SCRIPTURE:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… (Hosea 4:6)

DEVOTIONAL:

There is a profound truth in the book of Hosea. It reads, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). There are many Christians who do not enjoy the blessings that are available to them merely because they do not tithe. Over the years, I have observed that there are people in the Church, from the newly born-again believers to the folks who have been in church for years, even ministers who do not tithe or are not faithful in their giving. These people seem to be the same ones who are constantly having financial problems or are trying to “make ends meet.” Almost every time, the root of the problem can be traced back to the area of tithing.

I define the tithe as ten percent (10%) of all legal and legitimate (justified in scripture) financial increase. The tithe literally means “the tenth portion.” That portion belongs to the Lord, and He trusts the Christian to bring it to Him. It is something you return to God, such as returning a rental car when you are finished using it. The car does not belong to you. It was never yours, only yours to use. God enables us to work a job, have a business, or come into an inheritance of which He has already counted out ten percent as belonging to Him.

There are many blessings that result from tithing such as protection, revelation, wisdom, miracles, strength, and success in life. Tithing is a basic Bible principle given by God, and when understood and acted upon in faith, it will bring great rewards!

PRAYER:

Dear God, all I have belongs to you. I thank You that I have the privilege of giving back to you a portion of what You’ve given to me, my tithe. As I act in faith, I receive all of the benefits of tithing: protection, revelation, wisdom, miracles, strength, and success in life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

This devotional is excerpted from Bill Winston’s book, The Power of the Tithe. To order this must-read book, click here. Discover how you can live an abundant and protected life!