For the Love of Money, The O’Jays, 1974
Few people like the subject of tithing. As a matter of fact, many a church has offended a member by talking about it. Just as the O’Jays said “Some people got to have it,” some churches do too, to pay the light bill, phone bill, and staff.
I remember exactly how and when I started tithing. A friend had shared with me Malachi 3:10, “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 you will not have room enough for it.”
Shortly thereafter, annual raises came out and I received a 5% pay increase. I decided to tithe (well…“five”) that 5% to God. No it wasn’t the biblical tithe, or 10%, but it was a start, a baby step of faith.
I told God that I was gladly giving him the money, even though I knew he couldn’t “pour out so much blessing” on me. The company only received annual raises. I was not expected a rebate on my utilities. I had no aspirations to apply for another job.
Several months later the chairman of the company asked me to come work for him. I never sent out an application, he came to me. With that promotion I received a 15% pay increase. I had been sure that God couldn’t pour out the blessing on me. I had put God in a box. You can believe that I turned my “five” into a tithe and began giving 10%.
Why don’t you test God in this today? (He asks us to.) If 10% seems impossible, start with 5%. And let God throw open the floodgates of heaven for you, and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Musical Musings
1. Do you tithe? Why or why not?
2. Do you believe God could bless you if you did tithe?
3. Why not start tithing today. If 10% seems to overwhelming, start with 5% and ask God to bless your obedience.
Karaoke:
Dear Lord, thank you for everything you have blessed with me in my life. Lord, I pray for the courage to trust you with my finances. Help me give to you and grow my faith as I watch the blessings that occur from my obedience. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Rock on: Read about tithing in Malachi 3:6-17
