The first cut belongs to the Lord.

Your substance — the first thing you do with your increase reveals your honor. When the paycheck lands, what gets the first cut? You likely give God the remainder after bills and savings, after comfort and security. The false refuge is the promise you make to yourself: "I'll give when I have a surplus." But that keeps the first portion for your own security.

The verse speaks of barns filled and vats overflowing, not as a formula but as a picture of God's order. He asks for the first fruits, not the leftovers. Christ gave His first fruits—His very life—as the offering that secured your place. He did not hold back the best for Himself. The Spirit now moves you to honor Him with the first portion, not because you have plenty but because He has given you Himself.

So before you spend, before you save, set aside the first cut. The first cut of your increase declares God is not your leftover. Let the first check, the first produce, the first wage be His.