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. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. NKJV
Cain's offering was NOT a "firstfruits" offering. He didn't bring his BEST. He just brought something he'd grown but without much thought or real worship to the LORD.
Able brought the "firstborn of his flock and of their fat." Able brought his BEST. Before reaping the promise of other provision, he brought the FIRST of God's provision to worship Him.
God wants our BEST. He wants us to give to Him in faith, trusting that He will meet our needs--not because we gave, but because He is LOVE. He wants the first fruit of our day, our energy, our gifts and talents. When we put Him first, every need is met.
Jesus said: Matthew 6:31-34 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. NKJV
Let's begin this year with the determination to give God our BEST as a sign of our love for Him.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. NIV
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