Opening the Gates of Heaven Perry Stone

CHAPTER 17

Offering God Something He Doesn’t Want

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. —H OSEA 6:6

A T TIMES, SPIRITUAL principles are turned into spiritual formulas. We are told if we confess the right things, follow the right instructions, and react in the proper manner in four easy steps, then these actions guarantee any spiritual benefits we are seeking. Spiritual rituals may appeal to the flesh, but they have little impact on moving the blessing of God in your direction. I believe too many Christians attempt to use spiritual formulas in order to produce a desired result. An important biblical truth that often turns into a formula is the biblical instructions related to tithing and offerings. To tithe means giving the tenth to God. Abraham was the first biblical tither, followed by his grandson Jacob (Gen. 14:20; 28:22). Later, Moses established a pattern for the tithe, which consisted of grains, fruits, meat offerings, and other items being brought to the tabernacle (and