This heartbeat is part of a series that was first published in the church bulletin when Covenant EFC embarked on our Seed Fund Faith Journey.
“The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God … Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.” – Exodus 23:19a, 20
Our firsts are our life priorities. They are the objects of our devotion. They command our attention and allegiance. They have our hearts and order our affections.
When the people of Israel were being prepared for the conquest of Canaan, the promise came with a command — bring the best of the firstfruits into the house of the Lord. This is important because God wanted to ensure that Israel always remember what should be the first in their lives. They were going to receive the great blessing of land and wealth, but these gifts must never take the place of God on the throne of their hearts. God must always be the first. To demonstrate this, the people were to bring to God’s house annually the very best of the very first of all the produce of their labor.
Covenant EFC is marching into our God-promised land that is Vision2028 & Beyond, to fulfill the mission of growing a local and global IDMC movement. Just like the Israelites, every Covenanter is called to contribute the best of our firstfruits as affirmation of the pre-eminence of Christ in our lives. We have been blessed with abundance, in so many and undeserving ways. God’s word to us is to offer the best of our time, talent and treasures to His Kingdom mission.
The $40M Seed Fund will help Covenant EFC build the infrastructure and capacity needed to grow a vibrant IDMC movement for the next generation. Many Covenanters and families have already indicated what they will offer as the best firstfruits of their treasures, honouring God above their own needs. For my family, this means contributing several months of our household income from work — the fruit of our labor. Will you prayerfully seek the Lord as to what you would offer as firstfruits to the Seed Fund?
Join Covenant EFC’s Church Board, Staff Team and thousands of Covenanters to actualize the Firstfruit giving to the Seed Fund starting from our 40th Anniversary Service on Sunday, 2 September 2018 until 28 February 2019!
