NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN: Matthew 13-15
SCRIPTURE READING
Malachi 3:10 (ESV); Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in
my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the
windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
When we accept the gift of Christ and are adopted into God’s family, we receive blessings.
Jesus reminded us in Matthew 7 that God is a good Father who gives good gifts to His
children. So often we think of God as a big “NO” – One who is trying to take away our
pleasures. Even the thought of heaven, for many of us, is a dread because we envision
ourselves growing calluses on our knees 24-7. But God is good, and all good things come
from Him. Of course He will sometimes ask us to give things up. He will convict us when we
place anything, or anyone above Him in our lives; but He is not out to get us!
The prophet Malachi spoke to a nation who had stopped giving their tithe to the Lord.
God challenged them to return to Him with tithes and offerings and see Him respond with
blessing. As one commentary puts it, “God promises to meet all of their needs, but not
necessarily all their “greeds.” God may not bless us with material wealth, vocational power
or a sudden romantic relationship, but He will bless us in a way that is for our best interest!
When we are willing to submit ourselves to Him and trust that He is a good Father, we will
experience great blessing in return!
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) What are your feelings when you hear the word “blessing?” Do you shy away from it or
run towards it? Do you believe that God has great blessings for you? If not, ask Him
why you struggle to grasp this promise.
2) Is there something that you are keeping from God that is keeping Him from blessing
you? Ask Him about it.
3) Ask God to give you a greater understanding of who He is as the Giver of good things.
Confess any false pictures you have of Him, and take time to thank Him for the many
blessings that He has already put in your life.
