TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT By Daniel Yohanna

TITHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

There was tithe before the Law of Moses. Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (Gen.14:18f) in response the bread and wine and the blessing from Melchizedek. 

Jacob vowed to tithe as the Lord blessed him (Gen. 28:20-22)

How did they know about tithing? 

Let's see the first case of offering to God in Gen 4:3-5 where both Cain and Abel brought their offering to God. Who taught them? Heb.11:4 says by faith, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice...and we know that faith comes by hearing (Rom.10:17). So Abel heard, that was why he offered.

Under the Law, there were 3 kinds of tithing. 

The first was to be given to the Levites for their upkeep (Num.18:26). The Levites were God's representative, and so giving tithe to them, was giving tithe to God (Lev.27:30)

The second was to be used to feast with your household (Deut.14:22-25; 26:11)

The third kind, which was done every three years, was for charity (Deut.14:28-29; 26:12)

When Malachi taught, he emphasized giving to God from the standpoint of HONOUR (Mal.1:6-8,12-14)

The tithe was not to be a mere financial transaction, it was an art of worship (Deut 26:10)

Closely related to the tithe is the firstfruit, and are often used together or interchangeably. 

The firstfruit is the first harvest or first income, which is given to God as a whole. The tithe was 10% of the subsequent harvest. 

These are principles we see operating throughout scripture, like God telling Adam to eat every tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:16-17).
Israel was told not to take the devoted things in their first city of conquest - Jericho (Josh. 6:17-19)

What you hold in your hand (as a substance) never gets to heaven, but your heart (of worship) ascends to God. 

Prov 3:9 instructs us to HONOUR the Lord with our substance and with the first fruits of all our increase. 

What about the New Testament?

There is only one reference to tithing in the NT. Though Jesus endorsed tithing in Matt.23:23, that practice was still in the OT. 

In Heb.7, mention was made of Abraham giving tithes to Melchizedek. So crucial is this issue of tithing that it is recorded that Abraham's great grandchild (who had not been born) also gave when Abraham gave (or paid) tithes. Wow. The effect of your giving transcends your life and impacts your generation (yet unborn). 

Heb.7:8 - Here (on earth) men that die (the Levites) received tithes but there (where is there?) he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives (who is he who is witnessed that he lives?). The reference here is to Melchizedek (and by extension to Jesus) receiving tithes, and scripture said, Jesus was made a High Priest, after the order of Melchizedek, and not after the order of Aaron or the Levites. 

Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek willingly. And so must we offer to our High Priest - willingly.  

Why was there no mention of tithes in the book of Acts?

In Acts 4:32-37, there was such great grace in manifestation that they were not giving 10% but 100%. Nobody was compelled to give. It was an elective giving like Abraham did. 

The Old Testament tithe was the avenue through which the Levites were taken care of. 

Paul says those who preach the Gospel should live on the Gospel. How then would they be taken care of?

Gal 6:6 says the taught should share with his teacher in all good things. He calls this "sowing to the Spirit," whereby you partake of life. 

1Tim.5:17,18 says to consider the elders who rule well in word and doctrine to be worthy of double honour. Remember, giving is a matter of honour (Mal.1:6-8; Prov.3:9). 

Just like Abraham gave in response to the bread and wine he received from Melchizedek, so when spiritual things are sown your way, your response ought to be with your material things (1Cor.9:11-15). Remember when you give to God’s servant, you are giving to God.

What percentage of your income should be given to God? Should it be the tithe (a tenth) as in 10%?

Paul answers in 2Cor.9:6 that you are going to receive in the proportion that you give. But you must give it willingly, cheerfully and purposefully. 

Today, we don't tithe as people under the Law. We give because we love the Lord. We give because we honour God as our Source and Provider. We don't give because we're afraid of a devourer. We don't give because we're afraid of the curse, no, we're not under the Law and so have been redeemed from the curse of the Law. We don't even give to be blessed, no, we give because we are blessed (Deut. 16:17; 1Cor. 16:1-2). 

