Money & religion

[idtheftvictim]

Nope. But I am in the process of writing down everything I spend money on to see where I can cut back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Well, If you want, you could list all your expenses(monthly) and your income, and we could look it over and suggest ways to save/cut back....also, if you want help actually setting up your budget, let me know....I would be more then happy to set it up for you...or get ya started anyways. THis is an example of how to do a budget....

 

Income - 3050.00

 

TITHE (Donations) pay monthly $150.00

ALLOWANCES*/lunch money/extras $160.00

Cable / Internet $82.57

CAR INSURANCE *** $168.72

Car payment #1 - $212.72

Car payment #2 - $0.00

Rent $529.00

Blow Money - spend on anything* $100.00

Cellphones $89.30

ELECTRICITY $75.00

ENTERTAINMENT* eating out/movies/ect $200.00

FIFTH WEEK RESERVE** $85.00

FOOD* $240.00

GASOLINE* $80.00

LICENSE PLATES/INSPECTION $4.57

Medical Charges / Prescriptions* $50.00

SAVINGS - $100.00

Water/ Sewer $15.00

Renters Insurance - $12.13

Hair Care - $50.00

credit card #1 $50.00

Gifts* $50.00

Clothing Funds* $100.00

razors/shaving cream/makeup/contacts* $40.00

Student loan $37.33

 

Total - 3001

49 left over....that could be used to pay extra on the credit card...or extra for savings...

 

* Items are to be taken out in CASH WEEKLY

** The Fifth Week Reserve is for setting aside enough money for

when there is an extra week in the month. It happens 3-4 times

per year. This is a combination of the '*' items divided by 8.

**** Item divided by 8 weeks.

 

NOTE: MAKE SURE THE FIGURES ABOVE ARE MONTHLY

 

Those are just test figures, and you could add or remove the ones you don't need....then, the ones that are taken out weekly...obviously those items are divided by 4, then those are all taken out weekly, and put into "cash envelopes", so I take out 60 a week for food, and only spend the cash I have...no credit cards, or debit card is used for those items....

 

Does it make sence??? Let me know if you have any questions...

 

When you first start a budget, it is hard to stick to it...but you HAVE TO...otherwise you won't be able to pay all the bills you have....

[albernier]

Nope. But I am in the process of writing down everything I spend money on to see where I can cut back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Well, If you want, you could list all your expenses(monthly) and your income, and we could look it over and suggest ways to save/cut back....also, if you want help actually setting up your budget, let me know....I would be more then happy to set it up for you...or get ya started anyways. THis is an example of how to do a budget....

 

Income - 3050.00

 

TITHE (Donations) pay monthly $150.00

ALLOWANCES*/lunch money/extras $160.00

Cable / Internet $82.57

CAR INSURANCE *** $168.72

Car payment #1 - $212.72

Car payment #2 - $0.00

Rent $529.00

Blow Money - spend on anything* $100.00

Cellphones $89.30

ELECTRICITY $75.00

ENTERTAINMENT* eating out/movies/ect $200.00

FIFTH WEEK RESERVE** $85.00

FOOD* $240.00

GASOLINE* $80.00

LICENSE PLATES/INSPECTION $4.57

Medical Charges / Prescriptions* $50.00

SAVINGS - $100.00

Water/ Sewer $15.00

Renters Insurance - $12.13

Hair Care - $50.00

credit card #1 $50.00

Gifts* $50.00

Clothing Funds* $100.00

razors/shaving cream/makeup/contacts* $40.00

Student loan $37.33

 

Total - 3001

49 left over....that could be used to pay extra on the credit card...or extra for savings...

 

* Items are to be taken out in CASH WEEKLY

** The Fifth Week Reserve is for setting aside enough money for

when there is an extra week in the month. It happens 3-4 times

per year. This is a combination of the '*' items divided by 8.

**** Item divided by 8 weeks.

 

NOTE: MAKE SURE THE FIGURES ABOVE ARE MONTHLY

 

Those are just test figures, and you could add or remove the ones you don't need....then, the ones that are taken out weekly...obviously those items are divided by 4, then those are all taken out weekly, and put into "cash envelopes", so I take out 60 a week for food, and only spend the cash I have...no credit cards, or debit card is used for those items....

 

Does it make sence??? Let me know if you have any questions...

 

When you first start a budget, it is hard to stick to it...but you HAVE TO...otherwise you won't be able to pay all the bills you have....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

that would be nice. Im on the way home from work. Maybe we can PM each other later.

[idtheftvictim]

I am only on-line during the day.....while I am at work...LoL...but PM me and I will get back to you....or just try and use the example I put above, then you can let me review it and we can work it out....

