7 Tithing Tips

There is always something to learn in life. I enjoy reading others writings, blogs, and thoughts in an effort to be a lifelong learner. In reading Mark Batterson's blog this week I found this post about tithing. It encouraged me and I thought I'd pass it on. Have a GREAT week!
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Continued our Ritual series this weekend. Talked about a 4000 year-old ritual called tithing that traces all the way back to Abraham. Honestly, I used to hate talking about money. Thought people would think it was a money grab so I was almost defensive about it. But the longer I tithe the more I love talking about it.

We need a paradigm shift. So many people perceive the tithe as an obligation. It's an opportunity! Yes, Malachi 3 says you are "under a curse" if you are not giving a tenth. But what a promise! God wants to open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing on you that you cannot contain.

Here are a few principles I shared this weekend:

1) God can do more with 90% than I can do with 100%
2) U cannot out give God
3) 2 be blessed beyond your ability u need to give beyond your ability
4) When u start tithing, your financial problems become God's problem
5) The tithe keeps money from becoming your master
6) Tithing positions u 4 blessing
7) Tithing = Trusting

In my personal experience, tithing makes finances fun. It infuses me with economic optimism because I'm walking in obedience. I live in holy anticipation to see the way God is going to provide!

MATERIALISM......The Downfall

While having coffee with a friend this morning, we found ourselves discussing what I believe is likely the most effective trap of Satan in our lives; materialism. What is materialism?
ma⋅te⋅ri⋅al⋅ism /məˈtɪəriəˌlɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation
(muh-teer-ee-uh-liz-uhm) –noun
Preoccupation with or emphasis on material objects, comforts, and considerations, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values.

That definition is such a clear example of what is happening in our culture today......and in the lives of Christians today! We have become focused on getting, having, and acquiring while becoming uninterested in spiritual things; or more plainly, the Bible and our commitment to God comes in 2nd place. If you were asked to list the top 10 things (possessions) you want, it would only take you 30 seconds to make that list. We have become ADDICTED to materialism!!!

Why aren't most so-called Christians serving in a ministry, tithing regularly, reading their Bible & praying regularly, faithful in attendance, etc.? Because we are working overtime to pay for all the stuff we have OR saving to buy the stuff we want. Many don't think they can tithe because they live paycheck to paycheck, not because they are poor, but because they're spending everything they have to get what they want. We don't serve because of our selfish materialistic mindsets. Basically we've decided we want it our way instead of God's way. Jesus knew this was going to happen. That's why he said to seek first the kingdom of God, then all the other things would be given to us (Matt. 6:33). How simple; love God, serve God, obey God, want God more than anything else. If we do that, God will provide everything we need. Just think, you are wasting your life chasing after stuff that God said would be the natural byproduct of wanting him more than anything. This is the trap Satan sets for us in America especially. As you consider these thoughts this week, think about some of these quotes.

It is preoccupation with possessions, more than anything else, that prevents us from living freely and nobly. --Thoreau

There is something perverse about more than enough. When we have more, it is never enough. It is always somewhere out there, just out of reach. The more we acquire, the more elusive enough becomes. – Unknown

Lust is all GET—Love is all GIVE. –Unknown

You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. - Charles Spurgeon

Materialism is the only form of distraction from true bliss. - Doug Horton

The best things in life aren't things. - Art Buchwald

The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. - Jesus

Seasons Change

As I sit and enjoy a cup of coffee this morning, I am struck by the undeniable fact that the season is changing. Weather forecasters are predicting the chance of snow for today; which I learned would tie the earliest recorded measurable snowfall for this same day, October 12, in 1909. The leaves have barely turned colors and I'm already thinking about dusting off the snow blower to make sure it's ready for whatever may come. A joke we had in St. Louis regarding the weather was, "If you don't like the weather today just stick around, it will change tomorrow!" I am starting to think that applies everywhere.......well, not Florida, but most everywhere! When it comes to weather I've come to the realization that I don't have any control over it and no amount of complaint will change it. It's a season that will come and go as it pleases.

