Tithing - a part of the church and our lives that seems to be up for debate quite often. What exactly is it? According to dictionary.com - "A tenth part of one's annual income contributed voluntarily or due as a tax, especially for the support of the clergy or church."
I underlined support - this is huge! Regardless that churches are an non-profitable organization - there is still a need to keep the church up and running, help those struggling financially in the church, pastors need to be paid, the needy in the community and world wide need aid. There are missionaries to support, mission trips to spread the gospel, children to teach, etc.
I overheard a convo today that suggested that when you tith - you can expect God to bless you 10times as much. This is something I have a hard time agreeing to or even believing. Tithing is something that should be natural to you not so much expected. We were made to be generous people but our flesh tells us different. I'm not saying that I always tith the "recommended" 10%, because just frankly sometimes I just don't have the money or I forget. But it feels good to give your money back to where it belongs.
Think about it - you wouldn't be where you are without God. He has blessed us with so many things that it only makes sense to give back. With money...but also with other things. That's another thing people forget. The church needs more than just your weekly givings, they also need your help. Whether that be volunteering to teach, help with setup, making the after service coffee, it doesn't matter! A church is like an organization - it needs people to keep it running. When I decided to teach sunday school - I never gave it a second thought besides an immediate yes. There was no way that I'd be selfish enough to say no. And a bonus is that I enjoy teaching kids and doing crafts although that is beyond my point.
And my point being that as a regular attender of a church (any) you should be contributing in multiple ways if possible. I guess this means more to me because I attend a small church in need of finances to stay running and to help families within the congregation.
I also keep in frame of mind that I'm in general better off then some others so why not give where I can? It just makes sense to give back to the One who gave you what you do have.
"The church has forgotten what it means to equip the Christian mind. It is
more concerned with putting on productions than putting out disciples. The end
result is a bunch of whiney adults who don’t like the way the power-point
presentation looked last week, or complain that the coffee bar needs to have
more flavors to choose from. We have successfully dumbed down the Word of God.
Intimacy with the Almighty is not something we strive for anymore. We scream
“Relevance!” and sacrifice the minds Christ has given us.With mega-churches growing like Jack’s beanstalk, the new American mind-set
of evangelism is, “Get’em into the church building, put on a good show, don’t
offend them, give them some Starbucks, and BAM! They’ll get saved.” After all,
we must be “all things to all men.” But what happens when we become everything
to the world? Christians become everything and nothing."
My sister and I were discussing this thought last night..oddly enough. It seems that with our upbring in such a conservative church has restricted us with lack of knowledge. Follow me here with this for a moment. In Sunday School we were taught bible stories and Categism we were taught doctrines and teachings that are based very strongly on the bible. BUT we never really got to know the Bible in all honesty. So we memorized scripture and knew the basic stories; there was never really any in-depth studying - realizing who God really is.
You could say there was some onus on our part but at the same time - we didn't know any better. Without being exposed to new experiences we would have never realized how much we are sorely lacking knowing our Lord Jesus Christ. My church opened that possibility for me with a bible study that opened my eyes to the majesty and love of God. Not only does He Love you, but He LIKES you.
Now back to the quote from above. Interestingly enough the church I attend now is the opposite of the "corporate church". The Pastor is not worried about growing in numbers - he's more interested in the peoples of the church - staying connected. It's a small congregation with a huge heart and a good community - no one is left to fall between the cracks. Sermons aren't sugar coated and always give you warm fuzzies - he's challenging, down-to-earth and honest. If him and/or the church is struggling - he is truthful and will let the congregation know. I like my little church - I'm allowed to be involved and I am accepted for who I am regardless of my upbring in a different denomination.
In some circumstances I don't see a problem with the church being a bit mainstream. In this day in age everything revolves around technology and communication and naturally the church needs to evolve otherwise it will become stagnet and people become disinterested. Not saying this is a way to save ppl - with flashy videos and powerpoints - but without embracing some bits of mainstream, things become so traditional. I will use my parents church as an example - that church is soooo far behind the times and what is happening to the young ppl? They are leaving the church, being rebellious (which links to other issues which I'm not exploring now) - not being exposed to new experience and a true relationship with Christ.
Not all churches are the same and I think churches need to stay unique - if the church is meant to attract certain ppl - it will. Why push to be THE church? If it's Christ's church, things will happen in the way God wants it to!
"You don't pray so you can change things in the world. It's not magic. You might ask, and you might hope for change, but ultimately changing things cannot be your motivation" Real Live Preacher
What a great quote! Definitely worth remembering (and well for me, jotting it down for future reference)
Comments?
I went to the movies tonite and watched a chic flick (which will remain nameless since I wasn't impressed with the movie itself) but..
I had some thoughts...
