Category: Giving

Bringing Your Firstfruits

Do you remember your first paycheck? The thrill of earning your own money felt exciting and full of possibilities. Maybe it seemed like a huge amount, but as soon as you started spending it, you realized how quickly the funds could slip through your wallet. 

My parents modeled faithful and generous giving while I was growing up, so when I got my first paycheck, I wanted to follow their example. As soon as I deposited the funds, I carved out a portion to give away before I spent it on anything else. I knew if I didn’t do it immediately, I would be more likely to forget. The spending patterns we develop in youth affect our finances throughout adulthood, so I’m grateful to my parents for teaching me to prioritize giving from the start. 

I thought of that first act of financial obedience as I read the Book of the Covenant, found in Exodus 20:22-24:18. At first glance many of the laws that expand on the Ten Commandments seem obsolete or inapplicable for us today. However, with a bit of context and clarification, we’ll find there are still practical ways to apply them in modern contexts.

One of those commands is: “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.” (Exodus 23:19, NIV)

“The Hebrew word for first fruit is bikkurim—literally translated to ‘promise to come.’ The Israelites saw these first fruits as an investment into their future. God told them that if they brought their first fruits to him, he would bless all that came afterward.”1 

Although most of us no longer live in an agrarian society, the idea of giving our first and best to the Lord still has relevance today. “What started as a specific instruction for bringing crops to the temple priest was expanded on later in Scripture. It no longer refers to literal fruit—first fruits means any income, wealth, or blessings that a Christian has received over the course of the year… Whenever you decide to make a first fruit offering, the important thing is that you do it freely, with no guilt or obligation. This is supposed to be a celebration of all that God has done for you. It’s a kind of worship that you can use to support the work of others.” 1

Making a firstfruit offering invites God to work in our lives. When we approach the Lord with open hands rather than clenched fists, we’re in a posture to give and receive freely. Honoring God with our firstfruits reminds us that He is our ultimate provider. It shows Him that we are obedient to Him and we can be trusted with more, if He chooses to give it. Additionally, being generous with what we’ve received demonstrates that we’re grateful for all the Lord has given to us. 

If we take an expansive view of obedience here, we can apply the concept of giving our first and our best in other areas of our lives as well. For example, we can give God the firstfruits of our time by prioritizing prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in worship in the regular rhythms of our schedules. Similarly, we can use our skills, talents, and spiritual gifts for God’s kingdom purposes at church and in other ministries. Instead of squeezing these practices in around other priorities, we can build our time commitments around them. We honor the Lord by giving to Him first, not dishing Him our leftovers—whether it’s our finances, our time, or our talents.

God has done for us the very thing He asks us to do for Him; He gave us His first and His best:“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22, NIV) 

Jesus represents the ultimate firstfruits: “He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” (Philippians 2:5-8, The Message) God didn’t hold back on giving us His first and His best. He sent Jesus, who willingly became a human for our sakes. He set the ultimate example of offering the most precious thing He had—His life. So how could we ever hold back from Him?

If you’ve never learned about giving the Lord your first and your best, there’s no need to feel guilty. Shifting how you use your time, talents, and material resources may not happen all at once. It will require thought, prayer, and possibly some hard conversations with others in your family. But if these are areas where you’d like to grow, commit to praying and asking the Lord to guide you. Let Him speak into how you prioritize your time, talents, and material resources. Trust that God has good in store for you and that as you give Him your first and your best, you’ll experience His peace, joy, and fulfillment in abundance.

Honoring the Lord with your firstfruits is not a practice commonly embraced in our world today. Re-ordering your priorities to align with Scripture requires thought, prayer, and intentionality. If you’d like to ask God for help, listen to “First Things First” by Consumed by Fire and let it become your prayer today. Click here to listen.

1. “A Short Guide to Understanding Firstfruits Offerings”, Jesse Wisnewski, August 6, 2020, Tithe.ly website.

