A few months ago, we began using the "Investing in Eternity" study book by Dr. David Jeremiah, in Bible Study. (check it out). I've always known how important tithing was, but I was one of the one's who justified my lack of tithing by not having enough money to pay tithes and the 50 million bills that come in every month. It was not until, I was laid off that I finally realized that in order for us to make it, we HAD to trust God & start paying tithes. We did not do it because we expected to receive a blessing. Tithing is not a bargaining tool. We did it because God asked us to trust Him and told us to release control.
Many times, people say they trust God and follow His will. But when the collection plate comes around, they still clinch their pocket books. No more! I couldn't control the next day, week, or months to come. I did not want to anymore. I had to let it go. I became excited about writing our tithe checks. I felt good putting that envelope in the basket EVERY Sunday. My weeks of unemployment were a lot more optimistic because I trusted God. Because of our faithfulness, God blessed us. He gave us increase in my husband's pay every week. The more I let go of crunching numbers, worrying, and doubt, the more He shows up.
There were days that dark clouds rolled over my head, but that still small voice kept saying 'Trust me. Try me. “..and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." (Malachi 3:10) So I prayed and I prayed and I prayed. I prayed for strength to break chains and move mountains. I prayed for peace and all of our needs to be met. Most importantly, I prayed that God would continue to provide a way for us to take care of the blessing He entrusted us with, our daughter.
That's when I realized. It's not about me. I don't work for myself. I work to take care of the blessings God gives me. I'm not talking about a 9 to 5 job. I work at being the wife and mother, God called me to be. I work at being the daughter, sister, and friend God asks me to be. I work at being the best Kelli that God needs me to be.
Paying tithes is so much more than a financial contribution. It is a commitment to put God first in your life and in your finances. It is an outwardly expression of an inward promise. My pastor always says that if you want a financial breakthrough, you need to give your way out. Because we tithe, our household has been blessed. My family has been blessed. Our church has been blessed. God will move when you move out the way! All glory and honor to God. God blessed you with a way to put food on your table & clothes on your back. All He asks is for 10% in return. It's not about the money. God has everything. It's about obedience, trust, faith, and sacrifice. The tithe has power!
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