In the book of Malachi, God is very disappointed in the Israelites. He expresses His love for them and in return they offer Him defiled and unworthy sacrifices. They rebel and continue to live a dishonorable life in the eyes of God. He issues a warning to the priests of old and calls His people to come back and be faithful to Him. He corrects them and pleads with them in chapter 3:8, “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.” It’s important to recognize that nothing is truly ours, yet what we are in possession of, is something that the Lord has given us and surely is entitled to take away if we are irresponsible with it.

For example, tithes and offerings, every Christians favorite topic. By the grace of God, we have been put in a position to be fortunate enough to possess a device that we can read this devotional on. Maybe we don't have access to a ton of financial resources, but we have something. As we see in Mark 12:41-44, “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

The Lord is asking that we trust Him. He tells us “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” As Christians, we are called to take care of and nurture The Bride of Christ. We are called to give and bring an offering to The Lord. Yes it may be hard, and yes sometimes we might not have a lot to offer, but just as that poor woman mentioned in the book of Mark. We all have something, even if it is our last. Trust in the Lord in this season of giving. Have faith that He will be faithful to fulfill His word. He loves you endlessly and will never forsake you.

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You for all You have given us. Thank You for trusting us with the gifts we have received. Work in us Lord, work in softening our hearts to the understanding of the importance and impact that giving has on Your children. Continue to bless us Lord and allow us to grow in our trust in You. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in this matter. Pray and meditate on the gift of giving. Look to 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 to read Paul’s commission to giving. We invite you to partner with us in inspiring people to live for Jesus.