Devotion
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The Wisdom of God: Part 154
Author
Timothy Laughlin
Published
Aug 07, 2026
Tags
"Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so, your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10
"Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so, your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." Proverbs 3:9-10
So, the simple meaning of first fruits is the first and best portion of what is produced. It can be grain, fruit, animals, or any other type of increase. In spiritual language, it also points to giving God the best of our lives, our time, and our resources. It means putting Him first in everything we do.
In a world of pride and greed, giving to God has become somewhat of a strange thing to many. The modern-day churches and ministries have turned to big productions, fundraisers, and downright begging for an offering! This shouldn't be; we should gladly give to God because He first gave to us, even His only Son! In the Old Testament, we were commanded to give 10% of our money, produce, or animals, and today that still carries a blessing.
Today, however, I believe the New Testament church is to give by the leading of the Spirit rather than by the letter of the law. This opens the doors to great blessings for believers who give in the Spirit. If everyone lived and gave freely as the Holy Spirit leads, the churches, ministries, and the poor would have an abundance with no one lacking!
For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack" II Corinthians 8:13-15
Your servant in Christ, Timothy Laughlin
Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
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