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 5.

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The GOAT Part 8: Treasure

As we continue our series, the Greatest of All Time, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount challenges us to consider what we treasure most in our lives. He warns us that even while our finances and earthly treasures are fleeting and unreliable, our wealth continually lures us away from devotion to God. In this section of the sermon, Jesus urges us to teach our hearts to treasure Him above all else:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:19-24, NIV)

It may seem obvious, but whatever we focus on dictates our actions. So, when we set our sights on earthly success and wealth, we will use our energy to fulfill those desires. Conversely, when we focus on God’s priorities, our actions will reflect different goals—and our reward in heaven will last forever. Treasure is anything we value above all else. According to Jesus, determining where our treasure is also determines where our heart is.1

When our priorities align with God’s, we see money as a tool, not a source of status or security. God entrusts us with financial resources that provide for our needs. But beyond meeting our own necessities, we also have opportunities to use our finances for His kingdom– whether that is supporting ministries, charities, or specific people. Usually, whatever motivates us to action is what we prize. When we are overly focused on our own pleasure, comfort, or security, we become self-centered and blind to the ways our material resources could be used for God’s greater purposes.

If you’re not accustomed to sharing your financial resources regularly, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Giving to your local church is a good place to start, especially if you’re benefitting from the resources it provides. Most churches also designate a portion of their budgets to support ministries doing impactful work locally and globally. Beyond donating to your church, you may consider investing in God’s kingdom by giving to ministries that focus on issues that matter to you. For example, when our boys were little, my husband and I started sponsoring two boys around their ages through Compassion International. The desire to see our own children thrive motivated us to support other kids with less resources so that they, too, could thrive. It’s been gratifying to see how the small amount we donate monthly has made a significant impact on their daily lives. Receiving their letters and pictures over the years has also created a bond between us.

Over time our hearts have also been drawn to other places where we feel passionate about investing earthly treasures for God’s kingdom purposes. It’s brought us great joy to devote a portion of our income to supporting ministries that are inspiring us personally and making an eternal difference in the world. Knowing our resources are being used to impact others for good fulfills us in a way that spending on ourselves never does. (Check out my list of ideas below for some inspiration.)

Paul reinforces Jesus’ teaching in his first letter to Timothy: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs…Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”  (1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19, NIV)

The only treasure that is 100% trustworthy is found in God’s kingdom. Our pursuit of Jesus enables us to align our priorities with His in ways that are both spiritual and practical. It opens doors for Him to use our time and finances for greater impact and lets us discover the value of lasting treasure found only in Him. And that is “life that is truly life.”

If trusting God with your finances is a struggle for you, pray and admit it to Him. Ask Him to help you, then take a step of faith and set aside a portion of your income to invest in God’s kingdom. Consider starting a separate generosity fund where you can stash money that is earmarked for giving. Then you’ll have funds available to share as God prompts you. This intentional act will show the Lord you trust Him, change your perspective on finances, and give Him new opportunities to work in your life.

Need some ideas on where to give? Consider these opportunities and be attentive to how the Spirit prompts you. (Click on the names of the ministries to visit their websites and get more info.)

Help end human trafficking and support its victims by donating to International Justice Mission.

Transform the trajectory of at-risk youth by donating to Today’s Youth Matter.

Provide food, medical care, and schooling for needy kids overseas by sponsoring a child at Compassion International.

Empower women with unplanned pregnancies to make confident and healthy life choices through giving to Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services.

Provide quality schooling and mentoring for underprivileged kids by giving to San Francisco City Academy.

Provide food, medical care, and services for the needy by giving to San Francisco City Impact.

Introduce college students to Jesus by donating to Cru.

Educate struggling teens to make healthy life choices by giving to Teen Esteem.

Focusing on the treasure found in the Lord matters more than anything else. Click here to be reminded of this through Pat Barrett’s song “Better”.

