His plan - it’s good. Follow it.

Last week we began our series with a look at the character of God, which we found out could be summarised in 1 single word: GOOD!

His heart and desire for us is GOOD and He wants us to do well, to prosper and to be fruitful and multiply.

Thankfully, like any good father would, He laid the platform and plan for us to follow.

Now, before we continue to dive in, know that this topic and subject is often the cause of much angst, offence and unease. I’d put this down to 3 key reasons, these being ignorance, misunderstanding and/or manifesting hahahaha! How do I know this - been there myself a hundred times!

The reality is that this topic and subject is addressed 4 more times in the Bible than prayer or faith, love or forgiveness. Furthermore, this topic consumes the vast majority of people’s waking hours, being the very reason why people work.

MONEY.

Here’s the thing. I appreciate that some churches talk (plead, beg?!) about it each and every Sunday, almost to the point of annoyance and monotony.

I also appreciate that some churches and individuals have abused it.

I get all that. But that does not negate the fact that we as ministers of the gospel are to present the Word in its entireity and to teach all that the Holy Spirit instructs us to do. I mean, of what benefit would it be to you if you were not given all the tools needed to live in His kingdom ways here on Earth as it is in Heaven? Not cool I say! As stewards of this place and space, we are here to teach the Word of God in its fullness and entireity . . . so let’s get into it!

On the basis of all that is mentioned above, ranging from being offended that anyone/someone would talk about money to the misuse of funds by some individuals, from it consuming the majority of our days to being one of the main topics in the Bible, it actually enforces the fact that the subject of money needs to be taught well.

As noted above, God’s plan for us is to prosper and do well (BTW, if you dispute this then you’re waaaaay off the truth - see Jeremiah 29 as a single example cuz!).

Knowing that this is His plan, He has laid out the plan to follow in order for this to come about.

He first established His convenant with Abram, noting His desire and plan to prosper him greatly. Abram then shows us the plan / pattern of honour by giving 10% of what he has to the High Priest of the time.

The books of Numbers and Leviticus clearly spell out how this giving of 10%, known as the “tithe”, is for all the people of God as a plan / pattern of honour and, now that it was in the law, obedience.

Malachi 3, so often spoken about in many churches (but for the first time here in at least 10 years I might add!), clearly denotes the importance of the tithe, not so much for God but for the people - the abundance of blessing, protection and love that results of giving God 10%.

It’s super clear - giving God our tithe honours Him and is yet another way of us as people practically applying ourselves spiritually. You see, many people, me included at various times of my life, struggle to give 10% to the Lord. I mean, I did it but sometimes . . . ok, many of the times . . . it was hard and difficult because inside of me was this wrestle . . . almost like Smeagle holding onto the ring in the Lord of the rings movies!

The main reason I struggled? Heart issues.

You see, I would honour the Lord with their lips but found it difficult to honour God with my heart . . . how did I know that? I struggled to give to the Lord what He asked for. Where your heart is, there your treasure is also.

However, things have now changed. How? Why?

I clearly see God’s plan for my life.

I clearly know His heart for me.

I clearly see the plan He has laid out for me in terms of my finances.

I clearly see how over the course of my life, He has fulfilled all that He said He would do in Malachi 3.

I have had a change of heart.

So looking forward to next week . . . let’s get there!