Today I was meeting with some guys who lead in the business world. One of the guys mentioned that they were not giving a raise to their employees for 2010 because of the economy. He said it did not sit well with some of the employees.
It got me thinking though. I have heard of several instances like that around here where companies are not giving raises this coming year. We are not here at NewPointe.
Hearing my friend share, I thought, “I wonder when was the last time we gave a ‘raise’ to God.” Our focus is usually centered around ourselves, and we get disgruntled when things don’t go in our favor. Shouldn’t we give some thought to our finances when it comes to our giving and generosity to God?
Here is what Malachi says “
6 "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty.
"But you ask, 'How are we to return?'
8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. 12 "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty. “
I have heard it said, that there are very few things that any one does forever.
Question: Are still you tithing after all these years? Or have you given God a raise to 11, 12 or 15%? Or are you even honoring God with your tithe?
It is said that only 3 % of all Christians tithe.
Remember the “tithe” is holy. It is separated for the Lord(Leviticus 27:30) .
Many times we feel that a raise is our right , right ? No matter the situation or circumstances.
God says the “tithe” is rightfully His.
The truth is God has a right to say it and we don’t.
