A Word of Encouragement

February 27, 2026

Tomatoes from Our Garden - Oct 2019

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

As Moses was repeating God's instructions to the children of Israel, he wrote,

You shall certainly tithe all the produce from what you sow, which comes from the field every year. You shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God, at the place where He chooses to establish His name, the tithe of your grain, your new wine, your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and your flock, so that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.
	Deuteronomy 14:22-23

Then he wrote, "If it is too far to take your tithe, you can sell it and take the money when you go." (Vs. 24-25)

And you may spend the money on whatever your heart desires: on oxen, sheep, wine, other strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household.
	Deuteronomy 14:26

"Buy whatever you want and eat it in the presence of the Lord and rejoice." In a Psalm, we read,

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the fruit of the labor of your hands, you will be happy and it will go well for you.
	Psalm 128:1-2

Tithing is not because the God needs anything from us! It is to remind us He blesses us with EVERYTHING we have.

But shouldn't we give a tenth of our income to the church? Paul wrote,

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save as he may prosper, so that no collections need to be made when I come. When I arrive, whomever you approve, I will send them with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem;
	1 Corinthians 16:2-3

The New Testament principle was to give as God shows you a need - nothing about percentages - but the Old Testament principle about deliberately and consistently celebrating what He has given you has not changed. Sometimes we get so busy enjoying what He has given us; we forget to acknowledge the source.

Take some of what He has given you and celebrate! Thank Him for blessing you.

Yahweh-Jireh - the Lord will provide - thank You for everything You have given me. Help me share Your generosity with others.

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
	1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be thankful,