FEBRUARY – “Missions: The Heart of God”
Joash Offering Total thus far – $20.00
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
Many people feel uneasy when the topic of tithing comes up, often because of past experiences where churches misused funds, personal financial struggles, or a lack of understanding about what giving truly means. It’s easy to see tithing as a burden, an obligation, or even a loss. But what if we looked at it differently? What if giving wasn’t about pressure or guilt but about trusting God with our resources, honoring Him as our provider, and allowing Him to show up in our lives in unexpected ways? The Bible teaches that everything we have comes from God, and when we give, we’re simply returning a portion of what He has already blessed us with. It’s not about losing—it’s about participating in God’s kingdom work and positioning ourselves to receive His provision and protection.
Instead of shutting down the conversation, we should ask God to help us see giving through His eyes. Tithing isn’t just about money—it’s about faith, obedience, and surrendering our fears about financial security. When we give, we’re not just letting go of dollars and cents; we’re releasing control and stepping into a deeper trust in God’s plan. He promises to supply our needs, to bless cheerful givers, and to rebuke the devourer for our sake. So rather than seeing giving as something to fear or avoid, we should embrace it as an act of worship—a way to express our gratitude, grow in faith, and experience the fullness of God’s provision in our lives.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
IS TITHING REALLY NECESSARY?
Malachi 3:10
“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Tithing is a topic that often stirs different emotions among believers. Some question its relevance today, wondering if it was only an Old Testament practice. Others hesitate due to financial struggles, while some misunderstand it as a church’s way of asking for money. However, the truth is that tithing is not just about following a rule—it’s about trusting God as our provider.
God challenges us in Malachi 3:10 to test Him in tithing. This is the only place in Scripture where God invites His people to prove Him. He promises that when we faithfully bring our tithes, He will open the windows of heaven and bless us beyond what we can contain. His provision is not always monetary—sometimes it comes in the form of opportunities, protection, peace, and unexpected breakthroughs.
Imagine a farmer who refuses to plant seeds but still expects a harvest. No matter how much faith he has, if he doesn’t sow, he won’t reap. Tithing is like planting financial seeds in God’s kingdom. When we give, we are sowing in faith, believing that God will supply all our needs. We do not give to get rich—we give because we trust that God’s economy works differently from the world’s.
In Genesis 14:18-20, Abraham gave a tenth of his increase to Melchizedek, the priest of God, long before the Mosaic Law required tithing. His giving was not out of obligation but an act of faith and gratitude. He recognized that everything he had came from God, and he willingly honored the Lord with his tithe. His obedience set a precedent for how believers should approach giving—not as a burden but as a privilege.
🙏 PRAYER:
Lord, help me see tithing not as an obligation, but as an act of worship and trust. I acknowledge that all I have comes from You, and I want to honor You with my firstfruits. Increase my faith so that I may give joyfully, knowing that You are my provider and will meet all my needs. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT:
- Write down one financial worry that has been weighing on your heart. Pray over it and surrender it to God, trusting that He is in control.
- Set aside a portion of your income to tithe this week, even if it’s small. Give cheerfully and expectantly, believing in God’s promise to bless and provide.
- Reflect on a time when God provided for you unexpectedly. Write it down and use it as a reminder of His faithfulness.
Tithing is not about losing—it’s about partnering with God in faith. When we give, we are not just releasing money—we are releasing fear, doubt, and control into God’s hands. Will you take the step of faith today?
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Roy Loyd
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