It's amazing how quickly seasons can change. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says it this way, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." I've learned that life also seems to have the cycle of seasons to it as well. There are seasons of spring-like growth and summer blessing. There's also seasons of autumn-like shedding and winter freeze. In my life, I've experienced all of the seasons. We would all prefer to have the spring and summer seasons because they seem to be the most productive, then avoid the others. But in life it's just not possible to do that; and it's not healthy. We need the seasons of pruning and purging in our lives to strips us of everything that holds us down and drains our strength.

I've talked with a few people lately who've been going through tough seasons of life, but they are beginning to see the budding of fresh spiritual life. No matter what season you are in right now, just know that another season is coming and it isn't a negative thing; it's a necessary thing. Seasons of change are a part of God's plan for your life. Embrace them, seek God for wisdom in them, and know that a new season is just on the other side of the one you're currently in.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (New Living Translation)

Train Up A Child.......Part 3

There comes that time when a child morphs from Hot Wheels and Barbie Dolls to fast cars and makeup. And for many parents this is when they freak out and start doing what they swore they would never do; act like their parents! They start to yell, scream, threaten, and demean along with everything else they hated about how their parents treated them when they were a teenager. After working with teenage students for over 11 years and counseling countless parents, let me share some steps that may help you be successful and even enjoy the teenage years.

1. Take Responsibility! If you ceased to feed, provide for, or even began to abuse your teenage student; you would be arrested and charged with neglect. As long as your child lives in your home, you are responsible. Just because they turn 16 and drive, doesn't mean you are off the hook for training them. Parents have told me, "I can't make my son do anything, he's 15 years old." That is a cop-out! What they mean to say is, "We don't want to deal with it because it will involve an argument, so we've decided to not do anything." Parents MUST take responsibility to teach, train, and raise their teenage students.
   
2. Set The Example! As I stated last week, if you don't like the behaviors and actions of your teenagers, step one is to evaluate the example the parents are setting in front of them everyday. To be fair, it's not always the parents fault for their teenagers behaviors and actions. But more often than not, the consistent Godly example of a parent is the greatest influence in the life of a teenager long-term. Yes, friends and culture are a huge influence as well, but notice I said the parents influence is the greatest "long-term."
   
3. Set Healthy & Fair Boundaries! Why does the highway department put a guardrail around the edge of a cliff? To keep you from running off and getting hurt or possibly killed. One of the most dangerous things parents can do is when they don't set up healthy and fair boundaries for their teenager. While your student will never say they appreciate your boundaries, they need them and WANT them! When you set no boundaries you are non-verbally saying, "I don't care about you." But when you do, even when they fight it, your boundaries express, "I love you so much I want to protect you!" Remember the key here is healthy and fair. Establish the consequences before they fail. That way they know what to expect and this lets them know the punishment is not based on anger. Then lovingly follow through with the consequences when they step outside the boundaries.
   
4. Talk TO Them Not AT Them! When our children are small we often use the phrase, "Because I said so." Mostly because they wouldn't understand even if we explained it to them. But once they start hitting the "tween" years (10 - 12) that answer isn't fair anymore. Why do teenagers not listen and roll their eyes when we talk to them? Usually because we aren't talking to them, we're talking at them. It's easier to talk at them. But they don't learn anything. Remember that one of the goals of parenting teenage students is to prepare them for adulthood. When you take the opportunity to talk to your teenager it means you discuss, explain truth, listen, hear their feelings as well, then take that all and come to an understanding that establishes a healthy & fair boundary. When you talk to your teenage student you will eventually earn their trust and respect.

These are just a few things to remember when training up your teenage students. Remember, no parent gets it right all the time. But when you mess up (and most of the time your child knows you messed up) set the example by talking about it with them and asking for their forgiveness. Many times I've had to apologize for disciplining unfairly or talking to them to harshly. There is nothing more humbling than to ask a 5, 12, or 17 year old to forgive you. But it feels good when you know you just set the example for what's right.

Have a great week!