Tithes and offerings are charitable contributions given by faithful Christians. Giving tithes and offerings in the US has its tax advantages in the US because a certain percentage of these are can be deduced from what the tax filer owes the government!
So, are you still looking for best charity to donate to? Look no further. If your church is considered by the IRS as a charitable organization, there you can give it! How about for best nonprofits to donate to? Again, your church may be that as well!
So, if you believe and practice tithing, indeed it is a blessing. If man's mathematics is 10-1= 9, God's math can be 10-1=20 or something else!
Monday, March 11, 2019
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Is There Any Day That Is Special to God?
It is fascinating to note that there are different time element in any of the time cycle. A sixty second cycle makes up a minute. A 60 minute cycle makes up an hour. Then a 24 hour cycle makes up a day. While a seven day cycle makes up a week. Also a 30 day cycle makes up a month. Then a 12 month cycle makes up a year. Of course a ten year cycle makes up a decade.
We us humans, we create certain days to be considered as a holiday. New Year is a holiday which is the first day of the year. On a personal celebration, we celebrate our birthday which is the day we are born. We celebrate this once a year.
However, does God have a special day that He considers His? There are two significant Biblical references that God does made a day special to the extent He blessed and did not just call it holiday but a holy day!
In Genesis chapter 1, we have seen how God had created the world and everything in it. In six literal days, by mentioning consistently every day as "and the evening and the morning" were the first day, second day until the sixth day.
Then, in Genesis 2:2-3, the Bible mentions that God ended His work on the seventh day of the week. Because of this, He blessed the seventh day and sanctified it or made it holy!
What is also fascinating to note, so that people will not forget about this seventh day as holy, God called it the Sabbath Day and made remembering the Sabbath day being part of His ten laws which is called the ten commandments! And this can be seen in Exodus 20:8-11.
The weekly cycle therefore starts from the first day which we now know as Sunday. And the week also ends on the seventh day which God called as Sabbath. From the beginning of the existence of the Jewish people, they have been observing the seventh day as the Sabbath which we now call Saturday.
When people argue that the seventh day is actually Sunday, that is really debatable. You see, the Roman Catholics know that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the first day of the week. The resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week is clearly stated in the Bible. And every year, the Roman Catholic church do celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on a Sunday which they call as Easter Sunday.
And the word Sabbath has always been on a Saturday not on any other day of the week. In fact, many languages call Sabbath as "Sabado" like the Spanish language and even the Filipinos. Sabado has never been Sunday which is Domingo.
Plus, God does not want us to just remember the Sabbath once a year only, He made it a weekly event that we should honor being holy!
Amazing, isn't it?
Monday, September 03, 2018
Finding Inspiration
Everyone of us may experience being down in life. We could be depressed. Or we simply need to be motivated in certain situations. We may come to a certain life situation where we reach a point like we need to be pushed to keep us moving!
We all know it happens. Problems arise to bring us down. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, suffering, divorce ..... there's just too many causes that can bring us the hurt. Just like accidents, it can happen anytime, at any moment.
On the other hand, we may need the inspiration to deal with certain activities. I am talking people who are in the creative fields like artists, writers, inventors, designers, or other careers where you need that spark to suddenly produce something unique and excellent.
Even in the spiritual world, there are situations where we need to be inspired. There's the preacher, the teacher, the layman, or anyone of us who may be facing spiritual battles.
However, the big question is, where and when can we find such inspiration? We simply need to look around us. It is either we find it, or we take it close to us always. To many many Christians, we can always kneel on our knees and let the Holy Spirit give us that inspiration. We can read Word.
Or, is there anything in your house or your room where you can also find an inspiration? A constant reminder? I wonder when you first occupy your house, have you decorated your house with something inspiring like a wall decor from Bible verse prints? This is another way to bring the inspiration close to us.
We may also find inspiration from our day to day experiences. Perhaps, along the way from work, somebody may have shown you an unexpected kindness which was unusual to you. Perhaps you may compare yourself with those who don't have what you have, and you'll realize to be content which may make you move on.
What I would like to simply drive at, is, simply look around you. There's inspiration for you from the Lord. Most of all, our God is just a prayer away. Pray and believe, and you'll have it.
We all know it happens. Problems arise to bring us down. Loss of a loved one, loss of a job, illness, suffering, divorce ..... there's just too many causes that can bring us the hurt. Just like accidents, it can happen anytime, at any moment.
On the other hand, we may need the inspiration to deal with certain activities. I am talking people who are in the creative fields like artists, writers, inventors, designers, or other careers where you need that spark to suddenly produce something unique and excellent.
