In Malachi 3:10 the prophet says, “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”.

Throughout scripture we are told it is a sin to put God to the test. Only here does God invite us, indeed dare us, to “test Him.” “Try to out give me,” He says. You won’t be able to.

Jesus puts it this way in Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Do I want God’s blessings? Then I should first be a blessing. Harvest Sunday is coming up on October 18th. It is a good time for each of us to take stock of our finances; to catch up if we have fallen behind on what we have purposed to God; and to give to our benevolence ministry if we are able, and to give over and above our regular commitment. It is an opportunity to be generous. Thank you for being a giving people.