[bookreader1]

Water/ Sewer $15.00

 

OMGosh $15 for water/sewer where is this? I pay $70 a month!

[idtheftvictim]

Water/ Sewer                        $15.00

 

OMGosh $15 for water/sewer where is this? I pay $70 a month!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

That is in NC...it is for an apartment...LoL....it was actually $12.37 this last month....hehehe

 

You also own a home, don't you? It is more expensive then a apartment....

[albernier]

Nope. But I am in the process of writing down everything I spend money on to see where I can cut back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Well, If you want, you could list all your expenses(monthly) and your income, and we could look it over and suggest ways to save/cut back....also, if you want help actually setting up your budget, let me know....I would be more then happy to set it up for you...or get ya started anyways. THis is an example of how to do a budget....

 

Income - 3050.00

 

TITHE (Donations) pay monthly $150.00

ALLOWANCES*/lunch money/extras $160.00

Cable / Internet $82.57

CAR INSURANCE *** $168.72

Car payment #1 - $212.72

Car payment #2 - $0.00

Rent $529.00

Blow Money - spend on anything* $100.00

Cellphones $89.30

ELECTRICITY $75.00

ENTERTAINMENT* eating out/movies/ect $200.00

FIFTH WEEK RESERVE** $85.00

FOOD* $240.00

GASOLINE* $80.00

LICENSE PLATES/INSPECTION $4.57

Medical Charges / Prescriptions* $50.00

SAVINGS - $100.00

Water/ Sewer $15.00

Renters Insurance - $12.13

Hair Care - $50.00

credit card #1 $50.00

Gifts* $50.00

Clothing Funds* $100.00

razors/shaving cream/makeup/contacts* $40.00

Student loan $37.33

 

Total - 3001

49 left over....that could be used to pay extra on the credit card...or extra for savings...

 

* Items are to be taken out in CASH WEEKLY

** The Fifth Week Reserve is for setting aside enough money for

when there is an extra week in the month. It happens 3-4 times

per year. This is a combination of the '*' items divided by 8.

**** Item divided by 8 weeks.

 

NOTE: MAKE SURE THE FIGURES ABOVE ARE MONTHLY

 

Those are just test figures, and you could add or remove the ones you don't need....then, the ones that are taken out weekly...obviously those items are divided by 4, then those are all taken out weekly, and put into "cash envelopes", so I take out 60 a week for food, and only spend the cash I have...no credit cards, or debit card is used for those items....

 

Does it make sence??? Let me know if you have any questions...

 

When you first start a budget, it is hard to stick to it...but you HAVE TO...otherwise you won't be able to pay all the bills you have....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Income $1830 take home

Rent $675

Lights $100

Water/Sewer $60

judgment payment $300

phone/dsl $120

cable $40

gas $80

food about $300

been giving $50/per payday for offering lately

cc payment $51

Edited February 3, 2005 by albernier

[bookreader1]

Water/ Sewer                         $15.00

 

OMGosh $15 for water/sewer where is this? I pay $70 a month!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

That is in NC...it is for an apartment...LoL....it was actually $12.37 this last month....hehehe

 

You also own a home, don't you? It is more expensive then a apartment....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes I do. But I should get a discount since it is so cold. NC, nice place.

Anyhow the kids use all my water and it is never lower than I expect.

[idtheftvictim]

Ok, so those are the only things you pay on a month to month basis??? I don't see car insurance....I don't see car payment(that is a good thing if correct)

 

300 a month on food??? How many people ya feeding??? What about clothes?? what about meds? None? You could cut back the phone/dsl....switch to cable internet, and cut the phone line...switch to vonage....that would be right at around 100 total...savings of $20....but is up to you....

[idtheftvictim]

Actually for the past 2 weeks we have been pretty COLD...been down to under 30 MANY times....

[albernier]

Ok, so those are the only things you pay on a month to month basis???  I don't see car insurance....I don't see car payment(that is a good thing if correct)

 

300 a month on food???  How many people ya feeding???  What about clothes??  what about meds?  None?  You could cut back the phone/dsl....switch to cable internet, and cut the phone line...switch to vonage....that would be right at around 100 total...savings of $20....but is up to you....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

thats feeding myself and 5 kids. my boss bought the car cash and paid for the first 6mo.insurance.

no meds.

