Let’s Go! FCA DevotionalНамуна

Giving is Giving God our best

Rex Stump

Ready:

When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor and see how pleased he is!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”  Malachi 1:8

Set:

The days following Thanksgiving focus on spending, are referred to as Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.  Let’s not forget Giving Tuesday, a day to consider giving to a charitable cause.  Although money is donated, the amount tends to pale in comparison to the previous days of spending.  For some, this is the day we give our leftovers.  

In Malachi chapter one we discover that the worship of God was being done incorrectly.  The people were worshipping God by giving Him their crippled and defected animals.  God expected their best.  I believe that when we give God our leftovers, we are doing exactly what these people were doing in giving God the crippled, blind, and diseased animals.  

In Matthew chapter two we read the Wise Men came to Jesus when he was a toddler, and they gave their best from their treasure chests.  They bowed in worship (attitude) and gave their treasures (best effort).  

When we arrive at practice our coaches want us to give our best effort and attitude.  When the day of competition arrives, everyone expects us to give our best effort and attitude.  In the same way, God wants the first part of our income, the best of our time, and the best of our skills for His glory.  When we do this, it demonstrates that He has first place, not our possessions.  

Go:

1.  Am I giving God my best or my leftovers?

2.  Is my effort the best or is it a leftover?

3.  How is giving my best honoring to my teammates and coaches?

Workout:

Proverbs 3:9-10

Romans 12:8

Mark 12:41-44

Overtime:

Heavenly Father, I’m sorry that I have not given you my best.  You are worthy of my best.  Give me joy as I give back to you what you richly deserve.