How can we know we are "repenting" (Malachi 3:6-7)

"I the Lord do not change...Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty." Malachi 3:6-7

God uses material faithfulness as the proving ground for spiritual trust and formation. The themes flow from covenant to conduct to consequence.

1. God's unchanging covenant is the foundation God's faithfulness is not reactive. It is predetermined and rooted in His promises to Jacob (Mal. 3:6; Rom. 11:28–29). Israel's survival is not due to performance but covenantal commitment (Deut. 7:9; Lam. 3:22–23). This establishes trust. Return is always possible because God does not change (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8).

2. Return to God is expressed through tangible obedience "Return to me" is not abstract (Mal. 3:7). It is demonstrated through tithes, offerings, and stewardship (Mal. 3:8–10). Withholding is framed as distrust and misalignment with God's order. Giving becomes a diagnostic of the heart (Matt. 6:21; Luke 16:10–11).

3. Stewardship reveals spiritual alignment Material resources are positioned as "very little" (Luke 16:10). Yet they expose deeper loyalties (Luke 16:11–12). Faithfulness in money equals faithfulness in trust. Mismanagement signals divided allegiance. You cannot serve both God and money (Luke 16:13; Matt. 6:24).

4. God invites testing in one domain to build trust in all domains Malachi presents a rare invitation. Test God through obedience in giving (Mal. 3:10). The outcome is provision, protection, and overflow (Mal. 3:10–11; Phil. 4:19). This is not transactional prosperity. It is relational validation of trust (John 14:21; James 2:18).

5. Blessing includes provision, protection, and public witness The "windows of heaven" represent sufficiency (Mal. 3:10; Ps. 78:23–24). The "rebuked devourer" represents protection from loss (Mal. 3:11). The result is external credibility. Others recognize God's favor (Mal. 3:12; Matt. 5:16). The community becomes a signal.

6. Tithing trains the fear of the Lord Deuteronomy clarifies intent (Deut. 14:22–23). Giving is formative, not merely financial. It teaches reverence, dependence, and worship. The outcome is wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Prov. 9:10; Ps. 111:10). Fear of the Lord is the gateway to all three (Job 28:28; Isa. 33:6).

7. Generosity is designed to sustain community and justice Provision extends beyond the giver. Levites, foreigners, widows, and the fatherless are included (Deut. 14:28–29; Mal. 3:5). This embeds equity into the system (Lev. 19:9–10; Amos 5:24). Kingdom economics are communal, not individualistic (Acts 2:44–45; 2 Cor. 8:13–15).

8. True riches are spiritual, not material Jesus reframes value. Money is "unrighteous wealth" (Luke 16:11). True riches are the life of the Spirit. Righteousness, peace, joy, wisdom, and empowerment (Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 1:3). Material trust is preparation for spiritual entrustment (Luke 16:11–12; 1 Tim. 6:17–19).

9. Faith is developed through constraint before abundance "Very little" is intentional (Luke 16:10). It is the training environment. Trusting God in scarcity builds capacity for abundance (Deut. 8:2–3; 2 Cor. 9:8). This aligns with Paul's learned contentment across all conditions (Phil. 4:11–13; Heb. 13:5).

10. The end goal is Spirit-enabled purpose and impact The Holy Spirit brings wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, and knowledge (Isa. 11:2; 1 Cor. 12:7–11). These enable God's work through people. Like Bezalel, individuals are empowered for specific kingdom assignments (Exod. 31:3–5). Faithful stewardship unlocks participation in that work (Matt. 25:21; Eph. 2:10).

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In summary, the passage teaches a progression. Covenant leads to trust (Mal. 3:6; Rom. 8:28). Trust is proven through stewardship (Luke 16:10–12). Stewardship forms reverence (Deut. 14:23). Reverence unlocks wisdom and Spirit-led living (Prov. 9:10; Isa. 11:2). Material faithfulness becomes the gateway to true spiritual riches (Luke 16:11; Eph. 1:3).

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Cast your bread upon the waters, measured risk, abundant waters, prospers (Ecclesiastes 11:1, Luke 6:38, Isaiah 32:20, Psalm 1:2-3)

We have an event this week for SALT to meet with Kingdom Advisors. These ideas remind me of Journey of Generosity

Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. (Ecclesiastes 11:1)

In ancient trade, merchants sent grain shipments (“bread”) overseas, hoping they’d return with profit “after many days.”

So, the verse can be read as: Take wise risks, invest, share, or act with vision because doing nothing guarantees no return.

• Principle: Do good and take initiative even when the payoff isn’t immediate.

It calls for faithful generosity. Like sowing seed on unpredictable waters, it suggests giving freely trusting that God will return the blessing in His time, not necessarily in a way or season you can predict.

