Message Minute (The First Belongs to God)

Like Sarah from the Amish community in our story, we are called to acknowledge that everything we have comes from God's hand. The practice of tithing isn't about giving to God but rather returning what already belongs to Him. When we hold tightly to our resources, believing they're ours alone, our hands become too full to receive God's additional blessings. Consider how you view your finances. Do you see them as yours to control, or as resources God has entrusted to you? The tithe—the first 10% of our income—is set apart as holy. It's meant to be returned to God's house. This practice realigns our hearts, reminding us that God is our provider and the true owner of all we have. When we acknowledge God's ownership by returning the tithe, we position ourselves to experience His provision in new ways. We create space for Him to work in our lives not just financially, but spiritually as well.

Verse: "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord." Leviticus 27:30

Reflection Question: In what ways have you been thinking of your resources as belonging solely to you rather than being entrusted to you by God?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I've forgotten that everything I have comes from Your hand. Help me to hold my resources with an open palm, acknowledging Your ownership over all things. Give me the courage to return to You what already belongs to You, trusting that You will provide for all my needs. Amen.