TITHING

I READ: Malachi 3:6-11

In Malachi 3:8, it says that the Israelites robbed the Lord in tithes. The Israelites did not give 10% of what they had, or if they did give, they only gave a portion of the 10% percent.  This paragraph implicitly suggests that the tithe belongs to God and must be returned to God.  The Lord wants His children to tithe, not because the Lord needs money, but it is a test for us to see whether or not we want to obey and not be greedy.  He wants to see how our heart is not attached to money.  Often, a person does not want to tithe for the following reasons: he/she feels that he/she does not have enough money, that the church is rich enough, that he/she is suspicious on how the church is using his/her tithing, or that he/she thinks that it is not a  necessity to tithe.  These reasons can actually hinder God’s blessing in the life of the person.  Those who are faithful in tithing, the Lord promised to bless them abundantly and that He will rebuke the devourer for their lives. The Lord will fence their wealth and lives with his protection and grace.

I DECLARE: 2 Kor.9:7: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

I DO: Every single time I receive my income and blessings, I will immediately set aside my tithe without calculating first how much I will have to spend on my expenses.

I PRAY:  I pray that my family can continue to live in the will of God