2.6.9 "The Best of the Best"

"The Best of the Best"

Exodus 23:14-25:40
Matthew 24:29-51
Psalm 30:1-12
Proverbs 7:24-27

Reading many of the laws listed in Exodus and some of the other early old testament books may be difficult for some. But within these scriptures we find principles that reveal the heart of God.

Today's verse says, "As you reap each of your crops, bring me the choicest sample of the first day's harvest; it shall be offered to the Lord your God." Ex. 23:19

It may be easy for some to look at a verse like this and brush it off. "I'm not a farmer, this doesn't apply to me..." The truth is that it applies to everyone. This scripture is an example of the giving of the tithe. Tithing is important. It is giving to God what belongs to God.

This principle needs to be a part of who we are. When it comes to dealing with our money, we generally think in terms of "stewardship", or responsibility, which is the principle of Active Ministry Involvement. But it's important to know that Tithing is an act of obedience. If you are walking in Obedience, you are living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship. Tithing is really not an option. When it comes to giving above and beyond the tithe, that's where responsibility and stewardship kick in. Remember, Active Ministry Involvement is not just a matter of getting involved, it is a principle of being responsible with ALL of "your" resources.

To Live the DREAM, we must have the heart of this verse imbedded in our life. Everything I have is the Lord's. I've had many tell me that they tithe when they can "afford" to. If that's the case, they are not living according to God's plan. God is to receive the "choicest sample of the first day's harvest;" not the left-overs.

There are many things that happen as a result of giving God our best. First and foremost, we are walking in obedience to His Word. That's significant enough that there should be no need to go farther. But in being obedient, we experience the blessing of the Lord. We walk in purity of heart.

One of the greatest benefits to giving God our best is that we die to the flesh. If you've ever seen the seagulls on "Finding Nemo", they basically represent our human nature. All they do is fly around saying, "Mine, Mine, Mine". When we get a pay check, or have valuables, our flesh says, "mine, mine, mine". Being disciplined in the area of tithing trains our flesh that all we have is "yours, yours, yours".

There's freedom in living with everything surrendered to the Lord. It's easier to know that he will be our provider. He will come through. We don't have to worry. It's not our stuff anyway. Tithing keeps the enemy from filling our mind with selfishness.

This same principle applies to all of our resources. We need to give God our best talents as well. We don't want to offer him what is "left". We must give him our best. His blessing rests on those who give their best to him.

Give Him your Best!



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
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Active Ministry Involvement
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