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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: RESOLUTION (01/07/16)
As 2016 approached, I sought God about what he would have me give as my first fruit of the new year. I was thinking fasting, but he impressed upon my spirit to increase my tithing to a full ten percent of my income.

Consider Malachi 3:10-11, “Bring the entire tithe into the storehouse that there may be food in my house. So put me to the test in this right now," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies, "and see if I won't throw open the windows of heaven for you and pour out on you blessing without measure. And I'll prevent the devourer from harming you, so that he does not destroy the crops of your land. Nor will the vines in your fields drop their fruit," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies.”

This verse doesn’t say bring part of the tithe, it says, bring the whole tithe. My current giving is averaging only about two percent of my income, if that, and even this small amount is a real struggle for me.

The enemy was quick to fill me with fear; reminding me that I am already living pay check to paycheck, and getting further behind each month. He tried convincing me there was no way that I could afford to give more.

Continuing to pray, and meditating on Malachi 3:10-11, I began to focus in, not on the blessing, but on the fact that God said to test him. This is the only scripture in the Bible that says it is okay to challenge God. Still struggling, the Holy Spirit reminded me that even if I were to lose everything I have, God would provide for me as he always has. After much wrestling, I received peace, and decided to put God to the test; reminding myself that disobedience opens a door to the enemy.

Wouldn’t you know it, two days later, my adult daughter, who lives with me, and contributes to my budget, lost her job. Satan was right there saying, “Surely now you can’t follow through with your tithe; you will go bankrupt for sure.” Momentarily defeated, I heard God tell me once more to trust him. Then I remembered he also promises to rebuke the devourer. Peace came over me once more.

This year, I resolve to close the door on the enemy, and trust God’s Word not to return void. Won’t you do the same, and ask him what your first fruit should be?

Father,

Thank you for your promise that your Word does not return to you void (Isaiah 55:11). You guarantee overwhelming blessings if we are obedient to bring you the whole tithe. In fact, you challenge us to test you in this. I don’t know what my blessing will look like, but I am stepping out in faith, and waiting expectantly for what you have promised me. I trust you to provide what you know I need, and not what I think I need.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Go deeper by listening to: Standing(on the Promises) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieEyV6iXULs

Scripture is quoted from the International Standard Version (ISV) Bible.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 467 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Bonnie Bowden 
01/14/16
I believe God is calling me to trust him with my tithe this year, also. Even though I live paycheck to paycheck, I need to depend on God's goodness in all things.
Francie Snell 
01/15/16
I'm looking forward to hearing how God blesses your obedience. This is truly inspiring.
I have one suggestion: The sentence, "Still struggling, the Holy Spirit reminded me that even if I were to lose everything I have, God would provide for me as he always has." It sounds like the Holy spirit is struggling. You may want to rewrite it.
Great job!
Chris Goglin
01/19/16
Thank you for challenging us all to give more and trust God with our uncertain wages. I also have an adult daughter living with my husband and I, and she shares in the upkeep of our home. (who was out of work for a year!) God has blessed us so much in her generosity. Great job!
C D Swanson 
01/19/16
Beautiful!

God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/20/16
This is a great devotion. I totally understand where you're coming from. I struggle with the same thing, yet God always provides, even when I'm not consistent about tithing.

I thought your beginning was a bit awkward. I like that you started with a real life experience, but in my opinion, perhaps some more descriptions about your actions and reactions would have pulled me in more. For example: As I thought about what I should do this year, I bowed my head and sought God's guidance. When I heard his answer, my body started protesting. My heart rate increased, I shook my head and tried to protest. "God, I'm hardly making it now and you want me to tithe a full ten percent of my income?"

Of course that's just an example with my words to show you what I mean.

You do a great job with the Bible verses. It really made me stop and think. It wasn't the traditional verses one often sees when discussing tithing g either, so that made your devotion stand out. Nicely done.