During my over 30+ years in pastoral ministry, I’ve always been excited to share a message that can transform an individual’s entire relationship with God.
Listen to the beautiful invitation found in Malachi 3:10.
‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,'” says the Lord, ‘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!'” – Malachi 3:10.
The “storehouse” this verse refers to is the place where you worship. The “food in the Temple” means the spiritual nourishment that is received. This verse isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to participate in God’s abundant generosity and to experience His blessings in remarkable ways.
The Joy of Partnering with God
Do you know what spiritual discipline Jesus spoke about the most? He taught about prayer, service, and relationships with others, but the one He mentioned the most was giving.
When we give, we’re not just generous with our money—we’re entering into a joyous partnership with God in His work. Imagine the joy of knowing that your giving enables your church to share the love of Christ, feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, and teach God’s Word. Whenever you give, you affirm your participation in something greater than yourself, inspiring and motivating others to join this joyous partnership.
One of the reasons I love pastoring the Hinesville First United Methodist Church is seeing the fruits of generosity every day. The uplifting worship, the insightful sermons, the enriching children’s and student ministries, the community outreach—all of these are made possible because of faithful giving. You’re not just attending church; you’re actively building God’s Kingdom!
The Blessing of Spiritual Nourishment
Think about the spiritual food you receive here. The insights that challenge you, the truths that comfort you, and the fellowship that supports you—are priceless gifts. Your tithes and offerings ensure that our church can continue to be a place of spiritual nourishment and growth.
Just as we joyfully pay for a nourishing meal at a restaurant, our offerings ensure a continual feast of spiritual food in God’s house. And the best part? This spiritual meal has eternal value!
Testimonies of Joy and Abundance
Over the years, I’ve heard many faithful testimonies from those who have embraced the ministry of giving. The joy in their voices is unmistakable as they share how God has blessed them—not just financially but in every area of their lives. They speak of a deeper trust in God, a greater sense of purpose, and, yes, provision beyond what they could have imagined.
One common refrain I hear is, “I am so blessed. God has so blessed my family.” This isn’t about material wealth but a profound sense of contentment and trust in God’s provision.
An Invitation to Experience God’s Faithfulness
Malachi 3:10 is unique in Scripture because it’s the only place where God says, “Test me in this.” It’s as if God is excitedly saying, “Try it! See if I won’t come through for you in ways you can’t even imagine!”
This is an invitation to step deeper into faith and trust. It’s an opportunity to experience firsthand the faithfulness of our generous God.
Three Joyful Steps to Embracing Giving
1. Start with Gratitude: Before you give, take a moment to thank God for all He’s given you. Gratitude opens our hearts to generosity.
2. Give with Joy: Remember, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As you give, do so with a heart full of joy, knowing you’re participating in God’s work.
3. Watch for Blessings: Keep your eyes open for how God blesses you – in your finances, yes, but also in your relationships, your peace of mind, and your spiritual growth.
A Pastor’s Heart for Your Spiritual Growth
I’m deeply committed to your spiritual growth and your relationship with God. Sharing this message about giving is more than just part of my ministerial calling—it’s a joyful opportunity to invite you to a deeper trust in God’s provision and a more active role in His Kingdom’s work. I want you to know that you are cared for and guided in your spiritual journey and that I am here to support you every step of the way.
Giving is a spiritual discipline that, like prayer and studying Scripture, has the power to transform our hearts and draw us closer to God. My hope is that as we explore this together, you’ll discover new levels of joy, freedom, and purpose in your walk with Christ.
Your faithfulness makes a difference for those who prioritize giving to local church ministries! Together, let’s step into the abundance of God’s blessings and the excitement of being part of His work in our community and the world.
Remember, we can never outgive God. As you embrace this joyful practice of tithing, may you find yourself echoing the words of so many before you: “I am so blessed. God has so blessed my family.”
Exploring Our Faith: Questions for Reflection
1. How have you experienced blessings in your life when you gave to others?
2. What practical steps can you take to make giving a joyful practice in your life?
3. What does “test God” mean in the context of Malachi 3:10, and how might that apply to your own life?