Getting Started In Giving To God

Memory Verse: 
“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 enough room to store it.”  Malachi 3:10

Monday: Testing God

In Malachi 3:10, God says “Test Me in this.” In Deuteronomy 6:16 we are told “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Are these scriptures contradicting?

The answer is no. These are two very different situations with two very different attitudes behind each. In the later, God is warning the Israelites about their doubt. Their doubt and lack of faith resulted in them demanding that God prove Himself to them. In Malachi, we see where God is inviting the challenge. The Hebrew word for test in this text is “bachan” which means to examine, scrutinize, or prove. God wanted the Israelites to give and watch Him increase their blessings. Just as gold is tested with fire, God was asking Israel to test Him with their offerings and their tithes and see that He proves His faithfulness in response. He is giving us the same challenge. Take time today to pray about ‘Test The Tithe’ and how God would have your respond.

Tuesday: The Cheerful Giver

Read and study the following ideas presented in the Word and consider what God wants you to give in obedient response.

• It is a favor or benefit to be able to give and giving is a way of participating in the ministry with others (2 Corinthians 8:4)
  
• Giving is a way to support a part of the church that lacks (2 Corinthians 8:13-14)
  
• Deliberately choose for yourself what and how you shall give (2 Corinthians 9:7)
  
• God will multiply the means and results of grace giving (2 Corinthians 9:10)
  
• Giving is a good witness (2 Corinthians 9:13)
  

Wednesday: Giving is a Privilege - 2 Corinthians 8:2-4

During his third missionary journey, Paul had collected money for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. The churches in Macedonia - Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea - had given money even though they were poor, and had given more than Paul expected. This was the sacrificial giving they were poor themselves, but they wanted to help. God desires for us to give with the same attitude as these churches. They gave because of their dedication to God and their desire to be obedient. How well does your giving measure up to the standard set by the Macedonian churches?

Thursday: Why Tithe?

Look throughout the Old Testament and find examples of tithing.

Abraham tithed unto Melchizedek, Isaac tithed, His son Jacob and many others also even before the law was given. Many Christians do not tithe because they have been taught that they are not under the law, but under grace. While this is a true statement, God did not institute the tithe to bring us under the law, but to get blessings to His children. Abraham tithed before the law, and God blessed him supernaturally. We’re under grace that we might establish the law; not turn from it. Jesus said that He didn’t come to do away with the law, but to fulfill it. Because He fulfilled it, we are to establish it. His Words are forever settled in heaven, therefore we establish His Words upon the earth.

Friday: Taking The First Step

To a ‘non-tither,’ ten-percent of your income can be a bit overwhelming. And to those who are obedient to God’s call to give, giving above that amount can seem scary or undoable. God never promises that stepping out in faith will be painless. He only asks that we do it and have faith that He will be with us for every step. There are many instances in the Bible that we can refer to for the promise that God gives to take care of us. See if you can find several of them and write in your scripture journal how each pertains to your giving.

A good place to start is Psalm 9:10. God will never forsake those who seek Him. Actively seek God through ‘Test The Tithe’ by worshipping Him with your giving. Give Him the opportunity to carry you through what may seem impossible.