♕ Today's Promise: "You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.” Haggai 1:6
Dear Brides, I am currently reviewing all the material I had read months ago and it's a blessing to be able to renew my mind and refresh my memory on some of these principles learnt. Looking at Chapter 16 “Opening the Windows of Heaven” in the Wise Woman book, I was once again reminded of all the reasons why we tithe and give offerings.
It made me recall how at the time I did not grasp the importance of what I was reading. Then Erin said that some things can only be understood once we obey, and to just do it, because even God was saying to test Him-literally! One day, by His grace, I finally took the plunge and started tithing to my storehouse faithfully. It became automatic and I didn't give it a thought, until now that I am re-reading this lesson.
I must say, God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man that He should repent (Numbers 23:19). He has been faithful in providing for my every need at a time when my income has plummeted drastically. There is no devourer as God has rebuked Him! Haggai 1:6 says, You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it. My fellow brides, that is not the case with me today since my Father in heaven has rebuked the devourer.
I have this phone App that sends me daily notifications, and I see my bank balance hold for weeks on end-no holes and no devourers!! Erin was right to teach from God's word that some of these things we will only understand upon obeying! And God has been true to His promise of rebuking the devourer! Indeed I have tasted and seen that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8 NIV.
Dear Brides, if you are hesitant in this step of your journey, I can relate as I'll be honest that the lesson didn't resonate with me at the time. But once the Lord quickened my spirit and I began to send in my tithe to my storehouse, I experienced the miracle of watching God's word and His promises to me fulfilled! He says to test Him in this, take Him at His invitation and see what the Lord will do for you. Psalm 66:5 says, Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man's behalf!
Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, help us to learnt to take your word at face value. Help us to learn that delayed obedience is disobedience and teach us to obey right upon hearing your word, for your word is truth, bringing healing to the bones and setting the captives free. Help us to understand that obedience is better than sacrifice, and that you desire truth in the inner parts. Give us the courage and fortitude to act on your word as soon as you reveal it to us, for this pleases you. Forgive us for those times we delay or even deny you our trust and obedience. We thank you for your grace, that you do not treat us according to that which we deserve. Thank you for your mercies which are new every morning, thank you for your great faithfulness.
Beloved Brides, let us test the Lord cheerfully in this regard. His word promises us that He longs to strongly support us and that He longs to be gracious to us. Let's open our hands to release to Him that which we have, so we can receive from Him that which He has for us, which is exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think (Eph. 3:20), and our God shall supply all our need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19).
"So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs...and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:31-33 NLT
"Then Jesus asked them, 'When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?' 'Nothing', they answered." Luke 22:35 NIV
"And this same God who takes care of my needs will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 NLT
"Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows." Malachi 3:10
"Freely you received, freely give." Matthew 10:8
~ Esmé in Connecticut
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