Monthly Word: May 11, 2020

Robbing God

“Will a man rob God? Surely not! And yet you have robbed me, what do you mean? When did we ever rob you? You have robbed me in tithes and offerings due to me.” Malachi 3:8-9

Reading these verses seems harsh, but it really isn’t. It’s simply what God has required and He is reminding His people who knew the requirements but ignored them. If He already owns everything, how could I be robbing Him one might ask?

First, you’re robbing Him of the joy of blessing you. God says He wants to open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing so great you don’t have room to receive it ~ Mal. 3:10. As a father I’m thrilled when my children are blessed, don’t rob God of that joy!

Next, you’re robbing Him of having first place in your life. Often we don’t tithe because we have nothing left over. How dishonoring to the Lord! He doesn’t want our left overs, He wants our first fruit. Listen to what Proverbs 3:9 says, ” Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income.”

Finally, your robbing Him of having resources in His house ~ Mal. 3:10. God doesn’t need our resources people do. In the old testament, believers gave over 25% of their income to the work of God and the widows, orphans, and those in need were well cared for.

This is a challenging portion of scripture in the days we live in. You really don’t know what you believe until your faith in that area is tested. So I can say trust the Lord practice doing what He says by putting Him first in all you do. Then, watch how He will open the windows of Heaven (giving you new and different streams of income) and we will give Him all the glory!

~ Pastor Turner