Saving by Giving

This may seem to be a strange topic for a 'how to save money' theme, but when you get right down to it, it's really the basis of surviving financially. For years now Rick and I have practiced Biblical tithing. What is that you say? It's giving the first 10% of your income to God. We do this not our of obligation or tradition, but because through obedience, we have a more personal relationship with our Father. Remember when you were a child and you did something that you knew your parents wanted you to do but you did it without asking? Remember how happy they were? Well, that's what we 'get out of doing this'. Because God says that when you give, He will give back pressed down and overflowing. Now don't even ask me how this works, but it DOES!!! Money goes farther, blessings are received, and prayers are answered. Since I'm the one who really takes care of our bills, (and I'm the wife ;)) I try to follow Jesus' statement "³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Jesus went on to say "those who do these things to the least of the brothern, do them unto me" So, when I give I try to give in the following areas:

1. Salvation (bringing Christ to those who don't know Him)
2. Hunger
3. Thirst
4. Stranger in need
5. Clothing
6. Sick
7. Prison ministry
8. Orphans
9. Widows
10. Bring the Word of God to the nations

In doing this, I can honestly say that all of our 'other' needs are always taken care of. If you trust God for your salvation/for your eternal life, why not trust Him to provide for your daily needs by giving. IT REALLY DOES WORK!!!