Un$trapped: Biblical Wisdom on MoneyPart 1: Who is First?Matthew Matthew The First is Given by Faith on the FirstTHE FIRST…Proverbs Leviticus Malachi THE FIRST IS GIVEN BY FAITH…Genesis Genesis Hebrews Hebrews THE FIRST IS GIVEN BY FAITH ON THE FIRST1 Corinthians Mark’s Tithing StoryDue to poor decisions I had made, I had been at a point in my life where I did not have any extra money, and at times had to decide which bill I was going to pay and which one could maybe slip a little. I was using credit cards to pay bills, creating a wheel that kept on spinning into frustration and despair financially. I was a financial mess (which affected other areas of my life as well).I was giving to church, but not tithing. I gave a little each time I went, but it was out of what I had leftover, after making decisions on what to pay. It was never very much.The church I was attending began a challenge. The challenge was to tithe (yes, a full 10% of a person’s income) for 90 days. Their challenge was that if a person’s life did not change for the better within that 90 days, the church would give that money back.The numbers regarding my income and bills did not support doing this. I did not have enough money coming in to pay my bills. How could I possibly give away 10% on top of that. However, after thinking about it a lot, and praying for guidance (admittedly, my faith was not very strong then), I decided to give it a try. I had no intention of asking for my money back after the 90 days if things did not show improvement, but that option was there.I made it through the 90 days of tithing and made all of my financial obligations. I made changes in spending. I was able to earn a little more at work through assignments. My attitude changed, this time for the better. That was a turning point in my life…Now, my tithe to church (based upon my gross income, not my net income) is typically the first “payment” I make each month. Anything else I give is above and beyond the tithe. And I am blessed beyond measure….We are debt free again, and it is a freedom unlike any other. It opens so many doors and opportunities to give. God blesses the giver. My blessings have come in so many ways; from getting a grasp on anxiety, depression, anger, and PTSD issues to simply becoming more aware of the everyday sightings and hearings from God.