I dont really buy clothes on a regular basis. I probably buy a few things at income tax time and christmas bonus

[idtheftvictim]

Ok, so those are the only things you pay on a month to month basis???  I don't see car insurance....I don't see car payment(that is a good thing if correct)

 

300 a month on food???  How many people ya feeding???  What about clothes??  what about meds?  None?  You could cut back the phone/dsl....switch to cable internet, and cut the phone line...switch to vonage....that would be right at around 100 total...savings of $20....but is up to you....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

thats feeding myself and 5 kids. my boss bought the car cash and paid for the first 6mo.insurance.

no meds.

I dont really buy clothes on a regular basis. I probably buy a few things at income tax time and christmas bonus

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Well, that is really good to be staying at $300 a month and feeding 6 mouths....

 

Your kids proabably get alot of "hand me downs" don't they? looks like if you stick to that budget, you will do pretty good...but what I would do right now is, start saving as much as you can...because waht's going to happen if you suddenly have a huge expense??? Like say, you (I pray not) suddenly need new tires for your car(which actually doesn't happen suddenly)...how can you afford to do that? What about putting aside $10 each paycheck to cover future car care needs, like oil changes, tire rotations, or even new tires....and what happens if one of your kids gets sick and there is a medical bill? You should also set aside $10 a paycheck for that, just in case....

 

Just some suggestions to start with...since you are a mother of 5, I am sure you would like to be able to take care of those things as they come...rather then worrying about them when they come up...

 

Also, do you pay medical insurance?

 

Any way to get your income up so you can pay off that debt/judgement any sooner?

[idtheftvictim]

How much longer do you have to pay on that judgement?

 

Also, does the "lights" catagory include all electricity...mean heat and everything? You could try to turn down your thermostate in the winter(now) to 68...that should save a bit....could you also cut back your phone line to a basic phoneline...meaning no caller ID, no thrills....that should save some more money....

 

any way to bring in more income?? Sell things on ebay, or garage sale?

 

Your rent/mortgage is what is kinda "killing" you at this point, with utilities included you are at 47% of your take home...

 

Do you get a LARGE refund come tax time??? Maybe you could adjust your with-holdings to have more each paycheck....

[albernier]

my health insurance comes out of my check about $150 every payday. As for the judgment being paid off early, I am going to pay off my cc and add that payment to the $300. The balance is $23,000 I also have a payment of 57.80 for a 401k loan that I will pay off and put towards the judgment. so nex month instead of $300 I can pay $408.80

[albernier]

How much longer do you have to pay on that judgement? 

 

Also, does the "lights" catagory include all electricity...mean heat and everything?  You could try to turn down your thermostate in the winter(now) to 68...that should save a bit....could you also cut back your phone line to a basic phoneline...meaning no caller ID, no thrills....that should save some more money....

 

any way to bring in more income?? Sell things on ebay, or garage sale? 

 

Your rent/mortgage is what is kinda "killing" you at this point, with utilities included you are at 47% of your take home...

 

Do you get a LARGE refund come tax time???  Maybe you could adjust your with-holdings to have more each paycheck....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually, they dont take out any fed witholding. Im exempt because of the kids. So I do get a nice return but it is just the earnied income and the child tax credit. this year i will get back $3500

[betty]

that was a great story idtheftvictim, it really reminded me to have faith in all things even my finances.

[midwest newbie]

i am a firm believer that what you give comes back to you in some way. when our priest passed away, church wasn't the same and we have had trouble finding one that fit us. so the money and time spent at the church now goes to the community - food shelf, shelters, humane society. i think it is good for the soul to contribute in some way.

 

i don't think there is a good "number" on what you should give. if you are wealthy, 10% is not enough. if you are facing poverty, 10% is too much. give what you can without breaking the bank and if you don't feel that is enough, donate your time.

[BlaqueTreasures]

If ya'll don't mind, I am going to post something I posted on another site....it is a mostly christian site, but I think my post from about 4 weeks ago over there fits into this post...so if you don't like what it said, then please forgive me, and don't criticize me....

 

Hey everyone....I hope everyone is doing GREAT.

 

I wanted to share something that is very encouraging.

 

DW and I "revamped" our budget last week. For the last 3-4 months we have been contemplating our "tithing" situation. I consider myself a Christian, but have been strugling with this issue for ALONG time now. I have been the one keeping DW and myself from tithing due to how close we are on our budget.

