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 HONORS GOD—IT’S NOT ABOUT GIVING TO A CHURCH
Malachi 3:8, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”
This verse challenges us to see tithing not merely as a financial contribution, but as a spiritual responsibility to acknowledge God’s ownership over all we have.
The Heart of Tithing
Tithing Is an Act of Worship: Many people assume that tithing is solely about supporting the operations or ministries of their local church. However, at its core, tithing is a declaration that everything we possess comes from God. It is a tangible way to honor Him as our provider. By returning a portion of our income, we say, “I recognize Your sovereignty in my life.” This act of obedience reinforces our trust in God’s provision and our dependence on His grace.
Stewardship Over Possessions: When we tithe, we are practicing stewardship. God has entrusted us with His blessings, and our money is not ours to hoard—it’s meant to be managed in a way that honors Him. Malachi’s words remind us that withholding our tithe is akin to robbing God of what rightfully belongs to Him. It’s a call to realign our hearts with the truth that all we have is a gift from our Creator.
Ananias and Sapphira’s Deception (Acts 5:1-11): The tragic story of Ananias and Sapphira teaches us that God values honesty and the condition of our hearts over the outward appearance of generosity. They attempted to deceive God by giving only part of their wealth while claiming to offer the full amount. Their story is a stern warning: God sees beyond our actions and examines the motives behind them. Our giving must be sincere and free from pretense—an honest reflection of our gratitude and trust.
The Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44): In contrast to the rich donors who gave large sums, Jesus highlighted the profound generosity of a widow who offered two small coins. Despite the meager amount, her gift was rich in heart and sacrifice. This example teaches us that the value of a gift is not measured by its size, but by the sincerity and selflessness with which it is given. True generosity is rooted in a deep, personal recognition of God’s provision.
Shifting the Perspective: It’s About Honoring God
Beyond Financial Support: While supporting the church’s mission and ministries is a beneficial outcome of tithing, the practice itself is much deeper. Tithing is about setting our priorities in the right order—recognizing that God’s blessings flow to us so that we might, in turn, honor Him. It transforms our understanding of money from a mere commodity to a tool for worship and service.
Cultivating a Generous Heart: Examining our motives is essential. Are we giving because we feel obligated, or are we responding out of genuine love for God? A generous heart isn’t measured by the amount given but by the willingness to put God first, even when it means sacrificing our own desires for security or comfort. When we tithe as an act of worship, we build a stronger relationship with God, trusting that He will continue to provide for all our needs.
Prayer – “Lord, I recognize that all I have is a gift from You. Help me to see tithing as a joyful act of worship rather than a burdensome duty. Purify my motives so that my giving comes from a heart full of love and gratitude for Your endless provision. Teach me to trust You more deeply and to honor You with every part of my life, including my finances. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
Assignment: Reflect on Your Attitude Toward Giving
- Self-Examination:
- Ask yourself: What does tithing mean to me?
- Reflect on whether your giving comes from a place of gratitude and trust or if it feels like an obligation.
- Heart Check:
- Consider if there are areas where you might be holding back.
- Pray for honesty and openness before God, asking Him to reveal any reluctance or selfishness that might be clouding your generosity.
- Commit to Change:
- Set aside time each week to revisit your financial priorities and ask God to guide you in aligning your heart with His purposes.
- Challenge yourself to see every financial decision as an opportunity to worship and honor God.
Tithing is much more than a method to support the church—it’s a profound act of worship that acknowledges God’s ultimate provision in our lives. By giving back a portion of what God has entrusted to us, we actively participate in a cycle of trust, gratitude, and obedience. Whether your contribution is as modest as the widow’s mite or a larger offering, what matters most is the condition of your heart.
May this day remind you that every gift, when given with the right heart, is a step toward a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. Let your tithe be a testimony to His goodness and an act of faithful obedience, honoring Him as the ultimate provider and sustainer of all things.
WEDNESDAY’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