"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
Malachi 3:10
One of My Favorite Stories
You’ve probably heard the story before but it’s one of my favorites. Gets me every time. A father and his daughter find themselves in the grocery store ready to check out. The young girl sees a cheap, dime store, costume jewelry, pearl necklace. She has to have it so she begs her father. What dad can resist the pleading eyes of his daughter? He pays the $2 bucks but the reaction is priceless. She is enthralled!
Later that evening, as he is tucking her in bed, he asks her “Do you love me?” She says, “Of course dad, don’t be silly.” “Then give me your necklace” he replies. She is shocked and obviously shaken by the request. She begins to stammer not knowing how to play this one. He lovingly kisses her on the head and says, “That’s okay, I love you so much.” Then he walks out.
The very next evening the father and his daughter find themselves in the same goodnight routine. He asks her again if she loved him to which she said yes. Just as he did the night before he said, “Then give me your necklace.” This time she gets a bit more belligerent and says, “I love you but I don’t want to give you my necklace.” He kisses her on the head and assures her he loves her and then leaves.
This would go on for several more nights until one night he asked her the same question to find that she had changed her answer. With tears welling up in her eyes she pronounces, “I love you daddy and if you want my necklace you can have it.” She takes it off her neck and hands it to him. As she hands it to him he reaches behind his back with his other hand and hands her a velvet bag. With wonder and amazement the little girl opens the bag to find a genuine pearl necklace.
Don't Settle!
Men, when it comes to our FINANCES, how often do we hold on to the dime store trinkets thinking we know better than God? We are too afraid to let go of what little we have. We settle for little when God has much for us.
Test God in This
The only time we are given permission to test God is in the area of finances. Malachi 3:10 says: "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
So let go and let God!
Travis Sellers
MD5 Lab Facilitator