Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the Churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.In this passage, Paul is encouraging them to give as they have been blessed—as they have prospered—and to put something aside. The Bible tells us in Malachi 3:1:
And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
(1 Cor. 16:1-4)
"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this" says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."This wonderful promise has to be present in our mind and our spirit when we give. We cannot give out of tradition. "Let's get the offering boxes out, let's get the buckets out. It's time to give."
(Mal. 3:10)
People religiously reach for their wallets and put an amount in. They never even think or pray about it. Some have never even sat down and counted their blessings.
Count Your Blessings
Do you know that old song that says, "Count your blessings, name them one by one"? Unfortunately, we know of some circles that have actually mocked this message. But when you sit down and count your blessings, you start to name them one by one. And something happens. You will be surprised at what the Lord has done.
It's easy to forget. It's so easy to think, "I am just having such a hard time and things aren't going that well." It is so easy to start looking at little things and missing out on what God is doing.
We ought to be mindful of the blessing of God which we receive on a daily basis. We ought to be mindful that His hand is upon us and that if it weren't for the Lord and His grace, who knows where we would be. Sometimes it's so easy to forget His benefits to us.
Worship God For His Abundant Supply
When we look back and recall the abundant blessings that God has bestowed upon us, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving. Therefore, when you have the opportunity to come into the house of the Lord to bring your tithes and offerings, remember to worship God. We worship Him with our increase, with a small portion of all that which He has entrusted to us.
I have made a conscious decision to sow my tithes and offerings into the ministry, expecting that my investment will carry out the plan and purpose of God. Worship God with your giving. Not just as some that is done in the spur of the moment. Don't just give something because it is time to take the offering.
There are a lot of people who want the blessing of God, but they don't want to do anything for it. They are spiritual freeloaders. They always go around expecting something for nothing. That's why all the scams here in America survive, because there are so many greedy people wanting something for nothing.
When they come to the kingdom of God, they once again want something for nothing and this contradicts Scripture. As God has prospered you, give. As God has blessed you, give.
Purpose In Your Heart To Honor The Lord
Husbands and wives get together and purpose in your heart to worship God with your tithing. The tithe doesn't go all over the place. It goes to the storehouse where you get fed the Word of God. If you like the food, put your money where your mouth is.
God sees your heart and the attitude with which you give. Sometimes people forget. They think it is just an offering. "Quickly, let's get it out of the way." No. It is time that we worship God with our giving. It's time to honor God with our finances.
By faithfully bringing your tithe every Sunday, every payday, every chance you get, you are saying, "God, I present to You one-tenth of that which You have given me so that we can win more souls into Your kingdom. I fully expect Your blessings to be unfolded in every area of my life. Today, I am expecting God's blessing to rain down on me."
If you have not been worshipping the Lord by tithing and giving offerings, purpose in your heart today to start obeying God with a joyful heart—and watch what God will do in your life!
by Rodney Howard-Browne
Excerpt permission granted by R.H.E.B.A. Publishers
