Joshua Boyd

We have covered the foundation of Biblical Finances in our discussion of tithing. Until that foundation is laid, the next level of giving can’t start – the next level of offerings. Since tithing represents the first step, giving back to God what belongs to Him, offerings even more show our heart because they are voluntary. When Jesus spoke of the widow giving all she had, He was speaking of her offerings.

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,

“They share freely and give generously to the poor.

Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

How many of you have planted seeds in a planter or the ground? Most of us who have done so planted a few seeds. We weren’t trying to supply our family or others with our crop. Yet even in the small amount, we got increase. One seed doesn’t produce once seed. One seed increases into not just more seed but usable product to eat. God is the one who designed the process. He declared after the flood that as long as the earth remains, seed sowing and harvesting will remain too.

Our responsibility isn’t to understand the increase, it is to keep seed in the ground. Generous seed, generous crop. Fortunately, seasons in the Kingdom can be year-round. It is always planting season. Harvest season comes as a direct result of the planting. No planting, no harvest time.

Joshua Boyd

We’ve been on the topic of Biblical Finances for the past few weeks and the topic of tithing for the past 2 messages. This is the third and I believe final message on tithing. Tithing not only represents obedience in giving back to God what is rightfully His, it also represents our heart.

Matthew 6:21 CEB

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

CJB

For where your wealth is, there your heart will be also.

Trying to keep our money for ourselves, not giving it to the work of the Kingdom shows that we don’t have an eternal mindset. Everything on this earth is temporary, especially money. God is a resource greater than money. He can get your needs met and bless you beyond the income on your paycheck.

For people whose heart has turned or is turning away from God, the first outward sign that they stop giving. Oh they may throw a tip in the offering plate, but not the tithe and certainly not offerings. To love the Lord is to obey His commands. Those commands are not burdensome but beneficial.

Jordon Gilmore

Genesis 39:20-23, 40:7-8,20-23

1. We have to decide to let God use us to be a blessing in whatever situation we find ourselves in.

It is clear that God can prosper us even in situations we don’t want to be in.
Joseph took the time to notice someone else’s plight even when his own was not ideal. He wasn’t self-focused.

2. Pay attention to others even when we are not 100%
3. When we are serving outside ourselves we have to be led by the Spirit to do what God wants us to do.

We can’t let our level of faith be dependent on how comfortable we are.