It's a question of honour. How do you desire to honour God? Malachi even compares your giving to God with your giving to your Governor. If your Governor visited you, how would you entertain him? Lavishly? Outlandishly? Generously? How then do you entertain God when you give to Him?

The tithe then, is a principle of getting God involved with your finances. The Govt takes a percentage of your income as income tax, by which they get involved with the economy of the citizens through the provision of services to the populace. Your tithe (giving) brings God in partnership with you. 

There have been people who are known to have given up to 90% of their income to God as "tithe" and have been so tremendously blessed. 

People like Peter J. Daniels, William Colgate, John Henry Heinz, John D. Rockefeller, Oral Roberts, have been people who gave more than 10% of their income to God.

"The tithe is not a ceiling for giving, but a starting point for gratitude." - Jim Elliot (Missionary Martyr) 

I never would have been able to tithe on my first million dollars if I had not learned to tithe on my first paycheck, which was a $1.50 for the week." - John D. Rockefeller  

Did you know that many are or have been almost 100% tithers? Among the many famous ones are William Colgate, (Colgate-Palmolive), James L.  Kraft (Kraft foods), and Henry John Heinz (Ketchup).  All three of these men started out tithing 10%, and so blessed were they by the practice, that at the time of their death, they were giving away almost 100% of their income!

SHOW ME YOUR FRIEND By Daniel Yohanna

SHOW ME YOUR FRIEND By Daniel Yohanna

It was Dr. Mike Murdock that said you will be at the same spot you are 5yrs from now save for the people you meet and the books you read. I believe that, because I know that when God wants to change your position, He introduces you to a person. Your location determines your allocation. Where you are determines who sees you. Who sees you determines the level of favour that comes to you. Your company determines what accompanies you. You can't flock with chickens and soar like an eagle.
Corrie Ten Boom said every person God brings into your life is in preparation for the future only known to Him. Remember Joseph in jail and Pharaoh’s butler. That’s why if you have to walk out of a relationship, close the door gently in case you have a cause to open it again someday. Some only use people to get to where they are going and dump them, because they don’t realize they may meet those same people on their way back. Usually they think they may never pass through that way again. FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
So, who do you relate with? Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. When people send me an IV to be in their group, I like to check their other friends. Who is your friend? Birds of a feather flock together. Iron sharpens iron (iron never sharpens wood).
That's why you can't be the world's friend and be God's friend at the same time.
"You are like an unfaithful wife who loves her husband’s enemies. Don’t you realize that making friends with God’s enemies—the evil pleasures of this world—makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy the evil pleasure of the unsaved world, you cannot also be a friend of God." (James 4:4, TLB).
God told me once that in any direction you set out for, there are enough people to help you get there. If you want to fall, Samson, there are enough Delilahs to help you down. But if  desire to go up, God has positioned enough people to help you up. Even if you are handicapped, there are friends to carry you up – Mk. 2:1-12. So before you think you are alone, there are at least 4 faithful men that will always stand by you. You will not be stranded in your course in Jesus name.


A good friend
A good friend is one that will seek ways of taking you up and rejoice with your elevation – Mk. 2:1-12
A good friend will tell you the truth even if it hurts – Prov. 27:6. They will not flatter you or tell you only what you love to hear (Job 32:21,22).
A good friend is consistent (Prov. 17:17) and loyal (2Sam. 15:37; 16:17) always standing by you even when others forsake you (Prov. 18:24) and also gives you hearty counsel (Prov. 27:9). Don't forsake your friends because your level has changed (Prov. 27:10).
A good friend is a friend in need (Luke 13:5-8).

