Hello Doves,
 
I sure hope you can help me out with some advice on this subject.  I watched a Pastor John Hagee program on television where he preached a 3-part series on Tithing.  Pastor Hagee made a very convincing argument in favor of tithing.  According to him, the reason we don't have all of our needs met financially is because we don't faithfully tithe 10%.  My problem with tithing has always been "to whom do we tithe"?  I don't attend a local church and really don't know who to trust.  I don't want my tithe going to the church building fund.  I want my contributions to actually benefit needy people.  Anyway, shortly after watching Hagee's series and having begun to send my tithes to his ministry, I ran across an article online which explained that tithing was giving a portion of grain, fruit, etc. to the Levite priests and that, according to the New Testament, tithing was no longer scriptural or necessary.  So I got into the Word of God and tried to read everything I could about the subject.  The Apostle Paul says we should give as we "purpose in our heart" and that God loves a cheerful giver.  That means we can give to whatever causes we like, right?   Or do we have to send our gifts to actual church ministries.?  I know God is not the author of confusion, but I must admit I am thoroughly confused right now.  I want to obey God.  Must we give a minimum of 10% or should we happily give whatever we can afford to whomever our heart prefers to help?  Thanks a bunch for the advice as this has really been bothering me.   I'd better send this quickly because a thunderstorm just hit here.  God Bless.