FIRST_FRUITS_2.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God With What’s in Your Hands

Stewardship is not about meeting a quota or following a rulebook—it’s about recognizing that everything we have comes from God and trusting Him to provide for our needs. When resources feel tight or uncertain, it’s easy to slip into anxiety or self-reliance. But God invites us to offer Him our “first fruits”—the best and the first of what we have—as a declaration that He is our true provider. This act of trust, especially when it feels risky, is where faith takes root and grows deep.
When we hold our resources with open hands, we’re not just giving away money or time; we’re making a statement about who we believe is in control. God doesn’t need our offerings, but He desires our hearts. As we trust Him with what’s in our hands, we discover that He is faithful to care for us, even in seasons of scarcity.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life—finances, time, or talents—where you find it hardest to trust God as your provider? What would it look like to offer Him your “first fruits” in that area this week?

Day 2: Obedience: The Courage to Step Forward

Obedience to God is more than just following instructions—it’s an act of faith that believes God’s way leads to life, even when the path ahead looks uncertain or daunting. Joshua was called to lead the Israelites across a flooded river, not a gentle stream. God’s command was clear, but the circumstances were intimidating. Yet, Joshua’s courage came from trusting that God’s promises were true, even when the next step seemed impossible.
In our own lives, obedience often requires us to move forward before we see the outcome. It’s the willingness to say “yes” to God, even when we don’t have all the answers. As we take those steps, we discover that faith and obedience are inseparable—each act of obedience becomes a bridge to experiencing God’s faithfulness in new ways.

“Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: Where is God asking you to take a step of obedience that feels risky or uncomfortable? What is one practical action you can take today to move forward in faith?

Day 3: God’s Promises Outshine Every Obstacle

Sometimes, the obstacles in front of us seem insurmountable—like a river at flood stage blocking the way forward. But God’s promises are not limited by our circumstances. He specializes in making a way where there seems to be none, reminding us that His faithfulness is bigger than any challenge we face.
When we focus on the size of our problems, it’s easy to lose sight of God’s power and goodness. But when we remember His promises, we find courage to trust Him, even when the odds are against us. God invites us to bring our fears and doubts to Him, believing that He is able to do what we cannot.

“And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.”’” (2 Chronicles 20:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one obstacle in your life right now that feels overwhelming? How can you shift your focus from the size of the obstacle to the greatness of God’s promises today?

Day 4: Giving as Worship, Not Obligation

Giving is not just a financial transaction—it’s a spiritual act of worship that shapes our hearts and priorities. When we honor God with our first and best, we’re declaring that He is worthy of our trust and devotion. This kind of giving isn’t about meeting a budget or fulfilling a duty; it’s about participating in a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God.
As we release what we have, we make space to experience God’s abundance in new ways. Giving becomes a way to align our hearts with God’s kingdom, reminding us that true prosperity is found not in hoarding, but in trusting and worshiping the Giver of all good things.

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: When you give—whether your time, resources, or encouragement—do you see it as an act of worship? What is one way you can intentionally give as worship to God this week?

Day 5: Remembering God’s Faithfulness in Every Step

Every act of obedience, every step of faith, becomes a testimony of God’s provision and power. As we look back on our journey, we see how God has been faithful in ways we couldn’t have imagined. These stories of God’s faithfulness give us courage to trust Him with whatever lies ahead.
It’s easy to forget how God has provided in the past when we’re facing new challenges. But remembering His faithfulness anchors our hearts in hope. As we share our stories and recall His goodness, we build a foundation of trust that carries us forward, no matter what the future holds.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: Take a few minutes to remember a time when God provided for you in a way you didn’t expect. How can you share that story with someone else this week to encourage their faith?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

Today’s sermon focused on the deep connection between stewardship, obedience, and faith, especially as it relates to our resources and finances. Drawing from Matthew 6 and the story of Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan, we explored how God calls us to trust Him with our needs and to put Him first, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. The message challenged us to see giving—not as a church’s demand for money—but as a spiritual act of honoring God with our “first fruits.” Through personal stories and biblical examples, we were reminded that God’s promises are trustworthy, and that true prosperity comes from seeking His kingdom above all else.

