In Deuteronomy 26, we are taught to give of our first fruits to our local priest.  “First fruits” are the initial proceeds of the soil of the land that He gave to us.  And so, perhaps we are not so much giving what is ours, but we are returning a portion of what we have made of what God has given us.  Perhaps we are not so much a giver as we are a steward of God’s generous provision.  We don’t give or provide; He does.

Today’s M46 passage is Proverbs 3:9-10, which says, “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:  so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”

M46 Challenge:  Talk to your children about giving tithes and offerings.  Discuss the benefits of honoring God with their money and the importance of being a giver.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that we’re considering the lesson of first fruits on what the proverbial Hallmark Nation celebrates as “Giving Tuesday.”  A modern era commercial concoction dating back to 2012, it’s typically the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.  A cynic may even observe that it’s a day of giving that follows a day of feasting and 2+ days of marathon shopping – something of a “Last Fruits Day” if sequence indicates priority.

I don’t know that I’ve ever had anyone tell me that they’re short because of their first fruits tithe, though I’m certain that many have said at one time or another that they’ve little to give after first satisfying all else.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for always providing for me and my family.  I thank you for your promise that as I honor you with what you bless me with, you always provide all that my family has need of.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Thoughts:  First fruits, tithing, and stewardship are easier and best learned early in life.  As our children begin to experience opportunities to earn money and receive gifts, we have an opportunity to teach them about tithing their first fruits and saving the next 10%.  If hard-wired early, these habits will reap benefits for their lifetime.

We will go to Proverbs 10 tomorrow for a bit on a long life of peace and prosperity.  Make it a great day.  I’ll see you then!

Keep it Lit,

T.