In 1
Kings 17:8-16, we come upon Elijah who instructed the poor widow to give him
them last of her food (vv.11, 13), he appeared to be selfishly and arrogantly
saying, “Put me first.” However, he was really demonstrating a concept that is
foundational in God’s economy—put God first. Note that the promise that Elijah
gave to the widow with his request in verse 14 said that if she obeyed, she
would not lack food during the drought.
Dear
reader, God’s ways are not our ways; His economy is not the world’s economy.
When we put God first and are obedient to His Word (Matt 6:33), not only will
our finances will be in order, but also we will experience God’s provision when
in need!
When we
give, we must give something out of our need. That is the kind that involves
faith. This woman had need for herself and her family, but she gave anyway, but
then God multiplied her giving back to her. Moreover, this woman gave first,
which activated the miracle supply of God flowing back into her life.
This is
how prosperity works. It occurs when we enter into the fullness of God’s plan
for our lives. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” As we celebrate the
Feat of Tabernacles, this is the principle that we are following. The beginning
of the month is an expression of the first fruits principle. When Israel
entered the Promised Land and received their first harvest there, they were to
put the first portion of that harvest in a basket and take it to God’s
sanctuary. God promised if they would honor him by giving Him some of the first
of all the crops they produces, He would set them high above all the nations
for praise, fame and honor; and they would be a people holy to the Lord. First
fruits, which is different than tithe, is a major key to living in the favor
and prosperity of God.
Why? Because
giving first fruits honors God as your source; it makes holy the rest of your
income; it releases the fullness of God’s blessing; and it opens us to receive
God’s overflowing provision.
Many
complain that they don’t see much fruit in their lives, but in reality, it’s
all about understanding God’s cycles, and radically changing our won mentality.
I truly believe that God is positioning Himself to do miraculous things in our
time. It’s in the air. It’s in the time. Yet, it is also time that we go beyond
our current levels of celebration and religious ritual. WE must follow the Lord
in obedience and expectancy, for he is, above all else, good and ever ready to
bless us. We must also go beyond our debt mentality, and KNOW beyond knowing
that that the Lord is more than capable to free us to accomplish His purposes. We
must position ourselves in a multiplication mentality, and see what HE sees and
not what we see in the natural. For our ways are not His ways, and our thoughts
are not His thoughts! Dear reader, it’s time we break free from the claws of
the spirit of Poverty. It’s time we enter into his promised blessing.
I want
to invite you today to join us in our Feast of Tabernacles and Firstfruits
celebration this Sunday at 9 and 11am. We are preparing to honor and worship
the Lord. He is worthy.
Keeping
the Word Alive,
Kent