 

When we "revamped" last week, together we decided that to start with tithing $150.00 a month. This is not nearly 10% of what we make, however, I felt that it was finally time to give SOMETHING back to God for all the blessing he has provided DW and I with over the past 8 months. So, we SQUEEZED it into our budget, and had everything figured out. I was glad we were going to finally start tithing, as I have been feeling the Lord pressing it into my mind. Well, after the first week of our new budget, DW and I went out to lunch together(we work 1 mile away, so we do this about 2-3 times a week), and as soon as DW pulls up and I get in the car, DW says, "My boss wants you to take a look at thier daughters computer, they think is has ALOT of virus's on it.". I respond with, "That is AWSOME(I love working on computer, I think I am the biggest computer geek I know), I will go and pick it up tonight after work." So, I go and get the computer, and start working on it. It had over 2500 infected files, and I was able to fix EVERY single problem, not just get rid of the virus's.

 

So the next day(saturday), I call DW's boss and let them know the computer is fixed and I will be bringing it back to them in a few mins. Before I leave, I asked DW what she thought would be a good price to ask for. (they were quoted over $500.00...STUPID BEST BUY wanted to replace the Hard Drive, and Motherboard...for a virus...how stupid) DW replies with, "well, don't go in there with a price in mind, just show them how much better it is working, and tell them how to maintain it, then tell them whatever they feel is fair." So, after working about 3-4 hours on it, I felt like DW's boss was going to "rip me off", because I have done this in the past for others and when I say, "whatever you feel is fair", usually turned out to be $20.00. I didn't argue with DW though, and I went into DW's boss's home with no price in mind. They asked me what thier "bottom line" was, and I said, "whatever you feel is fair". So, I stand there and the daughter says, "well, I found a professional that would have done it for $120.00." DW's Boss makes a check out for $150.00!!!! The exact amount that DW and I had decided to give to God on faith.

 

I didn't realize what had happened till I made it home and told DW about it. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I turn to DW and say, "ya know what is funny, We decided to give, in faith, a sum of $150.00 this month, and it just so happens that your boss thought that $150.00 was FAIR". DW says, "it isn't funny, that is just God trying to show you that he only wants you to give Him a portion of our money, but that doesn't mean He won't give it right back."

 

I think this is one of the most OBVIOUS times in my life where God has shown me that He is ALWAYS taking care of us, and to just TRUST IN HIM.

 

So, I guess this was my way of documenting the event, and I want to thank everyone who reads this, I know it was a bit on the long side....

 

I know that I will NEVER doubt God in the financial area again!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your TESTimony ran a chill through my bones and I just had to respond. After reading your posts in this thread, I have gained a whole new respect for you (not that it matters I'm sure). I never thought bad of you before, but it just moves me to tears when I witness/hear/read about the multitude of blessings that God bestows upon us when we walk by faith and not by sight.

 

When people ask me, "Blaque, how/why are you doing this when you don't know for sure if XYZ is going to happen?" I think to myself, if I could logically explain how I've gotten where I am, how I've obtained the things that I have (numerous friends, unconditional love, finances, and prosperity), and why my life has been spared numerous times, I could probably answer that question too. In reality, there is no logical explanation, so I don't think twice about tithing. I pay God first, then myself, then bills...in that order exactly.

 

To me, tithing is like planting a seed. It doesn't only equate to finances but anything you give back to help build God's kingdom. You must plant the seed, then continue to nurture your spiritual growth. What you get out of it depends on what you put into it. Just based on the last 5 years of my life, I could share testimonies that many of you probably wouldn't even believe. Before I accepted Christ into my life, I was mess. I've learned that it's just easier to do what is pleasing to Him and have faith that He will never leave you nor forsake you.

 

Just something to ponder...

If you only had $1.00, would you spare your soul for 10 cents - a dime?

 

~God Bless

Edited February 4, 2005 by BlaqueTreasures

[flygirrll]

I like this thread

 

I am also a believer in what comes around goes around, and to get, you must give. I don't tithe per se, but I do give back to the community, with money and time. I belong to a certain organization which gets most of my donations. It really is true, money actually gets freed up and comes back to you when quit you holding on to it quite so tight.

 

God helps those who help themselves. When I'm broke, I don't give. When I have money, I do. I've noticed that since I've been giving more, I am broke less often. Quite the paradox!

 

Now this is gonna sound crazy. Several years back I was talking to a friend and she told me how she prays for checks in the mail. Her way of thinking is, if you do the best you can to be a good and responsible person and trust that whatever higher power you believe in only wants the best for you, that you will be blessed with abundance. So I started praying for checks in the mail. She told me the key to this is to not put any conditions on it (such as, i need X amount of dollars by next month/year, whatever) just trust that it will happen. Several months later I get a phone call out of the blue. Turns out an old family friend who passed away a few years before had left a small insurance policy for me, and they had finally tracked me down. (I was flying under the radar in those days) They sent me a check for $4700. I was floored. I had no idea this money was out there. It made a believer out of me.

