What practical steps can we take to prioritize God in our resources and time? Honoring God’s Claim on the Firstborn “ ‘The first offspring of every womb belongs to Me, including all the firstborn males among your livestock, whether cattle or sheep.’ ” – Exodus 34:19 God’s command concerning the firstborn establishes a principle: whatever opens the womb, whatever is first, belongs to Him. The passage is literal, historical, and binding on Israel, yet its timeless truth directs every believer today—God must receive the first and best of all we possess. Recognizing God’s Total Ownership • Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • When the first belongs to God, everything after is under His blessing. By returning the initial portion, we declare that every minute, paycheck, and skill is already His. Offering the First and the Best of Our Resources Practical ways to reflect Exodus 34:19 in daily stewardship: • Budget “off the top.” – Before allocating for bills or pleasures, set aside the tithe or predetermined offering (Proverbs 3:9–10). • Give promptly. – Transfer or write the check the moment income arrives. Delay subtly communicates that God can wait while others cannot. • Plan for generosity. – Build “seed money” into the budget for spontaneous needs (2 Corinthians 9:7–8). • Guard against leftovers. – If gifts to God come only after wants are met, He receives what costs the least—contrast with David’s resolve in 2 Samuel 24:24. Redeeming Time by Seeking God First Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Mornings dedicated to Him. – Follow Jesus’ example (Mark 1:35). Even ten deliberate minutes in Word and prayer set the trajectory of the day. • Schedule around worship. – Block out Sunday gatherings and mid-week commitments before extracurriculars populate the calendar (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Sabbath rhythms. – One day each week rests from buying, selling, planning, and screen-scrolling so the mind resets on the Lord (Exodus 20:8-11). • “First-fruits” moments. – When a project or study period begins, pause to invite God’s wisdom (James 1:5). – At the top of each hour, whisper thanks or recite a verse to re-center (Psalm 119:164). Living Sacrificially Every Day Romans 12:1: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” • Choose tasks that advance His mission before entertainment. • Commit skill sets—cooking, mechanics, administration—to serve the church family. • Accept kingdom interruptions: the neighbor’s need, the late-night phone call, the unplanned hospital visit (Luke 10:33-35). Experiencing God’s Promise of Provision Malachi 3:10: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… Test Me in this… see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” • God ties blessing to honoring Him first, not as payment but as natural overflow. • Testimony journals: record every financial and time-related breakthrough that follows obedient prioritization; faith strengthens for future giving. Daily Checklist for Keeping God First 1. Give the first portion of income immediately. 2. Open Scripture before unlocking the phone. 3. Confirm worship gatherings on the calendar. 4. Say yes to at least one service opportunity each week. 5. Review the day at nightfall, thanking God for every provision. Conclusion: The Pattern of Firsts Exodus 34:19 is more than ancient ritual; it sets the pattern that the first and best belong to the Lord. When we return to Him the opening moments of our day, the initial slice of every paycheck, and the primary love of our hearts, we discover that the rest is multiplied, ordered, and filled with His favor. |
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