Malachi 3:10 GOD’S WORD Translation
“Bring one-tenth of your income into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,” says the Lord of Armies. “See if I won’t open the windows of heaven for you and flood you with blessings."
We were blessed to finish 2022 with a financial surplus at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church. We’ve experienced this financial blessing for the last several years … and it truly IS a blessing! But, this great blessing can also cause some to miss out on a great blessing. How so?
Sometimes people see their giving to church as an obligation to help the church meet its financial needs. Although there is some truth to that, that is not at all what biblical giving (tithing) is all about. God challenges us to give generously, but not specifically to meet a need. (God makes it clear that He doesn’t need our money. Everything is His to start with, so, in that sense, the church does not need your money, either). The challenge that God throws out in Malachi 3:10 to give 10% first fruits giving to the church is so that we can experience His blessings personally. In fact, He wants to “flood” us with blessings!
So, I encourage you and challenge you to give to the church generously. Ten percent is a good starting point. Not because we need your money, but because we want you to experience a flood of blessings from God. (I’m not saying you are going to win the lottery and have overflowing bank accounts, but God’s priceless blessings will be yours to overflowing. God keeps His promises).
What will Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church do with all that money if it doesn’t need it for operating budget? Glorify God! And share God’s priceless blessings wherever we can.
I truly do hope and pray that YOU are blessed by this encouragement and challenge.
Pastor Brian Truog