Q4. Why is a person's attitude with regard to giving related to that person's attitude towards praise?
G-d desires a cheerful, willing, giving heart.....not one who gives under compulsion. (ie. ok, I'll tithe my 10% because I have to).
When we give out of a thankful, grateful heart, realizing all that we have comes from G-d's hand....we can give joyfully and freely....it is a part of our worship. I understand giving my tithe as giving to G-d the firstfruits of what He has already provided and it is an act of faith, that He will continue to provide what I need. I can then in faith thank G-d and praise Him that He is good, He is faithful to provide and care for me, and thank Him for all His blessings He has already given. And when giving flows out of a grateful heart, I find myself freely giving more and more (far beyond the Required 10%) into His Kingdom....blessing others....realizing that how truly more blessed it is to give than receive.
Why does an attitude of possessiveness with regards to giving get in the way of worship.
Possessiveness is clinging onto something - either out of greed, fear, selfishness.... somewhere we're not fully trusting G-d with everything.
So, we might worship with our words, but our heart is not fully in it....we're holding back part of ourselves from Him.
In what sense do all your possessions belong to God?
There is not one thing that I possess that is not from G-d, whether it be my job, income, possessions, friends, family, health, my very life.....I should be always mindful of His constant blessings and filled with gratitude to G-d...not taking any credit or glory for myself, but giving Him thanks and praise.
What then should be your relationship to your possessions?
G-d gives and takes away.....I should be grateful for whatever he gives, but willing to let go, and allow whatever I have to flow out as a blessing to others in His Name. Realize, these possessions are NOT MINE....so L-rd, please have Your way....Your will with whatever You bestow upon me.
How will these truths re-energize your giving? Your praise? \
Fully relinquishing all I have to G-d....willing to surrender all to Him. My praise then flows from a place of utter abandonment and surrender - freely and unhindered....worshiping in spirit AND in truth.