The First

Everyday at work I have a chance to catch up on listening to podcasts and hearing many great pastors like Craig Groeschel, Andy Stanley, Perry Noble, Steven Furtick, T.D. Jakes and many more. Todays sermons all touched up on a basic truth, tithing. Now I blogged about this before you can check it out here. But today their messages challenged me to evaluate what God has given me and decide if I should go beyond the regular 10%.
Not only that as I was on my Exodus Journey I encountered a whole chapter that lines up with tithing so to me this is definitely a sign from God. Exodus 22:29 is the verse that pushed me over the edge "Do NOT hold back your offering from the first of your harvest and the first wine that you make.."
I honestly believe that God gave me this position and job that I am in at CPMC. I look at myself and wonder sometimes "what the heck am I doing here? I don't suppose to be going up this ladder this quickly, but I am." This job is definitely God because I know that by my own merits I would not be here. Reminds me of the Joseph story.
Listening to these sermons you can't but help to get excited about giving but what about when God puts it in your heart to raise your tithe? is that biblical? can you really do that? or is that some way of trying to be better than everyone else? these are the thoughts and questions that rise, but on the other hand I also think God gives me 100% of my check he deserves way more than 10%, God has been too good to me, my family, and to my church.
I read a commentary that I want to share with everyone pertaining to the principal of tithing here it is:

"Get into the habit of tithing as soon as you have the time, money, or talent. Tithing is not just about money. It's about whatever God gives you as gain. You might discover that you have more time than you used to . Give 10 percent back to God. You may be blessed with additional abilities or position or power. Give 10 percent to His agenda."

Tithing does not only consist of our money how about if we would give God the first of our time, money, and talents? If there is 24 hours in a day then that means 10% of that is 2 hours and 40 minutes dedicated to God and God alone.

God I thank you because I can honestly say that I AM RICH! maybe not according to wallstreet but according to you I am. I have everything I need family, friends, a church, clothes, food, and some money in my account. Throughout this day i wrestled with the thought of giving more mainly because I know that you have given me a lot more sometimes more than I deserve. Lord forgive me for not taking this job more seriously, thinking thoughts that I shouldn't be the one doing this. Lord you placed me here not man, and I believe that this job will be my starting point in saving and stewarding money not the way i know how but the way you direct me to. I think about Hawaii, marriage, and the future and worry about finances; God I don't want to worry anymore so with this I say...I Trust you.

Throughout the whole messages I've come to a conclusion, GOD DOESN'T NEED OUR MONEY, WE NEED GODS BLESSINGS.