FIRST FRUITS FACTOR

Click here to download the First Fruit Fasting message:  – 240122- (EPISODES OF JOY)                               WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT                          2022 FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE    Jan. 24 – Feb. 13, 2022                                                                                                        (Day 1) Theme:           EPISODES OF JOY Texts:              Jer.33:6-14; Zeph.3:14,15; Jn.15:11; 16:24 During the Annual December Retreat, we were informed that “the next shall be the best”. And at the Cross-Over Night, the word of the Lord gave us the key to success in 2022 saying “it shall be alright”. And then to crown it, the angel of the church released God’s word to him and his children-in-the-faith saying it shall be Episodes of joy following Episodes of joy; which forms our theme for this 21 days exercise. These declarations are in tandem with the promise that the Lord made a couple of years ago to the General Superintendent while in India when he was bothered about the unenviable state of the church (Jer.33:10-12; Heb.11:12; cp. Zeph.3:14,15; Jn.15:11; 16:24). Our message of today throws some light on why we are engaging in this exercise at the beginning of the year. Topic:            FIRST FRUITS FACTOR Subtexts:       Deut.26:1-5, 8-10; Pro.3:9,10 A factor is a circumstance, fact or influence that contributes to a result. The current media affront to the practice of this first fruits principle premised on the ostentatious lives of certain preachers is a direct manipulation of forces of darkness to prevent God’s people from enjoying the sumptuous blessings of obedience therein. First fruits is not a mere church doctrine but a divine commandment given for the good of His people. (Pro.3:9; Deut.6:24; 5:33). First fruit is any fruit or grain harvest that ripens the earliest (Neh.10:35). It includes the dedication of the first male born of livestock or human to God ( Exo.13:12; 34:19-20). It was practised by the first family (Gen.4:4). The offering was taken to the temple as an oblation of firstfruits; out of which a memorial was burnt (Lev.2:12-16; Neh.10:35-36), or to the priest who commanded blessings upon the giver (Ezek.44:30). The quantity of stuff given was left at the discretion of the giver (Exo.23:19; 34:26; cp. 1Sam.2:30; Pro.3:9; 2Cor.9:6,7). The ‘firstborn’ is the beginning of strength (Gen49:3) and when offered to God guarantees His blessings on the rest of the harvest/offspring (Pro3:9-10; 10:22). As the saying goes “Give God The First And He Will Take care Of The Rest.”. ‘First fruits’, was metaphorically used for first converts of a particular area (Rm.16:5; 1Cor.16:15). In like manner, we apply the principle of giving God the first of our time of a day, to meditate and fellowship with Him; first three days of a month to do some spiritual exercises in His honour and first three weeks of our year’s calendar to engage in fasting and prayer. We do equally recommend that you give the first salary of the employment and of the year, or first profit of the year or even all income of the first month (as one freely chooses and not by any compulsion).  It lays a foundation for an overflowing harvest. Addiction to this kingdom principle will doubtlessly launch one into the realm of superabundant living (Pro.3:9,10; Ezek.44:30). As we participate in this twenty-one days spiritual exercise, let’s look forward to the best year of our life irrespective of the prevailing socio-political climate (Phil.4:19; cp. 1Kgs.17:1-16). We are like the Oasis of the desert; we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people fitted for glory. We are beacons on the seashore, the apple of God’s eye, the new creation carrying the fullness of the divinity; therefore, should blossom with resources as we put the principle into practice. Let’s rise to announce our acceptance of the truth dispensed, and request for the manifestation of grace to carry us through the exercise, so that we may reap accordingly.