Generosity

This message confronts us with a powerful truth about ownership and stewardship that can transform our entire approach to material possessions. At its core, we're challenged to recognize that God owns everything—the earth, our resources, even the breath in our lungs. Psalm 24:1 reminds us that the world and all its people belong to Him. When we truly grasp this concept, it shifts our perspective from owners to stewards, from hoarders to generous givers. The teaching draws us into the profound promises of Malachi 3, where God invites us to test Him through tithing, promising to open heaven's windows, rebuke the devourer, bless our work, and cause others to call us blessed. These aren't just corporate blessings for the church—they're personal promises for each of us. The message uses the relatable illustration of a father and son at McDonald's to help us understand God's heart: He doesn't want to take everything from us, He simply asks for acknowledgment through the tithe that He's the source of all we have. When we withhold what belongs to Him, we're essentially slapping away His hand like a child protecting french fries he didn't even pay for. This teaching calls us to break free from the twin bondages of fear and covetousness, to fight for financial freedom, and to embrace a lifestyle of generosity that reflects God's generous nature toward us.