One of the favorite verses of those who participate in Bible Drills, is Malachi 3:10. “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Tithing is the practical and consistent acknowledgement that He owns it all and all that we have He has entrusted to us. Tithing is not something we work up to over time as if it were a goal to achieve. It is actually the starting point to grace giving.

When I say tithing is an essential element, I do not mean it is a law we are required to keep or a legalistic requirement we must fulfill to remain in relationship with God. It is essential for all the lessons it teaches and the blessings that follow. Read that verse one more time in this way.

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,

That there may be food in My house, 

And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts,

“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven

And pour out for you such blessing

That there will not be room enough to receive it.

He is ready and willing to give you blessings. In what form these blessings will be is His to decide. Our part is to acknowledge it all belongs to Him, it all comes from Him, and we acknowledge that in tithing.