What a simple but incredibly powerful verse! Several years ago while going through a season of pruning, the Lord taught me a great deal through this verse. To this day, it serves as a reminder that we are all a continual work in progress. He has determined good things for us to do in advance. (Ephesians 2:10) But sometimes when we are walking in a valley, it can be easy to lose sight of what God has placed on our hearts. Vision can be blurred in these moments by tears, pain, or even long seasons of waiting. It may appear that nothing is happening, but rest assured, every one of His promises is true! I once heard someone say, "Never doubt in the dark what God has revealed to you in the light."
The greatest accomplishment we could every achieve is the fulfillment of our created purpose and to one day hear King Jesus tell us, "well done, my good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23) Many of us have heard of someone that inherited a large sum of money only to find out, that over time, it became a hindrance or perhaps even destroyed their life. The money itself wasn't the problem — the heart and hands that held it were! Similarly, our hearts must be pruned and our hands and feet must be prepared to walk in the inheritance of the spiritual blessing that the Lord wants to give us. The second half of Matthew 25:23 says, "You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!" His resources are unlimited! He is waiting on us to bring our "whole tithe" to Him.
Malachi 3:10 (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."
The "whole tithe" is more than just money. The whole tithe is all of our heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37) Our gracious King invites us to not only receive the blessing, but also to test Him in this promise! God's desire to use us, is far greater than our desire to be used by Him. Even when walking in the valleys, His ways are true and His timing is perfect! (Matthew 6:8)
Lord,
Thank you for teaching us, training us, and preparing us to walk in the rich and abundant blessings that You have prepared for us!, Prune our hearts, Lord! Continue to mold us, shape us, and even break us if that is what it takes to become the sons and daughters that You have called and created us to be. Father, we humbly ask You and test You, with your permission, Great King! We remind You, your Majesty, that You can not lie. Every word You speak is true! You are Truth! We stand on Your promises, walk in Your ways, and graciously receive though faith all that You have promised us! May our heart's desire be your desires! May we love others as You loved us! Thank You for all that is to come! May Your name be forever high and lifted up! In Jesus mighty name we praise You and thank You for it! Amen.
The greatest accomplishment we could every achieve is the fulfillment of our created purpose and to one day hear King Jesus tell us, "well done, my good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23) Many of us have heard of someone that inherited a large sum of money only to find out, that over time, it became a hindrance or perhaps even destroyed their life. The money itself wasn't the problem — the heart and hands that held it were! Similarly, our hearts must be pruned and our hands and feet must be prepared to walk in the inheritance of the spiritual blessing that the Lord wants to give us. The second half of Matthew 25:23 says, "You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!" His resources are unlimited! He is waiting on us to bring our "whole tithe" to Him.
Malachi 3:10 (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."
The "whole tithe" is more than just money. The whole tithe is all of our heart, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37) Our gracious King invites us to not only receive the blessing, but also to test Him in this promise! God's desire to use us, is far greater than our desire to be used by Him. Even when walking in the valleys, His ways are true and His timing is perfect! (Matthew 6:8)
Lord,
Thank you for teaching us, training us, and preparing us to walk in the rich and abundant blessings that You have prepared for us!, Prune our hearts, Lord! Continue to mold us, shape us, and even break us if that is what it takes to become the sons and daughters that You have called and created us to be. Father, we humbly ask You and test You, with your permission, Great King! We remind You, your Majesty, that You can not lie. Every word You speak is true! You are Truth! We stand on Your promises, walk in Your ways, and graciously receive though faith all that You have promised us! May our heart's desire be your desires! May we love others as You loved us! Thank You for all that is to come! May Your name be forever high and lifted up! In Jesus mighty name we praise You and thank You for it! Amen.