Here's your daily devotional!

If you wish to receive these free devotionals every weekday by E-mail, click the button below. Note: you'll have to log in or create your membership account first. Membership in the League is free. Join now!

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

“Passing or Failing?”

Thoughts for Today:

In the previous chapter, Paul was up in the clouds. He discussed the most glorious aspect of the Christian faith -- the Resurrection. Now he brings the discussion back to earth, the reality of the world, and more importantly the condition of our hearts.

Not long ago I was speaking with a man about his faith. I asked if he attended church regularly. He said, "Not so much anymore." I asked, "Why?" He replied, "I believe in Jesus and the teaching was good, but I really hate it when they pass the plate for the offering. It feels like a test with everyone watching and judging. I don't like it." I said, "You might be surprised at how little other people are really paying attention to you. But you're right; it is a test -- just the Lord's, not man's. Do you think you're passing or failing?"

The fact is, most people don't like tests. Why? Because they show our weak points and expose us. They test our knowledge and ability to apply that knowledge. And something more -- they help us find our blind spots so we know what we need to work on. Tithing is one of God's tests, both for knowledge, and what is really in our hearts. (Jeremiah 17:10: "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.")

Virtually every promise of God is conditional upon faith and obedience. Tithing tests both of these. It's easy to fool ourselves and others with a mask of spirituality. We can know the right things to say and pray. We can attend church, read our Bibles, or even teach Sunday school. But tithing is one of the great tests of the heart. No cheating -- either we do or we don't.

Questions to Ponder:

Are you confused about tithing? Is it a big part of your faithfulness and obedience, or something overlooked? Are you passing the test or failing?

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

You can start from Day 1 at any time. Messages are sent automatically. Subscribe now! You may unsubscribe at any time.

About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.