Sunday Service || Mother's Day; Intentional Giving || Pastor Joe Tarkon || City Of David Atlanta

May 10, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Firstfruits and Overflowing Vats

The Israelites gathered offerings, tithes, and firstfruits into storehouses under Nehemiah’s leadership. They brought the best of their harvests—grain, oil, wine—not leftovers. These gifts honored God as their true provider. The act was intentional, a physical reminder that every blessing flowed from His hand. [53:47]

God commanded firstfruits because He wanted their trust, not just their crops. When they gave first, they acknowledged His ownership. Jesus later affirmed this: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Giving firstfruits reshaped their priorities, anchoring them in dependence.

Many of us give God leftovers—time, money, energy—after securing our own needs. But what if you reversed the order? Start your day by praying before checking your phone. Give a portion of your income before paying bills. What do you withhold from God that He’s asking you to offer first?

“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)

Prayer: Ask God to reveal one area where He wants your “firstfruit” this week.
Challenge: Set aside the first 10 minutes of your day for prayer before doing anything else.

Day 2: Smoke of Rejected Offerings

Cain brought crops from his field; Abel brought the firstborn of his flock. Fire consumed Abel’s offering but ignored Cain’s. God rejected Cain’s gift not because vegetables were inferior, but because his heart resisted surrender. Cain gave grudgingly, Abel gave willingly—and God saw the difference. [14:00]

God cares more about why we give than what we give. Jesus praised the widow’s two coins because she gave “all she had,” while rich men gave surplus. The condition of our hearts transforms ordinary acts into sacred offerings.

You might tithe faithfully yet resent the amount. You might serve at church but complain about the time. What if you audited your motives today? Where does your giving feel more like obligation than worship?

“And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.”
(Genesis 4:4–5, ESV)

Prayer: Confess any resentment in your giving. Ask for a heart that delights in generosity.
Challenge: Write down three things you’ve given reluctantly this month. Pray over each one.

Day 3: Two Coins and a Widow’s Resolve

Jesus watched rich men drop large sums into the temple treasury. Then a widow approached, placing two copper coins—her entire livelihood—into the box. He called His disciples over: “She gave more than all the others.” Her poverty didn’t limit her worship; it magnified her trust. [14:31]

God measures generosity by sacrifice, not size. The widow’s gift revealed her belief that God could sustain her better than her last coins. Jesus highlighted her not to glorify poverty but to contrast hollow religiosity with raw faith.

What’s your “two coins”—the small offering that feels insignificant? A tired parent’s bedtime prayer? A single hour serving the homeless? Don’t underestimate what God does with surrendered scraps. What humble act have you dismissed as “too small” to matter?

“She out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”
(Mark 12:44, ESV)

Prayer: Thank God for how He multiplies small acts of faithfulness.
Challenge: Give $5 (or local equivalent) anonymously to someone in need today.

Day 4: Perfume and Judas’ Objection

Mary broke an alabaster jar of expensive ointment, pouring it on Jesus’ feet. Judas protested: “Why waste this? It could’ve been sold for a year’s wages!” Jesus rebuked him: “She has done a beautiful thing.” Mary’s act honored Him as King, even as others dismissed it as excess. [10:23]

Judas fixated on monetary value; Mary focused on relational worth. Her perfume symbolized preparation for Jesus’ burial—a truth the disciples still ignored. Extravagant worship often offends practical minds but delights God’s heart.

Do you withhold praise, service, or gifts because others might call it “too much”? Sing loudly in worship. Send that encouraging text. Buy the flowers. When has fear of others’ opinions stifled your love for Christ?

“Leave her alone… She has done a beautiful thing to me.”
(Matthew 26:10, ESV)

Prayer: Ask God for courage to worship Him boldly, even if others misunderstand.
Challenge: Do one outwardly expressive act of worship today (sing, kneel, write a poem).

Day 5: Blind Lambs and Contemptible Gifts

God rebuked priests who offered diseased animals: “Try giving that to your governor!” They kept healthy livestock for themselves and dumped defects on God’s altar. Such gifts insulted His holiness. Yet the same people demanded blessings, blind to their hypocrisy. [26:10]

God rejects gifts that cost us nothing. David refused to offer “burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” True honor requires sacrifice—not leftovers. Jesus became the perfect Lamb, so our flawed offerings might be redeemed through His worth.

