Of Giving and Giving, and Giving Some More

"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." Malachi 3:10

Malachi 3:10 is true.  I could stop this post right there because that really says it all, but because I want to encourage you not to miss out on God's blessings, let's go on.

Are you a giver?  Are you bringing all the tithes into the storehouse?  Or, are you only giving a tenth of what God has blessed you with when convenient for you? Do you give only out of your excess, or is giving to God the very first thing you do when you get paid?

If you're a regular here, you've read the story I told about my father challenging my grandpa to close the family gas station on Sundays.  He didn't think he could afford to close, but made more being open six days a week than ever before.  He never opened on Sunday again.

That's an example of not only honoring the Sabbath, but of being obedient to God and giving Him back what He is due.

Maybe you're waiting until you make more money to begin tithing.  My friend, that is backwards thinking.  Those who think they cannot afford to tithe are the ones who cannot afford not to tithe.

May we never forget the story of Cain and Abel.  Cain's failure to give God his first and best is the very reason he was rejected by God.

In Malachi 3:10 above, we find the one place in Scripture where we are given the opportunity to test God.  I can tell you firsthand that I have tested God in this, and found Him to be beyond true to His Word.  He gives and gives, and gives some more--so that you and I may do the same.

Are you a giver of the first and best God has given you?  If not, I challenge you to start today.

I can't wait to hear your story.

Goodnight, Runners.