A bad friend
Anyone that draws you away from God is not a friend - Deut.13:1-11.
A bad friend is one that is there for only what he can get. He is a parasite, whose mission is to suck you dry. It doesn’t matter if you have more money than him. He may not give you money, but he still adds value to your life, one way or another. Everybody has something to offer.
A bad friend will give you an ungodly counsel, like Amnon’s friend, who advised him to rape Tamar (2Sam. 13:1-20).
They influence you negatively (1Cor.15:33, NIV; Gal. 4:16-18; Prov. 22:24,25)
Job’s wife advised him to curse God and die (Job 2:9,10).
Job’s 3 friends condemned him in his trouble (Job 32:3)
I remember a girl I once confronted because she wasn't married but was advicing her married friend to deal with her husband. She felt the man wasn’t treating her friend well. The friend too started ‘showing’ the man. The man kicked his wife out of his house. Ironically, the girl later got married, while the friend, (with her child), was thrown out of her matrimonial home.
Be careful who you take counsel from. When people give you wrong counsel and it backfires, they never take responsibility for your woes.
How do you choose a friend?
Be friendly to have friends - Prov. 18:24
Two cannot walk together unless they agree - Amos 3:3
What agreement has the temple of God with idols? (2Cor. 6:14-17)
Prov. 27:9 says a friend gives hearty counsel. Contrast with Psa.1:1
Prov.27:17 says iron sharpens iron. Choose a friend that adds value to your life, not one that constantly drains you.
Prov. 13:20 says he that walks with wise men will be wise. How do you know a wise man? By the exploits in his life. Mk. 6:2 says, “What wisdom is this, that such mighty works are wrought by His hands?”

Let’s Pray:
1. Deliver me Lord from strange and deceptive pple – Psa. 144:11
2. Bring me in contact wt pple that will facilitate my destiny – Isa. 46:11 - destiny helpers, Lord! Also 1Chron. 12:1-2,21-22.
3. Anyone that would draw me away from the path of life, Lord, cut them off today (Gal. 5:12).

THE BENEFITS OF FASTING by Daniel Yohanna

BENEFITS OF FASTING
We are not fasting to get God's attention. Not like they did in the Old Testament, wearing sackcloth and ashes. Jesus said we should wear a "normal" look while fasting (Matt.6:16-18).
Fasting doesn't change God but changes us. Neither does it make God answer u faster. He's d same before, during and after your fast.
Fasting enables the flesh to be weak so that your spirit may be strengthened (which is why Jesus said a particular demon - then, before His death & resurrection - could only be dealt wt by prayer & fasting, as fasting makes your spirit strong). You don't need fasting to have authority over devils. "In my name," Jesus said, "you will cast out devils." (Mark 16:17). The devil is already defeated.
Your spirit becomes more sensitive and more responsive to God during a fast.
Jesus said there's a reward (an open reward) for prayer & for fasting (Matt. 6:6,16-18).
Fasting enables u to place ur attention on the Lord, as inferred in Matt.9:15 and Isa.58:3-7.
For fasting to be effective, it must be accompanied by prayer (or else, it is just a hunger-strike). The essence of our abstinence is to be more effective in prayer and communion with the Lord. (See Dan.9:3; Acts 10:30; 14:23; 1Cor.7:5)
You'll receive direction from the Lord as u wait upon Him in prayer & fasting (Acts 13:1-4; Isa.58:8-11)
You'll receive strength to mount up like an eagle to new levels (Isa.40:28-31; 58:14).
Depending on what ur aim is will determine how long ur fast goes for and how much u abstain.
I believe it is ok to drink water during a fast (for effective metabolism in your body) as water has no nutritional value.
If you're going for days, you could break in the evening with light or normal food (depending on you. I know of some that'll do 24hr fast, breaking in the morning only, instead of our regular evening break).
I've done different fasts at different times (over 4 months one time, breaking in d evenings. Now, I didn't set out for a 4-month fast. I just started and got used to it and so continued as I was enjoying my time with God) and 20days  marathon one time (breaking every 4th day in the evening).
Pls don't fast by some formula: 21-day fast (Daniel didn't set out to do a 21-day fast. He just held on till his breakthrough manifested on d 21st day. And not eating pleasant bread is unclear - whether he didn't eat at all or else ate but unpleasant bread. Kenneth E. Hagin talked about living a fasted-life: never eating to full capacity. He said he never did more than 3-day marathon b/c he always got d direction he was seeking by then).
Moses didn't set out to do a 40-day fast either. He wasn't fasting. He was caught up in God's presence on the Mount.
Jesus was led of the Spirit into the wilderness for His 40-day fast. Be led pls if u have to go on a prolonged fast.
Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14). There is a link between fasting and the release of the anointing. Prayer/fasting releases the power of God.
Now, I do not see any biblical basis for d kind of "fast" where one eats food without some ingredients like oil or salt. That's affliction in O.T. fashion.
The Lord bless u as u wait upon the Lord.
I still wait upon the Lord the 1st 3 days of every month. We can do this together this year.
God bless u.