What “blind lambs” do you offer? Half-hearted prayers? Tithes from excess funds? Glancing at Scripture while scrolling social media? What one thing can you give this week that actually costs you?

“When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not evil?… Present that to your governor; will he accept you?”
(Malachi 1:8, ESV)

Prayer: Repent of areas where you’ve given God leftovers.
Challenge: Donate something valuable to you (time, item, money) that you’d struggle to replace.

Sermon Summary

We gather to celebrate mothers and to center our lives on intentional giving that honors God with our increase. We declare that every good thing we receive comes from God, and we hold our possessions as entrusted stewardship rather than final ownership. We practice giving as a spiritual transaction that reveals the posture of our hearts, not as a way to manipulate blessing or to buy favor. We learn that God values the weight of honor in our offerings, and that giving springs from love, obedience, and covenant faithfulness.

We insist on balance between giving and receiving. Constant one sided giving exhausts the giver; constant one sided receiving produces spiritual stagnation. We pursue the wisdom to both give sacrificially and receive graciously so the circle of blessing flows. We heed the biblical prescription for giving, recognizing that God accepts offerings according to heart posture and faithfulness, not mere size or show.

We refuse contemptible offerings and small thinking about God. We offer our best because honor reflects our understanding of God. We follow God’s prescription for generosity as an act of worship, trusting that obedience matters more than frantic calculation. We treat money, careers, households, and relationships as channels for God’s purposes, using resources to glorify God and to bless others.

We call people to a wholehearted response. First, we give our hearts to Christ as primary offering. Then we practice covenantal generosity that continues through seasons when feelings fade. We pray for adjustments where habits have missed God’s way and we commit to stewarding resources with wisdom, courage, and humility. We celebrate women who exemplify sacrificial care, remind one another to play our roles, and ask God to bless and strengthen every family and faithful steward among us.

Key Takeaways

1. Giving honors God above wealth Giving expresses the reverence we hold for God and shows whether we treat God as Lord or as a resource. When offerings carry weight and respect they declare that God stands above salary, title, and comfort. We offer first fruits and our best because honor reshapes our entire stewardship. [82:02]
2. Right heart matters more The posture behind an offering matters more than its bulk; God evaluates sincerity, faith, and obedience. Small gifts given with trust and humility often carry greater value than large gifts offered from pride or duty. We examine motives and align our hearts with God before we calculate amounts. [73:13]
3. Balance giving and receiving Generosity functions as a circle where giving and receiving sustain movement and life; refusing to receive or to give breaks the flow. Healthy receiving builds trust and prevents the giver from burning out; wise giving prevents the receiver from becoming stagnant. We practice both so grace moves freely in relationships and ministry. [57:09]
4. Everything remains God given trust Possessions, positions, and people belong to God and arrive in our lives as stewardship responsibilities. Viewing life as a trust frees us from idolatry of money and sharpens faithful management. We ask how to use resources for God’s purposes rather than defend what we mistakenly call ours. [61:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:04] - Mother's Day greetings
[39:20] - Celebrating women in the house
[45:59] - Women honored and applause
[49:03] - Song: God of miracles
[51:16] - Prayer for burdens and healing
[52:19] - Intentional giving introduced
[52:41] - Scripture on offerings read
[54:15] - Honor God with your increase
[57:09] - Giving and receiving explained
[62:32] - God wants the heart first
[73:13] - Cain and Abel example
[82:02] - Reasons we give explained
[92:47] - Call to commitment and prayer
[95:03] - Thanksgiving offering and prayer for women
[106:13] - Blessing and benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
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.

Malachi 1:6-8 (ESV)
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts.”

Genesis 4:3-5 (ESV)
In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.

Observation Questions

What does Proverbs 3:9-10 identify as the proper response to God’s provision, and what promise accompanies it?
In Malachi 1:6-8, how does God contrast His people’s offerings with what they would never dare give to a human authority? [26:10]
What key difference does Genesis 4:3-5 highlight between Cain’s and Abel’s offerings? [13:40]
According to the sermon, why is the Dead Sea a metaphor for imbalance in giving and receiving? [58:35]

