There are many controversial subjects at church, the tithe being at the top of the list.

Some argue that it was only a part of the Old Covenant. Others argue that giving is a heart issue, not a percentage issue.

Both are interesting conversations to have, but let me give you another viewpoint.

Whenever the Bible provides specific instructions on money, I follow them. The tithe is a very plainly written instruction in Malachi—the first 10% of our increase belongs to God.

Where does it say to give it? Where we get fed spiritually (the storehouse). And that's the amazing thing about the tithe. It belongs to God, only for God to use it to feed you.

What is the result of obeying this command? It opens the windows to heaven's endless blessings.

Tithing moves you from the world's economy to God's economy.

So, my question is, why would you want to debate the tithe? It's all-around an amazing thing. Just do it.

Psalm 23  single-handedly carries the power to destroy every lie you’ve believed about God causing us harm.

You might say, “I don’t believe God causes harm, but I do believe He allows it.”

That’s a terrible stance to take. You are still making God responsible for bad things.

It’s time to grow up. Every time you push blame on God or someone else, you are just revealing how immature you are.

This is really simple. God gave us dominion. Christ redeemed our authority. Anything that is messed up in this life is on us.

It’s not that we have to fix it ourselves. God is more than willing to help. Actually, He is at the edge of His seat waiting for us to ask Him for help.

But we have to initiate. This is our domain.

That's why Jesus said, "IF YOU ASK anything in My Name, I will do it."

So, go ahead. Take up the authority Christ redeemed and then ask Him to help you. He'll do it, just like He promised.

When we accuse God of causing us harm, we're calling Him a liar.

That’s why I’m here to remind you of His goodness. If we don’t keep His goodness before us, we’ll start blaming Him for sickness, tragedy, and all other kinds of darkness.

Far be it from us to accept these things in our lives because of a wrong understanding of God’s sovereignty. Yes, He is sovereign. But in His sovereignty, He gave us dominion over the earth.

Whatever happens here is on us.

It makes people mad when I teach this because all of a sudden, they are responsible. They can’t blame God in some foolish display of false humility, saying dumb things like, “Apparently this is what God wanted, so I accept it.”

It sure is convenient for the devil for you to believe that God’s plan includes sickness, poverty, and tragedy. When that’s your belief, it’s a free pass for the devil to do whatever he wants in your life.

But when you know the truth, it sets you free. When you find out that God wants you healthy, prosperous, and protected, a boldness comes over you to run off the devil and his schemes.

Read Psalm 23. That's what God wants.

We've been programmed to resist God's goodness.

When something goes wrong, we think, "Where's God? Why did He let that happen?"

When someone speaks of God's goodness, we become skeptical, thinking, "Yeah, right."

We are bucking against Scriptural truth. The Word says that God is for us and not against us. When we accuse Him of causing us harm, we're calling Him a liar.

Who's the one lying here? I think we all know it's not God.

In Exodus 33, you'll read a conversation between God and Moses that reveals the goodness of God.

He wants to show us His favor, give us rest, pour out mercy and compassion, know us intimately, and drive out our enemies.

That's what God wants—only good things for you. The question is, will you let Him? Or will you keep resisting?

God created you with purpose. You sense it deep within.

But there's a big gap between where you are and where you're headed. What do you do?

Take one peace-filled step at a time.

God doesn't direct us with pressure, giant leaps forward, or hustle. He directs our steps.

And along the way, He keeps you near places of refreshing and renews your strength. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

It's not hard to fulfill your God-given purpose. It's a journey filled with peace and joy.

Move forward one step at a time. Don't pause between steps. Don't skip steps either. Don't get overwhelmed by the distance you need to travel.

Enjoy the peaceful walk to the mind-blowing destination God has for you, one peace-filled step at a time.

Has God not commanded us?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.

For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

So why are so many Christians weak and cowardly? Why are they wrapped up in fear and walking around discouraged?

Because they take this scripture (Joshua 1:9) as a suggestion, not a command.

If you permit feelings of discouragement to take root in your life, you are disobeying God. And since He commanded you not to be discouraged, that means you get to choose.

Discouragement presents itself as an option, and you choose whether to receive it or reject it.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged. What are you going to do?