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First Fruits - Part I
Scripture:
VAYIKRA - Leviticus 23:10 “Tell the people of Isra’el, After you enter the land I am giving you and harvest its ripe crops, you are to bring a sheaf of the first-fruit of your harvest to the cohen (priest).
Romans - 11:16: For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
When I was a young girl my Mom would always tell us, "first things first". In other words, she was giving us a very important bible and life lesson. "Do first things first and life will run smoothly." As I matured in Adonai (Lord), I began to research and study scriptures and discovered first fruits. I began teaching this information, yet, I did not truly understand until I started studying my Jewish roots as a Christian. This study pointed me to other Jewish Holy Days (watch for those teachings) for about ten years I would research, study, erase, research, study and erase. It was not until I was told by Ruach HaKodesh who is Holy Spirit to begin to go home from school on Friday evenings, sit in my green recliner with no television or radio and just get quite. In doing so I began to hear Ruach HaKodesh speak to me concerning "in the beginning." All the information which our loving Father began this world with; I soon began to understand that there was much more to my salvation than what I was living. For about two years of sitting and being quite, learning how to listen brought me to where I am now. I was then able to do further research, I studied information which gave me greater understanding of the Word of G-d, the scriptures and guidance through and by the Jewish writings. Now it has been 15 years of continued research and studying that makes me want to share how one can have good success, not be concerned about ones finances, ones health or anything that causes one to be out of order with their G-d.
Now, as we enter into First Fruits, or the Feast of First Fruits. It is so good, so marvelous, not to have to research and study on your own. I found by being a partner with Paula White, she too shares great information on many of our Holy Days. Now if you are thinking that I am trying to be Jewish, no I am not. But what I am trying to do is make sure that we have all the sound biblical information that will make us complete and whole as the seed of Abraham.
Let's look at First Fruits - a promise to come. Whatever you do with first fruits, will govern and determine or set the pattern for the rest. My Mom always said first things, and it is true, belongs to G-d. In Genesis 22:2, listen to what G-d said to Abraham. "Give me thine son, thine only son, Isaac." I Corinthians 15:23 says, "But each in his own order: the Messiah; is the firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of his coming; (Complete Jewish Bible, translation by David H. Stern) Romans 8:29 says, "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." (King James Version) Yeshua, Jesus was the firstborn and thus he was the first fruit. Our G-d, our Father wanted a family so he sowed a Son. That's why Yeshua, Jesus ascended from hell. He said to Mary Magdalene, "You can't touch me because I have not ascended unto the Father yet." YOCHANAN, John 20:17. (KJV) He had to present himself to G-d our Father as the first fruit. Mary so much desired to touch Yeshua, Jesus and hold him tightly and keep him with her. But he had to be the spotless lamb and without blemish. He could in no way be tarnished. Why? Because he became the first fruit offering so we could become sons of G-d. Exodus 13:11-13 When Adonai (Lord) brings you into the land of the Kena´ani, Cananites, as he swore to you and your ancestors, and gives it to you, you are to set apart for Adonai (Lord), everything that is first from the womb. Every firstborn male animal will belong to Adonai (Lord). Every first born from a donkey, you are to redeem with a lamb; but if you choose not to redeem it, you must break its neck. But from people, you are to redeem every firstborn son. (Maftir) When, at some future time your son asks you, "What is this?" Then say to him, With a strong hand, Adonai (Lord) brought us out of Egypt, out of the abode of slavery." (Complete Jewish Bible, translation by David H. Stern) What does this verse mean? or what is it saying? It is simply saying, every firstborn thing is devoted to G-d. For example, when you get a new job and there is increase, when you establish a new ministry, when anything new is established in your life, when you plant a garden and the first sprout of vegetable or fruit comes up its the first born; devote it to G-d. Your first eye-open in the morning and you recognize that you are still alive; your first good morning belongs to G-d. In other words, know all first things belong to G-d. Look at Psalms 5:4(3) "Adonai (Lord), in the morning you will hear my voice; in the morning I lay my needs before you and wait expectantly." (Complete Jewish Bible, translation by David H. Stern)
Remember, the first of everything belong to G-d. We are not speaking concerning tithe. The first fruit is not a tithe or a tenth of the increase. We are speaking of first things. Not the whole increase. What you must understand is that all first things belong to G-d. YES, THE VERY BEGINNING OF YOUR DAY. THE VERY FIRST PART OF YOUR DAY, IT ALL BELONGS TO G-D.
