Until I was saved, I never believed in the power of tithes, and thinking that what was mine-is-mine was the norm. Yes, we gave occasionally to the folks who come by with their trucks to pick up unwanted clothing  and such but we never considered it as blessing others. However, after I was saved, my marriage restored, and watching the Lord heal my daughter, tithing and giving to those in need became fundamental. Giving to those in need was really easy as I could see the fruits almost immediately. It warmed my heart to see the people smile and tell how they were blessed by someone they didn't even know. But tithing? Though I was taught that the Bible said we needed to do it, other than helping keep the Church alive and well, I really didn't see the true power and necessity until a few years ago.

This principle of tithes and offerings became real when I became injured on the job and unable to work. Shortly after being placed on temporary disability, I was "laid-off" from my job. Well the injury ultimately led to major back surgery and even more time off from work; almost two (2) years now without a full paycheck. And then, when the housing market began to collapse, my wife was laid off from her job. So here we are, neither of us working with only a small disability paycheck coming in and bills to pay. Ah, but for the Bank of Jesus !

What I discovered was that tithing was like putting money into a heavenly back account. However, instead of the measly 1-2% interest I earn in my regular savings account, the Bank of Jesus's interest rate is equal to what He knows my needs will be in the future. And then it's like He watched how I grew, what I did in His name and how I came to know Him. Then He added additional interest on top of that to meet some of my wants as well.

Though I don't know exactly how much we have in our heavenly bank account, what I do know is that Jesus has, and always will provide for me and my family; especially over these last few years. Recently I had a conversation with an unsaved friend of mine and he asked how we were "doing it" ... meaning staying financially secure. What I told him was revolutionary: I told him we are tithers and givers and the Jesus provides for us.

Howard F. Hulin

Finances Testimonies