— C.S. Lewis
Ever since Leland got into raising cattle God’s way (Cowboy Angels anyone?), I, who was never around animals growing up (or as an adult, pre-Leland), have learned many lessons. When you watch calves bounding across the fields in total and complete joy, you begin to get an understanding about how we are supposed to live.
Calves NEVER worry about where their next meal is going to come from. When they eat at the trough, if someone tries to steal their food, often they just move over and keep eating rather than to get into a fight. Occasionally, they might get snippy and push the thief out of the way, but rarely. They aren’t worried about not having enough to the point of getting stingy.
When a younger calf gets hungry, it goes to find where its mama is because that’s where the supply is! When a calf has to be bottle fed, for whatever reason, they don’t worry whether Leland will be bringing their bottle out on time. No, they show up in the corral knowing he will be there with provision.
Calves are free to enjoy life. They just trust their needs will be met. Just as Christians should be.
God has told us all throughout the Bible that He wants to be our source of all supply, everything we need. He has set up the plan whereby we get into the loop – tithing – and once we get into that loop faithfully, we begin to see how He provides.
Tithing. A very touchy topic for most people!
Do you know that that 10 percent (the translation of the word “tithe”) already belongs to God? He is trusting you to return it to Him. Why? Many reasons but I think the main one is to know where your heart is. It is the difference between love and trust or being your own source of supply (how’s that working out for you?).
If you trust God, truly trust Him, you return that tithe back to Him joyfully. It may be very hard in the beginning because fear will say you HAVE to keep that money. It is about trust. The more you walk in that trust, the more you will discover how well He can take care of you.
But! If you don’t trust Him with your needs, your money or your life, you will hold on to that 10 percent thinking, “I need this. MINE! I earned it.” Truth of the matter is, you won’t get to keep it. You’ll lose it somewhere – broken down washing machine, tire going bad suddenly. Trust me, you don’t want to hold on to that measly 10 percent. It’s not worth it.
You heart. Where is it? People run after money, provision, things rather than run to God. The Bible states in John 10:10 (Amplified version) that:
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
Getting into the flow of living a life in abundance, to the full, overflowing so you have enough to help others – all begins with the tithe. It truly is all about love – His for you and yours for Him.
You have His Word on it!
LOVE this comparison about provision and total trust! ❤️
Awesome benefits!