Tithe

I went to my aunt’s church this weekend and the sermon was on living abundantly and God’s blessings and things like that. Very good sermon. The pastor brought up an interesting anecdote: when discussing tithing, a parishioner asked if he should tithe 10% of his gross pay or his net pay. The pastor answered: that depends, do you want God’s gross blessings, or net blessings?

It’s a very good point. I’ve been tithing based on my net pay, simply because that’s the amount of money that I get after taxes and so that’s the amount I generally figure my paycheck will be. But duh, why should the government get their 19% or whatever it is now before I tithe my 10%? So I’m going to have to refigure this.

So far each payday, I write one check for my tithe and then my second check is made out to myself (for a savings account at another bank). I’ve written a tithing check each payday for the last two months and look forward to writing that check. So, I’m going to say that this is complete. Though I may leave the goal up because I like looking at it and being reminded that I’m doing it.

First check goes tomorrow! I’m excited! It feels good to tithe again.

I used to tithe back in the day. I think it was when I got my first job, even. I may have only written one check though. In any case, it’s been years and years. Ideally, I’d like to be able to write a check each payday week for 10%. I figure it’s really not that big of a deal if you look at it like “yay, and then I get to keep 90% for me!”

I think this will almost fall under the category of discipline that I’m trying to work on through Taekwondo as well! Score for all-around bettering of oneself.

First payday is August 28th! Checkbook will be ready. :)

I first need to find a church and become a member, then I can start tithing. Until then all of my tithe money will go into a savings account. This way I know it is set apart for God and not for my use.

I need to let go of my church statements. I have been going to church with my best friend or boyfriend at their respective churches, which I’ll give an offering to, but it does ‘count’ in that it does not show up on my church statement from my church. I need to let go of that. God doesn’t care what church you give to and whether or not you get a tax break. I still keep track in my monthly expenses, so I know at the end of the day, how much I gave.

I actually didnt start until 01/09 and I’m glad I did. This is something I dont ever want to stop doing. When i finally made up my mind to tithe starting the first paycheck in January, everything started happening! My account is overdrawn, Im suppose to start school on the Jan 20th and I dont have money for the books and I have a bill due…Buttttt, Im not worried GOD WILL WORK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!:)(smile)

So one of my other goals is to go to church twice a month. I want to go regularly instead of in spurts throughout the year. Regular attendance makes it easier to give regularly.

On a tight budget this is a long shot goal. But I want it to be my long term goal, and I want to give more than I have been. My short term goal is to double what I have been giving.

I have just been given about 40 canvases from an estate that are painted on by an artist who passed away and I can use them to paint on. So, when I got home and was parking out in front of my condo complex I noticed a woman sitting near the sidewalk, she looked like a cleaning lady who just got done working & was waiting for a ride, I said hello and was walking away when I had a thought “Pay it Forward”. So I gave her $40 and said Merry Christmas. She almost started crying and my heart opened. That’s kinda like a Tithe ??? Right ?