Interpretation Questions

Why might God reject an offering even if it appears generous (like Cain’s), and what does this reveal about His priorities? [14:00]
How does the analogy of a medical prescription apply to giving in Malachi 1:6-8? What happens when we ignore God’s “prescription” for generosity? [15:20]
Proverbs 3:9-10 links honoring God with “firstfruits.” What does prioritizing “firstfruits” symbolize about our trust in God versus self-reliance?
The sermon warns that constant one-sided giving exhausts the giver, while constant receiving stagnates the receiver. How does this reflect God’s design for community? [57:37]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent act of giving. Was it motivated by honoring God, love, or obligation? How could you adjust your heart posture next time? [22:23]
Identify one area where you struggle to receive (help, encouragement, resources). What pride or fear might be blocking you, and how can you practice gracious receiving this week? [09:27]
Are there areas where you’ve treated God like a “governor” (Malachi 1:8)—offering leftovers or minimal effort? What step will you take to prioritize Him with your best?
How can you create “balance” in a relationship where you’re always giving or receiving? What practical adjustment would restore mutual blessing? [57:09]
This week, audit one resource (time, money, skills): How can you intentionally use it as a “channel for God’s purposes” rather than clinging to it as “yours”? [01:59]
Mothers often model sacrificial giving. Who in your life needs intentional encouragement or support this week? How will you act on that? [06:14]

Sermon Clips

37s

#CovenantGiving

“So covenant giving is not casual. It's not emotional. You don't give because you feel like it. Because trust me, there are times you won't feel like it. There are times you will not want to give, but you give because you are mandated by God to give. A steward should not ask how much of my money should I give to God? What you ask is, God, how should I use what you have given me? Are you listening to me this morning? Are you listening to me this morning? Yes.”

38s

#HonorInGiving

“And some people will bring that. The fowl is sick, and that's what they will bring to God. God says, please keep that passage for me. He said when you give contemptible things to me, So what you give to God shows honor. Because some of you think that, well, God lacks money. So well, let me give him something to placate him. Let me give him something to just shut his mouth. But that speaks to the state of your heart. It speaks to your understanding of God.”

34s

#ChooseGodOverMammon

“The other god is Mammon. It's wealth. Two gods. One is God, capital g, and the other god is mammon. So I I I want you to understand that when you look at money, you've got to make up your mind, is this money mammon? Or is this money a blessing? Is this money a tool, an instrument that I can I can use? Are you following me, brethren? Giving is important.”

40s

#HonorGodWithEarnings

“So for you, who you're a businessman, you're a professional, and you are rising up the rank in your career, rising up your rank in the society. How do you give to God? I want you to understand that your business is only a channel. Your salary is only a channel. God is your source. So when you go back to give to God, what do you do? You give God honorably. And the people say Amen. It was very quiet amen, and I understand. I'm not afraid.”

33s

#GiveAndReceiveWisely

“You go to the Dead Sea, you can float on the Dead Sea. It is so dead that it will carry you carry your full weight without you sinking. Why so? Because the Dead Sea is constantly receiving and receiving and receiving and never giving. Many people know how to give, but some people do not know how to receive. When you can give and receive, that is wisdom.”

29s

#PrepareYourHeartForMoney

“The reason why that is important because money issues is a matter of the heart. Listen to me. Anything about finances, anything about money, whether you're a pastor, whether you are the poorest man in the world, is about what? It's about the state of the heart. You've got to prepare well to handle money. And I'm trying to prepare you in this house to handle money because money is coming.”

26s

#GivingIsSpiritual

“So you got to understand that your giving is not just a financial transaction. I want you to understand that your giving is a is a is a spiritual spiritual act. And that's why Jesus said it. He said it clearly. He said he said, there are only two gods in this world. One is the God, capital g of the heavens and earth, and the other God is what? Have you heard it? Mammon.”

26s

#GiveAndReceiveCycle

“Now all of life operates by giving and receiving. All of life. No one succeeds only by taking. There are people who enjoy the taking principle, the taking dynamic. They are always taking and taking and taking. But all of life is is is run by the principle of giving and receiving. Giving and receiving are two sides of a circle.”

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Sunday Service || Mother's Day; Intentional Giving || Pastor Joe Tarkon || City Of David Atlanta

Devotional

Day 1: Firstfruits and Overflowing Vats

Day 2: Smoke of Rejected Offerings

Day 3: Two Coins and a Widow’s Resolve

Day 4: Perfume and Judas’ Objection

Day 5: Blind Lambs and Contemptible Gifts

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Sunday Service || Mother's Day; Intentional Giving || Pastor Joe Tarkon || City Of David Atlanta

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