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Day 35 Mark 12:13 Mark 12:13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and care for no man: for thou regard not the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he said unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar’s. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marveled at him. Has anyone tried to trap you into saying or doing something, just so they can accuse you of being something you’re not? The Pharisees were always trying to catch Jesus in his words by asking questions meant to trick him. However, Jesus knew their scheme, and turned their questions on them. As Christians, you know giving is important, whether it’s for charity, the government – taxes, or your tithe to God. You also know the government takes the first dip out of your paycheck, before you can do anything with the money you receive. Some Christians use that excuse not to give to God or charity, feeling there’s nothing left of their paycheck once the bills are paid. When asked about paying tribute, or taxes, Jesus told them to give what is due to Caesar those things belonging to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God. He didn’t tell them they were to not give to one or the other. Just as the government takes the first dip from your check, set aside what God requires before you do anything else with the money you receive. I guarantee you will have enough left to take care of your needs. How can I guarantee that? Because I’ve done it since I learned about the blessing of the tithe, and how God meets our needs when we give to him first. Even with the smallest check, God has met all my needs. Do you render unto Caesar, but pass up giving to God? Or do you decline rendering to Caesar and God? There are people who don’t believe in paying taxes, just as they don’t believe in giving to God, using the excuse both have more than they need and don’t need anything from them. That’s not why you give. If you give with that attitude, you will always have money issues. It will feel like your paycheck has holes in it, with your money leaving your hand before you even get paid. Give God control of your money, cheerfully, knowing the blessing is in giving, not keeping a tight fist on what you receive. 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remains forever. 10 Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. When you give to God, he gives back to you, good measure, pressed down and running over. Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (KJV) Don’t let anyone trap you into believing you can’t do both, giving to God and the government. Or that you can only give to one or the other. God will take care of all your needs when you give to him with a cheerful heart. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV) You see, it’s not according to what you have, but according to his riches that he will supply you with everything you need. Don’t be afraid to open your hand and give to God. God will bless you when you do. Let’s pray: Father, help me keep my hands open to you, giving what you require of me with a cheerful heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 10 August 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay