Verse of the Day 10/27

 Proverbs 3:9 English Standard Version (ESV)   ⁹Honor the LORD with your wealth
   and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

 It is the harvest season and many crops will soon be gathered in. Not many of us are farmers but we can all relate to this verse.

 

There is a lot of talk these days on just how we can jump start this economy.  Taxing the wealthy, flat taxes, and the creative "999" plan that has been talked about.

As Christians, we may not be concerned about jump starting the economy, but we should be concerned about honoring God and in this verse it relates to giving.

With the farmer it was the "first-fruits", the first of his produce, before it all came in and a calculated amount could even be determined.

 

The tax plans mentioned don't take honoring God into consideration.  If they did, for instance, we might have the 10,9,9,9 plan, ten percent to God first and then let the other things fall in line.  What would it do to and for those in need.  More money would be poured into the economy and it would be meeting needs and honoring God.

Whatever tax reforms end up coming along, the 10 should be at the beginning of it.

 

In his book, "The Treasure Principle", Randy Alcorn writes, "it seems fair to ask, "God, do you really expect less of me - who has Your Holy Spirit within and lives in the wealthiest society in human history - than you demanded of the poorest Israelite."

 

It is a humbling question.  Read the passage while you think about it.  The passage starts as does giving, with trusting God.

 

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Proverbs 3:5-12 The Message (MSG)

 ^5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
   don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
   he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
   Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
   your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
   give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
   your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
   don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects; 
   a father's delight is behind all this.