Do you know how to receive abundance? The Bible teaches a sure-fire way to get more than you need. According to Luke 6: 36: "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." That is such a great promise. You do not need an in-depth Bible study to understand this verse. It clearly underlines the certainty of getting your needs met and much more by the use of the word "shall" no less than three times! Whenever that word is used in the King James version, sit up and take notice. It means that indeed it shall be done. It does not mean that maybe something will or may come to pass; it means exactly what it says. When you obey God's instruction to give, you shall indeed get what He promised! To put the above verse in context, you will note that it is part of the "Beatitudes," the blueprint of victorious Christian life. Jesus came so that you may have life more abundantly (John 10:10). Therefore, if He tells you specifically how to achieve it, then would you trust Him to prove His Word? It is easy to give out of abundance, isn't it? When you're a millionaire you're happy to give to charities and help out family members in need. But, what if you don't bring in enough every month to pay all the bills? Yes, that's exactly when you are in dire need and you cry out for more than enough, right? So, how then can you give when you cannot properly feed your own family? God is your provider. (Gen. 22:14) All that is yours comes ultimately from Him. Even when we receive a little, we must first thank Him for His provision. Yes, first God; then yourself. The first ten percent of your net income must go to Him. It is called the tithe. If the tithe is not paid, God says that He is robbed. However, if you: "Bring all the tithes in the storehouse (your local church), prove me, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Mal.3:10) This verse is the only one in the Bible where God actually asks you to prove Him. He says in essence to try it and tell Him that you're holding Him to His Word! Abel knew the principle of the tithe. He offered the first born and very best of his cattle in thanksgiving. Cain, on the other hand gave "of the fruit of the ground." He did not consider God worthy to get his first and best fruit. God explained that if you do according to His Word, you will be accepted. If not, then sin comes in. (Gen. 4: 2-7).You know the end of that story. Abraham gave his very best: his only, long-awaited for, son Isaac. His full unwavering trust in His Lord provided him with the offering he needed. He called that place Jehovah Jireh: The Lord is my Provider. (Gen. 22:13-14) There is much more in the Word about special offerings to God, giving to charities, and helping those in need. As He did with Abraham, if you walk in trust with Him, He will provide the offering for you. The tithe, however, must come first with a thankful heart, in submission and obedience to Him. Then you will be in His Perfect Will and Peace! "I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am God." (Isa. 45:3) |
