final messages at the close of
the Old Testament concerns
giving. "Bring the whole tithe into
the storehouse... and see if I will
not throw open the floodgates
of heaven and pour out so
much blessing that you will
not have room enough for
it" (Mal. 3:10).
there are practical reasons
for giving.
including you, came into
existence without God.
God designed and created
everything from the
majestic mountain to the
grain of sand on the
beach. From the diamond
that sparkles to the oil
that makes your car run.
How could you watch a
sunset or enjoy the antics
of your kitten and not want
to give back to God?
with you. Would you then take all of the tomatoes,
green beans and corn and leave none for your neighbor?
Certainly not! Common courtesy prompts you to share
with your benefactor.
payments on your car and buy the gas. Maybe you even
take a part-time job to buy a few luxuries. That seems
to cover it, you think, but where does the strength to work
for what you need come from? What about your intellect
Gratitude for your human
village without clean water.
In your city or hometown you
see hungry people on the
streets without jobs. In
church you see a child who
will have no birthday party.
The need is too big for you.
You can't make much differ-
ence to the masses but you
can make a difference to one
Combined with the efforts
of others, your gift is huge.
appreciation, someone makes your gift sound four times
greater than it was. The amazing sensation that starts in
the pit of your stomach swells your heart and brings tears
to your eyes. It cannot be equaled.
in other ways, but we won't stop giving to church."