Channeled TIthing - Cindy Rooy

“… and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." Genesis 28:22

Does God ever have fun? Does He enjoy surprising His children with gifts?

Watching sports and movies helps my husband and I unwind and often provides our entertainment. We acquired a tiny, hand-me-down, black and white TV when we were married. We appreciated having that set, but longed for a new 25” color console television. Unfortunately, we couldn’t afford one.

As we debated using our tithing money, Jim resolved to remain faithful in giving the church 10% of our paychecks. He kept praying for ways to make additional money and eventually an opportunity presented itself at work. The executives’ cars were being auctioned off. If Jim could get one particular car, he would do some body work and resell it at a profit. He submitted his bid and was notified the next day that he won.

Hours later, an executive informed Jim that the car used to be his and he wanted to keep it. The man was out of town and missed the bidding, but offered Jim $200 for the right to purchase the car in his place.

After thinking about it, Jim declined the offer. We needed more than double that amount to pay for our TV. Surprised, the executive asked why we rejected his proposal and Jim revealed our plans for the kind of television we desired.

“Let me get this straight. You don’t even want this car but are buying it to make a profit in order to purchase a TV?”

“Yep,” responded my husband.

“Would you please follow me to my office? I have something you’ll be interested in.” Jim accompanied the man to the top floor and watched him remove from his desk drawer a portfolio of color console TVs. Giving it to Jim he said, “If you let me buy that car with your bid, you can have your choice of one of these televisions. All you have to do is come to the warehouse to pick it up.” His brother was a Zenith dealer.

We loved our new TV and learned that the principle of giving to God found in Malachi is still true today. God not only blesses those who trust and obey Him, He is creative in surprising us.

I doubt God watches television but He does channel His gifts to us when we are faithful. How has God gifted you for tithing?

Cindy Rooy is a columnist in two Tennessee newspapers and has been published in a devotional book titled Daily Devotions for Writers. Her Bible study, Trusting God Through Trouble and Tears, is being considered for publication. A wife and mother of three grown children, Cindy enjoys a writing and speaking ministry.

Remember When.... Cindy Rooy

“I will proclaim what the Lord has done.” Psalm 118:17

50 First Dates is a movie in which Drew Barrymore plays a girl who, after an accident, lives with amnesia. Every morning she believes it’s her father’s birthday. To help her move on and catch up to the present day, her eventual husband videotaped important events in her life while she wrote in a journal.

As my memory gradually fades, I become more optimistic about this idea of journaling. Recently, I was challenged to write down all the times the Lord has intervened in my life - including answers to prayers or help that was unmistakably from Him. I spent days recollecting my past and God’s involvement in my life. Stunned by my spiritual amnesia, I realized how much I had forgotten. I was no better than the Israelites who failed to remember that the Lord parted the Red Sea for them.

I questioned myself with: What events in my life had to be more than a coincidence? What accidents did I narrowly escape? When did God answer my prayer? As I reviewed my growing list and realized how God has been active throughout my life, I felt awed and humbled.

Have you written your list? If your memory is as bad as mine, ask God to help you recall all of His interventions. By keeping the list handy, events can be added when they are remembered and as they occur.


However, God wants us to do more than remember. He wants us to share our stories with other people. When we are alert for occasions to testify, it is amazing how often the opportunity presents itself. Talking about the Lord’s help, healing, and peace remind us how loving and powerful He is. It encourages others and glorifies God when we make known what He has done for us. That’s why God will help us remember His activity in our lives. It also makes us more mindful of and thankful for our blessings. As the song lyrics suggest, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, count your many blessings, see what God has done.”

So what has God done for you lately?




Cindy Rooy is a columnist in two Tennessee newspapers and has been published in a devotional book titled Daily Devotions for Writers. Her Bible study, Trusting God Through Trouble and Tears, is being considered for publication. A wife and mother of three adult children, Cindy enjoys a writing and speaking ministry.

Inner Rage -- Cindy Rooy

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
Romans 7:15

Just the mention of my media company’s name triggers hostility in me. Spending a hefty monthly fee for telephone, internet and TV service and having all 3 inoperable not only frustrates me but angers me. I mean dead, nothing, zilch for 10 days with a no-show technician. The many pleas for technical service are useless. At first I felt helpless, but that feeling transformed into exasperation. Rage and vengeance unexpectedly surfaced. I thought the Holy Spirit would have prevented those harmful feelings from emerging; I’m supposed to be controlled by the Spirit, not by my sinful nature. Perhaps the Spirit within us is ready to be called on, not taken for granted.

I hate how my negative emotions affect me physically. My body was on fire, my heart raced, tears formed, and I couldn’t sleep which allowed me to contemplate as I stewed. Why didn’t I have better self-control? Where were my love, joy, peace, and patience?

I realize I should have immediately released my anxiety to God in prayer. I forgot about Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Why didn’t it occur to me to pray and ask God for help before the problem escalated?

It is ironic that I’ve just written a Bible study about trusting God through troubles and tears. I am being tested and need to practice what I preach! Therefore, while praying for peace and a quick return of those services, I will trust God who allowed this predicament for a reason.

I’m grateful that our “light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far out-weighs them all.” This trouble does not seem light or momentary, but it will be nothing compared to what Jesus has waiting for me. In the meantime, I am still a work in progress.



Cindy Rooy is a columnist in two Tennessee newspapers and has been published in a devotional book titled Daily Devotions for Writers. She recently wrote a Bible study, Trusting God Through Trouble and Tears, which is being considered for publication. A wife and mother of three adult children, Cindy enjoys a writing and speaking ministry.