Day 18: January 25, 2024
Planting the Seeds for Heaven’s Blessings
Passage: Malachi 3:10-11 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. “Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty.
Ponder: Wait! Don’t scroll past this post too quickly. Yes, I know it’s about tithing and money. But it’s a promise from “the Lord Almighty.” It says so right there. It’s a powerful promise, reflective of the power of money. Nothing in the Bible elicits more debate, argument and even anger than the topic of money. If money didn’t have spiritual significance, why would Jesus talk more about it than He did heaven, (which He came to get people into), and hell, (which He gave His life to keep people out of)? He understands not only the power money has in a worldly way, but He understands the spiritual element of money. He would remind us that our hearts aren’t capable of two masters. Alongside God, money is the other prominent master Jesus identifies. He could have stated anything as an object of worship, but He chose money because of its influence in our lives.
So why tithing? Whether tithing is an Old Testament law or a New Testament grace, it is certainly a law of grace in the sense that it is an unchanging principle by which God’s economy operates. The law of the tithe is God’s way of measuring our hearts. It’s like, “okay, you say I’m Lord, put your money where your mouth is.” Giving to God the first ten percent (tithe) of our increase is an acknowledgment of appreciation for His faithful provision. As well, it’s a declaration that we personally refuse to allow money and greed to take God’s place in our heart. Obedience to the principle of tithing unlocks the “floodgates of heaven” to God’s blessings over all areas of my life. God’s abundant blessing is not contained to just financial blessing. But as you plant the seeds of generosity and proper stewardship, you can expect to experience God’s favor in all facets of your life. I encourage you, reread today’s passage one more time.
Practice: How does your present attitude and actual giving of money to God reflect God’s place in your life? When you consider the idea of giving money to God, do you cringe or celebrate the opportunity?
Pray: Father in Heaven, I know that you are my provider and that my heart cannot contain your Lordship and an attitude of greed at the same time. Help me to have your attitude concerning your financial provision and your place of Lordship over my life. And give me the courage to take you at your word, and to give you what you ask. AMEN.
Planting the Seeds for Heaven’s Blessings
Passage: Malachi 3:10-11 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. “Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty.
Ponder: Wait! Don’t scroll past this post too quickly. Yes, I know it’s about tithing and money. But it’s a promise from “the Lord Almighty.” It says so right there. It’s a powerful promise, reflective of the power of money. Nothing in the Bible elicits more debate, argument and even anger than the topic of money. If money didn’t have spiritual significance, why would Jesus talk more about it than He did heaven, (which He came to get people into), and hell, (which He gave His life to keep people out of)? He understands not only the power money has in a worldly way, but He understands the spiritual element of money. He would remind us that our hearts aren’t capable of two masters. Alongside God, money is the other prominent master Jesus identifies. He could have stated anything as an object of worship, but He chose money because of its influence in our lives.
So why tithing? Whether tithing is an Old Testament law or a New Testament grace, it is certainly a law of grace in the sense that it is an unchanging principle by which God’s economy operates. The law of the tithe is God’s way of measuring our hearts. It’s like, “okay, you say I’m Lord, put your money where your mouth is.” Giving to God the first ten percent (tithe) of our increase is an acknowledgment of appreciation for His faithful provision. As well, it’s a declaration that we personally refuse to allow money and greed to take God’s place in our heart. Obedience to the principle of tithing unlocks the “floodgates of heaven” to God’s blessings over all areas of my life. God’s abundant blessing is not contained to just financial blessing. But as you plant the seeds of generosity and proper stewardship, you can expect to experience God’s favor in all facets of your life. I encourage you, reread today’s passage one more time.
Practice: How does your present attitude and actual giving of money to God reflect God’s place in your life? When you consider the idea of giving money to God, do you cringe or celebrate the opportunity?
Pray: Father in Heaven, I know that you are my provider and that my heart cannot contain your Lordship and an attitude of greed at the same time. Help me to have your attitude concerning your financial provision and your place of Lordship over my life. And give me the courage to take you at your word, and to give you what you ask. AMEN.
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