Even in the spiritual world, there are situations where we need to be inspired. There's the preacher, the teacher, the layman, or anyone of us who may be facing spiritual battles.
However, the big question is, where and when can we find such inspiration? We simply need to look around us. It is either we find it, or we take it close to us always. To many many Christians, we can always kneel on our knees and let the Holy Spirit give us that inspiration. We can read Word.
Or, is there anything in your house or your room where you can also find an inspiration? A constant reminder? I wonder when you first occupy your house, have you decorated your house with something inspiring like a wall decor from Bible verse prints? This is another way to bring the inspiration close to us.
We may also find inspiration from our day to day experiences. Perhaps, along the way from work, somebody may have shown you an unexpected kindness which was unusual to you. Perhaps you may compare yourself with those who don't have what you have, and you'll realize to be content which may make you move on.
What I would like to simply drive at, is, simply look around you. There's inspiration for you from the Lord. Most of all, our God is just a prayer away. Pray and believe, and you'll have it.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Rich King Born As A Poor Baby
Royalties in general are rich. These people have palaces, power, wealth, and honor from their respective kingdoms. But there is one exemption to this rule. One rich mighty king left His kingdom to be born as a poor little baby.
You might think this is simply a fairy tale. But definitely not. This baby grew to be known as a great teacher in the Koran. Early ancient historians like Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, Josephus, and others have talked about the existence of this man. More so, his birth was foretold in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible and vividly recorded in the New Testament of the Holy Bible.
This King is known as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He owns everything and created everything that ever existed. Today, whenever the Christmas season comes, he is known as the baby Jesus.
This King left His heavenly kingdom to be born in human flesh as a baby boy just so He can be their savior from their sins. He was born as a baby of a very poor family who came to Bethlehem. He was born during the height of the Roman Empire in a lowly manger filled with farm animals.
His birth was without the aid of a physician or a midwife. He was born not in a birthing facility or a hospital. His delivery room was full of the smell of animal dung that we of our modern times are scared to consider such a place fit for normal delivery for a human infant. The scenario was without the presence of sterile delivery instruments! What a poor situation!
According to the Holy Scriptures, his parents simply wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and made a crib from hay. The baby bedding sets we have today are probably not existent. No baby scratch mittens perhaps that we commonly make our babies wear these days yet. No newborn baby hats were probably conceived yet. He was just wrapped in swaddling clothes!
Indeed, what a sacrifice did this King did - who is the God of heaven and earth. A big sacrifice to be born so poor just because He so much loved you and me and all of humanity. Yes, this rich King of the universe came to be born a poor baby boy - all because of LOVE for mankind.
--------------------
VMT Singuillo is a blogger/online writer. Subjects of interests include newborn baby gifts, baby girl shower ideas, baby blanket, and more.
You might think this is simply a fairy tale. But definitely not. This baby grew to be known as a great teacher in the Koran. Early ancient historians like Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, Josephus, and others have talked about the existence of this man. More so, his birth was foretold in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible and vividly recorded in the New Testament of the Holy Bible.
This King is known as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He owns everything and created everything that ever existed. Today, whenever the Christmas season comes, he is known as the baby Jesus.
This King left His heavenly kingdom to be born in human flesh as a baby boy just so He can be their savior from their sins. He was born as a baby of a very poor family who came to Bethlehem. He was born during the height of the Roman Empire in a lowly manger filled with farm animals.
His birth was without the aid of a physician or a midwife. He was born not in a birthing facility or a hospital. His delivery room was full of the smell of animal dung that we of our modern times are scared to consider such a place fit for normal delivery for a human infant. The scenario was without the presence of sterile delivery instruments! What a poor situation!
According to the Holy Scriptures, his parents simply wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and made a crib from hay. The baby bedding sets we have today are probably not existent. No baby scratch mittens perhaps that we commonly make our babies wear these days yet. No newborn baby hats were probably conceived yet. He was just wrapped in swaddling clothes!
Indeed, what a sacrifice did this King did - who is the God of heaven and earth. A big sacrifice to be born so poor just because He so much loved you and me and all of humanity. Yes, this rich King of the universe came to be born a poor baby boy - all because of LOVE for mankind.
--------------------
VMT Singuillo is a blogger/online writer. Subjects of interests include newborn baby gifts, baby girl shower ideas, baby blanket, and more.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Blessings of Giving To The Poor
The Blessings of Giving To The Poor
As a medical professional, I have long realized that studying and learning do not stop on graduation day upon receiving my diploma from med school. Upon receiving my license to be a physician, there is a need to keep me (as well as all other doctors) updated with new discoveries and trends in the field of medicine.
