Putting God First in Every Area - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - September 7, 2026

Daily Hope with Rick Warren

Audio By Carbonatix

By Rick Warren, Crosswalk.com

Putting God First in Every Area
By Rick Warren

“The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives.” Deuteronomy 14:23 (TLB)

God often blesses the areas of our lives where we put him first. That’s why, when it comes to finances, he calls us to put him first with our money. This is the principle of tithing: Giving the first 10 percent of your income back to God.

The Bible provides a framework for understanding tithing. Four passages explain its promise, purpose, place, and day.

Proverbs 3:9-10 gives the promise about tithing: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine” (NIV). When we honor God with the first part of our income, we can trust him to provide for our needs.

Why does God tell us to tithe? Deuteronomy 14:23 says in The Living Bible paraphrase, “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives” (emphasis added). God doesn’t need your money, but he wants what it represents: your heart. He wants you to trust him.

Where should you tithe? Do you tithe to your local food pantry? Or do you tithe to your brother who’s been out of work for three years? No, that’s charity. Tithing isn’t charity; it’s an act of worship. It goes to God.

Malachi 3:10 says, “‘Bring to the storehouse a full tenth of what you earn . . . Test me in this,’ says the LORD All-Powerful. ‘I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out all the blessings you need’” (NCV). The storehouse is the temple, or the place where you worship God.

When are you supposed to tithe? The Bible points to the first day of the week as a pattern. First Corinthians 16:2 says “On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned” (NLT). When you give to God on the first day of the week, during the first part of your day, and from the first part of your money, you’re declaring, “You’re really number one in my life.”

Notice that the verse says to “put aside.” Tithing should not be an impulsive thing. You’ve got to plan for it so that you are honoring God’s plan and purpose for tithing.

As you put God first and trust him with your finances, you’ll discover that he is faithful to keep his promises and care for your needs.

PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick

Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.

For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!

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