[idtheftvictim]

Your TESTimony ran a chill through my bones and I just had to respond. After reading your posts in this thread, I have gained a whole new respect for you (not that it matters I'm sure).

 

Actually, it does matter. Thank you for telling me that this thread actually meant something to you. I poured my heart out into that post, and finally decided...well, who cares what SOME people may think about me, this is the way I am, and this is WHO I am, so what do I have to fear....

 

I never thought bad of you before, but it just moves me to tears when I witness/hear/read about the multitude of blessings that God bestows upon us when we walk by faith and not by sight.

 

when I wrote that post, it was moving me too....I just have always had such a hard time believing that God would ALWAYS provide...financially...I am Jewish...so MOney is a hard thing for me to give up control of...but God has shown me over and over lately to just give it to Him, and He will take care of DW and I.

 

When people ask me, "Blaque, how/why are you doing this when you don't know for sure if XYZ is going to happen?" I think to myself, if I could logically explain how I've gotten where I am, how I've obtained the things that I have (numerous friends, unconditional love, finances, and prosperity), and why my life has been spared numerous times, I could probably answer that question too. In reality, there is no logical explanation, so I don't think twice about tithing. I pay God first, then myself, then bills...in that order exactly.

 

Doesn't it feel good to know that "Someone" is always watching over us?

 

If you only had $1.00, would you spare your soul for 10 cents - a dime? wink.gif

 

Wonderful analogy!!!

 

~God Bless

 

Thanks for sharing!!! Hope to hear from some more people!

[JHowell1976]

Im not trying to be stupid here, but if your credit is alreay screwed and you cant even pay the bills you have do you do without saving your 10%  or do you not tithe.  Again  Im not trying to be funny.  I am struggling with this.  I know my past bad choices put me where I am today and Im just trying to make it right.  For instace, my tax return should be deposited tomorrow.  We are in the process of tryin to buy the church we are renting.  The pastor asked if the single people will give $1000 and the couples $2000.  My heart is willing to do that but it will leave me unable to pay off my debt.  Well, actually I would be able to give the $1,000 and pay off a lot of debt but nothing for the kids. Any suggestions?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Since when did God start billing for services rendered? Everybody talks about how much is supposed to be offered to the chuch. How this was in the bible, etc. Does anybody remember the part about God helping those who help themselves? Don't get me wrong, I think budgeting income is great. I think charitable donations are very noble. And I'm not going to question anyone's belief in God. But most churches do contain a wide mix of people from numerous economic backgrounds. For me 1000$ is a drop in the bucket as I am not married and have no kids. For a lot of other people 1000$ is a lot of money, and 2000$ is staggering. I guess I have to question the intentions of a pastor who would take from those who have little more than their faith and their family to begin with. Who will own the church if you don't mind me asking? Do all those who give money become part of a legal partnership that actually owns the church and the church property? Or is this supposed to be a charitable donation given with no questions asked? I'm not questioning the faith of anyone. Nor am I passing judgement on how you choose to spend your money. But I have no problems questioning anyone who asks me for a fixed amount of money.

[TeeSharice]

Since when did God start billing for services rendered?  Everybody talks about how much is supposed to be offered to the chuch.  How this was in the bible, etc.  Does anybody remember the part about God helping those who help themselves?  Don't get me wrong, I think budgeting income is great.  I think charitable donations are very noble.  And I'm not going to question anyone's belief in God.  But most churches do contain a wide mix of people from numerous economic backgrounds.  For me 1000$ is a drop in the bucket as I am not married and have no kids.  For a lot of other people 1000$ is a lot of money, and 2000$ is staggering.  I guess I have to question the intentions of a pastor who would take from those who have little more than their faith and their family to begin with.  Who will own the church if you don't mind me asking?  Do all those who give money become part of a legal partnership that actually owns the church and the church property?  Or is this supposed to be a charitable donation given with no questions asked?  I'm not questioning the faith of anyone.  Nor am I passing judgement on how you choose to spend your money.  But I have no problems questioning anyone who asks me for a fixed amount of money.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Not going to make this a religious debate simply because there are no winners in a conversation as such. Everyone has their own beliefs and lackthereof. For those of us who believe in the bible and its word and who further try & live a certain way, there are commandments and laws about tithing.

 

The point of this thread was for me to say how I was taught that my blessings financially and otherwise would be plentiful if I tithed accordingly. I used to have problems tithing, financially and conceptually, but now I have neither. Furthermore, that the tithing method of saving could be good even for those of dont believe the same as I do. So, for example, in the bible it is taught that Christians should tithe the 1st 10% of their earning, then save the next 10% and live off the remaining 80&. If a non-tither would save 10% of his earnings no matter how tight the budget, I doubt it would take long to learn how to live without it and the sacrafice would no longer be difficult.