Even as a Christian believer, there is always a need to constantly learn and rediscover many of the Christian principles from God’s word. Whether the copy you may have is a KJV Bible, or a large print Bible, the teachings are all the same.
For quite a time, I knew quite well that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” I would admit that sometimes I even question – how does that happen? So, I may be just like everybody else – I have unanswered questions too! But let me tell you this, I know my God will provide me the answers. It may not be immediately, but the answer comes as time goes by.
Last night, while relaxing by watching the television, I happened to turn on a religious program that was discussing about the recent earthquake in Haiti which had claimed thousands of lives. I was stricken by the text the speaker quoted – Proverbs 19:17 – “He who has pity on the poor gives to the Lord, and the Lord will give him his reward.”
Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t that very clear? If you help the poor, you will also be rewarded. Wow! Finally, here’s an answer to a long time puzzling question of mine. No wonder, it is more blessed to give than to receive. As a result, I further searched for another related texts, and here’s one.
Proverbs 28:27 – “He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.” Would you love to receive blessing abundantly in your life? Of course! And would you agree with me that nobody wants a curse?
What wonderful promises from the word of God! By helping the needy, you will also be richly rewarded. But let’s pause for a moment. Rewards from the Lord do not always come in monetary form or material blessings alone. It can also come richly in the form of happiness, peaceful life, more friends, good health, fame, spiritual blessings and in many other ways than what the human thought could comprehend.
“He who gives to the poor will never want….” By giving help to the poor, you will not find yourself lacking in your needs! Please take note, I am not the author of Proverbs 28:27. Explaining the text in simple terms is not enough, it takes one to believe the truth of this promise by practicing such teaching.
Lastly, I remember what Jesus himself said in the New Testament, “Whatever ye do to the least of these my breathren, ye do it also unto Me.”
----------------------------------------------------
Copyright by VMT Singuillo
VMT Singuillo is a freelance writer. Some of his subjects include baby blanket, baby bedding sets for boys, baby beanie hat, and more.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
The Best New Year To Come
The New Year reflects the beginning of a new era. It is leap to a new beginning that men have been looking forward year after year. People around the world make all the necessary preparations to welcome the coming New Year.
Grocery stores, shopping markets, malls, and specialty stores are filled with people trying to make their last minute purchases of party supplies. Party hats and popper firecrackers are being sold out from the store shelves. Specialty foods are being ordered for the evening parties. Wow! Yes, the coming New Year is something major.
As I have been waiting for a few more minutes before the clock strikes 12 midnight, I turned on my tv just in time to view the events around the globe. Big cities from foreign countries have started to celebrate the New Year as soon as their respective time zones reached twelve o’clock in the evening.
Yes, as this event comes, people from around the world make a festive celebration. You can hear people making the countdown to midnight. Cities have spent so much for the different fireworks on display - from Australia, Hong Kong, New York, London, and many other big cities. It is just so amazing!
People embrace each other in jubilee. You can hear the deafening screams of excitement and cheer. People exchange greetings through text messages and social media sites. There’s just so much joy engulfing the whole wide world.
But why do people celebrate the New Year? As different television stations make a quick review of the events that have transpired the outgoing year, they feature unforgettable events – not just successful occasions but even the embarrassing, difficult, and sad moments of the year. They also try to feature the rise of new faces in history, as well as the downfall of famous personalities.
As the New Year comes, in general, we celebrate the achievements done in the outgoing year and welcome with hope the coming of another year in our lives. But just as I was pondering upon all these things, I just simply wondered, what would it be when this old sinful world comes to an end and Jesus Christ comes to take his children home?
Have the people of this world been making the necessary preparations for the coming of Jesus? Will people around the world be joyful enough to celebrate the coming of our Lord? Will there be festive celebrations to meet the coming King of Kings?
Whatever Bible you have, whether it is a large print Bible or a KJV Bible, you will note in John 14:1-3 that Jesus said “I will come again…” When Jesus was rising to heaven as he left earth, two angels appeared to His disciples and told them, this same Jesus will come back in the same way when He went to heaven. Will you believe when Jesus himself said He will come again? Personally, my answer to that is a big YES. Would two angels be lying to the people that Jesus will be coming back? I don’t think so.
Will the year when Jesus comes back be the most exciting New Year ever? Or, will you be there to welcome Him when He comes?
