Sunday Words of Encouragement February 23, 2014

Our Pastor's message this morning.was on our attitude towards money and particularly on tithing. He doesn't often speak on giving but every once in a while he encourages the congregation to an attitude of cheerful giving. He reminded us that it isn't money itself that is evil but "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" Timothy 6:10. Some people claim they don't have enough money to give any to the church. But the mature Christian knows that all his or her needs will be met only when God is honored with the first fruits of what He gives us.

My husband and I were blessed to have learned this lesson early in our marriage. We both agreed that we should tithe and God has continually provided all that we needed. There were lean times when we couldn't go to McDonald's for dinner, but we never went hungry. We did have to learn to surrender control of certain possessions in order to allow God to use what we had. It was then we recognized that everything we have -- all money, all talents, all possessions -- belongs to God. We are just stewards here on earth of the gifts He has given. He allows us to keep ninety percent of what He has given to us and only asks for a return of ten percent to further His kingdom. We have learned also that He is generous to pour out blessings when we share what we have. It is a beautiful thing and we are glad to give Him the praise!

This morning we sang this song as a new praise song.
I hope you enjoy it as I did.

Verses For Today:
Malachi 3:8-10 (NIV)
8 "Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you robbed me. "But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?'
"In tithes and offerings.  9 You are under a curse--your whole nation-- because you are robbing me.
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."


A prayer today: Thank you Heavenly Father for always meeting our needs and for blessing us greatly beyond mere needs. Keep us mindful to help others by sharing what you have so graciously allowed us to be stewards of. May our faithful tithes and giving bless Your kingdom.