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She told me how much she loves to rise early. How every morning God paints a different picture for her. And right there in the quiet of the warm rising sun, she opens her Bible and spends time with the Lord.

There’s something about that rhythm—starting your day with the Lord, instead of squeezing Him here and there that reshapes your priorities in the best kind of way. It quiets the noise before it begins, and centers your soul on what matters most.

As I got to thinking about that today, I was reminded of Nehemiah chapter 10, where God’s people stepped up to give Him their best. They had just renewed their commitment to follow Him, and part of that meant bringing their firstfruits—the first of their crops, their animals, even the first batch of dough they made. Not the extras. Not whatever they had left once everything else was taken care of. They started with God. Because to them, He came first.

It was a bold, intentional move—one that showed their faith wasn’t just words, it was reshaping their lives.

And if we hold that up against our own habits, our daily rhythm might reveal some hard truth.

Am I surfing the net instead of reading God’s Word?
Am I rushing around without pausing to pray?
Am I putting Him last because the TV comes first?
Am I telling myself I’ll slow down—just not right now?

Scripture invites us to examine our hearts and ask ourselves what we value most. Are we giving our best? Are we putting God first?

The Israelites knew what it meant to offer the first and the best—not after everything else was settled, but right at the start.

What would it look like if we lived that way?

Maybe it’s pausing to pray before we reach for our phones.
Maybe it’s setting aside sacred space in our day to open His Word.
Maybe it’s worshiping God while we’re still wide awake.
Maybe it’s rethinking our day so that honoring Him isn’t the last thing we do.

When we offer God our best, we’re not just keeping a spiritual habit—we’re showing Him that we value Him. That He matters most. That He’s not an afterthought, but the very foundation upon which we build.

So here’s the question I’m asking myself—maybe it’s one you want to ask, too:
Am I giving the Lord my first and my best, or am I just giving Him what I have left?

Week at a Glance 

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here.

A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com to read the weekly intro and find the link to this week’s video.

Read Nehemiah 10:1–29 – Notice the seriousness of the covenant the people made and the way they sealed their commitment.

Begin Study Guide Questions – Focus on the contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in Christ.

WEDNESDAY

Read Nehemiah 10:28–31 – Pay attention to the way the people set themselves apart from surrounding cultures.

Reflection Question – What does holiness mean in your everyday life?

Community Post – Share: How can believers live set apart today without isolating themselves from others?

THURSDAY

Read Nehemiah 10:32–34 – Notice the people’s commitment to support the work of the temple.

Scripture Focus – Read 2 Corinthians 6:14. What does it reveal about being “set apart” for God?

Continue Study Guide Questions – Reflect on how God calls His people to live in obedience to His Word.

FRIDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com to read Darlene’s closing thoughts for the week.

Read Nehemiah 10:35–39 – Notice their promise to bring firstfruits, firstborn, and tithes.

Read Genesis 4:2–5 – Compare Cain and Abel’s offerings. What do they reveal about giving to God?

SATURDAY

Read 2 Corinthians 8:7–12 – Reflect on Paul’s teaching about generosity and giving with sincerity.

Journal Prompt – Where might God be calling you to trust Him more by giving Him your “first” instead of what’s left over?

SUNDAY – No assignments today. Let today be a day of spiritual renewal.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – What stood out to you in Nehemiah 10: the seriousness of covenant, the call to holiness, or the offering of firstfruits?

Community Post – Share one way you’ve been challenged to give God your best this week.

This Week’s Challenge

Take inventory of one area in your life where you’ve been giving God what’s leftover—whether that’s your time, attention, or resources. This week, choose to give Him the first portion instead. Make it practical, intentional, and joyful—a small act of faith that says, “God, You come first.”

This Week’s Bible Verse

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