Why does it take a tragic event for individuals to realize that they aren't living? Or enjoying life, laughing, dancing...? Is this how God gets our attention? Does it always have to be that extreme? Why do ppl live under false pretenses that life is only about success and rewards?
What about us fellow christians - are we living life the way God would want us to? Are we living it to the fullest and enjoying everything God has graciously provided for us?
Comments?
a new idea!
Name 3-5books that has impacted your life and why (general description of what you thought about the book).
Just put your list in the comment section and I'll copy 'n paste it into the body of this text.
So as you can see, I've done some revamping on this site tonite. In the next couple of days I am doing some other changes as well. Even (maybe) the way we are doing this. I'm not getting much out of this nor find it exciting at all so I have a plan! Mwaaahaahaa! :)
Stay Tuned!
It's a long one!
Isaiah 4
1 In that day few men will be left alive. Seven women will fight over each of them and say, "Let us all marry you! We will provide our own food and clothing. Only let us be called by your name so we won't be mocked as old maids."
A Promise of Restoration 2But in the future, Israel--the branch of the LORD--will be lush and beautiful, and the fruit of the land will be the pride of its people. 3All those whose names are written down, who have survived the destruction of Jerusalem, will be a holy people. 4The Lord will wash the moral filth from the women of Jerusalem.[a] He will cleanse Jerusalem of its bloodstains by a spirit of judgment that burns like fire. 5Then the LORD will provide shade for Jerusalem[b] and all who assemble there. There will be a canopy of smoke and cloud throughout the day and clouds of fire at night, covering the glorious land. 6It will be a shelter from daytime heat and a hiding place from storms and rain.
Isaiah 5
A Song about the LORDs Vineyard 1Now I will sing a song for the one I love about his vineyard:
My beloved has a vineyard on a rich and fertile hill.
2 He plowed the land, cleared its stones, and planted it with choice vines. In the middle he built a watchtower and carved a winepress in the nearby rocks. Then he waited for a harvest of sweet grapes, but the grapes that grew were wild and sour.
3 "Now, you people of Jerusalem and Judah, you have heard the case; you be the judges.
4 What more could I have done to cultivate a rich harvest? Why did my vineyard give me wild grapes when I expected sweet ones?
5 Now this is what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will tear down its fences and let it be destroyed. I will break down its walls and let the animals trample it.
6 I will make it a wild place. I will not prune the vines or hoe the ground. I will let it be overgrown with briers and thorns. I will command the clouds to drop no more rain on it."
7 This is the story of the LORD's people. They are the vineyard of the LORD Almighty. Israel and Judah are his pleasant garden. He expected them to yield a crop of justice, but instead he found bloodshed. He expected to find righteousness, but instead he heard cries of oppression.
Judahs Guilt and Judgment 8Destruction is certain for you who buy up property so others have no place to live. Your homes are built on great estates so you can be alone in the land. 9But the LORD Almighty has sealed your awful fate. With my own ears I heard him say, "Many beautiful homes will stand deserted, the owners dead or gone. 10Ten acres[a] of vineyard will not produce even six gallons[b] of wine. Ten measures of seed will yield only one measure[c] of grain."
11Destruction is certain for you who get up early to begin long drinking bouts that last late into the night. 12You furnish lovely music and wine at your grand parties; the harps, lyres, tambourines, and flutes are superb! But you never think about the LORD or notice what he is doing. 13So I will send my people into exile far away because they do not know me. The great and honored among them will starve, and the common people will die of thirst.
14The grave[d] is licking its chops in anticipation of Jerusalem, this delicious morsel. Her great and lowly will be swallowed up, with all her drunken crowds. 15In that day the arrogant will be brought down to the dust; the proud will be humbled. 16But the LORD Almighty is exalted by his justice. The holiness of God is displayed by his righteousness. 17In those days flocks will feed among the ruins; lambs and kids[e] will pasture there.
18Destruction is certain for those who drag their sins behind them, tied with cords of falsehood. 19They even mock the Holy One of Israel and say, "Hurry up and do something! Quick, show us what you can do. We want to see what you have planned."
20Destruction is certain for those who say that evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.
21Destruction is certain for those who think they are wise and consider themselves to be clever.
22Destruction is certain for those who are heroes when it comes to drinking, who boast about all the liquor they can hold. 23They take bribes to pervert justice. They let the wicked go free while punishing the innocent.
24Therefore, they will all disappear like burning straw. Their roots will rot and their flowers wither, for they have rejected the law of the LORD Almighty. They have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. 25That is why the anger of the LORD burns against his people. That is why he has raised his fist to crush them. The hills tremble, and the rotting bodies of his people are thrown as garbage into the streets. But even then the LORD's anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike!
