The earth is the LORD’s and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it (Psalm 24:1). Everything I have belongs to God. Am I a good steward of the blessings God has given me? What does God desire I do with those gifts? We must be honest with God about our response to these questions. First, we need to consider the assets God has given us, and then, we need to decide how we use the time God has given us. Most churches refer to giving as “tithes and offerings,” referring back to the Old Testament requirements. Churches traditionally challenge people to give 10%, with an occasional “above and beyond” gift for a specific need. However, the Israelites not only were required to give a 10% tithe but also were required to give mandatory offerings (sin offering and guilt offering) and encouraged to give voluntary offerings (burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering, etc.). The result? Their giving far exceeded 10%.

Roy Haggerty is a lover of God, a husband, and a father. He graduated from the University of Miami, FL, in 1972. He has taught Bible studies for over twenty-five years. Roy retired in his mid-sixties and has spent his time immersed in Bible study and a study of modern politics. He has taken courses towards a masters of theology through Reformed Theological Seminary.

Deb Haggerty is a lover of God, a wife, and a mother. Born in Benson, Minnesota, she graduated from Macalester College, St. Paul, MN, in 1969 with a BA in English Literature and a minor in music and religion. In 1982, she received an MBA from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA. She now serves as Publisher & Editor in Chief of Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.