17) What the Bible has to say about Tithing

17a) See what the Bible has to say about money. This was one of Bob's first articles I favorited. Tithing should be done out of a grateful heart. After all if we are just stewards (see #18 below) then we’re just taking care of God’s money. You can never out-give God.

STORY: When we were younger, my parents needed a second car due to the fact that my Dad traveled a lot. My parents saved up money and were in the process of looking for the 2nd vehicle when God laid it on their heart to give the money to Him. They prayed and in obedience gave the money as an offering. A little while later we were given a vehicle. It lasted for quite some time. God provided.

You can’t out give God.

These are some of my favorites:

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:10

Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you. Deuteronomy 16:17

18) Give

18a) Giving is one of the most fun and self-fulfilling activities you can be a part of.

18b) You are storing up treasure in Heaven for eternity, rather than down here for a few more years (Matthew 6:20).

18c) Giving is a great way to burn selfishness out of your life. In my experience, giving of my money or time to someone in need makes me realize no matter what I’m going through someone else is going through something even more difficult. Call it an anti-depressant.

18d) When you give, it will be given back to you in abundance (Luke 6:38)!

18e) Remember it’s all God’s money! We are but stewards of what He blesses us with.

Stew•ard

[stoo-erd, styoo-]
–noun

1. a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others.

2. a person who has charge of the household of another, buying or obtaining food, directing the servants, etc.

See Parable of the Talents & Psalm 89:11

18f) Of course you must have something to give first. So the important thing is to get out of debt so you can give more, save more, play more, and live more.

19) Get Free Stuff!

19a) Check out this free stuff. Google your city name and “free stuff to do.” I made a list of about 20 things to do here in fort worth that way.

19b) Also inexpensive or free dates can be fun. We love going to the botanical gardens, going to a local lake, going to Barnes & Nobles to read, playing games together, or going on a picnic. Be creative!

20) Save Money and Invest!

20a) A good long-term investment is a 401k (or 403k for non-profit) matched by your employer is free money! Usually they will match half a percent for every percent you invest. Up to a limit that is. This means if you invest say $100 and your company matches $30 you just made 30%. This is FREE money.

20b) Another good investment is a mutual fund.

See Dave Ramsey's philosophy of investing for more.

21) Use E-Bates

21a) Go to ebates.com then click a link to your favorite online store (they have over 1200 stores like Target, Kohls, Walmart, etc) and make your purchase like normal. Ebates will then be paid a referral fee by that retailer and will share the earnings with you. They pay you a percentage (1%-25%) of the purchase price back.

It is completely free too and they even give you a free $5 gift card for signing up.

For more see: Save money shopping online.