What the Bible Says About Relationships and Money
Week of October 23, 2005
This Week’s Scripture Reading
Malachi 3:8-12
“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. You are under a curse, for your whole nation has been cheating me. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord Almighty, “I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not shrivel before they are ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all nations will call you blessed, for your land will be such a delight,” says the Lord Almighty.”
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. They he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.”
Prayers for the Week:
Sunday |
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the abundant blessings that you have give me. Although I could never repay you, I want to give you all that I am and all that I have. I do not want anything to stand in the way of me and you. Help me to set aside anything that is before you. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Monday |
Heavenly Father, I praise your name. You are so good! Help me to give my best to you. Forgive me if I have held back my “first-fruits” in the area of my finances. I want to be a good steward of what you have entrusted to me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Tuesday |
Heavenly Father, I thank you that have granted me eternal life. Because you have sown life into me, help me to sow life into others through Jesus. I do not want to sow sparingly, but generously. May nothing hold me back from sowing into your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Wednesday |
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your love and kindness. I want to honor you in all that I do. I ask that you would specifically help me to honor you in my finances. I want to be completely obedient to your will. In Jesus’ name . . . Amen. |
Thursday |
Heavenly Father, I want you to be first in my life. May you be my main priority. Help me finances to reflect this truth. Grant me the grace to put you first in this area. In Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Friday |
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your faithfulness. I ask that you would help me to faithful to you in the area of finances. I want my financial dealings to be centered on you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Saturday |
Heavenly Father, I ask that you would make me into a generous giver. Help me to see that tithing is only the starting point with what you ask of me. May my heart and hands be open to you and to others. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen. |
Background on the Text
The word “tithe” literally means “a tenth part.” Today, the term has erroneously been used for all giving. People talk about tithing $50, when they make $3000 a month; but they are not really tithing (for a tithe would be $300). They essentially are donating money, though they are not really tithing. It’s important to make this distinction. To tithe, means to give 10% of one’s income. One can donate 3% or 5% of their income, but they cannot tithe it. God commands us in Malachi 3:8-12 that we are to tithe. In fact, when we don’t tithe, God says that we have cheated Him! We do this not out of a legalistic mindset, but out of a heartfelt gratitude for what God has already done in our lives. When we put God first, He will bless us and make us a blessing to the world!
Monday
Observation: What does the text say?
Tuesday
Interpretation: What do these verses mean?
Wednesday
Application: How can I respond to the text’s insights and teachings?
Thursday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
Encouraged and strengthened me by:
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Fallen short areas
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What will I do with these insights?
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Friday
After reading and studying this text, reflect on the following discipleship growth points:
What did God say to me this week?
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Share insights and growth points
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Changed/transformed how?
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Saturday
Reflective Thoughts