The Root of Ingratitude by Daniel Yohanna

The Root of Ingratitude

2 Tim. 3:1-5

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

In the last days…men shall be…unthankful.

The least anybody should do in response to a good deed, is to say, thanks. Why then are people unthankful? Why are they ungrateful to God?

"Being ungrateful makes one a great fool."

"Ingrates can never be great." - Pastor Tunde Bakare

1)      Attributing achievement to self

Deut. 8:11-17

Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; 17And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.

2)      Short memory

Deut. 8:11,14

Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day:

Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Deut. 15:15

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee: therefore I command thee this thing to day.

Deut. 16:12

And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and do these statutes.

Deut. 26:5-9

And thou shalt speak and say before the Lord thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous: 6And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage: 7And when we cried unto the Lord God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voice, and looked on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppression: 8And the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders: 9And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.

Remember you were a bondman. Just think back of what/where you were before, and you will have a cause to thank God.

3)      Focus – what you are focusing on. E.g, Glass – half-filled or half-empty perspective. Are you appreciating the ground covered or are complaining of the distance yet uncovered?

The right attitude ought to be: “I am not where I ought/want to be, yet I am not where I used to be.”

Your eyes are constantly on what you don’t have and on what is not working, instead of appreciating God for what you have and for the things that are working for you.

John 6:9

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

Jesus did not share the same sentiments with his disciples. While they considered the loaves of bread and fishes as insignificant, Jesus acted otherwise.

John 6:11

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

4)      Competitive spirit

You are doing just fine with what you have and are grateful for what you have until somebody shows up who has more than you have, and suddenly you become dissatisfied with, and ungrateful for, what you have.

“All my mates are married, some with children. My mates are working, making lots of money, and I am here.” You’ve not thought of your mates that are dead, sick, gone mental, etc.

Where you are right now is somebody’s prayer point. What you have right now is somebody else’s breakthrough.

 "My husband is this; my wife is that...etc" Somebody is praying to have someone they can call their spouse.

"My children are like this. Look at my neighbour's children, etc" Someone is spending millions to be able to have a child. Be grateful to God.

5)      An ungrateful disposition

“Being ungrateful makes one a great fool.”

Luke 17:11-19

And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Only one out of ten would usually come back to give thanks.  The majority never show gratitude.

6)      Abundance

When you are hungry, any little food is well appreciated. When you are full, you become choosy.

Proverbs 27:7

The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

When things are in a bad shape, you are just grateful to see a little ray of hope.

But when everything is okay, the tendency to forget God is rife in people.

Deut. 8:10-14

When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 11Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

Deut. 32:10-18

He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. 11As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: 12So the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him. 13He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock; 14Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.

15But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. 16They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. 17They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. 18Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.

Thank God by Daniel Yohanna

Luke 17:11-19

11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

KJV

John 6:5-13

5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,

9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

KJV

Jonah 2:7-10

Real thanksgiving is an attitude of gratitude emanating from an appreciative heart. Everybody uses that word loosely – thank God – just like the grace of God.

