Scriptures: Luke 6 v 38; Malachi 3 v 8 - 12; 2
Corinthians 8 v 13 - 16; 2 Corinthians 9 v 7 - 15.
Many people are confused about what they are expected to
donate or tithe to their church and why its important for their own lives to be
blessed, not only financially but in every way.
In Philippians 4 v 17, after thanking people for their
financial support, Paul writes: "Not because I desire a gift, but I desire
fruit that may abound to your account."
This confirms what Jesus says in Luke 6 v 38: "Give,
and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken
together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For the same
measure that you mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
You cannot outgive God! When you give you get back your
gift plus much more, particularly when its done under God's direction. Giving
and receiving is not like a casino. The rewards may not be instant but they
come as your Heavenly Father meets every need.
In Malachi 3 v 8 - 10 God says we are cursed with a curse
because we have robbed Him in tithes and offerings. If you bring the tithes
into the storehouse He will rebuke The Devourer and open the windows of heaven
to pour out a blessing that there will be no room to receive it.
The storehouse is the place where you receive your
spiritual food. To keep that storehouse filled it needs to receive the tithes
of those who withdraw blessing and teaching from it. If the storehouse is empty
and there is nothing left to feed your spirit that will bring greater sorrow
and loss.
The Devourer is a demon that steals from those who are
cursed for not tithing correctly. What you would have tithed disappears in
sudden unnecessary expenses for which you receive no blessing from God to
replace it.
Paul knew this when he wrote that he was not looking for
people to give him gifts as he was content with whatever state he was in but he
wanted people to give so that the Lord could bless them back with more than
they gave. Its a flow of the working of God that never runs dry if you obey
Him.
Those who receive tithes and/or offerings should be
mindful of the blessing of God and not spend their gifts on things that
displease the Lord Jesus like lottery or gambling sprees, alcohol, cigarettes
or other harmful substances. That will bring The Devourer onto your doorstep in
a hurry. And the gifts will dry up as you become a polluted well from. Which
the waters of life have become stagnant.
In Corinthians Paul writes that God loves a cheerful
giver who ministers seed to the sower. God is able to make all grace abound
toward you - so that you will always have enough to continue giving and helping
those in need.
My friend, about whom "The Favour of God" is
written is one whom God has blessed because he gives to others under God's
direction. He is investing in the Kingdom of Heaven which is not subject to
market fluctuations or economic downturns. In God's kingdom the givers get
100-fold returns or more.
The Good Samaritan gave the innkeeper a sum of money to
restore the man who had been assaulted. He said to him that whatever more he
has to spend on the injured man he will repay him. God is even more generous to
us and you will never be able to outgive Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father Your love and Your kindness keep
us safe from harm and far from need. Let us love one another and with Your
blessing help others who are struggling. Thank You for every blessing I have
received. You are true to Your Word. We worship You! In Jesus' name. Amen.