The Principle of Firsts
Pastor Ben Diaz

Before the message, Pastor Kara encouraged everyone to participate in this week’s corporate Prayer and Fasting, Jan. 5-9, as a way to intentionally start the new year by putting God first. She reminded us that “a little sacrifice reaps miles of reward in the kingdom,” and encouraged us to fast with expectation—believing that physical restriction creates spiritual expansion and exponential power. 

Pastor Ben then began his message by comparing this important lesson on "firsts" to getting a chiropractic adjustment. Just as our bodies need alignment, our hearts need spiritual alignment as we step into this new year.

He opened with Isaiah 43:18–19 (NLT):
“But forget all that — (the past) it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

God wants to do a new thing in your life this year—but He needs you to get moving. It’s good to have a vision board, but vision requires action. Pastor explained that true alignment begins when we put God first in everything—not for His sake, but for ours. Putting Him first activates our faith. It’s a matter of priority in our hearts.

He showed how God has always honored the principle of firsts. In Genesis, Cain offered “some” of his produce, but Abel gave his first and best—and God respected Abel’s gift. Imagine receiving the Lord’s respect over your offering!

Again in Genesis 14, Abram gave Melchizedek (a type of Christ) the first of everything after God gave him victory. In Genesis 22, Abraham’s willingness to offer his promised son revealed a heart that held nothing back from God. Though God provided the ram, the message was clear—God honors hearts that put Him first.

Proverbs 3:9–10 (NLT) says:
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.”

Pastor encouraged us to make putting God first a core value. When our priorities are in order, prosperity and blessings follow. He said, “Get this part right and everything else will flourish.”

He reminded us that Malachi 3 again shows that putting God first—especially in our finances—opens the windows of heaven, bringing not only provision but divine wisdom and heavenly solutions for earthly problems.

One of the Ten Commandments is to have no other gods before Him. Pastor challenged us to examine what we may be putting ahead of God, repent, and realign our priorities.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT) says: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Pastor shared that when you put God first—in your finances, your day, and your resources—it's unexplainable, but He adds to you what you need!

 “Put Him first and He blesses the rest!”

Scriptures to meditate on: Malachi 3:8–10, Haggai 1:6, Romans 11:16

Let’s get in alignment for 2026!

To watch the full message, CLICK HERE.