…By God’s grace I’ll see you…

…For Christ’s sake…

…It is well….

…The thief says, “Thank God I wasn’t caught.”

…An unmarried lady misses her period, and when it finally comes, she sighs, “Ah, thank God, I’m not pregnant…”

…A brother is not well, goes for HIV test with great trepidation. He handles the result, opens it with great fear and exclaims, “Thank God I am negative…”

…An employee lies to his Boss and says, “Thank God he believed me…”

But what is real thanksgiving?

… when he saw that he was healed, turned back… giving him thanks

What have you seen? What do you see today that was not there in January, or last month or last year?

Most believers are not grateful.

v18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

… and he was a Samaritan (v16)

“Being ungrateful makes one a great fool.”

1.      Thanksgiving is one thing nobody can give himself. U can’t thank yourself. That’s the only thing God can’t do for Himself. Therefore, when you do for God what He can’t do for Himself, He will do for you what you can’t do for yourself.

2.      When you thank God, you are ascribing glory to Him – v18. You are acknowledging that it is God that did it. It is God that is doing it. Psa. 96:8 – Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name

3.      Thanksgiving is the key to wholeness …v19… And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

4.      Thanksgiving is the key to multiplication. –  <What is not enough becomes more than enough >

John 6:5-13

9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

5.      Thanksgiving is the key to lifting –  

“An attitude of gratitude will lift even a destitute to the highest altitude.”

Jer.30:19 (NASB)

 And from them shall proceed thanksgiving

And the voice of those who make merry;

And I will multiply them, and they shall not be diminished;

I will also honor them, and they shall not be insignificant.

6.      When you appreciate God, your life appreciates. What you appreciate appreciates in value; but what you don’t appreciate depreciates. According to Zig Ziglar,: “The more you are grateful for something, the more things you will have to be grateful for. The more you complain about something, the more things you will have to complain about - whether it is God, your fellowship, your room mate, friend, parents or money

7.      Thanksgiving will change your situation. No situation can keep you trapped if you can thank God.  

Jonah 2:7-10

7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

10 And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

Your thanksgiving stings the devil.

An attitude of gratitude will lift even a destitute to the highest altitude.

8.       Thanksgiving is the access code into God’s presence. No thanksgiving, no access. (Psa. 100:4)

Ps 100:4 (MSG)

4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!"

Make yourselves at home, talking praise.

Thank him. Worship him. 

In giving the glory to God, you bring an offering – Psa. 96:8b; Num. 31:48-50

WHO DO I MARRY? By Mary Yohanna

WHO DO I MARRY? By Mary Yohanna

There is a stage in life where you do not lack admirers. The lady does not lack suitors coming and the guy knows that there are ladies around him that “like” him. Some call this stage, “The prime age.” To most young people, knowing whom to date becomes very confusing. Dating as we know precedes courtship and courtship precedes marriage. “Who do I date?” can be a difficult question to answer at the stage. Below are certain points to ponder before accepting any guy or girl:

1)      Is s/he a Christian? The scripture is so clear about this point right from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Abraham insisted that Isaac must not marry Canaan where he lived but that the wife must be from his own family (Gen. 24:1-4). In Deut. 7:3, God told the children of Israel not to intermarry with the inhabitants of the land.

2Cor. 6:14 tells us clearly that we as believers should not marry unbelievers. Don’t be so naïve to believe you can convert him/her. Remember, you are not the Holy Spirit.

Remember also, that being a Christian is more than just going to church or bearing a Christian name. We are referring to someone who has committed his or her life to Jesus and is born again.

2)      Does s/he have a Pastor? It is not enough that the person is born again, s/he must belong to a local church and must have a Pastor. Apart from the spiritual covering this provides, it also puts one in a position to be instructed, corrected or rebuked when necessary. There must be somebody that can bring you to order when you seem to be deviating from the right path. Psalm 92:13 says those that are planted in the house of God shall flourish – their lives, marriage, home, flourish – in the courts of our God. Having a pastor shows some level of commitment to God and to His house.

