Tithes….what do you think?
Recently, I have posted a few topics pertaining to blessings, gifts, and church finances. This has brought up a discussion I figured we could all discuss – TITHES.
What do you think about tithing? Please don’t give us specifics, as that is between you and the Lord, but just give us an idea of where you stand on the issue…
Is it necessary?
If so, is there an amount or percentage?
What scriptures are you using to make your decision?
Do all of your tithes, or offerings, go to your local church, or do you divide them between church and charities?
Do you consider giving of your time & other resources an offering as well, or do you feel that the term only refers to monetary gifts?
I know where we stand on the issue, but would prefer to get others’ input before I throw mine out. I will say that my ideals have been recently challenged, and have changed.
Please comment and let us know what you think – and remember, since this is a Christian issue, be sure to back up your thoughts with scripture references so the rest of us can check it out!
Looking forward to the discussion!
Toni
Another bit of poetry…
I thought I would go ahead and share this one also….I wrote this after my beloved father-in-law passed away suddenly in October of 2006. I placed this poem, along with a photo of John, Sr., on a large ceramic tile and gave one to his wife, and my husband’s two siblings. This poem still makes me a little teary-eyed when I read it….he was a wonderful person.
Johnny Mac
We only know we’ll see you again at the end of our own days.
In the meantime though, we’ll hold on tight
To all the memories that time can’t erase from our minds.
So many people loved you so very much,
It’s hard to find someone whose life you didn’t touch.
You were always the first person we would call
When our cars or trucks needed an overhaul!
But while we worked, we would always talk
Of childhood and gardens, and walking the walk.
When anyone met you, they could plainly see
That you were exactly the person you claimed to be.
Never a fake, never a fraud,
What was seen by all was not a facade.
From four-wheelers to dirt bikes, to wrenches and corn,
An unfamiliar hat, you never have worn.
The happiest times we can remember,
Seem to be found with your grandkids in December.
No, Christmas won’t be the same without you here,
It’ll have something missing each and every year.
Your laughter and smile are the things we will miss
And at the coming holidays I’m sure we’ll reminisce.
Maybe about the time you got a Chia head for a gift,
Or all the times you picked up your children’s hearts to give them a lift.
It seemed that in every situation, you knew just what to do,
And at night in our prayers, we thank God for you
God promises that in Heaven no sorrows will remain,
And He promises that very soon He will come again.
So, with that promise we can be sure,
That even though we love you, Jesus loves you even more.
The Greatest Gift
I thought I would share this with you tonight….its not my best work, and I wrote it REALLY quickly last year for my daughter to read at our church Christmas program. Here it is:
The Greatest Gift
The tree is all aglow
Here in Texas, there is no snow.
It’s Christmastime!
Shopping time!
Time for waiting in really long lines!
In search of a gift for a friend,
mom or dad.
We want something to give
that will make them happy, not sad.
The big day comes and
the gifts are all opened….
Did everyone get just what they were hopin’?
But wait, there is one gift left.
A gift for you and for me
This gift can’t be found
under any Christmas tree.
It’s the Savior child
Born so meek and mild
He’s come to bring Joy,
This sweet and precious little boy
He’s wrapped up tight
In His mother’s arms tonight
So make sure that on your
Christmas wish list
You have written
The Greatest Gift!
