RADICAL RELIEF OF BURDENS
By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
“At the end of every third year, bring the entire tithe of that year’s harvest and store it in the nearest town. Give it to the Levites, who will receive no allotment of land among you, as well as to the foreigners living among you, the orphans, and the widows in your towns, so they can eat and be satisfied. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all your work."Deuteronomy 14:28-29 NLTBible
Money is an amplifier of the state of mind of an individual . When sinners increase financially , sin increases in the society likewise when the righteous increases in finances righteousness increases in the society .Money has always been Satan's bait of choice to bring mankind into his kingdom False prophets are known to promise people monetary gains if they agree to become members of their congregation thus increasing the love for money over God : the root of all evil . It is one simple way to know if a preacher is of God or inspired by Satan. True disciples offer converts righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."Romans 14:17 NLT Bible
The essence of the christian benevolence is for recipients to be filled with the Holy Ghost and the fruits of righteousness. Giving money to sinners empowers them to sin the more ,therefore, the believer in Christ should be wise in his or her acts of benevolence. Some Christians have suffered penury by giving unwisely. Sharing the gospel to sinners is more important than benevolence , Jesus Christ first preached to the poor before feeding them. He was more interested in feeding the human spirit than the belly .
The money in our possession belongs to God . Deuteronomy 14:22-23 NLTBible says “You must set aside a tithe of your crops—one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year. Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship—the place the Lord your God chooses for his name to be honored—and eat it there... Doing this will teach you always to fear the Lord your God."
The Abrahamic tenth portion was to be given to a designated place determined by God as a demonstration of our faith in his ability to provide for us.
Abrahamic tithing was an act of thanksgiving and trust in God. We thank him by giving and trust him by making him more important than other claims on the money . Tithing also teaches accountability and love for others .It is an indicator to the preacher to know when to pray more for the tither. The new testament speaks of this sacred duty in 1 Corinthians 16;1-2. Though the word Tithe isn't mentioned however, it states clearly what is expected of the born again believer. It is personal as the lord guides.
In verse 28-29 the tithe that was usually collected to provide for the priests and Levites was given to those who do not have enough every third year . Giving to those who do not have enough is counted as a gift to the Lord. Giving an offering is sacred and should be done prayerfully because we shall give account of how we spent God's money on judgment day.
Let God use you to meet the needs of hungry families in your neighborhood and give wisely ,there is no reward for giving to proud and idle persons who refuse to earn a living by working ( 2Thess3;6-10)
Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to break the yoke of poverty in Jesus name.
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