First Day, First Portion, Full Heart
First day, first portion, ready to bless.
Devotional Credit:
His Victorious Indwelling
Photo Credit:
Unsplash
Todays reading compiled by Nick Harrison centers on a simple, freeing rhythm for generosity. On the first day of the week, each believer sets aside a portion as the Lord has prospered them. It is not a tax. It is grace-guided responsibility that turns giving into a steady expression of love. Money laid aside becomes a ready store for the poor, for gospel work, and for everyday needs the Spirit brings to our attention.
If the church lived this rhythm consistently, the writer says, the strain so many ministries feel would ease. Imagine homes with a small bag or box that is never empty, because a portion is always placed there. That steady practice multiplies cheerful opportunities, and weary servants find courage when they see the Lord supplying through His people.
This is not about reviving the letter of the tithe as a legal demand. Israel had its measures under law, yet a believer in Jesus is invited into something more generous, since we live in the warmth of His love. Grace does not exact a percentage, yet grace enlarges the heart. The Lord honors those who honor Him.
The point is personal. Every one of us may set something aside, whether much or little. The widow, the wage earner, the business owner, and the student all share the same privilege. Jesus reminds us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. As we remember His words and act with a willing heart, the store we keep at home becomes a stream of mercy for others.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I have placed you in a new covenant, and I have prospered you in many ways. On the first day, set apart what I have already supplied, and do it with a willing mind. Your portion is not measured by compulsion, but according to what you have, and according to the joy that I stir within you.
I love a cheerful giver. As you sow, you will also reap. I supply seed to the sower and bread for food. I multiply the seed you scatter and increase the harvest of righteousness. As your heart abides in My Son, your treasure follows, and your heart follows your treasure. Your giving becomes incense of love, a sacrifice that delights Me, and it meets real needs.
Do not fear lack. I am the One who fills barns with plenty and presses out new wine in season. I am able to make all grace abound to you, so that you always have all sufficiency in everything, and you overflow for every good work. Set your hope on Me, not on uncertain riches, and store a good foundation for the future by being rich in good deeds and generous to share.
Remember the words of Jesus. It is more blessed to give than to receive. As you keep this rhythm, you will find that contentment grows, thanksgiving rises, and the life of Christ within you is made visible in practical love.
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 8:1–5, 2 Corinthians 8:12, 2 Corinthians 9:6–11, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Acts 20:35, Proverbs 3:9–10, Matthew 6:19–21, Luke 6:38, Philippians 4:18–19, 1 Timothy 6:17–19, Hebrews 13:16, Malachi 3:10
Real-Life Analogy
Think of setting up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a small “giving” account every Sunday morning. You do it first, before other spending, so that when a need appears you are ready. The transfer is quiet and consistent. Over time, that little account funds groceries for a neighbor, a missionary’s book order, or school supplies for a child.
Try a simple step today. Place a small jar in the kitchen labeled “First Portion,” or set a weekly calendar reminder to move a set percentage into a giving envelope. When a need surfaces, pause and say, Lord, I trust You to channel Your generosity through me in this moment. Then act from what has already been set aside.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that Your grace has already supplied what I need and more. You have placed Your life within me, and You make generosity a joy, not a burden. I praise You that as I set aside a portion faithfully, You provide seed to sow, sufficiency for every good work, and a heart that delights to share. I rest in Your abundance, and I rejoice that others will taste Your kindness through what You give through me.