But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  Matthew 6:33

In the Old Testament times, here is how CREATOR set up HIS Kingdom:  The Tribe of Levi worked in the Temple to provide sacrifice and offerings for the people.  They also provided vision and direction for the entire Kingdom.  Everyone else worked and fought to provide for the needs of the Levites.  That is a simple overview of how it  worked.  The reality is that the Levites were a small tribe, representing about 1/30th of the people.  If you only calculate by the tithe that was brought in by the rest, the Temple workers lived on and promoted the Kingdom with an income per capita of 3 times the average income of the rest of the nation.

Isn't that a great plan?  Well, it is still in action.  In the book of Ephesians, we are informed  that CREATOR gave us Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, to build HIS Kingdom.  This is the modern day "Tribe of Levi."  And it is a "small tribe" in comparison to the whole of HIS Kingdom.  The rest of us, although we may also help in the "temple service" are here to build HIS Kingdom by protecting the Church, fighting the enemy and supplying all the needs of the work of the ministry.

What this does is take the "fundraising" aspect away from the Pastors and staff.  In this way, their time is spent seeking the vision of the church, distributing to the poor, and providing for the church service.  Ask a Pastor you know if he would like that scenario.

Of course in reality, many Pastors spend much time wondering how the electric bill will be paid this month, etc.  Bad, bad, bad!  

If we all paid our tithe (not gave it, since the tithe belongs to GOD, as does everything else) there would be more than enough to support the ministry of the Church.

If you feel guilt being laid upon you, stop!  Here is where I am going with this . . .

We are stewards of GOD'S Property.  This is good!  A steward is someone in charge of another's wealth.  That is what we are.  In charge of FATHERS wealth.  Not bad.  You say you don't feel that way?  Well, feel it or not, that's what we are.

We can be good or bad stewards.  If we are good (faithful) then we are given more.  Need more?  Well, this may hold the key.  Begin to do the least which is tithe.  That means 10% of our income goes to our local church.  You may not be able to afford this.  The concept may scare you.  The truth is that it is HIS way to Supply HIS Kingdom.  I say we cannot afford not to!

Then as HE sees our faithful stewardship, HE invests more and more of HIS wealth in us.  Wouldn't you?  If you had $1,000,000 to invest, and let two investment professionals do the investing, and one made a profit, while the other lost your money, who would you choose to continue to invest with?  Simple.

Well, FATHER is not unwise.  As HE invests HIS wealth in us, HIS stewards, and we are faithful to invest wisely (in tithe and offering over the tithe) HE invests more and more in us.  Our needs are well provided and HIS are too!

A note:  Whether you are a modern day Levite or your call is to protect and provide, does not matter.  One is not more Spiritual than the other.  Both are absolutely necessary.  And, by the way, where does the money come from?  Well, FATHER does not ordinarily rain down rolled coins (that would be painful).  Just as in the OT system (you are going to love this)  the people went to war and destroyed the enemy and returned home with the goods!  So do we.  Isn't that exciting.

There is a spiritual enemy that will try to spoil you.  Well, just walk the Path and you will spoil him!  And the spoils belong to the VICTOR (JESUS) and HE just wants to see HIS Kingdom well Supplied.  Just imagine the outcome if we take this to heart and accomplish the task!  It all starts with you (and me)!