Good Morning Hillside Bible Baptist Church. It is so great to be back with you. The last time I was here to preach was about 5 years ago before covid. So much has happened in that time it is hard to know where to start. So I will focus on the past year and all that God is doing. 

On January 1st we secured our first church building. 

1. Methodist Church closed
2. Had a lot of painting and work to do.
3. Easter Sunday we had our first official service in the new building. We had 70 people.
4. Started Wed. meeting with food and bible and saw it grow from 5 people to 15 people on average.
5. We have baptized two people who recently accepted Jesus. 
6. VBS- We had 12 kids and 2 salvations.
7. Working with Amy Downey to reach the Hasidic People
8. Started a Grief Share ministry- started with 3 ladies and has grown to 7-8 people.
9. Victor - Atheist who recently accepted Jesus. 

Today, I want to address a common issue that many Christians and people, in general, face in their lives—anxiety about finances. 

How many of us have felt the weight of financial stress at some point in our lives? Raise up you hands.

Whether it's the weight of bills, the pressure of debt, or the constant struggle to make ends meet, financial worries can be overwhelming.

Christmas will be here  before we know it.

According to a LendingTree survey in 2022 about 35% of Americans went into debt for the holidays. The average amount of debt accrued by each family was about $1500. 

But in the midst of these challenges, the Bible provides a secret—a solution—that can transform our perspective on giving and abundance.

The Problem: Financial Anxiety

Many of us are familiar with the burden of financial anxiety. It's that feeling of stress that comes when we look at our bank accounts, the unpaid bills, or the ever-increasing demands on our wallets. It can leave us feeling helpless, discouraged, and even resentful. But what if I told you that there's a biblical solution to this problem—a secret hidden in plain sight?

The Solution: Proverbs 3:9-10

Our solution lies in the book of Proverbs, a treasure trove of wisdom. Proverbs 3:9-10 (KJV) says, "Honour 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."

Let's break this down:

• Honoring the Lord with Thy Substance: This means recognizing that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. It's an acknowledgment that He is the source of all our provisions. 

Illustration: Think of your life as a puzzle, and every financial resource as a puzzle piece. Each piece, no matter how small or large, has a place in the puzzle. When we acknowledge that God owns the puzzle board and all the pieces, we begin to see how our financial resources are part of His grand design. By giving Him the first piece, we allow Him to guide us in placing the rest of the pieces correctly. Trying to complete the puzzle without God in control is like trying to solve it with missing or misplaced pieces.

Psalm 24:1 (KJV) - "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

So, when Proverbs 3:9 tells us to "Honour the Lord with thy substance," it's an invitation to acknowledge that every seed, every resource we possess, is ultimately His. We honor Him by recognizing His ownership and our stewardship.

• The Firstfruits of All Thine Increase: Here, we're instructed to give to God first, not as an afterthought. The "firstfruits" represent the best and earliest portion of our income.

In Hebrew culture, this meant the best and first portion of their harvest. It wasn't an afterthought; it was a priority. Giving God the "firstfruits" means prioritizing Him in your finances.

Illustration: Think of your finances as a pizza. God gets the first slice, not the last crumbs. Just as you wouldn't save God's slice for last, don't leave Him as the last expense in your budget.

Exodus 23:19a (KJV) - "The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God."

The idea here is to prioritize God in our finances.

Do you find it challenging to prioritize God in your finances, or is it something that comes naturally to you? How might giving Him the 'first slice of the pizza' impact your financial priorities?

1. Barns Filled with Plenty: The promise here is abundance—God's provision overflowing in our lives.
2. Presses Burst Out with New Wine: This imagery speaks of an abundance that goes beyond just meeting our needs; it's a picture of blessings overflowing.

Malachi 3:10 (KJV) - "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

in this verse, God is instructing the Israelites to bring their tithes into the storehouse, which was a place where food and other supplies were stored to support the priests and other religious workers.

God promises that if the Israelites obey his command, he will bless them abundantly. He says that he will "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

This verse teaches us that giving to God is a way of showing our love and trust in him. It is also a way of acknowledging that everything we have comes from him. When we give to God, we are not only helping to support the work of his church, but we are also inviting his blessing into our own lives.

