We have a tendency to give only when it is easy to give. When things get tight, what we give to God is often the first item we cut. That’s a bad habit to get into for at least two reasons. One, it shows a lack of gratitude to God for all He has given us in the past. Two, it shows a lack of trust in God for his ability to help us through the rough patch. Solomon said, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” (Proverbs 3:9–10)

Being consistent in your giving will help you become consistent in other areas of your financial life. Plus, it opens the door for God’s blessing on you. Again, Solomon said… “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.” (Provers 22:9)

Someone once said to me, “Are you implying that God is some kind of spiritual slot machine?” My answer is no, absolutely not, because slot machines don’t pay off most of the time. God on the other hand is faithful to His promises. He has promised that if you give, He will bless you. The how and when, we leave up to Him.

Malachi 3:10 is the only place in the Bible where God says explicitly to test Him. ”…Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Test me is synonymous with trust me.

Control of your finances begins with trusting God with your finances. If you give to Him, and trust Him to take care of you, He will do it.

People ask, “How much should I give?” You may not be able to give as much money (in total dollar amount) as some others give, but whatever you give to God will be honored and you will be blessed by Hm. Paul said about giving, “If you are eager to give, God will accept your gift on the basis of what you have to give, not on what you don’t have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12 GNT) Jesus said, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

Pastor Bill Ochs, Planned Giving & Trust Services Director