Read: Malachi 3:8-12
Test me in this . . . 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. (v. 10 NIV)

My husband and I still can recall our pastor’s advice to us before we were married 31 years ago. He said, “Give 10 percent, save 10 percent, and spend the rest with joy and gladness.” We didn’t always heed that advice but never forgot his words. We’ve had common financial concerns, such as homes, cars, unexpected expenses, and the challenges of funding our children’s activities.

At times we fell into unwise practices such as overspending or purchasing unnecessary things. Some circumstances were not under our control, such as job changes early in our marriage, although we were both blessed with good careers most of our lives. We clung to the wise counsel of consistently tithing, giving the firstfruits back to God even when it was difficult. I encourage the practice of tithing; by giving we learn the joy of blessing others. God says in Malachi 3 that he will prove himself faithful as always, supplying our needs and way beyond.

In Matthew 6, Jesus says not to worry about what we will eat or drink or wear (v. 25). But he says to seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, for he knows our needs and will provide them (v. 33). Many blessings return to us when our priorities are straight. The Lord still amazes us how he gives just enough, just in time, every time.

Prayer:
Giving Father, help us to trust you with our finances.

Author: Myrna Folkert