The Heart Behind the Gift
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.
Reading: Genesis 4:1–7
Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.
God doesn't need your offerings, but He desires your heart. Abel's sacrifice pleased God not because of what he brought, but because of when and how he brought it—with priority and his best portion. Cain's offering revealed a heart that viewed God as an obligation rather than the source of all blessing. What you give to God reflects what you believe about God. When you give Him your firstfruits—your best time, energy, and resources—you demonstrate faith that He will provide what remains. When you give Him leftovers, you reveal self-reliance. God's question to Cain echoes to us today: "Will you rule over what wants to rule you?" The tension you feel when surrendering to God is the battleground where faith is proven. Choose today to give God priority in one specific area.
Am I giving God my best—or my leftovers?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
Take Action:
Reading: Genesis 4:1–7
Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.
God doesn't need your offerings, but He desires your heart. Abel's sacrifice pleased God not because of what he brought, but because of when and how he brought it—with priority and his best portion. Cain's offering revealed a heart that viewed God as an obligation rather than the source of all blessing. What you give to God reflects what you believe about God. When you give Him your firstfruits—your best time, energy, and resources—you demonstrate faith that He will provide what remains. When you give Him leftovers, you reveal self-reliance. God's question to Cain echoes to us today: "Will you rule over what wants to rule you?" The tension you feel when surrendering to God is the battleground where faith is proven. Choose today to give God priority in one specific area.
Am I giving God my best—or my leftovers?
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
- Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).
- Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: “God, help me honor You with my heart, not just my hands.”
- Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.
Take Action:
- Give God your first moments tomorrow.
- Surrender one area you’ve been holding back.
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