JANUARY 26, Malachi 3:10

Jack was born into a family not considered wealthy, but at the same time, Jack did not lack in the necessities (food, a home, clothes). Pocket money was a small amount from mummy. It was enough for him to take bus to school, buy the occasional lunch and soft drinks, and with a little to spare, Jack could save a little. Jack came to know the Lord but was never taught to tithe until he was a teenager.

That year, there was a series of nightly messages at an auditorium, and Jack made up his mind to go every night as he knew he could benefit from the messages. But he feared one thing – should he tithe every night? If he did it, he may not have enough money for himself! But you know what? Jack prayed, and he committed this matter into God’s hands, and so he tithed $5 every night, a large sum in those days, for 3 nights in a row. Although he expected not to have enough money, somehow, he managed to go through the week without any trouble. At the end of it all, he knew it was God who somehow provided! There was no miracle, but somehow, he just managed to be able to pay for the usual basic things that week.

Today’s verse teaches us something that Jack learnt and understood that week: that if we trust the Lord, and cheerfully give to Him, somehow He will provide so much that we cannot even contain or count His blessings! Isn’t that true? Has not the Lord been so good to us? Yes, when we put God first, God will pour upon us such blessings that there is not enough room to receive the abundance.

When you first learn to tithe, it may be difficult. In fact, it may even be painful, for you are giving what little money you may have as pocket money. But remember this verse – that if you trust Him, He will prove to be faithful to bless your faith. This is not in the form of money somehow appearing under your pillow or in your piggy bank. God’s blessings are far better than just money. He will grant you the shield of faith, the blessedness of contentment as you trust in Him.

Thought: God’s blessings are beyond measure!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me that faith that believes there is nothing that God cannot do. This I pray in Jesus’ name – Amen.