Some folks think this means we'll all be millionaires. But here's the truth: blessings aren't always financial.

When we honor God with our wealth, we might receive peace, joy, contentment, or even unexpected financial blessings. But the true blessing is knowing we're in God's will.

Practical Steps You Can Do Today

1. Tithing as a Priority:

• Practical Step: Allocate a specific portion of your income, such as 10%, as your tithe.
• Example: If you earn $500 a week, set aside $50 as your tithe. Make this your first financial commitment, even before paying bills.

2. Create a Giving Budget:

• Practical Step: Dedicate a portion of your monthly budget solely for charitable giving.
• Example: Allocate 5% of your income for charitable giving, whether it's to your church, missions, or local charities.

3. Give Joyfully and Cheerfully:

• Practical Step: Approach giving with a heart of joy and gratitude, not as a burden.
• Example: Instead of viewing giving as an obligation, celebrate it as an opportunity to partner with God in blessing others.

4. Automate Your Giving:

• Practical Step: Set up automated transfers to your designated giving accounts.
• Example: Arrange for your tithe and charitable donations to be automatically deducted from your bank account each month.

5. Give Unexpected Gifts:

• Practical Step: Look for opportunities to give spontaneously and generously.
• Example: Surprise a struggling family with groceries or offer to cover a friend's utility bill during a tough month.

6. Support Missions

• Practical Step: Regularly contribute to mission organizations and charities that align with your values.
• Example: Sponsor a child's education in a developing country or support a local food bank.

7. Utilize Online Giving Platforms:

• Practical Step: Make use of online giving tools provided by your church or preferred charity.
• Example: Set up recurring online donations for convenience and consistency.

8. Practice Sacrificial Giving:

• Practical Step: Occasionally give sacrificially by stretching beyond your comfort zone.
• Example: Instead of dining out, use that money to support a cause you're passionate about.

9. Leave a Legacy:

• Practical Step: Include charitable giving in your estate planning and will.
• Example: Designate a portion of your assets to benefit charitable organizations or causes upon your passing.

10. Volunteer Your Time and Skills:

• Practical Step: Give not only financially but also invest your time and talents in service.
• Example: Offer your professional skills to a nonprofit organization or volunteer at your church's community outreach programs.

Remember, the key is to approach giving with a joyful and willing heart, honoring the Lord with the first and best of your resources. These practical steps and examples provide various ways to apply the principles of Proverbs 3:9-10 and make giving a meaningful part of your life.

Veronica's Story: A Modern-Day Example

Let me share with you the story of Veronica Rutledge. A college student facing her own financial challenges, Veronica chose to honor God with her substance, just as Proverbs instructs. Despite limited resources, she decided to secretly donate a significant portion of her savings to a scholarship fund for underprivileged students.

Veronica's act of sacrificial giving was a practical application of Proverbs 3:9-10. She prioritized God in her finances, giving her "firstfruits" joyfully. And the result? A chain reaction of blessings and opportunities not only for herself but for countless others as well. Her selflessness inspired those around her, and the scholarship fund grew exponentially, opening doors for students who had previously seen higher education as an unattainable dream.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, my dear brothers and sisters, when we embrace the wisdom of Proverbs 3:9-10, we unlock the secret of abundant giving. We move from a place of financial anxiety to a place of trust in God's provision. Just as Veronica's story illustrates, honoring the Lord with our substance, giving our "firstfruits," opens the door to blessings that overflow, not just for us but for those around us.

Today, I challenge you to apply this wisdom in your life. Make a commitment to honor God with your substance, trust Him with your finances, and watch as your barns are filled with plenty, and your presses burst out with new wine. May this secret of abundant giving be a source of joy and transformation in your life.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father,

As we come to the end of this time together, we want to thank You for the wisdom and insights shared today. We recognize that everything we have is Yours, and we commit ourselves anew to honor You with our substance and give our first fruits.

Lord, help us to have hearts filled with gratitude for Your abundant blessings. May our giving be a reflection of our trust in Your provision and our obedience to Your commands. We pray that You use our contributions to further Your kingdom and bless those in need.

Grant us the strength to give joyfully and sacrificially, not out of compulsion but out of love for You. May our giving be an act of worship that brings glory to Your name.