Thursday, February 2, 2017

Save The Best For First

"The Lord said to Moses, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.” Exodus 13:1-2



I learned an important lesson from a good friend early in my marriage to Barbara.

He told me that whenever I hear something amazing or amusing that I want to share, the first person I should share it with is Barbara. There is an excitement and energy the first time I share something that just isn't there with the next several times I will tell it. So, I want the best time to be the time I share it with her.

In this series of messages we are learning that the tithe belongs to God and the tithe is the FIRST tenth not the later nor the last tenth.

The first three Commandments make it clear that you are to honor God with your first and your best. He is to be the highest and holiest Person in your life! How can He the highest and holiest if you don't honor Him with your first and your best? If He isn't first He isn't God.

As you honor Him with your treasure your heart will follow. And by treasure I am not referring merely to money but also to your time and your talents as well.

Honoring God with your first fruit is a principle and a practice that builds "champions" out of common folks. It works every time it is tried!

God is to be honored with the first born because it acknowledges that it all belongs to Him anyway AND because it draws your heart toward Him! 

God is to be honored with the first born or the first fruit because it already belongs to him! And it is good to give the tithe to Him to honor Him!

Let me share one other reason why it makes sense to honor God with your tithe. (the first 10% of your income.) 

One significant truth that escapes many is the precious truth that when the tithe is brought to the House of the Lord it redeems the other 90% that isn't brought into God's House!

Giving the first tenth of your income to God on the first day of the week proves you have faith! It takes faith to bring the tithe into God's House before you have seen any blessings from God!

God had faith in you and me when He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins. He sent Jesus to the cross with little or no guarantee of a significant return on His sacrifice! Yes, God had faith in you before you had any faith in Him!

God gave His best first! 

So, when it comes to your relationship with God save the best for first!