Some effort is required to see beyond the present earthly circumstances in the teachings of Jesus. Obedience in tithing, no matter how small the gift, gains the attention of God. Offerings cannot be given to God until the tithes are paid. Jesus said tithing "mint and rue" should be done but not as the fulfillment of the law. Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God - too. Don't rob God. Give not to get but as a loving child.
Jesus covert mission in the earth was not vindicated by large crowds or military style conquest. The murderous plans of the rebellious religious leaders toward Jesus interfered His original plan to be a willing sacrifice. We thwart God's plan when we operate on our own wit, rather than being led by the Spirit of God.
IMPORTANT! Keep the commandments. Take time every day to hear the voice of God. Never, ever violate your conscience.
Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
JESUS STOOD in the temple watching rich men place gifts of money into the temple treasury. He saw a poor widow cast two mites, amounting to one farthing, therein.
Jesus said:
“Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all. For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God, but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”
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John 12:20-50
Certain Greeks had arrived at Jerusalem for the feast days. They went to Phillip of Bethsaida in Galilee, saying:
“Sir, we would see Jesus.”
Phillip told Andrew of the request and both Phillip and Andrew went to Jesus with the message. Jesus replied:
“The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, ‘Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone.’ But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.”
Then a voice from Heaven was heard, saying:
“I HAVE BOTH GLORIFIED IT, AND WILL GLORIFY IT AGAIN.”
Some of the people who heard the voice said it thundered. Others said:
“An angel spake to him.”
Jesus answered, saying:
“This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
Thus Jesus signified how he was to die.
The people asked him:
“We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth forever. And how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up?’ Who...