 

 

FWIW, here are some examples of what the Bible says about tithing and the 10%:

 

PROVERBS 3:9: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase."

 

The word "tithe" is an Old English word meaning "tenth." LEVITICUS 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD.

 

27:31 And if a man will at all redeem [ought] of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth [part] thereof.

 

27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

 

 

 

Everyone who honors God by obeying His instructions does so on a voluntary basis. God never forces anyone to act against his or her will. At the same time, however, He expects us to tithe and equates failure to tithe with robbing Him (Malachi 3:8). Nor does God allow us to arbitrarily decide the minimum amount humans should give Him. Through His tithing system He reveals the minimum amount we should return to Him from all He gives us. Since God is our Creator and because everything belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8), He has the right to establish this system of financial support for His spiritual purposes.

 

Tithing is, first and foremost, an act of worshipful recognition of God as the source of our existence and all blessings and providence. Jacob, in following the example of his grandfather Abraham, recognized this. When God reconfirmed to him the promises He had made to Abraham, Jacob promised God that "of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You" (Genesis 28:20-22)

 

We see tithing, then, as the opposite of a selfish approach to life. God stands prepared to support this generous approach by, in turn, blessing us in a variety of ways. He invites all to take Him up on His promise: "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,' says the Lord of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it'" (Malachi 3:10)

 

 

 

<pasted info from a few different google searches>

[ashalizy]

I can offer my experience on tithing and I hope to not offend anyone but this is just my experience..

When I give God 10% of my gross paycheck every two weeks some do net but I give on the gross.. and mind you Im a full time college student with a part time job.. but I have full time bills left over from when I was a shopaholic and working full time.. I seem to get money from nowhere.. I also have a sense of peace about my financials that I don't have when I stopped tithing.. God states in the Bible that give me your tithe (10%)..so that's is where people get the amount to tithe not from the pastor or the church itself...its not a fixed amount as in $100.00 its just 10% it can be $30 or even $15 depending on your income... and I am living proof it works.

[ms_lisa]

Its funny how 10% can seem like so much...At the beginning we would give more like 5%, but then we would realize that we would then go and spend 20-30 to eat out on the weekend, or spend an extra 20 or 30$ at walmart on nothing we truly needed. But the thought of giving 10% on faith alone was daunting.

 

We have not been able to lately, as with my husbands unemployment, we have nothing to give, it was at first embarressing, but overall we had to accept that we give what we can and we do it with joy.

 

The funny thing is I read this thread thursday night after a bad day at work, and I thought..wow, I really needed to think about this, as things have become very depressing and sad in this house and in life in general. I admit our faith took a backseat, and we got caught up in this whirlwind...

 

And I read the thread and it sunk in. And I decided to pray, pray like i havent in a long time. Pray that God would bless us, and give us strength...

 

My husband got a job offer the next morning, he starts on Monday

 

Tomarrow I am going to church and giving what is left in our checkbook. He will provide and I should have never questioned it...

 

Thanks for the thread Tee...even if it wasnt what you may have meant, its amazing what can come out of it

 

Many blessings to you all...

Edited February 6, 2005 by ms_lisa

[JHowell1976]

Since when did God start billing for services rendered?  Everybody talks about how much is supposed to be offered to the chuch.  How this was in the bible, etc.  Does anybody remember the part about God helping those who help themselves?  Don't get me wrong, I think budgeting income is great.  I think charitable donations are very noble.  And I'm not going to question anyone's belief in God.  But most churches do contain a wide mix of people from numerous economic backgrounds.  For me 1000$ is a drop in the bucket as I am not married and have no kids.  For a lot of other people 1000$ is a lot of money, and 2000$ is staggering.  I guess I have to question the intentions of a pastor who would take from those who have little more than their faith and their family to begin with.  Who will own the church if you don't mind me asking?  Do all those who give money become part of a legal partnership that actually owns the church and the church property?  Or is this supposed to be a charitable donation given with no questions asked?  I'm not questioning the faith of anyone.  Nor am I passing judgement on how you choose to spend your money.  But I have no problems questioning anyone who asks me for a fixed amount of money.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Not going to make this a religious debate simply because there are no winners in a conversation as such. Everyone has their own beliefs and lackthereof. For those of us who believe in the bible and its word and who further try & live a certain way, there are commandments and laws about tithing.

