A TEST AND A TESTIMONY
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10, ESV
Theme: Only when you give a tithe of all you earn does God invite you to test Him.
A STRATEGY THAT WORKS
As we were shopping at a local business recently, the salesmen asked what we did. Mike mentioned that we had recently retired. You can guess their response, and you may even be tempted to make the same reply: “I’ll never be able to stop working and retire.” Mike said, “Can I tell you a strategy that works? Give God a tenth... and anything more He asks of you. Be as generous as you can be. Save all you can any time you get a check. Live on the rest. We were never good at budgeting, but we made those two things a priority and stayed within our means. God will take care of you if you honor Him.”
Both men then agreed. Both come from families where fathers or grandfathers were men of faith or pastors. They just needed a reminder. Maybe you do, too.
TESTING OR TRUSTING
One of my favorite verses, a promise from God to me and my family, and to you and yours, is Psalm 37:25, ESV: “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” I like to think of “testing” God as really “trusting” Him. Instead of daring God to fail at His promises, I recite them to myself, and at times, I have prayed them back to God: “Lord, you promised that we would not go hungry. You promised that You would provide for our daily needs.” I think it is an attitude of “Remember, Lord, that I am in Your care” rather than one of “I dare You to let me fall.”
Make It Personal: Whether you have been faithfully tithing or are just starting to trust your Father God with your finances, I promise that you really can trust Him! Be generous: to your church, to the homeless person who asks for your assistance, to a short-term missionary, or a ministry need that grabs your heart. You will not miss those few dollars, and they will bring a hundred-fold reward in your confidence that God’s got you and your ability to trust in His provision.
Pray: Lord, thank You for the house, the clothes, the food You provide for me every day. Thank You for Your faithfulness when I have cried out to You and You have carried my family through hard times and financial difficulties. We remember daily that all we have is Yours and it is by Your gracious hand that we are cared for now, in the past, and into the future. I love You! Thank You for the greatest gift, Your precious Son, Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Malachi 3:10-11; Matthew 6:11, 31-33; Philippians 4:19; Hebrews 13:5
Weekly Memory Verse: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21, NIV