today, and forever… as is HIS Divine Intent. The tithe has been a topic covered by many ministries over the years and I must say that I have heard most of their opinions and doctrines concerning the topic. Facts have been slanted to fit the understanding and intent of the minister. If his or her church or ministry has a huge overhead, they will convince the people they need to tithe to them. Jesus had very little overhead in His ministry. There were no huge buildings or utility bills to deal with. So the question must be asked, why tithe?
It is FATHER’S Divine Intent for me to tithe so that my actions support my words and intent which reflect the Truth in my life that FATHER is my complete source. HE deserves the firstfruits of all that I produce because I am HIS!
It is written by The Holy Spirit in Genesis chapter 14:
18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said:
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
20 And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
And he gave him a tithe of all.
21 Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”
22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— 24 except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.”
15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
Is is important to note that Abraham tithed before FATHER established the covenant which changed Abram’s name to Abraham resulting in Abraham experiencing a change in nature. Abram acknowledged the Truth that GOD MOST HIGH was his provision and stated so to the king of Sodom who represented the adversary.
Abram further acknowledged that FATHER is the Possessor of Heaven AND earth. Doesn’t this mean that everyone and everything is ultimately HIS to do with whatever HE pleases? None of us are independent of FATHER’S dominion.
I have heard that the tithe was focused on what the “land” brought forth and not our own labor. Was the labor required to work the land? If so, then I guess one should discount the tithe by assessing how much labor it took to work the land and tend the sheep? The soul will analyze the tithe and support reasons to reduce or eliminate the tithe without regard to FATHER’S Intent.
The tithe is a firstfruit of our life and represents a sacrifice honoring Our Heavenly Father not only as our provider but the tithe establishes ownership. This ownership leads us to Holiness as we establish and reinforce our relationship by giving the tithe. The tithe connects the physical with the Spiritual.
Was Abram reluctant in his giving of the tithe? Would you tithe if you knew as a result that FATHER would have a higher covenant with you? Does the tithe establish or confirm a higher level of trust between you and FATHER?
Did Abram concern himself with what Melchizedek’s use of the tithe? Not in the least. What Melchizedek did with the tithe was between him and FATHER. Our responsibility is to give to a recipient as The Holy Spirit directs and not be coerced to give through guilt or perceived duty.
Giving is all about intent. If you intend to give with a cheerful heart then your tithe and offerings are fully acceptable. If you give out of perceived duty, then you will not receive the same benefit.
“Abram of God Most High” denotes ownership of Abram to GOD MOST HIGH. Further, it is acknowledged that OUR God Most High delivered his enemies into his hand. Abram’s success was based on FATHER’S intervention and not Abram’s physical resources.
Do you want FATHER to be your Deliverer from your enemies or do you want to go it alone? As for me and my family, we choose to acknowledge HIS ownership and one way to affirm this Truth is to give the firstfruits of all our increase. I am not looking for a “legal” loophole to reduce my giving. On the contrary, I desire to increase it as HE increases my harvest. It’s a win/win for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.
If you disagree, no worries. My purpose is to share with you what is working in my life and has for decades. This is what Agape Love does. I don’t want to see any of us living a life of scarcity when there is a solution to the problem.