26He will send a signal to the nations far away. He will whistle to those at the ends of the earth, and they will come racing toward Jerusalem. 27They will not get tired or stumble. They will run without stopping for rest or sleep. Not a belt will be loose, not a sandal thong broken. 28Their arrows will be sharp and their bows ready for battle. Sparks will fly from their horses' hooves as the wheels of their chariots spin like the wind. 29Roaring like lions, they will pounce on their prey. They will seize my people and carry them off into captivity, and no one will be there to rescue them. 30The enemy nations will growl over their victims like the roaring of the sea. A cloud of darkness and sorrow will hover over Israel. The clouds will blot out the light.
It has been far too long! Hokey Cow! I haven't posted a new entry since July! Sorry to all my loyal readers *cough* one person! Well I should say loyal scripture studiers.
Anyways, i'm gonna get back on the ball with this...been far too long..now that I actually have time and some energy :P
Isaiah 2
The LORDs Future Reign
1This is another vision that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
2In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship. 3Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Temple of the God of Israel.[a] There he will teach us his ways, so that we may obey him." For in those days the LORD's teaching and his word will go out from Jerusalem.
4The LORD will settle international disputes. All the nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. All wars will stop, and military training will come to an end. 5Come, people of Israel, let us walk in the light of the LORD!
A Warning of Judgment
6The LORD has rejected the people of Israel because they have made alliances with foreigners from the East who practice magic and divination, just like the Philistines. 7Israel has vast treasures of silver and gold and many horses and chariots. 8The land is filled with idols. The people bow down and worship these things they have made. 9So now everyone will be humbled and brought low. The LORD cannot simply ignore their sins!
10Crawl into caves in the rocks. Hide from the terror of the LORD and the glory of his majesty. 11The day is coming when your pride will be brought low and the LORD alone will be exalted. 12In that day the LORD Almighty will punish the proud, bringing them down to the dust. 13He will cut down the tall cedars of Lebanon and the mighty oaks of Bashan. 14He will level the high mountains and hills. 15He will break down every high tower and wall. 16He will destroy the great trading ships[b] and all the small boats in the harbor. 17The arrogance of all people will be brought low. Their pride will lie in the dust. The LORD alone will be exalted! 18Idols will be utterly abolished and destroyed.
19When the LORD rises to shake the earth, his enemies will crawl with fear into holes in the ground. They will hide in caves in the rocks from the terror of the LORD and the glory of his majesty. 20They will abandon their gold and silver idols to the moles and bats. 21They will crawl into caverns and hide among the jagged rocks at the tops of cliffs. In this way, they will try to escape the terror of the LORD and the glory of his majesty as he rises to shake the earth.
22Stop putting your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. How can they be of help to anyone?
Footnotes:
Isaiah 2:3 Hebrew of Jacob; also in 2:5, 6.
Isaiah 2:16 Hebrew every ship of Tarshish.
Isaiah 3
Judgment against Judah
1The Lord, the LORD Almighty, will cut off the supplies of food and water from Jerusalem and Judah. 2He will destroy all the nation's leaders--the heroes, soldiers, judges, prophets, diviners, elders, 3army officers, honorable citizens, advisers, skilled magicians, and expert enchanters. 4Then he will appoint children to rule over them, and anarchy will prevail. 5People will take advantage of each other--man against man, neighbor fighting neighbor. Young people will revolt against authority, and nobodies will sneer at honorable people.
6In those days a man will say to his brother, "Since you have a cloak, you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of ruins!"
7"No!" he will reply. "I can't help. I don't have any extra food or clothes. Don't ask me to get involved!"
8Judah and Jerusalem will lie in ruins because they speak out against the LORD and refuse to obey him. They have offended his glorious presence among them. 9The very look on their faces gives them away and displays their guilt. They sin openly like the people of Sodom. They are not one bit ashamed. How terrible it will be for them! They have brought about their own destruction.
10But all will be well for those who are godly. Tell them, "You will receive a wonderful reward!" 11But say to the wicked, "Your destruction is sure. You, too, will get what you deserve. Your well-earned punishment is on the way."
12Children oppress my people, and women rule over them. O my people, can't you see what fools your rulers are? They are leading you down a pretty garden path to destruction.
13The LORD takes his place in court. He is the great prosecuting attorney, presenting his case against his people! 14The leaders and the princes will be the first to feel the LORD's judgment. "You have ruined Israel, which is my vineyard. You have taken advantage of the poor, filling your barns with grain extorted from helpless people. 15How dare you grind my people into the dust like that!" demands the Lord, the LORD Almighty.
A Warning for Jerusalems Women
16Next the LORD will judge the women of Jerusalem,[a] who walk around with their noses in the air, with tinkling ornaments on their ankles. Their eyes rove among the crowds, flirting with the men. 17The Lord will send a plague of scabs to ornament their heads. Yes, the LORD will make them bald for all to see!
