How to stay hooked in to heaven's economy
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”
Philippians 3:20
Watching the news, hearing reports of deaths, and being in a quarantine situation has affected all of us. It’s at these times where we have to pull on the greater reality of heaven - the place where our eternal citizenship lies. As the old saying goes, “We are in the world but not of the world.” The kingdom of heaven never wavers, is always stable and is rooting for us. How, then, do we stay connected to that greater reality in a world that is shaking all around us?
As I was hanging out with the Lord today, I was looking at another subject but He started talking to me about tithes and offerings. It’s so easy to hunker down, hold back, and be “wise” with your finances. But the wisest man of his time said, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty..” (Proverbs 11:24 NIV). The word “unduly” means excessively, inappropriately, or unjustifiably. I’m sure with the scarcity of toilet paper that there’s been some “unduly” hoarding going on!
Giving financially (tithe = the first 10%, offering = anything above that) is one of the best ways to stay hooked in to heaven’s economy. Our giving is always unto the Lord, yet we bring it to the local church and Christ-like ministries that God has placed on our hearts.
The Lord wanted me to emphasize to the church - “Do not stop giving tithes and offerings!”
Here’s why:
1. It hooks you in to heaven’s economy
Jesus said where your treasure is your heart will be also. (Matt. 6:21)
Malachi said when you bring the tithes and offerings God will throw open the windows of heaven. (Mal. 3:10)
Solomon said when you honor the Lord with the first of your finances you will have more than enough. (Prov. 3:9-10)
It’s an act of faith.
As citizens of heaven, we access the economy of heaven by giving into heaven!
Our finances given to the Lord make a streamline connection between us and heaven.
Heaven never wavers. Heaven is always stable and secure. Heaven is full of life, peace and joy. The glory of God lights it up for eternity!
Just like the people of Israel were provided for in the midst of a famine - in the land of Goshen - God connects us in to the higher economy of heaven that we would be blessed the same. (Gen. 45:10-11)
2. It positions you for breakthrough
Malachi said - “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 3:11)
In response to your tithing and offerings, God Himself will rebuke the devourer!
Read that last line again.
As a result of God’s rebuke, the things that are coming after the rest of the world won’t be able to touch you and yours!
That sounds a lot like Psalm 91:7: “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you.”
3. It assists the church to be the storehouse
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house...” Malachi 3:10
The church is meant to be the storehouse! Your tithes and offerings bring food - physical and spiritual - into the house of God.
Just like Egypt was when Joseph was sent ahead to prepare for the famine. They stored up seven years worth of food. Then when the world went into the famine, they had the food needed to supply the world!
I know local churches that are passing out tons of food to those in need. We are blessed to be a blessing!
Not only does the church give the bread for food, but we give the Bread of Life!
Preaching Jesus - the life source for a world in need! The Savior, the Healer, the One who sets us free!
This is the church’s time to shine and bring the Bread of Life to the world in a spiritual famine!
When you bring tithes and offerings, you assist the church in that mission.
Let me say again what the Lord told me to tell you:
“Don’t stop giving tithes and offerings!”
Read this blog again to remind yourself why.
At the end of the day, we give because God is worthy and He’s asked us to. But in this hour the Lord is emphasizing the fact that tithing and offering hooks us into the greater reality and economy of heaven.
Find ministries that are committed to preach the gospel of Jesus, raise up disciples and represent Him on the earth. They are great places to invest in.
Question: How have you seen God release breakthrough for you as you’ve brought tithes and offerings to Him?