... for it is he that giveth thee the power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 8:18 emphasis added)

"Power" -- from giant lizards to good fruit:  "to get" -- to create; our heart determines whether we will create giant lizards (drug lords) or Christ-centered behavior (good fruit).

Who Really Owns What We Give?

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine.... (Haggai 2:8)  We should never view giving from the perspective of how much do we want to keep? An example is the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:21). 

Do We Give to the Lord, the Church Or the Ministry?

The Lord.  Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord.... (Exodus 35:5)

Why Must We Give to the Lord?

Giving shows God that we honor Him (Proverbs 3:9).

Many days after we give, what we have given will be returned to us (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

Giving a tithe to God causes Him to open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing on us that we cannot hold (Malachi 3:11).

If we give, at least a tithe, God will rebuke the devourer for our sakes (Malachi 3:11).

If we draw out our soul to the hungry and satisfy their afflicted soul, the Lord will give to us guidance in our everyday lives (Isaiah 58:10 & 11).

What Should Be Our Attitude When We Give?

The key to giving is to give as unto the Lord with a willing heart.  In Exodus 35: 5 & 21 the people were asked to give as unto the Lord with a willing heart.  They gave so much that they were asked to stop giving.

What Should We Give to the Lord?

A sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15).

The first fruits of our increase (Proverbs 3:9-10).

Only unblemished items (Exodus 12:5).

He that pities the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay him again (Proverbs 19:17). 

How Much Should We Give to the Lord?

We should be willing to give all that we have (Matthew 13:44).

We should give a least a tithe (Malachi 3:10).

We should give out of our need (Mark 12:38-44).

We should give as we are able according to what God has given to us (Deuteronomy 16:17).

We should approach the collection plate with the same mind that Jesus had as He approached the cross on Calvary.