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Praise the Lord! Are we ready for Part II of our teaching? We left off by reminding you of MATTITYAHU (Matthew) 6:33. Did you try the scripture? How is it working for you? I hear you; I know following the instructions for the first week, in fact for the past three weeks really blessed you. Amen! Now let us move on to the last part of our teaching. Remember, G-d says first things belong to him and there is a covenant with first things. It is better to destroy a first fruit than to use it for our own personal gain. Let's be obedient, ok?, See we often say that someone is wishing bad things for us and we are having problems, but I want to share with you right now it is not the someone, it is self. In fact, it is the "me" that is being disobedient, that is bringing a curse thing into our lives. Stop, go back and visit the beginning of our First Fruit teaching and just line up with the word. Pursue MATTITYAHU (Matthew) 6:33, walk in it daily and you will find yourself soon moving in the great things in which our G-d, our Father, has for us. Now let's look at tithes vs first fruits.
TITHES VS. FIRST FRUITS
In writing this lesson I've had many persons to share with me their belief concerning tithes and first fruits. And what they have shared is that first fruit and tithe is the same. Let's open up our hearts and minds for a new revelation. Tithe and first fruits are not the same. The scripture I would like for you to look at is Genesis 14:20. You will find that first fruits is different. The tithe is the first ten percent or the first tenth of G-d's daily provision. The first fruits is the whole of something given to you by G-d that represent all that comes after it. Look at these two examples:
1. Tithe - your salary whether weekly, bi-weekly or monthly, other income, our taxes. Ten percent of that or the tenth of that is our tithe. Why? Because that is a regular part of what G-d gives you or provides for you.
2. First Fruit - is when someone comes and gives you monies, a house or a car and you are about to open a business or a ministry; what do you do? You give G-d a whole and that is establishing a covenant. After giving it to him through covenant, watch and see him return more than enough for you to begin the business or the new ministry. Don't be afraid to try it. I was given a van, monies, and clothing when I first started my ministry. I first fruited it all out. I received a brand new van and we named it "The Blood". Everywhere we would travel no matter what city or state we went in, it was always said, "that van's color reminds me of the blood of Yeshua (Jesus)". My clothes I gave them and even until now I receive cars and new clothing and that is why the ministry continues to be blessed. I acted through obedience. When the first fruits are sanctified through G-d, and that which you give and do, brings forth worship unto our G-d, everything afterwards, will be blessed.
Remember now, G-d said, "that your first fruits and tithes are not the same." The first fruits is the first of everything and tithes is the tenth of your every day, week, bi-weekly or monthly earnings or provisions. Let me share some scriptures with you: D'VARIM (Deuteronomy) 26:10; NECHEMYAH (Nehemiah) 10:35; YECHEZK'EL (Ezekiel) 44:30; I Corinthians 15:20.
Another example of first fruits is real special to me. When I began to share with my husband concerning first fruits and tithes, he had never been taught on either one of them. But what he did every month, which was the first of every month, he would always dedicate that day to our Adonai (Lord). And for the whole month, we were financially blessed. I then began to share with him concerning tithing. He received it, and all the barns stayed full. Remember the first of everything means first. Ten percent or the tenth of all regular provisions means give ten percent. As I close, I am a Sabbath worshipper. May I encourage you to become a first worshipper too! Sabbath usually becomes everybody's, everything to do, day. But really, it is not, according to the Word of G-d. It is not your shopping day, go to the movies day, clean your whole house day. It is the Holy Day! It is the first fruits of our Adonai (Lord) that has been given to us. If you would receive it as such, then all your days will be blessed.
Remember, first fruits will give you all that you can ever need! Your desires shall be met. Now take the time and re-read Part I of the First Fruits teaching and put the both of them together and you shall be blessed. After completing this lesson, please take time and write me.
Looking to hear from you!
Yours In the Messiah
D.A.Y
Our Hebrew Word for the Week:
CHANAN - Be gracious; to be graciously inclined towards someone; to have compassion on someone; to bestow favor on a person in need.
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