Thursday, March 08, 2007

January 04

A Reminder from Malachi


Whatever has a defect, you shall not offer, for it shall not be acceptable on your behalf. … it must be perfect to be accepted, there must be no defect in it.


Leviticus 22:20-21 (NKJV)


“I wish that someone among you would shut the Temple doors so that these worthless sacrifices could not be offered! I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord Almighty, “and I will not accept your offerings.”

Malachi 1:10 (NLT)


Why do we play games with God? I mean, come on! He’s the Sovereign of the universe and He knows everything—including our hearts.

His request is simple, straight-forward: “Stop giving me your leftovers—leftover time, leftover money, leftover energy. Give me your best, or just forget it.”

Wow. You read Malachi and you see, God was ticked. And I have to ask, “Is he ticked off at us? At me?” Do I give Him second best … without even thinking about it?

If God has given me His best, if He sacrificed His best for me, shouldn’t I give Him my best? Doesn’t that just make sense?

I am convicted. I think God wants more. He deserves more. He deserves my best … of everything. He desires and deserves my priority, and His speech through Malachi is timely.

He’s not just speaking to Israel in the fifth century B.C.; He is talking to us … today!


Father, You do deserve my best, my all. I have become distracted with other priorities, not Yours. Forgive me and see me set upon Your path. Amen.