Giving with Joy
The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church in Nashville Tennessee United States for Thursday, 8 November 2018,"Giving with Joy " by Agostinho (Luanda, Angola)
(Image: Pixabay)
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse . . . says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. (Malachi 3:10 (NRSV))
Until 2008 my wife and I had not tithed regularly. Our resources were already insufficient to support most of our needs. We were afraid that if we gave regularly, we would not have enough left to live on.
One day, as we reflected on today’s reading from Malachi, we realized we needed to tithe. We felt obligated to renew our commitment to the maintenance of our local church life. Later our resources began to increase, and we understood that tithing was an expression of our recognition that God is the Creator and that all we have belongs to God.
Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (NIV). Tithing and other offerings can be joyful acts of love. And the blessings we receive from God are greater than what we contribute to the harvest.
One day, as we reflected on today’s reading from Malachi, we realized we needed to tithe. We felt obligated to renew our commitment to the maintenance of our local church life. Later our resources began to increase, and we understood that tithing was an expression of our recognition that God is the Creator and that all we have belongs to God.
Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (NIV). Tithing and other offerings can be joyful acts of love. And the blessings we receive from God are greater than what we contribute to the harvest.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Eternal God, teach us to contribute sincerely and regularly to your work in the world. Amen.
TODAY'S READING:
Malachi 3:6-10
Malachi 3:6 1"But because I, Adonai, do not change,
you sons of Ya‘akov will not be destroyed.
7 Since the days of your forefathers
you have turned from my laws and have not kept them.
Return to me, and I will return to you,”
says Adonai-Tzva’ot.
“But you ask, ‘In respect to what
are we supposed to return?’
8 Can a person rob God?
Yet you rob me.
But you ask, ‘How have we robbed you?’
In tenths and voluntary contributions.
9 A curse is on you, on your whole nation,
because you rob me.
10 Bring the whole tenth into the storehouse,
so that there will be food in my house,
and put me to the test,”
says Adonai-Tzva’ot.
“See if I won’t open for you
the floodgates of heaven
and pour out for you a blessingfar beyond your needs. (Complete Jewish Bible).
you sons of Ya‘akov will not be destroyed.
7 Since the days of your forefathers
you have turned from my laws and have not kept them.
Return to me, and I will return to you,”
says Adonai-Tzva’ot.
“But you ask, ‘In respect to what
are we supposed to return?’
8 Can a person rob God?
Yet you rob me.
But you ask, ‘How have we robbed you?’
In tenths and voluntary contributions.
9 A curse is on you, on your whole nation,
because you rob me.
10 Bring the whole tenth into the storehouse,
so that there will be food in my house,
and put me to the test,”
says Adonai-Tzva’ot.
“See if I won’t open for you
the floodgates of heaven
and pour out for you a blessingfar beyond your needs. (Complete Jewish Bible).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
What gifts can I offer to God today?
PRAYER FOCUS:
To give joyfully
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