SOAP - Leviticus 26, 27; Acts 23

Scripture-
Lev. 27:30 'A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.'

Observation-
These words are among the last in Leviticus that God told to Moses to share with the Israelites, His chosen people. God is clear that a tithe (or one-tenth) of what comes from the land is His and is also holy. This command was originally given to the Jews but also applies to us Gentiles (non-Jews) who believe in the Lord and have taken Jesus as Lord and Savior. This is because we have been 'grafted in among the others' (John 11:17) and are now part of God's chosen ones and as such we are to also give a tithe to God. This tithe is actually to be from the first-fruits, meaning that we give God the tithe from our increase (paycheck, etc.) first, and then get to keep the rest. Actually, all that we have belongs to God anyways and we are just watching His stuff. By giving a tithe to Him as He commands us to, we are acknowledging through an act of obedience that our blessings and provision comes from Him.

Application-
I will continue to lay down at the Lord's feet my tithe as an act of obedience and faith. This tithe will be from the first-fruits and will be given to Him before I do anything else with my increase that He has blessed me with.

Prayer-
Father, You are my Creator and have given to me life and You are the provider of all of my blessings and possessions. The things I see in this world are just stuff and cannot compare to the riches You have in store for me in Heaven. Help me to always remember this and to give my tithes and offerings to You with a cheerful heart, always remembering that everything comes from You. I bless You Father and I love You. Amen.