GPS Guide – November 22, 2019

CHEERFUL GIVER

Friday

 Read: Malachi 3:10-12

^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 there will not be room enough to store it. ¹¹ I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. ¹² “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. ” (NIV Malachi 3:10-12)

Study: This is one of the most used verses for people who preach the “Prosperity Gospel”. The method of thought preaches that, when we give to the church, we will be financially blessed. You can see why this verse could be read to support this idea. We often react to financial fear by first eliminating the tithe – the 10 percent that belongs to God and is to be sent out into the world to accomplish divine purposes. The result is that the fear from which we refrain from tithing grows and magnifies in our lives. Giving freely, in joy and love, is always the essential first step toward a prosperity consciousness and, in course, an abundant life. While I cannot guarantee your financial woes will be relieved when you give your money to God, I can guarantee that, when you give, you are placing your trust in God instead of placing your trust in your money. When you do this, blessings do follow. They may not be how you imagine but God rarely works in ways we predict. How can you let go of your reliance on money rely on God?  

Prayer: Lord, I give you your portion of what you have given me. Help me to give freely and with hope. Amen.