The Floodgates Of Heaven Series

Those of you who already tithe and give generously beyond the tithe have your testimony of how God opened the floodgates of heaven and blessed you. And God opens the windows of heaven to those that trust God with his promise. If we give first of one-tenth, He will be faithful to supply all your needs when you live on the remaining nine-tenths.

The tithe is the biggening point. Henry Crowell who founded Quaker Oats made a pledge to God that he would dedicate his talents to amassing wealth and finance kingdom work. He gave 65% of his income to God. The interesting thing is that his company has been bought by Pepsi. You may see the brand he developed but the company is gone. What is still going long past his company and his life on earth is his foundation to fund kingdom work, The Crowell Trust.

When I was a seminary student my monthly salary was $150 a month. I was giving over 65% which was $100 per month. I was trying to live off my savings (which came from working for Quaker Oats). That was the semester the seminary offered me the highest dollar scholarship they offer. God opened the floodgates of heaven and poured out a blessing.

Take a step of faith and trust the Lord with giving above the tithe. The blessing may not be financial, but don’t miss the heavens being opened and pouring blessing upon you.

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. (1 Corinthians 16:2) Paul knew tithing would be assumed. He encouraged weekly giving as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:11-12)

God already owns everything, but when we tithe, we are blessed. To use the tithe for our own needs is to profane it. God can open the floodgates like he did at the feeding of the five thousand multiplying the loaves and the fish. The little boy gave, and the floodgates were opened.

What if you are in a family where other family members do not want to tithe? Pray! Daniel prayed that his overseer would let him eat only vegetables. If he looked weaker then he would eat the royal food that went against his convictions. He tested the Lord, and he was healthier. This might be the opportunity for God to show himself faithful to a spouse with little or no faith.

If someone is saying we won’t make it if we tithe, that is usually only said by those who have not been tithing for any length of time. Listen to the Lord. Listen to the testimonies of those who tithe. Listen how God opened the floodgates of heaven and poured out blessings.

For some giving in this way, making a commitment to tithe it is a new experience. It is a step of faith. This is part of your Christian growth. When a child takes the first steps it may not look pretty but the child and the parents are pleased.