Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Christian Stewardship
Malachi 3: 6-10 
“Return to me and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
In the Bible passage of the day, we see God charging Israel that they have not kept His commandments and have in fact turned away from them. He continues to exhort Israel, through the prophet Malachi, to return to Him. And He singles out an issue in which He wants them obey His teachings – ‘To Tithe’.
 
The term ‘tithe’ literally means one-tenth. The Israelites were required to give a portion (one-tenth) of their crops/income to the temple and for the sustenance of the priestly tribe of Levi. 

Fast forward to the 21st century, and . . . as a Christian, the term ‘tithing’ would be a familiar albeit a confusing one. We know that we are saved by grace and are no longer under the rule of Moses hence we don’t give importance to this term. But the principle of this concept of ‘tithing’ is still relevant as it was 2000 years ago.
We are called to be stewards of the resources that God has placed in our care. And financial resource is of particular importance due to the purchasing power that it has. The way and manner we spend our finances say a lot about the priorities in our lives. In many parts of the bible, God made it clear (Isaiah 1:11, Psalms 50:9, Hosea 6:6 etc.). He doesn’t require your sacrifices or your 10/50 percent. He is not requiring you to give so that it will benefit Him. He requires you to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) so that you may see Him above your hoarded resources. And when you do not give unto others or His ministry that He has placed in your life, He responds with the same message that HE gave Malachi, “Why are you robbing me?” If only we could see how our actions are viewed by God. Maybe we would be more careful in the things that we do! May we who profess to be Christians know that the One who provides for us, needs us to reflect Him generously in all the areas of our lives.
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us as for the times we don’t realize and reflect your generosity that you expect from us. Mold and help us to be more like you.
 
Thought for the day
Biblical Stewardship is a life-style with the Cross at its center – Ronald Petry

Noel George

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more