JANUARY 24, Malachi 3:8

It is a very serious offence to rob anyone. To rob is to take something that is not yours by force or in secret. How shameful it would be for a mother if she found out that her child had robbed someone. It is possible to rob a man, but how is it possible to rob God? We rob God when we do not give to Him what is His. What is His are the tithes and offerings we are commanded in the Bible to give Him. Can a man be so daring as to rob God? Yes, as seen from today’s verse! This has been done in the past, and continues today. The important question for us is – do YOU rob God?

As a child, you receive pocket money from parents. Whatever the amount, you should give a portion to the Lord. Each Sunday, when the offering bags are passed around, you may put your tithes in. How much to give? Start with 10%. That means, if your pocket money is $5 a week, you ought to give 50 cents every Sunday. However, do not be fixated with the amount of 10%. God looks at your heart, not at how much you give. And if for that week you need 50 cents for something urgent, or forget to bring it, that is alright; God understands. You can put $1 in the offering bag the next week. It is necessary to learn to tithe now for if you do not do it as a child, you will probably not do it as an adult. What is the difference between a tithe and an offering? Think about it this way – a tithe is 10% of your pocket money; an offering is any amount over and above the tithe.

Remember it is God who gave us everything. For us to give 10% to Him is but a small sign of our love. Also, remember God loves a cheerful giver. All the wealth in this world, and in all the universe, belongs to Him.He does not need tithes from anyone. The reason we tithe is because He is teaching us to trust Him. When we give some of what we have, we learn to depend on Him and not rely on ourselves. Finally, it is for us to learn how to show our appreciation to the wonderful Father in Heaven who gave us His only begotten Son. If He could give His Son to us, what shall we not give in return?

Thought: May I not rob God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, search me and see if there have been times when I have not given my tithes. Teach me to trust in You, that even though I do not have a lot, I will still obey You for there is much blessing in following Your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.