Text: Genesis 14:1-2; 17-21
Memory verse:
“If they obey and serve Him, They shall spend their days in prosperity, And their years in pleasures.” Job‬ ‭36‬:‭11‬ ‭NKJV‬‬
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Martin Luther once quipped, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” Tithing is an act of faith. It is trusting God with your life and future instead of trusting in self.
In our text today, both the king of Sodom and Melchizedek went out to meet Abram on his way from the battle. The king of Sodom is called Bera (Gen 14:2). Bera means the son of evil. Remember that Melchizedek is the figure of Christ. Thus, this is a contest of the flesh with the Spirit for the mind of Abram.“Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” ‭‭(Gen‬ ‭14‬:‭21‬). The devil was saying, ‘You don’t have to follow Melchizedek, God’s way; only give me the souls and I will make you rich,’. You see, the devil isn’t bothered if a person gets rich as long as his soul is still under his captivity. He tried it with Jesus too. ‘Just bow and worship me and I will give you the glory of the earth for they are already mine’. (Luke 4:6 Pp).
Friends, don’t fall into the devil’s trap.Yes, that alternative to prosperity may look so promising but it’s the way of death (Prov 14:12; 16:25). The blessing from the devil delivers sorrow while God’s blessing gives riches devoid of sorrow (Prov 10:22). The blessing from the devil gives wealth but takes away health; builds a beautiful house but takes away the family; buys a water bed but takes away sleep. God hasn’t called you to labour for the bread of affliction (Psa 127: 2). God has called you to recognize Him as your Source. Tithing connects to this Source which can never dry up.
Friends, tithing is God’s way of true prosperity. Don’t trust in your self. Don’t permit the enemy to outwit you nor the son of wickedness to afflict you. Obey God and be a faithful tither.

Prayer points
1. I renounce every confidence in the flesh, in myself, my wisdom or my ability in Jesus name.
2. Father, as I obey and serve You, let me spend my days in prosperity and my years in pleasure in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. I trust God with my life and future as I faithfully tithe.
2. I walk in faith and faithfully tithe, so the enemy can’t outsmart me nor the son of wickedness afflict me.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng