How many of you can raise your hand in honesty that you believe and acknowledge that everything you have, God gave it to you?
If you raised your hand I'm here to tell you that we are in stewardship of those things which God has given. From our home, car, job, business, Ministry, even our children. Yes, yes, yes. God has entrusted us to manage His possessions with love and using wisdom. Now, in return for all of these blessings, God simply asks that we give back what is already His. He simply asked for one-tenth of our income. But some of you may be screaming, "But I don't have a job." Well, you can always tithe a tenth of your time. You can give by using your talents and gifts to serve God and to honor Him.
Now I'm going to ask you all to actually count your blessings! You can't do it right? That's because, even if you haven't consistently tithe, or you may have never tithe, God still blessed you to manage his possession. So imagine the harvest God will provide if you were completely obedient to his command "to bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough meat in mine house, and prove me now, herewith, saith the Lord of hosts" --- this is the blessing part, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
But now I want you to pay attention to the next verse of promises. God says, in verse 11 of Malachi chapter 3, "And I will rebuke the Devourer for your sakes and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your wine cast fruit before the time in the field." I don't know about you but I could use some protection over the things God has entrusted me. It's like having home warranty protection or short-term disability insurance. I'm serious this is how I see it. I believe God will do what He says he will do!
I'm a faithful tithe and I see the difference in my life when I wasn't. Why am I speaking on this topic you may be asking? I think people had a misconception about tithing. I take God for His word. I believe in His promises because He has not failed me yet. If you're not a tithe, I urge you to sow a seed in your ministry or in someone else. But do it willingly and with joy! Like forgiveness, tithing is for you not the Pastor or Preacher. Let the Holy Spirit lead you.
As we prepare to start our week, let's remember this one thing, it is God who provides the Harvest.