Title: Let It Rain (Part 2)

PASTOR’S NOTES

Date: June 9, 2013

Title: Let It Rain (part 2)

When was tithing established? Most would answer in the book of Malachi. We first see the principle of tithing in Genesis 14:18–20. Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all. When we tithe we want to insure we are planting into fertile ground. Melchizedek means the legitimate one; it also means Righteous King. Sow into a good ministry. Judge the ministry by its fruit.

Does God want us to prosper financially? Genesis 13:2 says, “Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.” He was very rich. Philippians 4:19 says God will supply all our needs. Third John 1:2 says, “…I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health…” What does prosper mean? Prosperity means to be whole and complete in your soul, mind and body. That means every aspect of your life. Jesus says in John 10:10, “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” The word life there is zoe which means a God kind of life. Abundantly means plenty; more than enough. You may not be where you want to be right now but Zachariah 4:10 says to not despise the days of small beginnings.

We get our knowledge and understanding from our prophets and pastors (Jeremiah 3:15, Romans 10:14). Second Chronicles 20:20b says, “…Believe in the LORD your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” Pastors and prophets give us information and inspiration. Our responsibility is to apply what we hear.

Look at Luke 6:38 in the King James Translation:

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Provision is looking for vision. Seek first His Kingdom and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). James 4:2 says we do not have because we do not ask. Look what Psalms 115: 12–14 has to say: You are on God’s mind. He will bless you. He will bless your house. He will bless those who respect Him. He will bless you small and great. He will give you increase more and more, you and your children.

Let’s stop dwelling on generational curses and concentrate on generational blessings!

Many pay their tithe out of obligation but they nickel and dime God with offerings. The tithe is an obedience issue. Offerings are a faith issue. If you don’t give offerings it is because you do not trust God. Your logic holds you back from trusting God. Your logic interferes with the blessings God has for you.

Other scriptures quoted: Acts 20:27 (NIV); Psalms 23; Mark 7:13; Hosea 4:6; Psalms 118:24–25; Genesis 26:12–13; Romans 6:23; Psalms 34:8–10; Ecclesiastes 10:19; Revelation 1:6; Philippians 2:5; Genesis 8:22; John 12:32; Genesis 26:12–13; Hebrews 13:8; Psalms 82:6; Job 3:25; Matthew 6:10; Psalms 46:10; Revelation 22:18–19; John 3:16–17; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Matthew 24:24; Isaiah 5:20; Proverbs 11:30; John 8:32; Psalms 34:8–10; Jeremiah 3:15; Matthew 7:11; Hosea 4:6 (NIV); Proverbs 22:6.