1. Paragraph adapted from GotQuestions.org. Click here for full article.

This post complements Bill Haslim’s sermon at CPC Danville “The GOAT Part 8.” Click here to watch.

The GOAT Part 7: Hypocrisy

No one respects a hypocrite. For Christians, it’s hard to watch fellow believers put on a show of faith that turns out to be hollow and heartless. For non-Christians, it’s one of the biggest deterrents to following Jesus.

This week we come to a portion in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus teaches on righteousness and shows the difference between performing for others and following the Lord authentically. He addresses three ways to practice righteousness and tells what they do and don’t include. As Jesus describes giving, praying, and fasting, His message is clear: don’t be a hypocrite. He’s not interested in people who put on masks like actors and pretend to be holy, He wants hearts that are truly devoted to following Him.

Giving: Jesus starts this section talking about giving: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4, NIV)

Jesus’ point here is that we should give without getting noticed. The purpose of sharing our resources with those in need isn’t to show how good or generous we are. It isn’t to get our name in a program or on a plaque, it’s to meet a felt need. 

Let’s pause to clarify something–giving to the needy is an expected part of living a righteous life. Scripture includes so many passages about the importance of giving, it’s hard to highlight just a few: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, NIV)

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17, NIV)

Are you giving your resources to ministries and organizations that care for and bless others? If so, are you doing it quietly or with fanfare? Do you only give when it benefits you–like getting a tax write off or recognition from others? Follow Jesus’ lead and let your secret giving show your sincere desire to love God, obey His commands, and pursue righteousness.

Praying: Jesus continues His teaching by instructing us to pray without performing: “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:5-8, NIV)

Praying to impress others with our spirituality does nothing to enhance our relationship with the Lord. Authentic prayer enables us to draw near to God and cultivate an intimate relationship with Him. The Lord knows what we need, but still invites us to spend time with Him and bring our requests to Him. Seeking Him in prayer demonstrates humility, shows our trust in Him, and strengthens our personal relationship with Him. 

Fasting: Jesus addresses the spiritual practice of fasting by telling His followers not to make a show out it: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18, NIV)

While many of us don’t fast regularly as a spiritual discipline, we can still have the tendency to make a show of other spiritual activities we do. Sometimes we want to make sure people know how much we’re serving or giving our time for the benefit of others. We slip our resumé of service and credentials into conversations hoping others will be impressed. Some of us act like martyrs, believing our contributions are indispensable and that everything would fall apart if we weren’t involved. Scripture tells us that God prepares good works in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10), so be sure to give God the credit for anything good He leads you to do.

And, if you’ve never tried fasting before, take it into consideration. Going without food for a period of time can be an incredible conduit to prayer. Hunger pains remind us of our need for God and lead us to draw near to Him. This is an especially powerful practice if you want to focus your prayers on a specific concern. You can learn more about fasting by clicking here.

In his classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers advises: “At least once a week examine yourself before God to see if your life is measuring up to the standard He has for you. Paul was like a musician who gives no thought to audience approval, if he can only catch a look of approval from his Conductor…My worth to God in public is what I am in private. Is my master ambition to please Him and be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how noble?” Whether you’re giving, praying, or fasting, remember you are performing for an audience of One.

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers Publications Association Ltd., March 17 entry.

This post is based on Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville “The GOAT Part 7.” Click here to watch.

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Giving Generously


Driving through the city on a sunny afternoon, I watched from the passenger seat as familiar sites rolled by my window…ornate Victorian houses, clanging cable cars, trendy stores, chic cafés, and tiny gardens sandwiched between tall buildings. A few blocks further down, the picturesque scene transformed as we passed liquor stores, empty lots filled with trash, and raggedy people sleeping in doorways. One group leaned against a graffiti-covered wall smoking cigarettes and drinking from bottles tucked inside paper bags. A few kids skipped past them down the sidewalk, their fresh faces providing a sharp contrast to the bleak surroundings.
 
