What steps can we take to fulfill the "tithe of your produce" today? Grasping the Command “You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce from your fields each year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22) Timeless Principles • Ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.” (Psalm 24:1) • Firstfruits: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) • Provision: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you.” (Malachi 3:10) Practical Steps for Fulfilling the Tithe Today 1. Identify Your “Produce” • Salary, wages, business earnings, tips, bonuses • Agricultural harvest, livestock increase, garden produce • Non-cash benefits or barter income—estimate fair market value 2. Calculate the Tithe • Set aside 10 % of gross increase (Leviticus 27:30) • Decide the amount in advance (1 Corinthians 16:2) 3. Separate It First • Move the tithe before paying bills—write the check, schedule the transfer, box the produce 4. Bring It to the Storehouse • Give primarily through your local church (Malachi 3:10; Galatians 6:6) • Farmers or gardeners may donate actual produce or its cash value 5. Extend Mercy with Additional Giving • After the tithe, assist widows, orphans, missions, crisis-pregnancy centers, etc. (Deuteronomy 14:29; James 1:27) 6. Give Cheerfully and Faith-Filled • “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Trust God’s sufficiency (2 Corinthians 9:8) 7. Keep Accountable • Track giving; review annually • Teach children to tithe allowances or chore income Special Situations • Irregular Income: Tithe when the income arrives • Retired or Fixed Income: Tithe pensions, Social Security, investment dividends • Tight Budgets: Put God first; trust His provision (Matthew 6:33) The Expected Harvest • God supplies needs and multiplies seed for sowing (2 Corinthians 9:10-11) • Church ministries flourish; the needy are helped (Acts 4:34-35) • Hearts grow in gratitude and dependence on the Lord (Deuteronomy 14:23) |
    |