Holy to the Lord

Daily Reading: Leviticus 27

Scripture Focus: Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord. (Leviticus 27.30)

Devotional Thought: How I thank God for my pastor teaching me about tithing! When I was just a young teen, Rev. Nelson Perdue prayed with me to receive Christ. And, he cared enough about me to teach me about tithing. I have never regretted it, for God has blessed me and my family abundantly throughout the years. I haven't missed a penny of that money that I have given to the Lord!

When I was mowing yards, painting fences, and washing windows, I didn't make a lot of money. Maybe $10 or $20 per week. But I learned to faithfully set aside that money and bring it to the church on Sundays. That $1 or $2 a week didn't make much of a difference to the church's budget. That's not what it was about. But, what that money did make a difference in was my future. I learned to put God first, and he has multiplied it a hundred fold in blessings - materially and spiritually.

I am not boasting. I only was doing what was right. You see, "The tithe... is the Lord's." Had I held it back, I would have been robbing God (See Malachi 3.8). By giving it to the Lord, I placed my whole financial plan in God's hands. And when we do that, God is able to bless our whole financial picture!

The same principle applies to all of life. When we place it all under God's dominion, then he is able to bless it far beyond our wildest dreams. I urge you today, give all of yourself to God. You are, after all, "holy to the Lord."

Prayer: Father, thank you for giving your Son Jesus to be my Savior. I give you all of myself, Lord, my time, my talents, my treasure. I consecrate especially the tithe to you today. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments! 2 His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. 5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. (Psalms 112:1-5)