This is a tough one. My wife and I went to counseling over a sibling who didn't seem to understand how we would give to the Lord's work and ministries -- and not prioritize our giving to a family member. Loans were given and not repaid. We agonized over his lack of any emergency fund and the regularity of emergencies. Multiple bankruptcies until it became too expensive to claim another one. Our counselor told us that he was quite capable of utilizing his own network, government assistance, medical coverage and self-employed status to get by. He was an is a talented and resourceful individual. He still lives "on the edge", and after a welcome hiatus he needed a few hundred dollar loan to avoid a car repossession. We acquiesced and I was floored when he paid us back! We're in a new era now, he's earning more and working hard. Praying for him because we love him and he really is a priority.
Juan - Thoroughly enjoyable narrative. You must really like wrestling. My #2 son had the huge Styrofoam finger glove at 9 years old. He definitely believed in wrestling! Your numbers are small -- the audiences and the dollars. I find that intriguing ... especially in light of the risks of injuries. But to do what you really enjoy and to meet other athletes whom you admire is really worth it and an inspiration to me. Vaya con Dios and stay [relatively] safe!
Very inspiring, Don and a captivating story to the end. The tithe was instituted by the Lord and goes back a very long way, including Abraham's tithe to the High Priest Melchizedek. As described in Hebrews 7, Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Highest God. He met Abraham, who was returning from “the royal massacre,” and gave him his blessing. Abraham in turn gave him a tenth of the spoils. “Melchizedek” means “King of Righteousness.” “Salem” means “Peace.” So, he is also “King of Peace.” Melchizedek towers out of the past—without record of family ties, no account of beginning or end. In this way he is like the Son of God, one huge priestly presence dominating the landscape always. As you intoned, money does not bring peace, and there are in fact many snares and traps associated with it, including the love of money itself. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 says, "Command those who are rich with things of this world not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not in their uncertain riches. God richly gives us everything to enjoy. Tell the rich people to do good, to be rich in doing good deeds, to be generous and ready to share. By doing that, they will be saving a treasure for themselves as a strong foundation for the future. Then they will be able to have the life that is true life." Compared to the average wage of the world's population, Americans are incredibly wealthy, and our tithes and offerings should be used to bless the poor and to free us and humble us in the sight of our God.Suicide and gambling have also been present in my family. The thief comes to steal and destroy but the Lord rescues through His faithfulness. You have studied to show yourself approved, Don, and may God continue to bless you!
Right on, Ben. Malachi also answers the earlier question beginning in Verse 7 and ending where you picked up: "7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," Says the Lord of hosts. "But you said, 'In what way shall we return?' 8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation." The Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills. If we are convicted from this admonition, then we would also believe he created us and wants to bless us (with reproofs like this ... "Return to me and I'll return to you ...". I loved the original statement, "I've never met an ex-Tither". LOL. Over our 48 years of marriage, He has been [more than] faithful to this floodgate-opening promise! The Lord doesn't need our money, he covets our hearts, minds, and souls. But since "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1Tim 6:10 NIV). Hence, the "return to me" [from your wandering] entreaty. OK, thanks for listening and high-5 the person next to you and you're glad they're here! LOL.
Comments
This is a tough one. My wife and I went to counseling over a sibling who didn't seem to understand how we would give to the Lord's work and ministries -- and not prioritize our giving to a family member. Loans were given and not repaid. We agonized over his lack of any emergency fund and the regularity of emergencies. Multiple bankruptcies until it became too expensive to claim another one. Our counselor told us that he was quite capable of utilizing his own network, government assistance, medical coverage and self-employed status to get by. He was an is a talented and resourceful individual. He still lives "on the edge", and after a welcome hiatus he needed a few hundred dollar loan to avoid a car repossession. We acquiesced and I was floored when he paid us back! We're in a new era now, he's earning more and working hard. Praying for him because we love him and he really is a priority.
Post: House of Cards
Link to comment from October 7, 2023
Juan - Thoroughly enjoyable narrative. You must really like wrestling. My #2 son had the huge Styrofoam finger glove at 9 years old. He definitely believed in wrestling! Your numbers are small -- the audiences and the dollars. I find that intriguing ... especially in light of the risks of injuries. But to do what you really enjoy and to meet other athletes whom you admire is really worth it and an inspiration to me. Vaya con Dios and stay [relatively] safe!
Post: My Side Hustle
Link to comment from October 12, 2022
Very inspiring, Don and a captivating story to the end. The tithe was instituted by the Lord and goes back a very long way, including Abraham's tithe to the High Priest Melchizedek. As described in Hebrews 7, Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Highest God. He met Abraham, who was returning from “the royal massacre,” and gave him his blessing. Abraham in turn gave him a tenth of the spoils. “Melchizedek” means “King of Righteousness.” “Salem” means “Peace.” So, he is also “King of Peace.” Melchizedek towers out of the past—without record of family ties, no account of beginning or end. In this way he is like the Son of God, one huge priestly presence dominating the landscape always. As you intoned, money does not bring peace, and there are in fact many snares and traps associated with it, including the love of money itself. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 says, "Command those who are rich with things of this world not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not in their uncertain riches. God richly gives us everything to enjoy. Tell the rich people to do good, to be rich in doing good deeds, to be generous and ready to share. By doing that, they will be saving a treasure for themselves as a strong foundation for the future. Then they will be able to have the life that is true life." Compared to the average wage of the world's population, Americans are incredibly wealthy, and our tithes and offerings should be used to bless the poor and to free us and humble us in the sight of our God. Suicide and gambling have also been present in my family. The thief comes to steal and destroy but the Lord rescues through His faithfulness. You have studied to show yourself approved, Don, and may God continue to bless you!
Post: A Rocky Road
Link to comment from April 2, 2022
Right on, Ben. Malachi also answers the earlier question beginning in Verse 7 and ending where you picked up: "7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances And have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you," Says the Lord of hosts. "But you said, 'In what way shall we return?' 8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation." The Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills. If we are convicted from this admonition, then we would also believe he created us and wants to bless us (with reproofs like this ... "Return to me and I'll return to you ...". I loved the original statement, "I've never met an ex-Tither". LOL. Over our 48 years of marriage, He has been [more than] faithful to this floodgate-opening promise! The Lord doesn't need our money, he covets our hearts, minds, and souls. But since "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1Tim 6:10 NIV). Hence, the "return to me" [from your wandering] entreaty. OK, thanks for listening and high-5 the person next to you and you're glad they're here! LOL.
Post: Magic Number
Link to comment from July 4, 2021