Meditation

01/19/2022

“A title of everything from the land, whether grin from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the lord; it is holy to the Lord. If a man redeems any of his tithe, he must add a fifth of the value to it. The entire tithe of the heard and flock—-every tenth animal that passed under the shepherd’s rod—-will be holy to the Lord. He must not pick out the good from the bad or make any substitution. If he does make a substitution, both the animal and it substitute become holy and cannot be redeemed.” (Leviticus 27:30-33)

The tithe of the produce of land belonged to God according to the tithe law. For one to redeem that which was to be tithed (such as a animal), a person had to give up value plus twenty percent. The Old Testament tithe law provides a valuable heritage for the Christian in giving to God for His work. It is a reverential response to the One who Created the universe and this world, and all that is in it.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, to tithe is to respond joyfully, obediently, and reverently for all He has provided for us in our lives as well as our foodstuff, produce and fruits. We have the fishes of the sea and the animals in variety and abundance. We have wheat which we make bread products from, and so on. Therefore, we thank You Abba for all that You provide for us and we strive to maintain this abundance through differing ways of protecting the lands and the waters. Help to be better at protecting our planet for today an into the future. Let us pray for all those who are hurting in body, mind, and/or spirit. This we pray. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“A peaceful heart finds joy in all of life’s simple pleasures.”

KNOWING GOD:

“If someone’s offering a fellowship offering, and he offers an animal from the herd, whether male or female, he is to present before the Lord an animal without defect.” (Leviticus 3:1)

Sacrifices to God were an important part of the Old Testament people’s giving and worship. God revealed the pattern of giving was pleasing to Him. Persons devoted to the Levitical law sacrificed animals and grain products as a way to seek God’s forgiveness in accordance with His revelation. The giving spirit intended in these acts continues to this very day. Christians are encouraged to have giving spirits as well, but with the recognition that Christ made the eternal sacrifice for us on the Cross.

I AM:

“If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.” (Deuteronomy 23:21-23)

Vows are considered voluntarily made, but once made become a sacred obligation. Vows may include promises to make sacrificial offerings to God. Failure to fulfill a vow is lying to God, which is a major sin.

2ND THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“Some of the heads of the families contributed to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,,000 drachma of gold, 50 bowls and 530 garments for priests. Some of the families gave to the treasury for the work 20,000 drachmas of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. The total given by the rest of the people was 20,000 drachmas of gold, 2,000 minas of silver and 67 garments for priests. The priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers and the temple servants, also with certain of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns.” (Nehemiah 7:70-73)

All of this was given in order to build houses of worship. Stewardship of life leads to worship in God’s house. Even in today’s times, it takes funds for building upkeep, utilities, for expansion, for outreach activities, and so on. The key word is they are “Houses of God” to worship in, not “Palaces” for entertainment.