• Principle: Trust God’s timing and multiply good without demanding control of outcomes.
• Parallel verse: “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” —2 Cor 9:6

Keep releasing value—ideas, kindness, resources—into uncertain waters (people, projects, causes). Over time, the world reflects that investment back to you multiplied.

It’s an antidote to fear-based inaction.

Leaders who “cast their bread” model trust, stewardship, and abundance thinking rather than scarcity or control.

Matthew 6:19-21: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• 1 Timothy 6:17-19: Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
• Proverbs 19:17: Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.
• Matthew 19:21: Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
• James 2:5: Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
• Proverbs 11:4: Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

2 Corinthians 9:6-9: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. / And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ...

Galatians 6:9-10: Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

• Matthew 25:34-40: Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. / For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ 

Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. / Divide your portion among seven, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may befall the land. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2

• Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
• Isaiah 32:20: Blessed are those who sow beside abundant waters, who let the ox and donkey range freely.
• Psalm 1:2-3: whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither, whatever they do prospers.

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
• Galatians 6:9-10: Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Where your treasure is, their heart will be also

He and all his household were devout and God-fearing. He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly. / One day at about the ninth hour, he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” / Cornelius stared at him in fear and asked, “What is it, Lord?” The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial offering before God. Acts 10:2-4

• Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him. Proverbs 14:31
• If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. 1 John 3:17-18
• And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? / Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard Isaiah 58:6-8

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God's X-ray to your heart is your checkbook register

I'm missing Saturday morning time with my BSF guys. Was looking through some notes and found this interesting quote. "God's X-ray to your heart is your checkbook register" or as Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matt 6:21

Treasure isn't just money but what we value. We put our treasure first and see our heart is there also. The context is in people who last forever, not things that pass away. Put your treasure in developing your sensitivity towards people and the calling of God.

• Good input leads to good output (TrustEdge on Character)
• Called to moral and spiritual development (2 Peter 1:5-11)

Get to application focused on my guys
 - Look at gifts I see in my team, how can they apply it.
Issues we relate to:
 - Distraction from God happens in times of need and abundance

This lesson is about praying right, Solomon prayed for wisdom to lead the people.
 - Proverbs 1, the purpose is to understand wisdom and discipline, so that we live disciplined and successful lives. Right, justice and fairness.

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Treasures to do good, future oriented, experience true life

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 NLT
Ecclesiastes 11:2;1 Timothy 6:18-19 ;James 1:2-4 ; 1 Peter 4:1;Matthew 11:28-30

• Divide your investments among many places (Ecc 11:2-1)
• Doing good with money, ready to share with others is a good foundation for true life (1 Tim 6:18-19)
• Account for trials with joy, see the value in faith that endures (James 1:2-4)
• Be ready to suffer as Christ did, with real pain - death means sin has ceased (1 Peter 4:1)
• Come to Jesus with weariness, heavy burdens - he gives rest like a yoke, learn to be in step with him, exchange weariness with ease and heavy burdens with light ones (Matt 11:28-30)

Father, today - let your word dwell in me richly. Forgive me for my foolishness, I've not had my ear towards you. I do now, keep me from the influences that work to take me away from your goodness. Amen. 

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God gives grace to be successful to fulfill the covenant (Deut 8:1-18)

Deut 8:1-18;psalm 49:16-20;1 john 3:15-20;ecc 2:3-11

Be careful to obey all the commands, then live and multiply
 - Lord's promise
 - Lord your God led you (through wilderness 40 years)
     * humbled and tested to prove your character
Am I ready to obey?
 - Lord let me be hungry, then feeds me with manna
Thank you, Lord, for taking care of me (Deut 8:4) because you love us like a father disciplines his child (Deut 8:5, Heb 12)
 - to teach me to live not by bread alone but every word that comes from the Lord (Matt 4:4, Deut 8:3)
As with Jesus, it can be 40 days or with Israel 40 years (Matthew 4:1-2, Deut 8:2)

When Jesus was tempted to take a headline-grabbing leap from the temple, he responded by going back deeper into scripture, You must not test the Lord your God  (Deut 6:16).

What does it mean to obey?
 - by walking in his ways and fearing him
 - Lord your God IS BRINGING YOU into a good land (water, farms, plentiful, rich natural resources to mine)
 - THEN be sure to praise the Lord your God for the good land HE HAS GIVEN YOU
 - In riches, remember, be careful, beware not to forget the Lord your God and disobey

How to be careful not to disobey when I'm rich?
 - Do not become proud, it was God who rescued me from slavery
 - He led me through the great and terrifying wilderness, snakes and scorpions
 - I was nearly dead, but he gave water from the rock (John 4), Jesus teaches about Living Water at Festival of Tabernacles!
 - He humbles me, tests me for my own good
 - Never say I'm rich by my doing, God has given me everything to fulfill his confirmed covenant

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Money and the gospel

Matthew 6:1-4, don't give for others to see. Give for God to see.
Acts 2, learn from the beginning

Matthew
Talents: Money is a tool for others.

