This conviction was strong

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse...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 there will not be room enough to store it.”

Malachi 3:10

The Question

What is it about money that teaches us about God’s provision and faithfulness in a way few things can?

When I first went through MD5 three years ago, I had already learned to bring my tithe to church. But during the Life Plan process, the Holy Spirit pressed on me in the area of Finances.

I had already graduated from OWE – LIVE – GROW – GIVE to something like GROW – OWE – LIVE – GIVE.

But through Scripture, He was teaching me about first fruits—בִּכּוּר (bikkur)—the very first portion of the harvest, livestock, or labor given back to God before anyone else touched it. In modern terms, this isn’t the net after taxes and expenses, but the gross—the very first return.

I had been in business for seven years, giving faithfully, but never from my gross. The conviction was clear, though it scared me. Seeing the numbers on paper, I prayed, “Lord, can we just call 'first fruits' what’s left after expenses?” His answer in my spirit was immediate: “Then they wouldn’t be first fruits. Trust Me.”

It was time for me to GIVE – GROW – OWE – LIVE.

So I wrote it down, presented it to my cohort, and a month later, started giving the way God asked me to.

The Result

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... 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 there will not be room enough to store it.”

—Malachi 3:10

I used to think this was metaphorical—peace, contentment, maybe eternal reward. I was wary of “give to get” preaching. But I was wrong.

From Q1 of 2023 onward, my business has seen steady, record-breaking growth every quarter. I can’t explain the math. I’m not an economic genius. I’m just a man trying to walk with Jesus in my family, fitness, faith, friendships, and finances.

How does giving first result in having more to steward, give, and grow? I don’t know. But I know what obedience is producing in my life.

The Challenge

I don’t know where you are in your giving journey—whether you run a business, work for a paycheck, are retired, or are between jobs. But I do know this: God cares about the "Finances" portion of your Life Plan.

As 2025 closes and you look toward the new year, consider this word from Paul:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

—2 Corinthians 9:7

You are a steward of all that God has entrusted to you—not just the net. What would it look like for you to bring your first fruits to Him this year?

Sincerely,

Coach Alex

P.S. I know one of the rules of giving is not to talk about giving. I’m not telling you this to boast—my giving is tiny in the scope of eternity. But among brothers striving to be more like Christ, honest testimony matters. Thanks for letting me share mine.

Alex VanHouten

MD5 Facilitator