The long reign of Hezekiah is considered the high point for the tribe of Judah. Not since the reign of David and Solomon had Israel enjoyed God’s blessing so greatly. In 2 Chron. 29-31 is Hezekiah’s record of revival and reformation: “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (2 Chron. 29:2, NIV). “The … Continue reading –>
We often talk about giving God tithe. But how do we give to God what He already owns? Read Leviticus 27:30. What two important points are found in this text in regard to tithe? “Tithe belongs to the Lord and therefore is holy. It does not become holy through a vow or a consecration act. It … Continue reading –>
As we saw yesterday, faith is a process, a dynamic experience that, ideally, grows and matures. And one way God is “finishing” our faith and bringing it to completeness is through the act of tithing. Rightly understood, tithe returned to God is not legalism; when we tithe we are not working or seeking to earn … Continue reading –>
Read Genesis 22:1-12. What does this story tell us about the reality of Abraham’s faith? The life of faith is not a one-time event. We don’t just express faith in a powerful way one time, and thus prove that we are, indeed, loyal and faithful Christians living by grace and covered by the blood of Christ. … Continue reading –>
One thing most of us have in common is that we do not like dishonesty. We especially do not like it when we see it manifested in others. It’s not easy, though, to see it in ourselves, and when we do, we tend to rationalize our actions, to justify them, to downplay their significance: Oh, it’s … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 16:10, Lev. 27:30, Gen. 22:1-12, Heb. 12:2, Luke 11:42, Heb. 7:2-10, Nehemiah 13. Memory Text: “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). What is an honest heart, and how is it revealed? Contemporary culture often … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Another mark of a good steward is individual accountability. “It has ever been the design of Satan to draw the minds of the people from Jesus to man, and to destroy individual accountability. Satan failed in his design when he tempted the Son of God; but he succeeded better when he came to fallen … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 16:10-12. What does this teach us about being trustworthy? Why is this trait so important for a faithful steward? This principle of trustworthiness is seen all through the Bible. For example, in one story four chief Levite gatekeepers were entrusted to protect the Old Testament sanctuary at night. They were to guard the rooms … Continue reading –>
Abel obediently knelt at his altar, holding the lamb offering as God commanded. Cain, on the other hand, furiously knelt at his altar holding the fruit. Both brought offerings, yet only one brother had been obedient to God’s command. The slain lamb was accepted, but the produce from the ground was rejected. Both brothers understood … Continue reading –>
There are many precious things that we can possess. Health, love, friends, a great family – these all are blessings. But perhaps one of the most important of all is a clear conscience. Read Hebrews 10:19-22 and 1 Timothy 4:1-2. What does it mean to have an “evil conscience” and a “conscience seared with a hot iron”? Our … Continue reading –>
