Roger

Divorce among Christians runs parallel to those outside the faith realm. I am saddened by this reality.  We believe that Jesus Christ makes a difference in the lives of those who trust Him as Savior. Divorce between unbelieving mates is also sad, but at least we can understand how un-regenerated hearts make such decisions.  It is most disconcerting, however, when two professed believers opt for divorce. The reason that immediately comes to mind involves the hardening of hearts – when couples refuse to forgive one another and ultimately choose divorce.  One or both hardens his heart much the same way that Pharaoh hardened his heart toward the Israelites regarding their exodus from Egypt.   Proverbs 28:14 warns,  "He who hardens his heart falls into trouble."   Unfortunately, the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible translates Pharaoh's actions this way:   "And God hardened Pharaoh's heart..."   The truth is that Pharaoh allo...

Parts 1 and 2 of this blog launched from the story of my friend losing his job and ultimately his home, all the while tithing to God.   Let’s continue this discussion. Sometimes the promises of God do seem to contradict our way of thinking.  For example, what about those heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, who walked in faith and yet did not realize the outcome of promises received?  God's promises are unfailing, but His timing is often called into question by we, who hold on indefinitely without seeing the results of promises given.  God sees the larger picture, so we are called upon to place our total trust and faith in His all-sustaining grace. May I share a personal struggle I had when a promise in the Scriptures seemed to contradict reality?  Psalm 91:11 says,  "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways."   However, in March 1995 my in-laws (pastors...

If you missed Part 1 of this blog, please go back and read it as a background for my continuing response to the issue of tithing versus financial losses we sometimes incur. I believe we should give generously and cheerfully.  I believe we should give not because we  have   to, but because we  love  Christ!   Attitude  when we give is always more important than the  amount  we give.  Obedience always follows love!  Simply stated, I believe that God honors giving.  He gives us resources to use and invest for Him.  Paul uses the illustration of seeds to explain that the resources God gives us are not to be hidden, foolishly devoured or thrown away, but cultivated in order to produce more crops.  When we invest what God has given us in His work, He will provide us with even  more  to give.  We all understand that we won't reap if we don't sow.  If we plow and don't ...

Not long ago, a man said to me, “We have consistently paid our tithes and given considerably large offerings over the years.  Yet, we recently lost our home to foreclosure, because I lost my job.  Can you help me understand this apparent contradiction in what we were taught regarding giving to God? I began by saying, “First, let me say how sorry I am you're going through this time of loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will pray for you.”    Given this scenario, let’s turn our attention toward the purpose of giving tithes and offerings:  Tithing reminds us that everything we have belongs to God, and keeps our affections turned toward eternal, not earthly things.  We simply steward what God gives us! Material losses appear to defy God's promise in Malachi 3:8-11 regarding the tithe; however, before we become too cynical, let's explore what the text is really saying. "You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed Me, even this who...