Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts. – Malachi 3:10-12
The Lord gave us the promise of being a tither right here. However, just because the promise was given, that doesn’t mean that it’s going to automatically come to pass in your life. In fact, just because you take action and tithe, that doesn’t mean you’re going to receive the blessing promised.
All the blessings of God comes through the avenue of faith. Many Christians tithe, but not every single one of them receives the promise because they’re not missing faith with their actions. If we leave out faith, then all we are left with are works. We receive the promises God through our faith in what God told us to do, and actually doing it.
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. – 2 Corinthians 8:9
When most Christians hear the word prosperity, they usually think about money, whether good or bad. But that’s not necessarily what the Word is talking about. Yes, prosperity can and does involve money, but that’s not really what it’s talking about here. Prosperity here is talking about position, not money. Jesus left His position in Heaven to give us a position in Heaven and Earth. The lack of position no longer has authority over us. When we understand how we are positioned, it will change our thinking and our way of life.
When we hear the word prosperity, besides money, we tend to associate that with being rich. Prosperity actually means an abundant supply. That doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is going to be a millionaire. Understand that one of the reasons God blesses us is so that we can be a blessing to others. If you want to increase in your finances, start giving. Keep giving. Increase your giving.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. – 2 Corinthians 9:6
Sowing bountifully isn’t the same for everyone. Remember the widow and her two mites (Luke 21)? You start sowing bountifully on the level that you are on. Don’t be swayed to sow based on what others are doing. Be moved by what the Lord would have you do.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:7-11
God wants us extremely blessed, financially, but you have to do it according to the Word of God. And you have to do it with the right attitude. You can’t seek God with the “Give me, Give me, my name is Jimmy” attitude. You also have to understand that you have to be on legal ground to receive what God has promised. You can’t be hanging out with the devil and his crowd and expect to receive the promises of God. You can’t be blatantly disobeying the Word of God and expect to enjoy the blessings of it.
Years ago I was working in my father-in-law’s church as his associate pastor. The wife of one of the church superintendents was having terrible physical attacks. No matter what doctor they went to or how much we prayed, there was no relief. While standing in front of the congregation one Sunday, the spirit of the Lord came upon me and before I could stop myself I heard these words come out: “The reason your wife can’t get healed is because you won’t tithe.” I was as shocked as everyone else. In fact, more so because I’m the one that said it. You can imagine how well that went over.
People were about to stone me to death, but you know what, I was scriptural. 1 Timothy 5:20 says, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” I didn’t know anything about this man’s finances or his tithing. That was the Holy Ghost trying to help him and his wife. Thankfully my father-in-law got up and told the people that I knew nothing of the finances of the church and this was the Holy Ghost.
I say this not to make you pay your tithe. I say it so you’ll know that you have to qualify for the blessings of God. I know that’s a cuss word in some circles. But it’s the Word of God. You have to qualify. You can’t get the blessings of a tither unless you’re a tither. You have to do what the Word of God says. Prosperity is connected to the Word of God.
Find out what the Word says about your finances, get in faith and don’t let go. Position yourself so God can bless you so much that you can be a blessing to all those around you. God is with you!
