Scripture Reading: Leviticus 27
Scripture Text: "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD." Lev 27:30  (KJV)

People become incensed when they listen to a ministry and that ministry asks them for money! We've heard it so much and it has become so essential to ministry that we have become intolerant of the constant "begging" as some have called it. Everyone has a plan and everyone has a mission and everyone has a need that cannot be filled unless YOU GIVE! I know, I am one of those that have joined the "beggars throng" along life's pathway. I have been fussed at, cussed at, and generally told what I can do with my ministry and it's something you never get over; it's devastating at times. Some of God's people can be right down cruel.

But you know, we forget on both sides of the line that the tithe of the land - no matter what it is . . . belongs to the Lord; and what does the text say about it? It says, ". . . it is holy unto the LORD". That's a pretty awesome statement! I don't like to ask for it, and you don't like to hear me or anyone else ask for it, but The WORD says it is "holy". It is not in your hands nor is it in my hands to judge one way or the other. To God, the tithe is HOLY!

Now I want to qualify that statement. The WORD I have for you this morning is not just for you. It is for anyone who has ANYTHING AT ALL to do with your tithe money and offering money.

For those ministries who take and mis-use the Tithe and Offerings on frivolous things such as humongous diamond pinky rings and shiny flashy cars, they will face the scrutiny of the Lord one day. Hear me here. I DID NOT say they will face the judgment, (although they will be judged as well), I said they will face the scrutiny of the Lord. That word (scrutiny) means that they will be "examined" or "inquired of" by the Lord as to what they did with the Lord's money.

I can honestly tell you that on the day I was thinking on this devotional for development, I received a letter - a very "costly" letter from a ministry - that if I mentioned his name you would know who I was referring to, and he was telling me that the Lord had told him that I sent him $100 right away, within three weeks time I would become very wealthy. He went on to ask me this question. "You would like to be a millionaire would you Wayne"?

Now, how many of you would send this guy $100 thinking that by doing so you would become rich beyond your wildest dreams? I would guess that 99% of you would say, "NOT ME". Yet, many of those same people will send out emails with nice little thoughts in them and say at the end, "If you send this email on to 10 people - something wonderful will happen for you. They can become a part of a hoax that doesn't cost them anything, but add $100 to it or eve $10 and they "opt-out" and say, "If God wants you to be blessed and be in ministry He will see to it that you are taken care of; just don't hold your breath that you will receive anything from me." Okay, I added the end part of that sentence in there but the demeanor of their email kind of tells you the unwritten stuff. (by the way, I didn't send this guy anything because God's anointing was not there telling me to)

The text for today makes it very clear that tithing and offerings is not about money, it's not even about the amount - although we can see there in the 32 verse where a tenth was established as the general acceptable amount. What's is important to establish here - especially since we are heading into the New Year, is that "GIVING" is not something that you should worry over, or fret over wondering if the Pastor or Evangelist is mis-using the money you give Him, because it belongs to the Lord. Before you give it - it is  HIS! While you are giving it - it belongs to Him! When The Pastor, Evangelist, church group or Internet ministry receives your contribution - no matter how big or small, it belongs to the Lord! God will hold every recipient of HIS money accountable in a personal audit before His throne one day - so you can rest in Him when He prompts you to give.

It is important to hear from the Lord with regard to His will for your life in the areas of Healing and Worship and blessings as He sees fit to bless us. Those are all areas of interaction with Him that are in fact considered "worship". But with-holding our money from the church or the Evangelist or Pastor who is blessing you is a matter of obedience; it is a matter of Holiness!

Let's Pray

Father God: Teach us to see that "giving" is not a matter of judgment - but a matter of blessing in your Name. Help us to realize that what we "have" . . . you have allowed us to have; and what we "give" should given in YOUR NAME. Open our hearts to see the Tithe and Offerings as an act of worship and holiness, and to not give with a begrudging heart, but to trust in you for the increase. In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.