A few minutes after 8 am on August 8, 2003, he left the gate along with 3 others. They were new to the area and had asked Ron (Staff Sergeant Ronald Richardson) to ride along with them one more day. Ron didn't have to go with them that day. Technically, he was done.
Our military police company had transitioned all of our duties and responsibilities to our replacement unit. We would be leaving that hell-hole of Somalia in a few days. Our unit's mission was complete. But the new soldiers who Ron had been training up for their new duties had asked if he could do one more day of patrols with them - to help them feel a bit more comfortable. The answer from Ron was of course yes. He was that kind of a guy.
In fact, Ron was a great Chirstian young man known for his cheerfulness and willingness to help others. Ron lead a small Bible study for other soldiers in the unit. He had told me a few days before this dreadful day that he had decided not re-enlist in the Army. Of course i was dissappointed. Ron was a great troop with a bright future in the Army. But when he told me why he elected not to stay in the Army, i completely understood. He was answering a higher calling. Ron felt the Lord calling him to be a missionary. And to my suprise - back here in Somalia.
But, for reason I still do not understand this wonderful young leader of men, father of two small boys, husband to a young wife, and son to proud parents was killed shortly after 8 am on the streets of Mogadishu when the Humvee he was riding in was blown to bits by a command detonated bomb. Ron, along with 3 other soldiers in the vehilce died that day for their country in a far off land were the people would rather kill each other than work together for a common good.
So, today I pray for Ron's wife and two boys. I salute him as a soldier -he was a good one. But I praise the Lord for Ron and the Christian example he dispalyed every day in spite of the challenges of combat and the stresses of being away from his loved ones. I am a better man for knowing him in life and death.
God Bless Staff Sergeant Ronald Richardson and the family he left behind.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Can a designated gift be considered a tithe?
As Christians, we are called to give a tithe (10%) of our income to the Lord.
Leviticus 27:30 (NIV) “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.
For those who might argue that a tithe is not actually 10% I suggest Leviticus 27:32 (NIV) “The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod—will be holy to the LORD."
But my focus is not on the percentage given but whether designating the gift to a specific project, event, activity would still qualify it as a tithe.
We are to freely give our tithe to the storehouse (the church) Malachi 3:10 (NIV) "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house...."
But if the gift is designated or specified how it is to be used (i.e., to buy a new piano, for the building fund, to support a specific mission project, etc.) and not given to the general expenses of the church, can it be considered a tithe? A designated/specified gift comes with a string attached. A string called personal control.
Isn't a designated gift just another method for the giver to decide how God is to use the money? Is such a gift in the spirit of a tithe where the first fruits are to be brought into the storehouse?
I am challenged to find a Biblical example of a designated gift being considered as a tithe. Perhaps I just haven't researched with enough diligence.
In my review of the scriptures it appears to me that a designated gift would better fit under the category of an offering - something given in excess of a tithe. But the tithe - the first 10% is to be given to the church for the leadership anointed by God to determine its use.
I hope this causes you to question your own giving to the church. I welcome the thoughts of others on this issue and encourage the use of scripture to validate your point.
Blessings,
Leviticus 27:30 (NIV) “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.
For those who might argue that a tithe is not actually 10% I suggest Leviticus 27:32 (NIV) “The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod—will be holy to the LORD."
But my focus is not on the percentage given but whether designating the gift to a specific project, event, activity would still qualify it as a tithe.
We are to freely give our tithe to the storehouse (the church) Malachi 3:10 (NIV) "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house...."
But if the gift is designated or specified how it is to be used (i.e., to buy a new piano, for the building fund, to support a specific mission project, etc.) and not given to the general expenses of the church, can it be considered a tithe? A designated/specified gift comes with a string attached. A string called personal control.
Isn't a designated gift just another method for the giver to decide how God is to use the money? Is such a gift in the spirit of a tithe where the first fruits are to be brought into the storehouse?
I am challenged to find a Biblical example of a designated gift being considered as a tithe. Perhaps I just haven't researched with enough diligence.
In my review of the scriptures it appears to me that a designated gift would better fit under the category of an offering - something given in excess of a tithe. But the tithe - the first 10% is to be given to the church for the leadership anointed by God to determine its use.
I hope this causes you to question your own giving to the church. I welcome the thoughts of others on this issue and encourage the use of scripture to validate your point.
Blessings,
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