For most people, scenes like these cause different emotions to bubble to the surface. Some turn their heads, preferring not to engage the conflicting feelings of guilt and compassion that may arise. Others look on wishing they could help, but feel ill- equipped and unsure about how to intervene in a community struggling with such vast problems.
 
Although I’ve felt those things at different times, that day I was hopeful. I thought of the letters my family receives from a little boy and girl in that neighborhood who we’ve been sponsoring for several years through SF City Impact. I pictured the Christian school they attend that brings the light of Jesus to that struggling neighborhood. The people working there have willing hearts, deep faith, and years of experience that enable them to engage the neighborhood’s practical and spiritual needs. And as you might expect, they have limited resources to fill them.
 
On Good Friday, members of my women’s Bible study made the drive into that neighborhood to deliver Easter baskets to each child and staff member at SF City Academy. Gathering with these women to fill the baskets has been one of the many highlights of being part of this group. Delivering them to the children and staff members is both humbling and fulfilling. It’s amazing how God uses simple baskets loaded with trinkets and treats to show love, encouragement, and support to adults and children who are often overlooked. 
 
This year, it seems especially poignant to be doing this as we’re wrapping up a study on the book of Ruth. Like some of the families who will be receiving baskets, Ruth struggled with poverty and found herself as an immigrant on the fringes of society. Because of her rural setting, she gleaned in the fields to get food for herself and Naomi. This was God’s provision for the poor described in the Old Testament (see Leviticus 19:9-10 and Deuteronomy 24:19-22).
 
In modern times and urban settings, the poor don’t have the option to glean fields, but we’re still instructed to offer support using the same principles. The command to give to the needy is a consistent theme throughout the Old and New Testaments. Jesus taught on the importance of giving many times. One of the most memorable is when He described His eventual return:
 
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:31-40, NIV)
 
When we give to those in need, it’s as if we are giving to Jesus- the kindness we show them is a manifestation of our love for Him. Giving to the needy motivated by love for Jesus also frees us from expecting gratitude in return. Whether it’s acknowledged or not, any act of kindness done for a person in need is the same as doing it for Jesus Himself.
 
Paul also taught about giving:
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV)
 
Material wealth is fleeting and uncertain. It’s not a good source of ultimate security. We can rest assured that God provides everything for our enjoyment, not just our needs. True life is not bound up in the accumulation of possessions or material wealth but in sharing what we have with others. Our generosity stores up spiritual treasure for us that is of eternal value.
 
James also had much to say about this topic:
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17, NIV)
 
Our generosity must be rooted in humility and empathy. We share out of the abundance God has lavished upon us, knowing all our resources were given to us by Him. Generous giving reveals our genuine faith while honoring God and showing others that He is for them.
 
 There are numerous ways to share what the Lord has given you, whether it is donating your financial resources, offering consistent prayer support, or volunteering your time. Will you commit to praying about where God might be calling you to provide consistent support for people in need? The Lord often prompts us to intervene in situations that break our hearts. Where is He drawing your attention right now?
 
Not sure where to start? Here are a few ministries doing amazing work with people in need who would welcome your involvement through giving, serving, and praying. Click on them to learn more.
 
San Francisco City Impact 
Compassion International
World Vision
International Justice Mission
Samaritan’s Purse

Feel free to suggest other ministries we should consider in the comments below.

Let Matthew West’s song “Do Something” inspire you to action today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I2csO7_pOI
 
 

Outward Show, Inward Resistance

Teaching our boys how to give a sincere apology was a big priority for my husband and me. We never wanted them to say a flippant “sorry” just for show or to appease us. So, we stressed the importance of sincerity, of having the words that came from their mouths be consistent with what they were really feeling in their hearts.

