For many people, the start of a new year brings thoughts of change for the better, and I am no exception. The New You, a weight-loss program directed by Amanda Bears, has been an answer to my prayers.

The simple phrase “but God” can be a game changer.

I did a concordance search using the New King James Version of the Bible and was amazed at how many times the phrase “but God” came up. The Bible is full of “but God” intervening in man’s life to change his natural ways.

Tithe literally means “tenth.” To tithe is to give a tenth of our increase to the Lord as a covenant response to God’s faithful provision. This is an important distinction because the whole of the Bible calls man back to a tithing covenant relationship with God. As long as man is only giving 2.38% of his increase, he is merely giving God some of his leftovers, not a tithe.

Martha felt that it was unfair. She and her sister Mary had invited Jesus to her house, but all Mary was doing was sitting and listening to Jesus while Martha was serving as a diligent hostess. Perhaps Martha felt that Mary habitually avoided work. Perhaps Martha was right. In any regard, Martha wanted everything to be just right for the Master, so she went and asked Jesus to tell her sister to get up and help.