**Devotional: Giving Our First and Best to God**

**Scripture:** Nehemiah 10:35 (KJV) – "And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD."

In Nehemiah 10, we encounter a profound declaration of commitment to God’s ways by the people of Israel after their return from Babylonian exile. Following a long period of disobedience and neglect of God’s commandments, the Israelites, led by Nehemiah, undertook a covenant to restore not only the walls of Jerusalem but also their relationship with God. This verse highlights the principle of firstfruits, which serves both as a tangible expression of worship and an acknowledgment of God’s provision. As we unpack the significance of this verse, we are invited to reflect on our own giving and the heart behind our offerings.

### Understanding Firstfruits

Firstfruits refer to the earliest produce of the harvest, symbolizing the very best that a farmer could offer. In the agricultural society of ancient Israel, this was significant. Bringing the firstfruits to the Temple represented a recognition that all they had came from God. It was an act of gratitude, a declaration of faith that God would continue to provide.

In our lives today, the principle of firstfruits transcends mere agricultural practice. It challenges us to consider what we give to God as our first response to His blessings. This principle asks us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

### The Nature of Our Giving

When the Israelites committed to bringing the firstfruits to the Lord’s house yearly, it wasn’t merely a physical act but an integrated part of their spiritual identity. Their willingness to give the first and the best was a recognition of God’s sovereignty over their lives. It required trust in God's provision, especially when agricultural yields could fluctuate.

Today, we might think of firstfruits in terms of our time, talents, and treasures. What do we prioritize in our own lives? Do we give God our leftover time after we have tended to our busy schedules, or do we carve out dedicated time for Him first each day? Our creative gifts and talents — do we offer them up for His use, or do we keep them for ourselves, only sharing them when it is convenient? When we tithe our income, do we give God our first and best, or simply what is left after our expenses?

### Year by Year Commitment

The phrase "year by year" emphasizes that this was not a one-time act but an established pattern of worship. The Israelites were committing to a long-term relationship with God that involved continuous faithfulness in giving.

As believers, we are also called to cultivate a consistent practice of giving over time. This involves developing a heart that delights in generosity and recognizes the joy of giving. It is a reminder that each season of our lives can be an opportunity to bring forth something new and fresh in our devotion to God. Each year, as we reflect on God’s goodness and provision, we have the chance to recommit to giving our firstfruits, ensuring that our relationship with Him remains vibrant and alive.

### Conclusion

Bringing our firstfruits to the house of the Lord is about honoring God with our best. It’s a powerful act of worship that transforms our perspective on resources and priorities. The call to remember our Creator and His provision is as relevant today as it was for the people of Nehemiah’s time. May we offer our first and our best — not out of obligation, but out of a joyful and grateful heart that recognizes how much we have received. Let us commit, year by year, to give with purpose, trusting in God's unfailing goodness and His ability to multiply the offerings we present to Him.