Thanks Jonathan..
Thanks Jonathan. ..Asking Gods wisdom was the first thought but i never seem to get instant response from God as others who can hear him speak audibly to them...
Also I like everything uve said except your view on not tithing to my local church.
I don't hear God speak audibly neither. I do however use wisdom in giving money. I try and see how I could benefit ones charity or person rather than give money directly. There was this one time I completed a job however and said to God that I have x amount as a sign of my gratitude for you. That night I got a call from a guy I knew but not a friend may I add, and he asked could I help him financially. When I said sure what you need, He asked me for that exact amount. God might not speak to you directly, but He sure does respond.
As for the local church tithe, any church that asks for a tithe, you should watch very closely. As stated, tithing was never about money. It was about crops and cattle and in some cases like Abraham and David, the plunders of war but never about people's money. I believe in helping out the church if needs be but from reading about tithing and watching my own church, I am very very cautious. My church from its tithes and offerings was bought outright by the pastors using such funds from years of build up but has now turned into a mega church and now preaches more like a life coaching sermon. It no longer teaches how to die to self rather how your life can be better when you have Jesus. It offers itself open to tithes and offerings although it has everything. My point being that God would rather see that million pound used to give a few homeless people a roof over their head and the church assemble in a field, rather than have a fancy building where it's used for a few hours twice a week. This is the wisdom you get from God when you ask for His wisdom, not your own. There is a lot of church pastors out there that are rich. It's a shame they don't read about the rich man told by Jesus to sell everything and give to the poor. Or the one where He says you can't serve God and money. It's all about their church and their status. Jesus told us to die to self not elevate it. That goes for all His followers including pastors. Ask for Gods wisdom in this.
A fellow brother of mine once said with your pay packet that one should spend some, save some and give some away. Here's wisdom on these points.
If God provides food and clothing for us, then it's ok for us to spend money on such needs. After all, He don't throw them down directly from heaven.
Whilst we are not to store up treasures here on earth, Jesus and the apostles did save money. Judas was the treasurer which meant money was saved. It was for when people or they themselves needed it.
Today we call it save for a rainy day. You never know when you or someone you know needs a help out. Coupled with the fact God does not want us to borrow because we become slaves to the debtor.
Giving money away means you value others needs above yourself. This is gratitude and God loves when you put others first, but if out of your donation you make the rich richer, of what benefit is that worth? Give and give cheerfully and give to those in desperate need. Not a church that seems to have everything anyway.