------------------------------------------------------
VMT Singuillo is a freelance writer and a sports and outdoor enthusiast. Some of his articles may be related to baby winter mittens, baby boy baby shower ideas, baby bath towel, and a lot more.
Grocery stores, shopping markets, malls, and specialty stores are filled with people trying to make their last minute purchases of party supplies. Party hats and popper firecrackers are being sold out from the store shelves. Specialty foods are being ordered for the evening parties. Wow! Yes, the coming New Year is something major.
As I have been waiting for a few more minutes before the clock strikes 12 midnight, I turned on my tv just in time to view the events around the globe. Big cities from foreign countries have started to celebrate the New Year as soon as their respective time zones reached twelve o’clock in the evening.
Yes, as this event comes, people from around the world make a festive celebration. You can hear people making the countdown to midnight. Cities have spent so much for the different fireworks on display - from Australia, Hong Kong, New York, London, and many other big cities. It is just so amazing!
People embrace each other in jubilee. You can hear the deafening screams of excitement and cheer. People exchange greetings through text messages and social media sites. There’s just so much joy engulfing the whole wide world.
But why do people celebrate the New Year? As different television stations make a quick review of the events that have transpired the outgoing year, they feature unforgettable events – not just successful occasions but even the embarrassing, difficult, and sad moments of the year. They also try to feature the rise of new faces in history, as well as the downfall of famous personalities.
As the New Year comes, in general, we celebrate the achievements done in the outgoing year and welcome with hope the coming of another year in our lives. But just as I was pondering upon all these things, I just simply wondered, what would it be when this old sinful world comes to an end and Jesus Christ comes to take his children home?
Have the people of this world been making the necessary preparations for the coming of Jesus? Will people around the world be joyful enough to celebrate the coming of our Lord? Will there be festive celebrations to meet the coming King of Kings?
Whatever Bible you have, whether it is a large print Bible or a KJV Bible, you will note in John 14:1-3 that Jesus said “I will come again…” When Jesus was rising to heaven as he left earth, two angels appeared to His disciples and told them, this same Jesus will come back in the same way when He went to heaven. Will you believe when Jesus himself said He will come again? Personally, my answer to that is a big YES. Would two angels be lying to the people that Jesus will be coming back? I don’t think so.
Will the year when Jesus comes back be the most exciting New Year ever? Or, will you be there to welcome Him when He comes?
------------------------------------------------------
VMT Singuillo is a freelance writer and a sports and outdoor enthusiast. Some of his articles may be related to baby winter mittens, baby boy baby shower ideas, baby bath towel, and a lot more.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
My Shepherd Is God
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
For Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
= Psalms 23
What a wonderful psalm of David. By the way, this is found in the Old Testament portion of Holy Bible.
It is so amazingly wonderful that when you have God with you leading you in your life, you will not even lack anything you need. The Lord will surely lead you to fields of prosperity, and even lead you to the soothing waters of life to quench your thirst for joy and happiness. And most of all, He can give you peace.
Even when trials of life come as they always will, there is no need to fear as He walks with us through life's long winding paths. Even when in the brink of death or troubled times, I know there is nothing to fear for as long as He is with me.
Yes, the Lord can even prepare a banquet for me, to fill my hunger even in the face of adversaries. Yes, God will surely bless me all throughout my life with the abundance of Heaven's riches and grace. For as long as I will dwell in Him, I know that my Lord will also dwell in me even throughout eternity.
Yes, the Lord is good indeed.
= by VMT Singuillo
-----------------------------------
If you need a Bible, there is always one that is right for you. Perhaps you may need one of the following:
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
For Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
= Psalms 23
What a wonderful psalm of David. By the way, this is found in the Old Testament portion of Holy Bible.
It is so amazingly wonderful that when you have God with you leading you in your life, you will not even lack anything you need. The Lord will surely lead you to fields of prosperity, and even lead you to the soothing waters of life to quench your thirst for joy and happiness. And most of all, He can give you peace.
Even when trials of life come as they always will, there is no need to fear as He walks with us through life's long winding paths. Even when in the brink of death or troubled times, I know there is nothing to fear for as long as He is with me.
Yes, the Lord can even prepare a banquet for me, to fill my hunger even in the face of adversaries. Yes, God will surely bless me all throughout my life with the abundance of Heaven's riches and grace. For as long as I will dwell in Him, I know that my Lord will also dwell in me even throughout eternity.
Yes, the Lord is good indeed.
= by VMT Singuillo
-----------------------------------
If you need a Bible, there is always one that is right for you. Perhaps you may need one of the following:
... plus a lot more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)