FEBRUARY – “Missions: The Heart of God”
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SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
TITHING PROTECTS YOU FROM THE DEVOURER
Malachi 3:11
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.”
Tithing is more than an act of giving—it is a declaration that we trust God to protect and provide for us. Many people worry that if they tithe, they won’t have enough left to meet their needs. But God promises that when we honor Him with our firstfruits, He will rebuke the devourer—that is, anything that threatens to consume our blessings.
In biblical times, farmers depended on their crops for survival. A swarm of locusts could destroy their entire livelihood in an instant. This is what God refers to in Malachi 3:11—He promises that when we are faithful in giving, He will prevent the devourer from stealing what we have worked for. The devourer today may not be locusts, but it can appear as unexpected bills, medical emergencies, job loss, debt, or financial stress.
Think of tithing like installing a security system in your home. No one installs security because they expect to be robbed—but they know it provides protection against unseen threats. Tithing works the same way! When we put God first, He steps in as our protector, guarding our finances, health, and even opportunities from being stolen or wasted. He sees what we cannot see and knows what lies ahead, shielding us from financial pitfalls we never even knew existed.
When we fail to tithe, we leave our finances exposed and unprotected, making it easier for the enemy to bring loss, stress, and struggle. But when we give to God first, He takes what remains and multiplies it, ensuring that it is not lost, stolen, or wasted. Even in tough times, God has a way of stretching our resources and sustaining us in ways we never expected.
In Job 1:10, Satan acknowledged that God had placed a hedge of protection around Job’s life, preventing harm from touching him. Satan could not attack Job’s wealth, family, or health until God lifted that hedge for a season of testing. This shows us that God actively protects those who walk in obedience. When we tithe, we remain under God’s covering. Even in seasons of challenge, He works all things for our good.
🙏 PRAYER:
Father, I thank You for being my protector and provider. I surrender my finances to You, knowing that when I tithe, I am placing my trust in Your divine provision. Rebuke the devourer on my behalf and give me faith to give with confidence, knowing that You are watching over me. In Jesus Name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT:
- Reflect on a time when you faced an unexpected financial challenge but saw God provide for you in a miraculous way. Write it down and keep it as a testimony of His faithfulness.
- Pray over your finances today. Ask God to reveal any areas where you need to trust Him more and invite Him to be the Lord over your resources.
- If you haven’t started tithing, take a step of faith this week. Give with expectation, trusting that God will protect and bless what remains.
- When we tithe, God steps into our situation as our protector. The devourer will always try to steal, but when we give in faith, we activate God’s promise to shield and bless us. Will you choose to trust Him today?
TUESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Roy Loy
Ann & Robby Stanley
Ann Stanley
Lamar Knight’s Family in CA Fires
Mae Jackson – Improving
Mrs. Franklin
Paula Ferus
Rebecca Smith
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim McClain’s Sister
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher