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First and Best
God wants to be first in our lives because He knows our first really is our best. We see the principle of the first and best throughout Scripture. Whether you’re a Christian or not, your life is marked by priorities. First things have power in your life.
God gave His first and His best to us in Jesus. Because God gave His first and best, we too can strive to give God the first of everything. It sounds kind of rhetorical, poetic, and even romantic, but seriously, it’s just foundational truth. Give God the first and best of your everything. Make this your priority. Pray, “God, it is hard for me to put You first. It can be overwhelming, but please help me to put You first. Step-by-step, I’m committed to giving You the first of everything.”
Most of the time, the principle of the first and best is taught from a financial perspective, as if it only applies to giving, but it applies to far more than just money. This principle is huge. It is about giving Him everything. It really means giving Him the first of every detail of your life.
Look at Leviticus 27:30. It says to give a tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees. It all belongs to the Lord. It is holy to the Lord. We must give God the first of our everything. It is a biblical mandate. When you give this tithe, it is holy. “Holy” means set apart or dedicated to the Lord. It’s a decision that you’ve made in advance. You are committed—no matter what you harvest, reap, gain, or earn—to set the first and best portion aside for the Lord. It is going to be His. You give to Him out of devotion and gratitude, declaring to Him, “Before I even know what You are about to provide, You are going to get some of it back.”
God is not asking anything from us that He hasn’t already demonstrated to us. He gave us an example when He gave us His first and best in Jesus. It cost Him everything to give you His first and best, and He wants you to give Him your first and best also.
God, You gave us Your first and best in Jesus. I want to give as You gave.
About this Plan
God wants to be first in our lives. In this devotional plan, you will learn ways to apply this powerful principle. Give God your first and your best, give sacrificially, and depend on Him to bless the rest. You will be amazed at what God will do in your life when you dedicate it to Him!
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We would like to thank John Sherrill, the senior pastor of Declaration Church in Spring, Texas, and El Centro Network for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://www.declaration.org/ and http://www.elcentronetwork.com