 

The point of this thread was for me to say how I was taught that my blessings financially and otherwise would be plentiful if I tithed accordingly. I used to have problems tithing, financially and conceptually, but now I have neither. Furthermore, that the tithing method of saving could be good even for those of dont believe the same as I do. So, for example, in the bible it is taught that Christians should tithe the 1st 10% of their earning, then save the next 10% and live off the remaining 80&. If a non-tither would save 10% of his earnings no matter how tight the budget, I doubt it would take long to learn how to live without it and the sacrafice would no longer be difficult.

 

 

FWIW, here are some examples of what the Bible says about tithing and the 10%:

 

PROVERBS 3:9: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase."

 

The word "tithe" is an Old English word meaning "tenth." LEVITICUS 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD.

 

27:31 And if a man will at all redeem [ought] of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth [part] thereof.

 

27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

 

 

 

Everyone who honors God by obeying His instructions does so on a voluntary basis. God never forces anyone to act against his or her will. At the same time, however, He expects us to tithe and equates failure to tithe with robbing Him (Malachi 3:8). Nor does God allow us to arbitrarily decide the minimum amount humans should give Him. Through His tithing system He reveals the minimum amount we should return to Him from all He gives us. Since God is our Creator and because everything belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8), He has the right to establish this system of financial support for His spiritual purposes.

 

Tithing is, first and foremost, an act of worshipful recognition of God as the source of our existence and all blessings and providence. Jacob, in following the example of his grandfather Abraham, recognized this. When God reconfirmed to him the promises He had made to Abraham, Jacob promised God that "of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You" (Genesis 28:20-22)

 

We see tithing, then, as the opposite of a selfish approach to life. God stands prepared to support this generous approach by, in turn, blessing us in a variety of ways. He invites all to take Him up on His promise: "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,' says the Lord of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it'" (Malachi 3:10)

 

 

 

<pasted info from a few different google searches>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you for quoting me and answering questions I never asked. I am aware of how tithing works. I have been a member of the Episcopal Church all of my life. The the concept of giving ten percent is not unique to any one denomination of Christianity. You're going to have to trust me on this one, I was taught all about this during confirmation. Nothing in my previous post suggested I saw anything wrong with the tithe. I know how it works. When I go to church, We give our money. Some of that money pays the priest. Some of it covers the maintenance and utilities on the building. Some gets sent on to the Archdioses in Washington DC, and England (because other parrishes may need a little extra.) And then some goes to charity. Regardless of what is given they somehow make it all work.

 

What I said in my previous post was that 1000-2000$ is a lot of money for some people. After their rent, that may be the biggest expense they have for the year. And the impression I got was that was expected on top of the tithe. That's a lot of money exchanging hands. And while the money is given as an offering to God, it is being spent by a man who is not infallible. This money is being spent on a profitable business venture. And those who are spending are investors. What I asked was if the investors are going to be in a legal business partnership, or if the pastor was simply selling salvation at 1000$ per person.

 

I don't question the existence of God. I do question my fellow man. I don't attend church as often as I should. That basically rules out tithing. I guess I'm one of those people who you have judged, to be living a selfish lifestyle. When you passed judgement before God, upon me you said "We see tithing, then, as the opposite of a selfish approach to life." But not to worry, because I forgive you.

 

I was wondering, and I know this is way off topic now. A lot of people take quotes from Leviticus to justify their beliefs and actions. Do you practice a kosher lifestyle? Do you observe the sabbath? These are outlined in the book of Leviticus also. Or do you just pick and choose the parts that are most convenient for you? And this time, give me your answers and not a bunch of quotes.

[ms_lisa]

Since when did God start billing for services rendered?  Everybody talks about how much is supposed to be offered to the chuch.  How this was in the bible, etc.  Does anybody remember the part about God helping those who help themselves?  Don't get me wrong, I think budgeting income is great.  I think charitable donations are very noble.  And I'm not going to question anyone's belief in God.  But most churches do contain a wide mix of people from numerous economic backgrounds.  For me 1000$ is a drop in the bucket as I am not married and have no kids.  For a lot of other people 1000$ is a lot of money, and 2000$ is staggering.  I guess I have to question the intentions of a pastor who would take from those who have little more than their faith and their family to begin with.  Who will own the church if you don't mind me asking?  Do all those who give money become part of a legal partnership that actually owns the church and the church property?  Or is this supposed to be a charitable donation given with no questions asked?  I'm not questioning the faith of anyone.  Nor am I passing judgement on how you choose to spend your money.  But I have no problems questioning anyone who asks me for a fixed amount of money.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

Not going to make this a religious debate simply because there are no winners in a conversation as such. Everyone has their own beliefs and lackthereof. For those of us who believe in the bible and its word and who further try & live a certain way, there are commandments and laws about tithing.

