Well, the last time God opened the "windows of heaven" was during Noah's time at the flood Gen. 7:11. It was JUDGMENT DAY for the earth-- and as most on this board may know "the flood" is a type and shadow of the rapture of the church. . .

 

With careful study you'll see that Malachi 3 and Noah's flood parallel each other; for there was definitely discernment between the Righteous and Wicked and those who serve God and those who do not. Noah was righteous and was lifted up, all the wicked were drowned.

 

In Malachi 3 the Righteous who obeyed and feared the Lord and meditated on His name became jewels in His crown on the day of His wrath and were spared, the wicked were not spared on the day of His wrath.

 

If you do a "phrase search" in the bible you'll see that the only other time God opened the WINDOWS of Heaven -- is during the Flood.

 

Will this happen again? Will the "windows of heaven" open again? If so, when??. . .

 

I believe that when the windows of heaven open again -in abundance as it speaks of in Malachi- it will either be one of two possible events--

 

1. the rapture, (judgment day) which of course will bring great blessing to the righteous. . .

 

2. or perhaps a time just before the rapture (the year of the redeemed, the acceptable year of the Lord "Jubilee") when those who fear the Lord and are obedient (especially in tithing and making offerings see Mal. 3) receive great blessing for they have laid up their treasure in Heaven to be poured out when the windows of heaven open; for maybe after the "windows of heaven" open the "door of heaven" will open for the Philadelphian church see Rev. 3:8-11 which I definitely believe is the rapture. . .

 

My thoughts line up with the gifts Rebekah received before she took her journey to go to Isaac--Gen. 24:53 As you may know Rebekah is a type and shadow of the bride of Christ. . . .and ALSO how Malachi chap. 3 is a dual prophecy and speaks clearly of the last days AND GOD POURS OUT SO MUCH BLESSING WE WILL NOT HAVE ROOM ENOUGH TO RECEIVE IT.

 

a personal testimony: I have been tithing and giving offering now for about 17 years and I have definitely enjoyed the many blessings that comes from giving; but it hasn't been to the point where there has been so much that I do not have room enough to receive it-- which leaves me with the following conclusion-- I know God's word is true and it will not come back void and with careful study I have realized that this prophecy hasn't been fulfilled all the way yet-- and I definitely know it is for the last days for it's clearly talking about the future coming Day of Judgment which of course concerns the last days.

 

Joseph is a good "picture" "type and shadow" of great blessing during the famine. I think when the rest of the world is wailing because of economic collapse those faithful to the Lord -even during the hard times as Joseph was and also those who love and fear the Lord and are obedient in giving as in Mal. 3- will be living in blessing either in Heaven or perhaps here on the earth for a time. They were obedient to Lord when Jesus said to lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.

 

Other good examples of this picture are Ruth, and Job as well as Esther. They are all wonderful examples of perseverance--the bible talks allot about perseverance Rev. 3:8-10

 

(emphasis mine)

 

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, (if you look it up, this means they have been obedient to His word) and hast not denied my name.

 9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

 10Because thou hast kept the word of my patience (if you look it up, it means to obey His command to persevere, as in not giving up hope through the hard times), I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

 

faith and obedience through great trial and adversity. this is the deciding factor. . . He states clearly in Malachi that he comes as refiners fire and fullers soap. . .burning away all dross

 

Ruth is a perfect picture of the gentile bride of Christ and wonderful example of one who perseveres.

 

Joseph by God's instruction and wisdom built STOREHOUSES that fed the rest of the world during this time of famine. When we give into the kingdom and are obedient in this regard we are laying up treasure in the storehouses of heaven not only for ourselves but to feed others as well during times of famine. Being obedient to the Lord in our giving will bring us great blessing in the long run as well as blessing to others. But you will be tested in this regard as the people in Malachi chap 3 were tested. It is a test of faith and obedience and is one of the best indicators of where we place our trust.

 

Do you think Joseph, as the Prime Minister of Egypt and with great wealth, gave his testimony during this time of famine?

 

I sure do.

 

on a personal note; I think it is a grave mistake to tell others on this board tithing has ended and giving is an option. The bible says if you cause a brother to sin it is better that a millstone be put around your neck and you be cast into the sea. . .

 

logic will tell you, and just to be on the safe side --Do what the bible tells you to do and give as God has commanded us to do. . The Word is the real authority.

 

Conjecture and supposition on "giving" in the bible is a huge mistake. The Word is clear on how we are to give. Because we are New Covenant believers this does not cancel the law it fulfills it, and if indeed we are true believers in Jesus our Lord under the New Covenant,  His LAW will indeed be written in our hearts and minds to be obeyed.

 

Romans 2:12-16

 

12For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

 13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

 14For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

 15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

 16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

 

Jeremiah 31:33

THE NEW COVENANT

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Hebrews 10:12-17 NEW TESTAMENT

 12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

 13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

 14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

 15Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

 16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

 17And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

Cindy Busch