Are You a Hilarious Giver?

O. T. #2356 "Are You a Hilarious Giver?"

Jan. 10, 2023

Malachi 3-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

My uncle was a preacher of the Gospel and a pastor back in the 50's. Sometimes, he would be paid by the church members in chickens and vegetables from the garden. I suppose that is why preachers like fried chicken:) 

Malachi urged the people to stop holding back their tithes, keeping from God what He deserves. The tithing system was established during the time of Moses, although Abraham did tithe, also. The problem was that the Levites did not possess land of their own so they could not grow food for their families. So they had to go to work and earn a living, resulting in the neglecting their God-given responsibilities to care for the Temple, and the worship of God. 

Dr. Feinberg lists the tithes to be given by Israel: 

1. Of the first-fruits, not less than 1/16 of corn, wine, and oil. (Deut. 18:4)
2. Of the remainder after the first-fruits, 1.10 was to be given to the Levites for their livelihood (Lev. 27:30-33)
3. Paid by the Levites was 1/10 to the priests (Num. 18:26-28)
4. The second tenth paid by the congregation for the needs of the Levites and their own families at the Tabernacle. (Deut. 12:18)
5. Another tithe was to be paid every third year for the poor. (Deut. 14:28-29)

Those were established so the kingdom work could progress. Since we are under grace in the New Testament church, we are still giving a tenth of our income in worship of God to the church. The church is to distribute to the pastor a salary so he and his family can live comfortably at the level of the standards of the congregation, to the needs of the church for the bills, to missions, and the needs of the poor. 

Everything we have is from God; so when we refuse to return to Him a part of what He has given, we rob God. That is why He answered that the Israelites had robbed Him.

Do we selfishly want to keep 100% of what God gives, or are we willing to return at least 10% for helping to advance God's kingdom? (Life Application Study Bible)

Give, and it will be given to you. (Luke 6:38)

The blessings of God may not always be material nor experience completely here on earth, but we will certainly receive them in our future life with Him.

LET IT GROW

I think it is appropriate to mention some of the great businessmen of the past who were Christians that gave to God generously. 

The founder of Hershey Chocolate Company and the founder of the Wrigly Gum Company. The J. C. Penney stores were started by a preacher's son whose father died when he was a boy. No arrangements had been made for his mother, except people saying, "The Lord bless you." As a little boy, he had to go out and collect the clothes which his mother washed for a living. He said, "When I grow up, I'm going to make money and see to it that no preacher's widow has to work like this." Penney mad good, and he established villages where retired preachers and their wives can live. God has blessed these men in the past who have recognized Him.

 [From J. Vernon McGee's book The Prophets, Malachi]

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. 8:7)

In the Greek language, cheerful means merry (hilarious); willing.

How will we give this Sunday? Will it be given grudgingly or hilariously? Is our tithe given with a willing heart, realizing that all we have comes from God? It think it is a matter of trusting God in our heart. 

Folks, God has been so faithful to provide for us throughout the years of ministry. In the early years, I had to work in order to help support our family, when my husband was pastor of small churches. God was faithful then ans is faithful now. As we give to Him, He seems to always give back more. We can't outgive our God. 

May the Lord bless you as you give to Him.

LET IT GO 

How loving and faithful You are God!

Open our eyes to the needs of others.

Use our hands and feet for kingdom work and Your glory.