Numbers chps 17-18
While I am aware of how scripture instructs us to tithe, it is reinforced through the reading of these two chapters, including
25 The LORD said to Moses, 26 "Speak to the Levites and say to them: 'When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the LORD's offering. 27 Your offering will be reckoned to you as grain from the threshing floor or juice from the winepress. 28 In this way you also will present an offering to the LORD from all the tithes you receive from the Israelites. From these tithes you must give the LORD's portion to Aaron the priest. 29 You must present as the LORD's portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you.' 30 "Say to the Levites: 'When you present the best part, it will be reckoned to you as the product of the threshing floor or the winepress. 31 You and your households may eat the rest of it anywhere, for it is your wages for your work at the Tent of Meeting. 32 By presenting the best part of it you will not be guilty in this matter; then you will not defile the holy offerings of the Israelites, and you will not die.' " (Numbers 18:25-32)
From here I get we must not only tithe but we tithe before we give anything else as the Lord is the priority. This is a challenge for me because I think of my mortgage payment, food for my children, etc. as more of a priority than the Lord. While I am not currently in a position where I can't tithe AND pay my mortgage and for my family's food, it is nonetheless a challenge to refocus priorities.
My prayer: Thank for how you provide. I have NEVER been in want and I know it is because of how You provide. You are more than generous. Forgive me when I don't think of you first, particularly with respect to money and tithing. Help me focus on you first, in everything, including tithing.
