Revelation of the Word:

THEME: MYSTERY OF POVERTY

Malachi 3:10-12 NIV

“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. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.”

INSIGHT

-This chapter begins with a prophecy of the forerunner; John the Baptist called to prepare the way for Jesus Christ as fulfilled in Matthew 11:10 and Mark 1:2. The people of Malachi’s day had let down; their attitude was ho-hum, and possibly they did not realize it. Tithe in Israel was also to be used to help the poor, and once every three years some of it was put aside for that purpose (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). It was also used to support the tribe of Levi and the priests (Deuteronomy 14:27). The same principle carries over in the New Testament. Some people claim that a paid ministry is an abomination before God, but Paul made it clear that not only do ministers deserve to be supported by those they minister to (1 Timothy 5:18, 1 Corinthians 9:4-14), but also that their support is even more worthy than the poor (1 Timothy 5:17). Nevertheless, Paul voluntarily yielded his right to be supported when he thought it was in the best interests of the gospel to do so (1 Corinthians 9:12, 9:15). In Luke 11:42, we find Jesus addressing the Pharisees, who gave God a tenth of their mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. Tithe should be voluntarily given, in a positive light and the heart of love. God calls us to be faithful with our tithe and offerings, and He releases His promises of blessings of prosperity and protection from the devourer who comes to kill, steal and destroy, and cause poverty. God causes His everlasting light to shine upon us and this is evidenced by many for the glory of His name.

PRAYER

This is the day the Lord has made; we rejoice and are glad in it. Save us; O Lord and grant us success. Lord You are good for You have made Your marvelous light to shine upon us. You are our God, and there is none like You. We praise You for You are our God. We exalt You our God and King. We praise Your name for ever and ever. Every day we praise You and extol Your name for ever and ever. Great are You Lord and most worthy of praise; Your greatness no one can fathom.There is none like You Jesus Christ. You are Ebenezer the Most High God. Thank You for enabling us to come this far as a people and as a nation. Thank You for giving us independence as a nation. May You complete the good work which You began in us for the glory and honor of Your name. May You teach us and enable us to give our tithes and offerings faithfully. May You open the flood gates of heaven and rain upon us. May You poor Your blessings upon us that there will no room enough to store it. May You prevent pests from devouring our crops, and our vines will not drop their fruit before it is ripe. May You water our nation and prosper us. May You prosper our crop and our water. Prosper our children and bless the work of our hands. We shall lend to many nations and borrow from none. We shall be the first and not the last. Oh God of all creation, bless this our land and nation. May justice be our shield and defender. May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty. May plenty be found within our boarders. Thank You Lord Jesus for loving us and for choosing us. We belong to You dear Jesus. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives and we dwell in Your house Lord forever, and ever. Amen

Further reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Blessed Mashujaa day

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