A Sowing of Peace

Daily Reading: Zechariah 7-8

Scripture Focus: For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. (Zechariah 8:12)

Devotional Thought: I am a control freak. That plays out many ways in my life, from my dislike of group projects to how I organize my pen collection. Taking control isn't necessarily a problem, at least not until our need for control outweighs our obedience to the Father.

That happened to me with tithing. I latched onto every excuse not to tithe, feeling that my control of my finances was way better than what God had planned. This scripture, and the tension it highlights, knocked down all my excuses. I came to see that by not tithing I wasn't doing all the work I could be doing in building the kingdom, just as the people in Zechariah's day. And, I was missing the blessings that God wanted to pour out on me and my family.

As the people in Zechariah's day renewed their work for the Lord, God blessed them. They were fruitful and found encouragement to move forward. In the same way, since I began to tithe, God has given me a peace about our finances. Sure, things are tighter than they used to be. But God always provides, and he is always faithful. And since we have started tithing, we haven't gone without.

So, don't be discouraged. Focus on building the kingdom, and the blessings of God will flow out of that work. That doesn't mean the work will be without heartache, but it does mean it will be fruitful, because God is always faithful.

Kenny McQuitty

Prayer: It is my desire, O Lord, to honor you with the firstfruits of my increase. Help me to express my trust in you through the tithe. I know that you will then open the windows of heaven and pour out blessing - both on me and through me. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 169 Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word! 170 Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. 171 My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. 172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. 173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. 174 I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. (Psalms 119:169-176)