Keep Your Leftovers!



If you know me, then you know I enjoy going to dinner with my family and friends.  It feels good to sit around the table with the people who matter most in my life.  Whether it's a long table or just two chairs, there is sure to be laughter and some good eating. Sometimes, I get caught up in the fellowship and don't finish my food. That means leftovers are heading to my house.

This time of year many are celebrating new goals, new friends, and new faith.  I wonder how many are thinking about where God fits into their plans.  It may sound unnecessary to remind you that God should be at the top of the list.  In fact, he should be number one! We serve an amazing God who looks out for us even when we are not putting him first.  If you believe that, then how much more would he do if he was first in your life?  How much deeper would you experience him?

Leftovers, like spaghetti, usually taste better the second day.  Some people like cold fried chicken.  Whatever your taste, one thing is true of leftovers.  We have already picked over them.  We have eaten what we desired, and thrown the rest in a styrofoam container.  That container gets thrown in the back seat of the car or the back of the refrigerator.  When we get hungry again, we drag out our leftovers.  Even worse, we forget all about them and rush out for a brand new meal.

You cannot afford to give God your leftovers.  He doesn't want what you have picked over or decided to throw to him. God wants your firstfruit.  He is looking for someone who will give him their best.  They won't pick through their praise, worship, or finances.  They won't toss their devotion aside until they get hungry for God again. They won't forget about him.

If one of your goals is to strengthen your relationship with God, give him the best and the first of all of you. In 2020, keep your leftovers.

Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.  Proverbs 3:9-10

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Matthew 6:33

Reaching the lost at any cost,
Pastor Odie Kennedy


Fruit Image: Yohann Hmmm

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