This morning in my devotions, I read something that blessed me so much I just have to share it with you. It was in Malachi 3:8-11. In the Message Bible, it says this:
“Begin by being honest. Do honest people rob God? But you rob me day after day. You ask, How have we robbed you? The tithe and the offering—that’s how! And now you’re under a curse—the whole lot of you—because you’re robbing me. Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams. For my part, I will defend you against marauders; protect your wheat fields and vegetable gardens against plunderers.”
This is the message of the God of the Angel Armies. Marauders are looters, outlaws, robbers, and thieves. God is saying He will protect you from the Enemy. I am so excited because I know that you are a giver and are on the “blessing” side of the covenant and not the “cursing” side.
As I read that Scripture, the Holy Spirit reminded me of an amazing story I want to share with you to encourage you.
Carolyn and I began this ministry in a tiny apartment. We sold all of our furniture and gave it to God. It wasn’t a lot of money—only $750.00—but it was everything we had other than our vehicle. We were invited to minister at a service in Columbus, Ohio. There, during a snowstorm, we shared the vision God had given us. Ninety percent of the congregation was unable to attend, and even the pastor was away on vacation in Florida.
After the service, we walked outside, and I was stunned to find that the wiring in the car had shorted out, and our car was a burned-out carcass. We had our first baby with us and found ourselves stranded in Ohio in the snow. A man who had attended the service, Gene Darnell, a total stranger, felt led of the Lord to help us. He bought us a new car and handed us the keys. God did indeed rebuke the Devourer for our sakes. He “opened the windows of heaven and poured out a blessing there was not room to contain.”
