Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
When is the last time you read anything out of the book of Malachi? It is a small book in the Bible - but it is powerful. It has 4 chapters; you can read that in no time at all. But don't just READ the Words, "read" the words. It has a total of 55 verses, and 1,728 words. It could be read several times in one day - "Read" it you will be blessed, and I believe even more enlightened when it comes to "Grace Giving"!
God is dealing with the wayward Israelites once again, but the application can surely be applied to every Christian on earth. If you are a saved child of God, not tithing to your local church is a sin. Plain and simple. If you are not giving back that very small portion God asked for to keep the church from struggling, He will find another to tithe and give to the poor and needy through the church, and when He does, we may not have the bountiful blessings that God has for us. Giving is biblical in every way.
A little background . . . Malichi was a prophet at this time in Israel's history and he was compelled by God to reach God's people by reminding them of where they should be spiritually. They had wandered away from the commandments of God, and were misusing God's directions on how to live, tithe, and serve Him. Malichi wrote the words of the Lord to God’s chosen people who had gone astray, especially the priests who had turned from the Lord. Priests were not treating the sacrifices they were to make to God seriously. Animals with blemishes were being sacrificed even though the law demanded animals without defect. Deuteronomy 15:21 And if there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the LORD thy God.
In addition, the men of Judah were dealing with the wives of their youth treacherously (Divorce) and wondering why God would not accept their sacrifices. Also, people were not tithing as they should. Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD. And in Leviticus 27:32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD. But in spite of the people’s sin and turning away from God, Malachi assures them of God’s love for His people and His promises of a coming Messenger, Jesus Christ. However, His displeasure in them can be seen in these verses, and all they had to do was turn from their wicked ways and serve Him wholly in every area of their lives, but in particular as written in these verses which address how to give to the LORD.
The same for us Christians. Jesus is coming soon; how will God find you on His return for His beloved people. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, . . ." We have every opportunity NOW to do God's will, but soon that time will pass. We must care enough to thank God for our many blessing through the giving of tithes and offerings for those who preach the Word, pray for you, serve in the New Testament Church. I know many men of God who struggle today because they are expected to do all that it takes to run a "church" with no income to support him, or the needs in the church. Whether it be a light bill, or a paycheck, because of the lack of giving, our Pastors, Preachers, leaders in the church suffer because we have not obeyed God in giving.
God wants our best in every area of our lives, but particularly in giving. He wants to use us to reach the lost in our community and around the world. When times get tough, we find that God's people give less rather than more. Why? Do we NOT trust God? Times are tough from the top down and the down up! But our faithfulness will be in our continued offerings and tithes of which God will bless bountifully! God sees our hearts and knows the reason for our giving. If it is not from that spiritual heart, God will know. When we got saved, everything changed. We are now a part of the family of God and when one hurts, we all hurt. Grow your church and take care of your Pastor. We must if we are to gain the blessings of God. Be obedient to the Lord. If you don't give it to the work of the Lord, the devil (government) will take it in the end. I don't know about you, but no matter how much they take from us in taxes, fines, etc. it is NEVER enough to run our country smoothly. So, what do they do? They come after our bank accounts, savings, etc. Put your money where it is safe and where God can use it to reach the lost, and bountifully bless you! PROVE GOD! He wants to bless His people, not just to keep us from the devil, but to ensure our hearts are in tune with His commandments.
". . . and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
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