18The Lord will strip away their artful beauty--their ornaments, headbands, and crescent necklaces; 19their earrings, bracelets, and veils of shimmering gauze. 20Gone will be their scarves, ankle chains, sashes, perfumes, and charms; 21their rings, jewels, 22party clothes, gowns, capes, and purses; 23their mirrors, linen garments, head ornaments, and shawls. 24Instead of smelling of sweet perfume, they will stink. They will wear ropes for sashes, and their well-set hair will fall out. They will wear rough sackcloth instead of rich robes. Their beauty will be gone. Only shame will be left to them.
25The men of the city will die in battle. 26The gates of Jerusalem[b] will weep and mourn. The city will be like a ravaged woman, huddled on the ground.
Footnotes:
Isaiah 3:16 Hebrew the daughters of Zion.
Isaiah 3:26 Hebrew Zion.
This is going to be interesting and very educational! I typed Isaiah into Google and got a hit on some historical data in regards to Isaiah himself. So here goes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah
I think that reading this could make fora great intro before diving into the book.
I chose to use the New Living Translation - hope that's okay!
Isaiah 1
1 These visions concerning Judah and Jerusalem came to Isaiah son of Amoz during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah--all kings of Judah.
A Message for Rebellious Judah 2Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! This is what the LORD says: "The children I raised and cared for have turned against me. 3Even the animals--the donkey and the ox--know their owner and appreciate his care, but not my people Israel. No matter what I do for them, they still do not understand."
4Oh, what a sinful nation they are! They are loaded down with a burden of guilt. They are evil and corrupt children who have turned away from the LORD. They have despised the Holy One of Israel, cutting themselves off from his help.
5Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured, and your heart is sick. 6You are sick from head to foot--covered with bruises, welts, and infected wounds--without any ointments or bandages. 7Your country lies in ruins, and your cities are burned. As you watch, foreigners plunder your fields and destroy everything they see. 8Jerusalem[a] stands abandoned like a watchman's shelter in a vineyard or field after the harvest is over. It is as helpless as a city under siege. 9If the LORD Almighty had not spared a few of us, we would have been wiped out as completely as Sodom and Gomorrah.
10Listen to the LORD, you leaders of Israel! Listen to the law of our God, people of Israel. You act just like the rulers and people of Sodom and Gomorrah. 11"I am sick of your sacrifices," says the LORD. "Don't bring me any more burnt offerings! I don't want the fat from your rams or other animals. I don't want to see the blood from your offerings of bulls and rams and goats. 12Why do you keep parading through my courts with your worthless sacrifices? 13The incense you bring me is a stench in my nostrils! Your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath day, and your special days for fasting--even your most pious meetings--are all sinful and false. I want nothing more to do with them. 14I hate all your festivals and sacrifices. I cannot stand the sight of them! 15From now on, when you lift up your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look. Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen. For your hands are covered with the blood of your innocent victims. 16Wash yourselves and be clean! Let me no longer see your evil deeds. Give up your wicked ways. 17Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows.
18"Come now, let us argue this out," says the LORD. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool. 19If you will only obey me and let me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. 20But if you keep turning away and refusing to listen, you will be destroyed by your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!"
Unfaithful Jerusalem 21See how Jerusalem, once so faithful, has become a prostitute. Once the home of justice and righteousness, she is now filled with murderers. 22Once like pure silver, you have become like worthless slag. Once so pure, you are now like watered-down wine. 23Your leaders are rebels, the companions of thieves. All of them take bribes and refuse to defend the orphans and the widows.
24Therefore, the Lord, the LORD Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, says, "I will pour out my fury on you, my enemies! 25I will turn against you. I will melt you down and skim off your slag. I will remove all your impurities. 26Afterward I will give you good judges and wise counselors like the ones you used to have. Then Jerusalem will again be called the Home of Justice and the Faithful City."
27Because the LORD is just and righteous, the repentant people of Jerusalem[b] will be redeemed. 28But all sinners will be completely destroyed, for they refuse to come to the LORD.
29Shame will cover you when you think of the times you offered sacrifices to idols in your groves of sacred oaks. You will blush when you think of all the sins you committed in your sacred gardens. 30You will wither away like an oak or garden without water. 31The strongest among you will disappear like burning straw. Your evil deeds are the spark that will set the straw on fire, and no one will be able to put it out.
Footnotes:
Isaiah 1:8 Hebrew The daughter of Zion.
Isaiah 1:27 Hebrew Zion.
Links for scripture:
www.biblegateway.com
(we can choose many different translations, if u want to read it in a different one, go to this site.
NOTE: Since we are both fairly busy, I think to have this done by the end of the week, would be a smart thing but we notice we are posting, we can keep going!
This should be interesting.
I also had a thought about praying for guidance and as my pastor would say - "nuggets", that maybe our eyes will be open to something?!? Amen. :)