“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple.”
        Malachi 3:10 NLT

Lately, I’ve been traveling a lot for speaking or book engagements, away from our home church. Today, Todd and I again attended Calvary in Cambridge, Ontario. We were so blessed by the worship and preaching. When it came time for the offering I couldn’t help but give. I felt that if I didn’t, it would be just like walking out of a restaurant without paying the bill. I heard the Holy Spirit encourage me that He doesn’t like when His kids dine and dash!

Malachi had to prophesy a wake-up call kind of message to the people of God in his time. The verse above is part of his message to the Israelites describing how they hadn’t been paying their tithe or the offerings that God had required of them.

All too often we’re like the Israelites and neglect to return the tithe or give offerings as the spirit directs us; we’re fed spiritually and dash out the back doors without paying our share. In Numbers 18:21 God explains how the tithes were to be given to the Levites; the tribe responsible for synagogue work. The pattern was set back then, if we all paid our tithes, there would be more than enough money to pay for the work of the church.

So the next time you’re at your home church or visiting a new one, don’t dine and dash, pay for your meal so there’s enough food in the house!

Prayer

Father…I thank-you that I’m so blessed to have places of worship that feed my spirit! Help me not to take for granted the work that goes into preparing such a rich meal for me. May I honor You as I give tithes and offerings so Your kingdom can be extended and your servants not go hungry! In Jesus Name…Amen

Calvary Cambridge, ON  http://www.calvarycambridge.com