3)      Does s/he have a vision? Marriage involves two people coming together to fulfil God’s purpose. There is therefore the need to know what the person’s vision in life is, so that you can run together.

Amos 3:3 – Two cannot walk together unless they agree.

Prov. 29:18 – Where there is no vision, the people perish.

Like a friend said, “Don’t marry a man because he has a television. Marry a man because he has a vision. He will eventually not only buy you a television, he will put you on television.”

Never follow a man or a woman who is going nowhere.

4)      Does s/he have a job? Never marry a lazy man or woman unless you want to be unhappy in the future when all you will have are bills piled up. Everyone abhors laziness, whether it is physical, mental or spiritual laziness. Read Prov. 12:24; 21:25; 24:30-34.

In Gen. 2:15, God gave Adam a job before he gave him a wife. Make sure that the person you are considering is doing something, either having a job or is into some form of a business, or is even in School.

5)      Are you physically attracted to him/her? In Gen. 2:23-25, when Adam saw Eve, he exclaimed, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh!” He was attracted to her. He admired her. The person you are considering may not be the most beautiful person in the world but s/he must be beautiful to you. S/he must be someone you admire.

P.S. By Daniel Yohanna

After considering all this, something else that troubles many a believer is the question of God’s will. Is s/he God’s will for me?

First of all, determine what is not the will of God. We have seen already that you cannot marry an unbeliever. Then also, a so-called believer who is not living right and not living according to the Word of God is also a no-go area. See 1Cor.5:10,11.

God will not likely impose on you someone you have neither attraction nor appreciation for. If it is someone you never thought about nor considered, something will bring you people together, and along the way, the flame of love will be ignited within you both.

God said in 1Cor. 7:39 that a widow is at liberty to marry WHOM SHE WILLS (but) ONLY in the Lord. God did not superimpose His will here but says within the allowable Christian boundaries, marry whom you will or wish to.

When you make your choice, check your heart. Are you at peace with your choice or decision? That peace in your heart (especially after you have taken enough time to pray and your mind is quiet) is the umpire for judging whether you are in the will of God or not. Settle that question within your heart and stop running from one prophet to another trying to compel them to pick your mate for you. They will not live in the house with you. It has to ultimately be your decision, and you will live with your choice.