 

The point of this thread was for me to say how I was taught that my blessings financially and otherwise would be plentiful if I tithed accordingly. I used to have problems tithing, financially and conceptually, but now I have neither. Furthermore, that the tithing method of saving could be good even for those of dont believe the same as I do. So, for example, in the bible it is taught that Christians should tithe the 1st 10% of their earning, then save the next 10% and live off the remaining 80&. If a non-tither would save 10% of his earnings no matter how tight the budget, I doubt it would take long to learn how to live without it and the sacrafice would no longer be difficult.

 

 

FWIW, here are some examples of what the Bible says about tithing and the 10%:

 

PROVERBS 3:9: "Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase."

 

The word "tithe" is an Old English word meaning "tenth." LEVITICUS 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, [whether] of the seed of the land, [or] of the fruit of the tree, [is] the LORD'S: [it is] holy unto the LORD.

 

27:31 And if a man will at all redeem [ought] of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth [part] thereof.

 

27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

 

 

 

Everyone who honors God by obeying His instructions does so on a voluntary basis. God never forces anyone to act against his or her will. At the same time, however, He expects us to tithe and equates failure to tithe with robbing Him (Malachi 3:8). Nor does God allow us to arbitrarily decide the minimum amount humans should give Him. Through His tithing system He reveals the minimum amount we should return to Him from all He gives us. Since God is our Creator and because everything belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8), He has the right to establish this system of financial support for His spiritual purposes.

 

Tithing is, first and foremost, an act of worshipful recognition of God as the source of our existence and all blessings and providence. Jacob, in following the example of his grandfather Abraham, recognized this. When God reconfirmed to him the promises He had made to Abraham, Jacob promised God that "of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You" (Genesis 28:20-22)

 

We see tithing, then, as the opposite of a selfish approach to life. God stands prepared to support this generous approach by, in turn, blessing us in a variety of ways. He invites all to take Him up on His promise: "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,' says the Lord of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it'" (Malachi 3:10)

 

 

 

<pasted info from a few different google searches>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you for quoting me and answering questions I never asked. I am aware of how tithing works. I have been a member of the Episcopal Church all of my life. The the concept of giving ten percent is not unique to any one denomination of Christianity. You're going to have to trust me on this one, I was taught all about this during confirmation. Nothing in my previous post suggested I saw anything wrong with the tithe. I know how it works. When I go to church, We give our money. Some of that money pays the priest. Some of it covers the maintenance and utilities on the building. Some gets sent on to the Archdioses in Washington DC, and England (because other parrishes may need a little extra.) And then some goes to charity. Regardless of what is given they somehow make it all work.

 

What I said in my previous post was that 1000-2000$ is a lot of money for some people. After their rent, that may be the biggest expense they have for the year. And the impression I got was that was expected on top of the tithe. That's a lot of money exchanging hands. And while the money is given as an offering to God, it is being spent by a man who is not infallible. This money is being spent on a profitable business venture. And those who are spending are investors. What I asked was if the investors are going to be in a legal business partnership, or if the pastor was simply selling salvation at 1000$ per person.

 

I don't question the existence of God. I do question my fellow man. I don't attend church as often as I should. That basically rules out tithing. I guess I'm one of those people who you have judged, to be living a selfish lifestyle. When you passed judgement before God, upon me you said "We see tithing, then, as the opposite of a selfish approach to life." But not to worry, because I forgive you.

 

I was wondering, and I know this is way off topic now. A lot of people take quotes from Leviticus to justify their beliefs and actions. Do you practice a kosher lifestyle? Do you observe the sabbath? These are outlined in the book of Leviticus also. Or do you just pick and choose the parts that are most convenient for you? And this time, give me your answers and not a bunch of quotes.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I am just going to give my thoughts, as there will never be a "right" answer to your questions.

 

First, this is just a forum, obviously know one would know you went to church and know all about tithing, so Tee was just explaining it, I dont feel she was "not answering" your questions.

Now as far as your questions..Is there an answer? Some people dont believe in God because it cant be "proved" 100%...They can't imagine believing in something based on "Faith"

You give 10% (if you are able) because you have Faith that God has provided you with what you have and this is something that does go back to him..

Yes your paying for pastors, and buildings & charitys...You may also be paying for outreach programs, and oversea missions, and scholarships for the youth, this is something you should talk to your pastor about. Find out why your money matters and how it is coming back to God. These are questions that do matter and may help ease your mind

 

I just dont think it is something that can be answered here...