Obedience
Blessing
Tithing
Sowing and Reaping
These are all truths. God’s truths. When we obey, we stay in relationship with the Father. And he blesses us. When we tithe, we follow his commands and submit our firsts to him. Even the first of our money (It’s really all his money at the end of the day:). And when we sow, we reap. It’s His principle.
So here’s a short story:
I’m learning to listen, then obey. Listen, then obey. Listen, obey. And you know what, others also listen and obey. Listen, and obey. Listen…obey. Well, 6 months ago, I came to Simi Valley, CA for the holiday’s at Christmas time. I decided on Sunday morning I was going to tithe to the Church I go to. So I asked the Lord, “How much?” I listened and decided to give $40 dollars. At church, the Pastors wife, a great women of God was there. We got to talking after church and sharing about Cambodia, Thailand. She was a missionary in Thailand in her 20’s, and I was just about to go there to see B squad, one my missionary groups. Out of nowhere, as I’m about to leave, she hands me some rolled up bills. I was so grateful (I’m a missionary, not a banker:). I didn’t even really bother to look at how much. But I look later, yep, it was exactly $40. The same amount I gave. Not only was I blessed in return, but her and the church were blessed too, by receiving that tithe.
Well, yesterday, I go to Church again. I haven’t been here to California in 6 months, but came for a 4 day visit. As I’m leaving Church this time, I get to talking again with Pastor Debbie. Well, after encouragement in the Lord, and some prayer, she does the same thing, hands me a little wad of cash. Again, I’m so humbled and grateful. And she mentions how she felt earlier in the week that this is what the Lord told her to do with this amount. Well, I look down, and it was for $100 dollars. You want to know how this is so cool and crazy??? Well, as I was walking out of the house in the morning to go to church, I look for my checkbook in my work bag and pull out a check. I ask the Lord, “how much should I give?” It was on my heart to give $100. Yes! I had no idea what she was going to do, either time. She had no idea what I was going to do, either time. The exact amount that was tithed, was the exact amount that the Lord returned to my hands, both times! And the exact amount that Pastor Debbie released from her hands and gave, was the exact amount that she and the church received back!
Both times! Without either of us knowing in advance. But God knew! He was speaking.
Praise God!
It’s not about the dollar amount, friends. It’s not about $40 or $100. Because I’ve seen this happen with $1,000. or even $1.00. And it’s not even really about me, or Pastor Debbie. This is about God. About God and his love, his grace. It’s for all of us. This was such the reminder for me, of God’s love, his promises fulfilled. Does this type of visible experience happen all the time, NO, definitely not. This experience isn’t meant to be copied, expected, or revered above the giver. But it is meant to be a statement. A love statement, from the father’s hearts to ours. I don’t expect that next time I give a tithe, that I’ll see something like this happen. In fact I don’t need it to. But it’s great when God does let things like this happen to show us how he and his promises are still on the throne! Still on the throne! We never know what God is up to, in amazing ways! Oh, to listen and obey. God, you’re great!
