2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Are you bearing the seal of being THE LORD’s? 2012 will bring unprecedented changes and now is the time to know with assurance that you are THE LORD’s. My wife and I were inquiring of THE LORD the other day, first and foremost to find out where HE wanted HIS tithe to be distributed. Each and every month we find out how HE wants the firstfruits to be used. You see, over the last forty years I have found that giving as Our Heavenly Father directs establishes the grounds for greater prosperity and more giving. When we are found worthy in being faithful to give, we are deemed good stewards. We don’t give as a result of being beat over the head with Scripture by a preacher who wants to establish his kingdom, we give to be a blessing to others for we bear HIS SEAL. Men look for ways to hold and hoard their wealth and take it out of circulation. They rationalize ways out of being a blessing to others for they claim “Tithing is ‘Old Testament’ and I’m under the New Testament”. That means they think Our Heavenly Father was somehow different before the Cross. Every Word from Our Heavenly Father reflects HIS unchanging character of Love. The intent of every word was to move us to a higher level of life and Love. Does Our Heavenly Father, the Creator of Heaven and earth, need my firstfruits? Not really. After all, HE knows where every ounce of gold and silver are. HE knows in advance every stock trade that will be profitable. HE knows the next source of energy that would solve the energy crisis. So why would HE say:
“The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God.”
This is an ego-busting statement. Your ego wants to be in control of every penny you receive from your work, investments, and inheritance. Money exalts people above others. The more money you have, the more you think you are entitled to be exalted above others unless you truly give honor to the One who is the Creator of wealth. By giving your firstfruits, you put your money where your mouth is. Clearly, Abraham knew this reality:
Genesis 14:18-20 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said:
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”
And he gave him a tithe of all.
It is such an immature thought to think we produced wealth on our own. We were given gifts to generate income and wealth and that decision came before we were formed in the womb. People who hoard are motivated by fear. People who give are motivated by Love, faith, and hope.
If you are wondering why you can’t seem to make ends meet, it could be due to your unwillingness to be a giver. Giving your firstfruits goes against all logic but that is the way Our Heavenly Father designed it. Your mind is to serve your spirit, not the opposite. Faith comes before manifestation by design. When you seek Our Heavenly Father concerning your giving and respond by distributing those firstfruits, you open up the storehouse of the unseen to produce additional manifestation of fruit. Giving keeps your spirit strong and builds your faith as you see the results.
Several years ago Our Heavenly Father said to me: “Money is a commodity to me and you should view it the same way”. Money isn’t scarce except possibly in your checking account. There is plenty of wealth on this earth for everyone to live in abundance. The only problem is that the lawlessness has prevented the population from unlocking the key to the abundance. As the revelation of Love is manifested on earth, the current economic system and assumptions will be replaced. Witty inventions will spring forth. Equal weights and measures will prevail and men promote righteous commerce and growth.
Abraham was named “Father of many nations” by Our Heavenly Father AFTER he had received the revelation of tithing, BEFORE the Old Testament laws were given. When you give with the right heart, you allow Our Heavenly Father to bless you in a greater way and broaden your impact on others. At first, you may be hesitant to step out in faith. Seek Our Heavenly Father and HE will assure you and will guide your firstfruits according to HIS perfect plan, will, and purpose. You won’t ask you to give away your rent money or your house payment. You don’t have any money? You can start by giving time. Giving of your firstfruits is one way of Bearing His Seal.