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Firstfruits or Leftovers
In the Word
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; … (Proverbs 3:9).
Of the Word
How do you like leftovers? Most people don’t like yesterday’s soggy pasta, overcooked steak, or mushy vegetables. Even when leftovers are doctored up, they’re still leftovers.
What does God say about leftovers? When it comes to gifts, He wants our firstfruits, not leftovers!
Stories are told about families who made conscious decisions to give their offerings to the Lord first and then pay their monthly bills. God blessed their firstfruits, offerings given with love and in faith.
God gave His Firstfruit, His one-and-only Son, Jesus Christ. His death on Calvary’s cross assures us of life and salvation, and those gifts are ours through His Spirit’s gift of faith.
Because He gives us His best, can we offer Him our leftovers? No, in faith-filled response to His love, we want to give Him our best.
A Point to Ponder: What time, talent, and treasure firstfruit gifts can I offer today?
Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, I give You thanks for the gift of salvation that is mine through faith in Jesus. Fill my heart with such love and praise for You that I will willingly serve You with all that I am and have. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 22/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
