A
couple months ago, I was visiting with a friend I’ve known for many years. As
we talked, I quickly realized she was bitter regarding her financial condition.
As she shared her thoughts, it was obvious she didn’t understand the Lord’s
biblical principles regarding finances. She complained that she pays her tithe
but never receives financial blessings in her life and just didn’t understand
why not. She also couldn’t understand why others around her seemed to be
blessed quite often. Clearly she was very angry, jealous of others and
discouraged to say the least.
In love, I reminded her that when people face
financial difficulty, most likely it’s because they made wrong choices
regarding their finances. And I asked her if she paid her tithe & offerings
with a joyful or begrudged spirit?” I believe it does make a difference.
In2
Corinthians 9:7-8 NLT we are reminded by the Apostle Paul
where he is speaking about love offerings to other believers where he says,
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in
response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God
will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you
need and plenty left over to share with others.” (Just to clarify, Paul
was not talking about the normal tithe we are supposed to give back to God.
Love offerings are over & above the normal tithe.)
I shared with her
that I believe if we give to the Lord using a tightly closed fist, there is no
way to receive the blessings He wants to give back to us. It’s impossible when
a person’s hands are not opened to receive the blessing. This is a problem with
some believers that either refuse to pay tithe & offerings or they simply
pay out of obligation and possibly with an underlying anger towards God that
only He can see. I went on to explain to her that in ways she was robbing God.
Well that didn’t go over too well.
But I reminded my
friend that God’s Word is very clear in Malachi
3:8-10 NLT where it says, “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! But you ask, ‘What
do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes
and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for
your whole nation has been cheating me. 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!”
You see my friends….I love going to my home
church& hearing the message that the Lord has for that particular day. But
honestly….that’s not my favorite part of service. My favorite part is when I
hear our pastor pray over our tithe & offerings and I see the offering
bucket coming down our row. An excitement actually overwhelms my spirit man as
I give back what rightfully belongs to my Lord.
The Lord doesn’t need your money. He already
owns it all!
He’s not out to cause you hardship or pain.
His only desire is that you are obedient to
His Word and that you trust Him and Him alone; not your money. Give with a
joyful heart and open hands. Then be ready to receive the blessings He pours
over you; more blessings than you could ever imagine or contain.
Truth is; a person can never out give God!
It’s impossible!
Don’t believe me; see for yourself and let me
know if you’re successful.
It really is that simple folks!
Be blessed my family & friends! I pray
you walk in the Lord's total favor!
Love you all!
Cyndy