Col. 3:15 (AMP): And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds…

IT PAYS TO SERVE JESUS By Daniel Yohanna

IT PAYS TO SERVE JESUS
There is a song we used to sing in the eighties with this headline, written by Frank C. Huston. I have come to really appreciate the truth contained in this song: "It pays to serve Jesus..."
People are always motivated by reward. People can go through any situation or circumstances once they know there's something great awaiting them at the end of the ordeal.
People that work hard are motivated by their pay. Those that distinguish themselves in service have the hope of being honoured. Scripture shows us that our service in the Lord is not in vain (Isa. 45:19; 1Cor. 15:58). God is a rewarder (Heb. 11:6). He never forgets any deed done (Heb. 6:10).
If you are a worshiper of God, service becomes natural with you (Matt. 4:10). It's impossible to really know God and not serve Him (1Chron. 28:9)
Now, our service of God is more than just showing up in church. Neither is it restricted to the activities we engage in, in the church. Don't be confused by the use of the term "Church service" in reference to our church programmes. The Bible shows us that even at work in your office or field, you're actually serving Christ, and not just your Organisation or Boss (Col. 3:24)
In Nigeria, every graduate is expected to undergo a one-year compulsory service under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. You are required to serve the nation. Yet is serving the nation, you are not expected to traverse the nation from Maiduguri to Calabar or Lagos to Kano. You are posted to one State. Within the State, you are posted to one Local Government Area, and then to an establishment as your place of primary assignment. Though you are serving the nation, your service is localised.  You are working in an Organisation, yet it regarded as service to the nation. You may serve in any capacity in a local church or Ministry, yet you need to realize that you're not just serving the Church or the Pastor. You're serving the Lord of the Church - Jesus! That's why Jesus said he that receives His messengers receives Him (Matt. 10:40-42). He that gives to His teacher is sowing to the Spirit (Gal. 6:6-8). That's why when Israel murmured against Moses, he told them their murmuring was against the Lord (Exo. 16:2,7-8).
Your conduct in life reflects who you serve. Some people serve their belly (Phil. 3:19). Some serve mammon (Matt. 6:24). Some are serving diverse lusts and pleasures (Tit. 3:3).
Anna served God with prayers and fastings (Luke 2:36-37). Paul & Timothy served God in the Gospel (Rom. 1:9; Phil. 2:22). David served God by serving his generation (Acts 13:36).
ANYTHING YOU DO TO HONOUR CHRIST IS SEEN BY GOD AS AN ACT OF SERVICE TO HIM.
So, who are you serving? Remember, you cannot serve two masters. You cannot serve God and mammon.
In serving Jesus, there are attitudes that are acceptable with God (Heb. 13:18). These include,
1. Serving Him with reverence and fear (Psa. 2:11; Mal. 1:6)
2. Serving Him with humility (Acts 20:19)
3. Fervency of spirit (Rom. 12:11; Jer. 48:10)
4. Serving Him with gladness (Psa. 100:2)
5. Newness of spirit (Rom. 6:6)
6. Sincerity and truth (Josh. 24:14)
7. A perfect (loyal) heart and a willing mind (1Chron. 28:9)

There is nothing as rewarding as serving Christ. The blessing that accrues to you transcends your generation (Psa. 22:30). You are blessed on earth for serving Him and rewarded in heaven as well. What can beat this?
Those that serve God can never be forgotten by God (Heb. 6:10). There's a book of remembrance where every deed is recorded and rewarded (Mal. 3:14-16). When God remembers you, you will have a testimony, just like Noah (Gen. 8:1) and Rachel (Gen. 30:22) and even Israel (Exo. 2:24). You will be distinguished, as service is the pathway to distinction (Mal. 3:17,18). Service is the highway to honour (Jn. 12:26; Prov. 27:18). You will experience supernatural deliverance (Dan. 3:16,20). Because he served God, Paul,was assured of safety in the midst of the storm (Acts 27:23).
Then consider Exo. 23:25-27, which I consider as God's compact for service. By serving the Lord, He promises to bless your brand and water (so you're assured of provision). He'll take sickness from your midst (I'm a witness to this). There will be no miscarriage or barrenness. Your days will be fulfilled. You're assured of victory over your enemies. Can you get a better deal than this? THE SERVICE OF GOD IS A COVENANT TOOL FOR BLESSING. You can never find anyone who gave Himself or herself to the service of his that ever regretted it.
That's why the devil fights your service. He doesn't mind you going to church as long as you do nothing; you never get yourself involved in anything. He doesn't want you to be inconvenienced. That was what Pharaoh tried doing to Israel. He told them to go serve the Lord, but not to go far (Exo. 8:2328). Neither did he want them to serve God with their resources (Exo. 10:24-26). Satan doesn't want you to sacrifice anything to the Lord. David would not give his anything that costs him nothing (2Sam. 24:24). Our covenant with his involves sacrifice (Psa. 50:5).
Watch this: when you refuse to serve God, you are inadvertently signing in for a life of servitude to the enemy (Deut. 28:47,48; 2Chron. 12:7,8; Jer. 5:19). As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15).
Don't stand aloof. Get busy with Kingdom service. Start with anything you find to do in God's kingdom (See Eccl. 9:10).
As you make this commitment to serve the Lord with your whole heart, you will enter into a new dimension of uncommon blessings.
As you remain faithful and dedicated to the service of God, your life is bound to abound with blessings (Prov. 28:20)