Malachi 3:10-12, "‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. 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 that there will not be room enough to store it.'"

Think

First a book, then a movie and now a part of our culture, the whole "pay it forward" concept has become increasingly popular in recent years, and that's great! But it's not new; it's biblical. The Bible says it's better to give than to receive. Yet, isn't it ironic that tithing (bringing back the first 10% of our income to God's house) is such a touchy subject for so many Christians? Giving is a life-changing experience. So, why question whether or not we can afford to tithe? In God's economy, we can't afford NOT to! In today's verse, God is saying, "Go ahead, I dare you! Try tithing and see what happens!" It's impossible to outgive God! Bringing the tithe places us directly in the flood zone of God's favor and blessing. It models obedience, produces unspeakable joy in our hearts, and draws us closer to God. Plus, it's contagious - what a great thing to spread! Are you living in the flood zone of favor? If not, take God up on his offer. You literally have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Act

Read Malachi 3:6-12 and let the Lord's words resonate in your heart. Then, read it again aloud with feeling and inflection. It will surely give you goosebumps! Conclude by spending a few moments journaling whatever God places on your heart.

Pray

Dear Lord, thank you for always providing me with more than I could ever ask for or imagine. Your generosity has flooded my life with blessing, purpose, and hope. In Jesus' name, Amen.