Week 7- Gifts
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”
No one in the history of Christian leadership liked to talk about money. No pastor in the history of the church ever liked to preach about tithing. No one writing a TRU DISCIPLE curriculum about finding purpose enjoys writing about tithing. But let me tell you a secret:
Tithing is one of the most important things a Christian can do.
In the above verse in Malachi, you get to witness something that happens only one time in all 66 books of the Bible. God literally says to put Him to the test. He dares us to let Him bless us. All that He requires is for us to give back only a portion of what is His.
What do you mean it is his? I worked hard for the money I make! I can hear the thoughts flowing through your minds right now.
Let me ask you a few questions. Who blessed you with talents, intelligence, and abilities? God did. Who then provided you with a job? God did. Who continuously watches over you and makes sure that you and your family are ok? God does. All that we have is simply a result of the gifts and graces of God.
A tithe is literally ten percent of what we bring in. It is our first fruits (Psalm 3:9). As a Christian, one of the most important steps we can take is coming to the realization that tithing is not just something we do; it is literally an act of obedience and worship. It is a blessing to be able to give back to our Father.
As hard as it is, God asks us to be a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Yes, you heard me correctly. Every Christian finds it hard to have a cheerful heart when giving back ten percent of what we earn. We see the bills that could be paid with that money. We see fun things we could do or buy. We see food and gifts and vacations. However, God sees what we do not.
Do you know why God tells us to be cheerful givers? He knows our faith will grow as He continues to provide for all of our needs. (Philippians 4:9) God sees the blessings that He promised in Malachi to pour out. God sees ministries with enough financial support to pour into the lives of the lost and broken. God sees our love for Him when we give generously in response to His grace and presence in our lives.
But even if I tithe, I can only afford like $10. Do not let your current situation determine how you feel about tithing. Jesus told us in the parable that the widow that gave two little copper coins gave more than the rich man ever could, because she gave all she had. God does not want millions folks, He just wants all you can give, because He gave all for you.
No one in the history of Christian leadership liked to talk about money. No pastor in the history of the church ever liked to preach about tithing. No one writing a TRU DISCIPLE curriculum about finding purpose enjoys writing about tithing. But let me tell you a secret:
Tithing is one of the most important things a Christian can do.
In the above verse in Malachi, you get to witness something that happens only one time in all 66 books of the Bible. God literally says to put Him to the test. He dares us to let Him bless us. All that He requires is for us to give back only a portion of what is His.
What do you mean it is his? I worked hard for the money I make! I can hear the thoughts flowing through your minds right now.
Let me ask you a few questions. Who blessed you with talents, intelligence, and abilities? God did. Who then provided you with a job? God did. Who continuously watches over you and makes sure that you and your family are ok? God does. All that we have is simply a result of the gifts and graces of God.
A tithe is literally ten percent of what we bring in. It is our first fruits (Psalm 3:9). As a Christian, one of the most important steps we can take is coming to the realization that tithing is not just something we do; it is literally an act of obedience and worship. It is a blessing to be able to give back to our Father.
As hard as it is, God asks us to be a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Yes, you heard me correctly. Every Christian finds it hard to have a cheerful heart when giving back ten percent of what we earn. We see the bills that could be paid with that money. We see fun things we could do or buy. We see food and gifts and vacations. However, God sees what we do not.
Do you know why God tells us to be cheerful givers? He knows our faith will grow as He continues to provide for all of our needs. (Philippians 4:9) God sees the blessings that He promised in Malachi to pour out. God sees ministries with enough financial support to pour into the lives of the lost and broken. God sees our love for Him when we give generously in response to His grace and presence in our lives.
But even if I tithe, I can only afford like $10. Do not let your current situation determine how you feel about tithing. Jesus told us in the parable that the widow that gave two little copper coins gave more than the rich man ever could, because she gave all she had. God does not want millions folks, He just wants all you can give, because He gave all for you.