First Fruits

Exodus 23:19
Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.


As my day unfolds, I am productive; most days very productive, in fact.  The most important product of my day is that which I produce in the early morning hours; that being, the message published here.    This message is my "first fruit" of the day.  Yes, it's clear, I'm talking about intangible fruit.  I offer this with a grateful heart to God for planting within me, the desire to give back what has been given to me.  As I sit here, I offer to God and to you the best I have to give.  I don't worry that I'm giving too much or that my offering isn't considered good enough or that I may not have more love, compassion and encouragement to share throughout the day or tomorrow.  God has given me fertile soil in which to grow this fruit and because God has provided abundantly for my needs today to feed myself and my family, I can share with you.
Because I am reconciled to God through Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection, I am motivated to share the Good News.  Jesus paid the ultimate price.  His sacrifice of love to all of mankind, His willingness to die to pay for our sin-debt, changed everything.  We are all unworthy of salvation.  We don't deserve God's mercy or His favor.  It is our gratitude for salvation that carries so much meaning.  I have been saved by the power of Jesus' unfailing love.  My life has been transformed.  I was imprisoned by my own negative experiences and negative thinking.  If you are still imprisoned, if you are walking around with invisible bars between yourself and God, between yourself and others, I want you to know you can be free.  I want you to have peace of mind.   I want you to experience the love of Jesus, to get to know Him personally.    I want you to feel the very breath of God, His Holy Spirit moving through you.  I am motivated and activated on your behalf because I care about you.  Here and now, I offer to you with outstretched arms, my first fruits of the day.  Their sweetness will linger long after I'm gone and long after you've forgotten my name.  This prayer, meaning me, lifts you up to the Lord today.  Yes, as a baker bakes and a singer sings, this prayer prays. Blessed be the name of the Lord!  To Him, be the honor, the praise and the glory for ever! Take care and remember to share your first fruits! Love, Nan