I am already seeing advertisements for tax preparations, and have seen the tax preparation booths at Wal-Mart stores and elsewhere. I have heard women talking about "when I get my tax money, I will ......". Tax season is a time when people are excited to get their taxes completed and filed with the IRS, and then wait in anticipation of the refund. In fact, some are so anxious to get their returns that they get an advanced from the preparer.
During this “tax season”, I would like to remind you that the government is not rewarding you or giving you free money. The money you are getting back are monies you have overpaid to the government. Almost, like a “no-interest savings”. For many, this is the time for a shopping spree, this is the time to buy the flat screen televisions, computers, cars, go on vacations, and other non-essentials. Friends, this tax season, remember to take out your tithes first and give it to GOD. The money you are receiving is money that you had earned and so one-tenth of it belongs to God. I reviewed several articles and research done in 2012, and I note that not one person who was surveyed mentioned giving any of the refund to a social service organization serving the poor much less to a church. Not one in the survey mentioned "tithing" and "offering".
Malachi 3:7-11 tells us what God said, "Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts." (KJV)
Friends, put GOD first and give HIM back just 10% of that refund and watch how you will continue to get blesssed. Remember, Proverbs 17:16, "Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?" Be wise and obey.
In Christ,
Therese from Belize