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Key Takeaways

1. Stewardship Is Rooted in Trust, Not Obligation True stewardship isn’t about following rules or meeting quotas; it’s about trusting God with what He’s given us. When we give our first and best to God, we declare that He is our provider, not our possessions or our own efforts. This trust is tested most when resources feel scarce, but it’s in those moments that faith grows deep roots.
2. Obedience and Faith Walk Hand in Hand God’s instructions to Joshua were clear: be strong, courageous, and obey without turning aside. Obedience isn’t just about compliance—it’s about believing that God’s way leads to life, even when the path looks impossible. Faith is the bridge between what God commands and what we experience, especially when the “river” in front of us is raging.
3. God’s Promises Are Bigger Than Our Obstacles The Israelites faced a flooded Jordan, not a gentle stream. Sometimes, God’s promises seem out of reach because the obstacles are overwhelming. But God specializes in making a way where there is none, reminding us that His faithfulness isn’t limited by our circumstances.
4. Giving Is a Spiritual Act, Not a Transaction Honoring God with our first fruits is about worship, not just finances. When we give, we’re not just supporting a church budget—we’re participating in a spiritual discipline that shapes our hearts and priorities. God invites us to experience His abundance, not by hoarding, but by releasing and trusting Him with our needs.
5. God’s Faithfulness Is Proven in Our Journey Personal stories of stepping out in faith—whether in marriage, missions, or finances—remind us that what seems impossible to us is possible with God. Each act of obedience becomes a testimony of His provision and power. As we look back on God’s faithfulness, we find courage to trust Him with whatever lies ahead.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Stewardship, Obedience, and Faith**

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### Bible Reading

- **Matthew 6:28-33**
- **Joshua 1:7-11**
- **Proverbs 3:9-10**

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### Observation Questions

In Matthew 6:28-33, what examples does Jesus use to show God’s care for our needs?
According to Joshua 1:7-11, what instructions does God give Joshua before crossing the Jordan River?
In Proverbs 3:9-10, what does it mean to honor the Lord with our “firstfruits”?
From the sermon, what are some ways the Israelites’ situation at the Jordan River was more difficult than it first appeared?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus connect seeking God’s kingdom first with God providing for our needs in Matthew 6?
What does it look like to trust God with our resources when circumstances feel overwhelming, as described in the sermon?
How does giving our “first and best” to God demonstrate faith, rather than just following a rule?
In the story of Joshua, why do you think God repeatedly tells Joshua to be strong and courageous? How does this relate to obedience and faith in our own lives?

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### Application Questions

The sermon talked about giving as a spiritual act, not just a transaction. When you think about your own giving—whether time, money, or talents—do you see it as worship or as an obligation? What would it look like to shift your mindset?
Is there an area in your life right now where you feel like you’re standing in front of a “flooded Jordan”—something that feels impossible or overwhelming? What would it mean to trust God with that situation?
The idea of “firstfruits” is about giving God our first and best. What is one practical way you could put God first in your finances or resources this month?
The sermon mentioned that God’s promises are bigger than our obstacles. Can you share a time when you saw God provide for you in a way you didn’t expect?
Sometimes, obedience means stepping out before we see how things will work out. Is there a step of faith or obedience you feel God is asking you to take right now? What’s holding you back?
Looking back, how have you seen God’s faithfulness in your journey—whether in relationships, work, or finances? How does remembering these moments help you trust Him with what’s ahead?
The message challenged us to see stewardship as rooted in trust, not obligation. What is one area where you struggle to trust God with your resources? What’s one step you could take this week to grow in that trust?

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Sermon Quotes

Stewardship and obedience are tied together—if I want to truly follow God, I have to trust Him by faith, even when it doesn’t make sense or feels risky.

God is never made equal to another god. He stands alone, and when we trust Him with our lives and resources, we acknowledge His unique authority.

It’s a spiritual thing—when people say, “The church just wants my money,” they miss that giving is about faith, trust, and honoring God, not about meeting a budget.

Faith and money are connected. Where we put our treasure reveals where we put our trust, and God calls us to trust Him first, not our bank accounts.

The Jordan River wasn’t always a gentle stream. Sometimes, what looks like a small obstacle becomes a raging flood, but God still calls us to step forward in faith.

Stewardship isn’t just about money—it’s about trusting God with every part of our lives, believing He will provide even when we can’t see how.

When we seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, everything else falls into place. Worry fades when we put Him at the center of our priorities.

Obedience to God isn’t just about following rules—it’s about trusting that His way leads to true success and prosperity, even when the path looks uncertain.

Sometimes God asks us to get our provisions ready and step out, even when the way forward seems impossible. Faith means moving before we see the miracle.

Honoring God with our first and best isn’t about what He needs from us—it’s about what He wants for us: a life overflowing with His provision and blessing.

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FIRST_FRUITS_2.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God With What’s in Your Hands

Day 2: Obedience: The Courage to Step Forward

Day 3: God’s Promises Outshine Every Obstacle

Day 4: Giving as Worship, Not Obligation

Day 5: Remembering God’s Faithfulness in Every Step

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Quotes

Chatbot

FIRST_FRUITS_2.docx

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