Wrong. Don't know what book you studied, but it didn't say "Bible" across the front. I'd also suggest changing churches.....and fast.
I am embarrased to say that I have sent money to Joyce Meyer's ministry in the past. Never again! I got disgusted when I heard about all her plastic surgery. She's another Joan Rivers.
What do you feel is the biblical basis for today's tithing of 10%? How do you read Deut 14:22-29?
It was for a celebration, for the tither's own family, for taking care of the priesthood (who had no land inheritence) as well as for those who had no means to provide for themselves - widows and orphans, and for sharing with strangers.
That aside though, I think Cecily's point (if I may be so bold) is that the new covenant clarified and enhanced tithing/charitable giving the same way the new covenant did with the rest of the law, in that the standard is actually higher than originally thought.
For example, Jesus said that a man commits adultery simply by thinking lustful thoughts, and a man commits murder simply by hating his brother. He made the law a condition of the heart rather than that of outward acts. Same goes for giving. Paul expounds on it in 2 Corinthians 9; most specifically in verse 7 -
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
Can the OT tithing requirements be extrapolated to include support of pastors and the helpless today? Absolutely, without question, and so we do and should. But when is the last time we threw ourselves a party with our 10%? :)
We can tithe time, service, material goods, as well as money. In my opinion, the spirit of the law is what is most important here, and what God asks of us is that we give selflessly, willingly and joyfully. The more we give with that attitude, the more blessed we will be. And I don't necessarily think that means blessed materially - we'll be blessed spiritually, ie in our hearts, which was Jesus' whole point, imo.