After one especially heated argument, we separated the boys to cool down before encouraging them to reconcile. A few minutes later, our older son pulled himself together and tried to smooth things over: “I’m sorry, will you forgive me?” Still simmering with anger, his brother spat back, “Those are just words from your mouth, not feelings from your heart.” Even at that young age he understood the importance of authenticity and integrity.  (Honestly, I can’t recall whether my older son’s apology was sincere or my younger son was just lashing out because he was still mad).

I think this idea of consistency between our interiors and exteriors applies to our interactions with God also. It matters to Him that our words and actions align with our hearts. He values pure motives and selfless intentions, not hollow acts done to fulfill obligations. The first time we see this idea is in the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. The brothers each present an offering before the Lord, but only one is found acceptable. Reading the story, we can make some educated guesses about why Cain’s offering didn’t find favor with God:

“In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.” (Genesis 4:3-5, NIV)

While Abel offered the firstborn of his flock, Cain brought “some of the fruits of the soil.” Based on other passages in Scripture, it seems the fact that Cain didn’t offer the first fruits was significant (See Deuteronomy 26:10, Exodus 13:2,12). Offerings were meant to honor God; giving the first and best demonstrated this. It also showed gratitude for the Lord’s provision and trust that He would continue to provide beyond the first yield of a crop or first birth of an animal.

Secondly, Cain’s reaction to the Lord’s explanation reveals there was no heart behind His offering: “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.’” (Genesis 4:6-7, NIV)

Instead of having a contrite heart and being grieved that his offering didn’t please the Lord, Cain grew angry. He had gone through the outward show of honoring God, but his negative response betrayed an inner resistance. He was attempting to fulfill an obligation instead of truly worshiping the Lord.

So, what can we learn from Cain about bringing offerings before the Lord, whether it is our time, our gifts, our skills or our material resources? How can we avoid being like him and giving offerings that are unacceptable in the Lord’s sight?

The most important thing we can do is to engage our hearts when we give. Responding to the love of God and desiring to show Him honor and gratitude should always be the motivators for our giving. Maybe this story can prompt us to take inventory on what’s motivating us to give our time, talent and treasure to God.

Obligation: If we give because we “should,” we often do the bare minimum required. Maybe it’s using a food drive to offload some expired canned goods or buying the most inexpensive gifts you can find for the underprivileged family you adopted for Christmas. If you’re looking for the easiest and cheapest ways to give, you might be meeting an obligation rather than offering God your first and best.

Guilt: If you’re giving your time or resources because you feel bad or someone coerced you into it, the focus is on making yourself feel better or satisfying another person’s demands. There isn’t much room for honoring God with either of these attitudes.

Personal Agenda: If you’re motivated to give because it makes you look good or elevates your status with a group of people, then your giving is purely about you. If you want to be sure others know you’ve given (and how much) that should be a red flag that you’ve lost the right focus.

Getting Something in Return: If the only motivation for giving is getting a tax write off or the chance to win a prize or to receive a gift, then something is out of balance. If you give your time to make a business connection or to feel like you’re part of the “in” group or to receive special treatment from others, you’ve lost sight of the point of giving. Sometimes there are perks to offering our time and resources to God, but if they are our main motivation, then it’s honoring us, not Him.

Pleasing Others: Occasionally our giving is purely motivated by wanting to please others. Our offerings can sometimes be a result of peer pressure. We’re worried we’ll look bad if we don’t give/serve/participate. Ministries and good causes are typically started by people with passion and heart. When we forget the main purpose for our involvement and do it for ulterior reasons, honoring God is lost in the shuffle.

When we go through the motions of giving to God without engaging our hearts, our offerings become obligations to fulfill rather than acts of gratitude born out of love. It’s easy to look good on the outside by offering our time, talent and treasure to God. It’s more difficult to maintain authenticity with each gift we offer Him.

How important it is to remember “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b, NIV)

Feeling convicted by something on the list above? Why not take it to God in prayer? Use Matthew West’s song “The Motions” to inspire you.

Jen Wilkin, God of Creation: A Study of Genesis 1-11 Week 6, Lifeway Press, 2017