The First and the Best

The first and the best.
- Pastor Ashish Mathews

Genesis 4:3‭-‬4
And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord . Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering.

Abel was a keeper of the sheep and Cain was a tiller of the ground. We bring offerings to God because by our giving we acknowledge that God is our source and sustainer. By our giving, we remember the Lord and acknowledge His undeniable participation in our prosperity.

Abel brought the first and the best of his work to God. Hebrews says by faith he offered it to God. He actually believed that all that he has today its because of the goodness and grace of God. It was evident in his offerings. Faith is expressed in actions. The Bible says God accepted Abels offering because it was offered by faith and its only by faith we can please God. The amount doesn't matter, what matters is faith - your trust in God. When a widow gave her last two coins into the temple treasury, Jesus said, she has given more than anyone else. You see, it wasn't about the amount, it was about her trust that was revealed when she gave everything she had. On the other hand, Cain didn't believe that God was his source and sustainer. He was of the view that God had nothing to do with his life and work and it was all because of his hard work, wisdom and intelligence and other human factors. Deuteronomy 8.18 says Remember the Lord your God for it is he who gives you the power to get wealth. Cain didn't offer it by faith. He didn't honour God with his first and best. He gave God leftovers. Therefore God didn't recieve or accept his offering. God doesn't need our offerings because He owns everything. He established the giving programme so that when you acknowledge God's involvement in your finances, He will bless you even more - more than you can imagine and more than you can work for. Your giving is not for God's benefit, it's for your benefit. The sooner you understand this, the more eager and excited you will be in your tithing, sowing and giving.

Friend, give God your first and best. Be it time, energy or money...etc. Every good gift and perfect gift comes from him. God is our Source and Sustainer. When you acknowledge this in your giving, you will step into a higher dimension of prosperity like you have never known before. Remember, the first and the best belongs to God. You will never lack. Dominion in finances!

"I give my first and best to the Lord and by doing so I honour Him and remember that He is the one who gives me the power to get wealth. The Lord is my Source and my Sustainer. I never lack. I walk in overflow, abundance and more than enough in my finances. Hallelujah."