Look Mitspa,
Lets just cut straight to the chase here. For me, (and I do say
"for me") - now I have made up my mind. I am convicted on what path I must walk. Teaching my choir practice (once a week), or tithing(monthly) or spending time with God daily (about 2 hrs a day) - these are things I have committed to do to my God.
As legalistic as it may seem, I am also of the full understanding that to get anything, or to get anywhere theres gotta be sacrifice on your part. how else can a marriage, or business thrive without discipline (which can be misinterpreted for legalism).
Now whether I feel like it or not, when there is pain in my offering, when the needs seem too many. I promised my God.
And yes, I do expect something in return (which I already got by the way). I wont lie about that.
Simply put, if my bible says "see if He will not open the floodgates of heaven"? then I will plant and expect that.
(spiritually, and to a very good extent financially - His provision has been firm. His Presence in my life so undeniable I am constantly not only filled but drunk with love - HIS LOVE) I am living it
And I wont stop expecting more thank you very much Mr Mitspa!
PS. all that complicated bible in depth reading? Is not for me. I am simple, I take the bible at face value, like a child. yes I do read it, I am making my way through the whole of it now systematically although I must have read like 70-80% of it already. but what I see there is what I put LITERALLY to the test. I have seen that He never fails, bless Him.