October 15
I think one thing we get wrong about tithing is the emphasis on the amount (10%), when in reality it's about the heart posture and being generous. The first goes back to God and building His house. The order is what's most important.
Three Thoughts
God rarely tells people to test him, but he does in Malachi. He's like, "Bring me your tithes and watch what I do." It's an invitation to trust him with the one thing that most of us guard the hardest. And the giving and trusting is far more important than the bank balance.
MALACHI 3:10
When the Bible talks about giving God your firstfruits it really means the first, not the leftovers. When you only give out of whatever's left at the end of the month it's basically saying, "I'll take care of me, then God gets the rest." But God is our Provider and we need to trust that he will take care of us. So start small if you need to, it's the starting that matters.
PROVERBS 3:9
When you hear about farmers, they don't plant a handful of seeds and hope for a massive crop. Seeds only multiply once they leave your hand (money, time, kindness, etc). But holding on feels safer, I know. Whatever you release into God's hands, he knows how to grow it.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:6
Two Quotes
Pastor and author Kyle Idleman on money:
"Where we put our money reveals what we've put our trust in."
Pastor and author Mark Batterson on blessings:
"If the blessing stops with you, it'll eventually stop altogether!"
Prayer
Dear God, I admit that a lot of the time it's scary to give, especially when money is tight. Help me trust that you are my provider and give me the courage to put you first, even if it just starts in small ways. Help me sow seeds for you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Question
If someone looked through your last month of spending, what would they say you put first?
P.S. I'm in Nashville for a few days on business. I love it here. If you've been, what restaurants/coffeeshops do I need to check out??