Keeping it Real with God and Money: Trusting His Provision

If you’ve ever wondered whether your small obedience with money or your gifts really matters, Malachi 3:10 is a surprising invitation from God’s own heart. In this episode, we talk honestly about testing God’s faithfulness, taking practical steps of obedience, and noticing His quiet, sometimes unexpected abundance in everyday life. Description: In this Life as Worship conversation, Angela welcomes author Amarely Quintanilla, whose new devotional “Keeping It Real: Daily Devotions for Those Tired of Pretending” invites readers into honest, unpolished life with God. Together they unpack Malachi 3:10 by first stepping into the world of Malachi—a people fresh out of exile, spiritually lukewarm, and accusing God of not holding up His end while quietly withholding what He asked for. From there, they explore what it looks like today to bring God our “full tithe”—our finances, our time, and our talents—and to “test” Him in faith, trusting He will prove Himself faithful. Amarely shares stories of serving when money was tight, writing books by faith, and even a special trip with her mom that became a vivid reminder of God’s personal, more‑than‑enough provision. You’ll be encouraged to ask, “Lord, where do You want me to be obedient?” and to watch for His hand, even in hard seasons. Episode Highlights: A simple overview of Malachi: God’s people are out of exile but spiritually drifting, and God kindly “has it out” with them so they can see His heart. What was happening in Malachi 3: God calls Israel’s withheld tithes “robbing” Him and invites them to return and bring the full tithe into the storehouse. How this principle applies today: supporting God’s work, offering our gifts and time, and resisting the temptation to give God only our leftovers. The surprising word “test”: God invites His people to “prove” Him, like metal in the fire, confident He will come out true. Amarely’s real‑life examples of testing God by acting in faith—volunteering when finances were tight, writing when she didn’t yet have a publisher, and trusting Him with a dream trip for her mom. Great Quotes: “God isn’t afraid of our questions; in Malachi He’s saying, ‘Bring it all to Me and let’s talk.’” “We can rob God not only with money, but by bringing Him our weakest lambs instead of our first and best.” “Testing God here isn’t daring Him—it’s giving Him something to work with and trusting He’ll prove Himself faithful.” “Sometimes the greatest blessing isn’t more income; it’s the deep contentment of knowing you’ve obeyed.” Resources Mentioned: Malachi 3:1–12. Parable of the Talents. Psalm 34:8. Book: Keeping It Real: Daily Devotions for Those Tired of Pretending  Amazon Afiliate link - I earn money on qualifying purchases  amarelyq.com Related Episodes: Episode 4 – Anticipating God's Goodness on Earth - Sara Cormany Episode 23 – Our Source of Living Water: God's Presence - Lisa Granger Episode 33 – Living the Abundant Life in Jesus - Robin Gerblick Episode 49 – You Can Confidently Approach God - Dawn Ward Newsletter Invitation: If this episode nudged you to trust God a little more with your money, your gifts, or your next step of obedience, I’d love to keep walking with you. Subscribe to the Life as Worship newsletter for gentle, Scripture‑rooted encouragement, podcast updates, and a free 9‑day devotional to help you live a life of worship in every season at here.