Moses instructs the Israelites about their choices–life or death. In Deuteronomy chapter 30, he exhorts them to choose life by following God’s law. It’s like that with your money.

You have choices on how you spend. How often do those choices result in stress and worry about whether there’ll be enough money at the end of the month? Instead, choose to follow God’s law on tithing.

Tithing is giving of your first fruits. It’s choosing life. It just works.

So, choose to give and claim God’s abundant gifts of life. Tithe and rest in the knowledge that It’s Not Your Money.

“Qorban!”

In Mark 7, v 11-12 Jesus pushes back against the Pharisee traditions of Qorban. That law allowed for money that would ultimately be given to the Temple, and so technically to God, to be kept for personal use–in total disregard of those in need. It even provided an excuse for not helping our own families.

Instead, Jesus wants us to reach out and meet the needs of the poor. Who are the poor around you? Those in the soup line, of course, but there may be some closer than you think.

Look around. Reach out. Give to the needs of the poor.
Because, It’s Not Your Money!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In 1 Thesselonians 3: 12, Paul begs that the Lord would make us abound in love for one another.

I love that – Lord make me increase in love; make me do the right thing.

Do you ever pray to God to make you do what you know in your heart is the right thing to do? Whether that be acting and speaking more lovingly, or stopping sinful thoughts and ways, or even almsgiving. I do.

Lord, make me a good steward. I know everything comes from you and I know I am to give back. I know it’s not my money.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What does it mean to make friends with dishonest wealth as Jesus tells us to do in Luke 16: 9? It sounds a little like I am to buddy-up with conniving, cheating schemers. And maybe I am if I would have any chance of influencing them to change for the good of His kingdom.

But I think Jesus is instructing us to be trustworthy with the money and resources that we have. The gifts He has given us. It means being a responsible steward.

A good formula for responsible financial stewardship is to tithe 10%, save 10% and live on 80%. Do this and all will work out. It just does.

So, tith and give to good causes, serving God and not mammon.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

I love Jesus’ response to those crafty Pharisees who are trying to trap Him on paying taxes. Remember, they asked Him, “Is it right to pay?”

“Whose image is on the coin?” Jesus asked them in return. You know the rest…

The question for us is, “Whose image is on our hearts?”

Whose are we? To whom do we belong? We are to pay to God what is God’s – all that we are, all that we have, all our Time, Talent, and Treasure.

He reminds us again, It’s Not Our Money!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download