And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto Him his disciples, and saith unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.’ (Mark 12:41-44)
Here we see that the Lord teaches us that even the small amounts are valuable as the large ones are. The heart is indeed known by the Lord and the lessons here are quite far-reaching.
To begin this week’s subject let us look at what the Elijah message tells us in regards to “small income”.
IS SMALL INCOME TITHE EXEMPT?
Question No. 158:
As my income is very small, am I not exempt from paying tithe?
Answer:
God designed the plan of systematic benevolence so as to make it as equitable to the poor as to the rich, no more a tax on the mite than on the million. And we know of no Scriptural authority for exempting from tithe any income, however small. All, poor as well as rich, are given the privilege of returning to the Lord His own. Many with a “mite” income are paying both first and second tithe, and in return are receiving a rich bestowal of blessing.
Thus reason forces the conclusion that if one is not obliged to receive charity help in addition to his income (whatever its source) to cover his living expenses, then for him not to pay tithe is to cheat Himself of the abundant blessing which attends a faithful regard for the royal privilege of being one of God’s stewards. (Answerer, vol. 5, p.86)
So clearly the Lord has sent us the restoring message about small income and that is no one is “exempt” from returning what is the Lord’s, even a mite. The key is understanding that the money is not rightfully ours but the Lord’s.
Way too often the idea that “I’m barely making it and the Lord knows my circumstances therefore I am free of Tithe paying during this hard time” mentally is our excuse, our way out of our responsibility.
SOP gives us a very dire warning if we are not faithful–
“Angels faithfully record each person’s actions. Thus, when judgments are brought down to the house of God, each person’s sentence is written by his name. Angels are under the charge of slaughtering unfaithful servants, but at the time of slaughter. The things entrusted to them are taken away. At that time, their world and riches are gone, and they lose everything.” (Testimonies vol. 1, p.198)
Recently an experience came to us that we’d like to share. A brother, we’ll call brother R, let us know that things were not going well. Times were tough and he was asking for some help. The Lord inspired me to inquire, “Have you been faithful in returning your Tithes?” The answer to his credit was an honest one– “No” he replied.
This answer showed that he was honest and ready for correction. I informed him that the reason he could be having hard times was that he was short-changing the Lord. Let us look again at the Lord’s promise.
In Malachi chapter 3 we know that the Lord makes a promise and when He makes a promise, it’s a certainty. But how many really believe it? How many? From what I have seen in my Christian experience–few. Many may Tithe yet they don’t expect a blessing or even look for one. Yet that is the promise– “And try Me on this..if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessings that there will not be room enough to receive it.”(Mal. 3:10)
So brother R is needlessly suffering when all he has to do is start doing his part. The Lord’s hand is out there to shake yours but if you keep it in your pocket, how can the Lord have a deal?
It’s all about belief brethren-believe it and the Lord will do the rest!
For those who want to know two of the Lord’s storehouses today, here is their information. These organizations have the “food” in His house that you may feast on for today. And due to the advent of speedy communications you can pay via online, which for foreign countries is a real plus due to the cost and slowness of postage mail.
1) General Association of Davidian Seventh Day Adventists (Mt. Carmel center)
Based out of New York, and located in Mountaindale, this group is very active in sending tracts, literature, Cd’s, DVD’s around the world. They also send Bible workers around the world to work one on one for new converts. Recently heard that they had helped convert 16 families in Mexico to the present truth message. They accept check, money orders, pay pal, and online credit/debit cards. Keep in mind you’ll need the email to send a PayPal donation.
Address- P.O. Box 119, Mountaindale, N.Y 12763 (checks made out to — G.A.D.S.D.A)
Phone- 1-845-434-5282
Website –http://www.shepherds-rod-message.org/charts/
Email– gadsda@shepherds-rod-message.org
2) General Assoc. of Davidian Seventh Day Adventists (checks made out to — U.P.A)
Based in Waco Texas, this organization is very active much as the others. (CD’s, DVD.s tracts, literature) Also has some very good YouTube videos. They accept check, money orders, pay pal, and online credit/debit cards.
Address – 2500 Mt. Carmel Dr., Waco, Texas 76710
Phone– 1-800-729-7494
Website – http://shepherdsroddavidian.org/
Email – dsdacommunication@gmail.com
In closing, the small mite is very valuable to the Lord, and if that is all we have the Lord will keep his promise and blessings will surely come. You just have to believe and watch.
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