But why do rich people kill themselves for more money?

Jim Carey, "I wish everyone could have all the money they ever wanted so they would know it doesn't satisfy. "

Money as a drug for self, (verses).

Bennett to giving
1. Unleashes God's blessings on a community. Acts 2, people have because hearts were changed.
- No needy people among them.
- everyone contributed... out of this world!
- favor with all
- favor with God, "being saved"
2. Protection from worry and anxiety. Matt 6:25-30,33
- Giving to and living for the kingdom of God is the way to living worry free.
- Luke 16:13, one master to serve

3. Money brings self reliance, God teaches reliance when we trust Him with our lives.
Acts 20, "blessed life that no one wants" giving.
- when we give we get more, Talents
2 cor 9:11, enriched brings generosity
- am I experiencing this rhythm in life?

4. Prepares us for Christ's return
Luke 12:47-48, much given much required
- case study in management
- a wise manager knows she's not the owner
- a foolish manger believes accounting is far away (long journey)
Application: I want to be ready to open the books and give an accounting for what I've done with the gifts given.

Giving is a matter of trusting God
- when you don't give your hurting yourself
- not a tax break

2 cor 9:7, giving decided in their heart, not reluctantly. Planning, not thoughtlessly.
- not raising money but maturing his people
- take giving seriously, maturity is generosity
- last thing baptized is the wallet

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Romans 12:6‭-‬13 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.12.6-13.ESV

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Money, the power of God's word and dreams

NewTribesMission Bible in pictures these pictures in my office remind me of the money, God's word in the lives of people and dreams we have for the children we love.

Money invested in God's plan
The magi traveled a long distance to give expensive gifts in worship to the King of the Jews at his birth (Matthew 2:1-11). God warned them in a dream not to return to Herod (Matthew 2:12). An angel of the Lord also warned Joseph to flee to Egypt and when it was safe to return (Matthew 2:14-23).

Money as golden handcuffs making it impossible for rich men to enter heaven
The rich young ruler bowed to Jesus asking "what must I do to be saved?" Jesus gave this proud man the law of Moses. When Jesus answered give your money to the poor and follow me, he left deeply sad because of his great wealth. Jesus then taught it's impossible for a rich man to enter heaven. The disciples recognized that everyone views himself as wealthy and asked: "who then can be saved?" Jesus said with man it's impossible but with God all things are possible (Mark 10:17-27). The parable of sower Jesus said the deceitfulness of wealth causes God's word to be unproductive in a person life (Matthew 13:22).

Money completely wasted in order to save one person
A demon possessed man is freed from demonic oppression when Jesus sends a legion of demons into 2,000 pigs. The townspeople were afraid and having lost a fortune in pigs asked Jesus to go away (Mark 1:1-20,17).

God's word makes the prisoner savior to his capture
Paul and Silas are in jail because they healed a demon-possessed girl who made money for her owner. They freed her even though she was "helping" them. Even after beatings they praised God, and earthquake freed them and they used their freedom to save the suicidal guard and his household (Acts 16:16-40).

God's word is like a seed scattered by a farmer.
It only takes root and produces fruit when it takes root in the good ground (Luke 8:4-15). Never underestimate the power of God’s Word to change a person’s heart

God's word comes to people who least expect it, saving sinners
The woman at the well John 4:4-42, Jesus ministers to the Samaritan woman at the well

Dreams that guide relationships and give warnings 
Joseph dreamed to keep Mary as wife and that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). Some dreams matter and we know when they occur (dreams).

Dreams given in children
Jesus said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Children are "good soil" when they receive the gospel and trust God. (Mark 10:13-16)

Dreams given to people who wait their whole life to see it
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
  a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:25-38)

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10% or everything?

I came along this video from Zondervan on Youtube and was drawn to the authors ideas about seven money types. So I checked out his book, website and downloaded his article "TITHING: DOES GOD REQUIRE CHRISTIANS TO TITHE?". Spoiler alert, I thought in my heart...

Thinking of Romans 12:1-3 I think God requires 100%. We are to surrender ourselves to him as Lord and Savior. As Rend Collective says "all that I am for all that you are." He made a good point about stewardship in light of Jesus. Tommy Brown says, "Christ came among humanity and sacrificed all, stewarding every word, moment, and thought for the sake of the greater kingdom which has come and is coming still in its fullness"

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. Martin Luther
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/martinluth390009.html

about the author
http://www.tommybrown.org/resourses/

overview of the "money types"
https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Money-Types-Discover-Handle/dp/0310335442

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