Leftovers

I was blessed to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family. We had, as usual, a table filled with all kinds of delicious food. In fact, there was so much food many piled plates full of left-overs to carry home. 

     I can honestly say that I like left-overs, but I don’t believe God does. He tells me in Nehemiah 10, “We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the Lord each year the first fruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.”  Then in Proverbs 3, I read, “Honour the Lord with thine substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase.” 

     I do not believe God loves me less when He gets my leftovers. I believe He loves me just the same, although, I do believe He provides more blessings to those who choose to give Him their first-fruits. Luke 6:38 reinforces this idea, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  

     I am so glad I am counted as righteous and given salvation because of my faith not because of my works or my giving, but I do want to please God. God loves a "cheerful giver!"