Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Malachi 3:6-15. A robbery had occurred! Resources that belonged to God were missing! How could this happen? Unlike a brazen thief who breaks into churches and steals from the community, often times the equivalent crime is this: believers not giving what God asks us to give.

In the Old Testament, 10% of the land's produce (the tithe) was to be given to support the Levites and priests and the work of the temple. A similar standard of giving motivates Christians today to support local pastors and the work of the church in promoting the gospel. Often, our shortcomings in giving are really shortcomings in obedience to God and trust in God. As we trust God to provide for our needs, we are freed to give generously. God dares us to follow His example of giving, warning we end up with less when under his curse, but also promising abundant blessings when we give as He directs.