Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, 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
This is a favorite scripture of mine because God promises “overflowing blessings”. I don’t know about you, but I like overflowing blessings. (Today’s my birthday, I get blessings today!) Plus, God makes these blessings part of a challenge: “go ahead and test me with your generosity and see what good can happen”. This sounds fun.
Whenever we practice what we call ‘means of Grace’, (scripture, prayer, worship, giving, fasting, acts of compassion, service), we draw into a deeper presence of God in our lives. Most of us experience God in prayer and worship but there is also something very special about experiencing God in generous giving of money, acts of compassion to love on others, and serving to bless others.
It is in the means of Grace that we encounter the presence of God in all its transforming and loving power. Trust me this is true. Or don’t trust me but try the challenge for yourself. Put God to the test. Like the scripture says, give, yes give money, and see if you are not blessed.
The scripture says to do this so that there may be food in the house. We are certainly doing this as part of our 40th anniversary, filling the house with food. I believe our big celebration weekend will be an overflowing blessing for all.
Pray, give, join in the worship and let’s see what God will do in us and through us. We are just 10 days from our 40th anniversary weekend. Please pray for the event and for what comes next for NHUMC.
Blessings,
Pastor Rafe