09/06/2013 - WISE OFFERINGS

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But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished— for I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, And My name is to be feared among the nations.

Malachi 1:14

In the Christian life it is essential to faithfully fulfill the divine commands exactly as they were established. That’s because there are examples in the Bible of people whose offerings were not well received by God due to their disobedience. This happened with Cain who, by not paying attention to what the Lord told him, had his offer rejected. In fact man by himself has nothing to give to God; we will only be accepted if we act according to what He reveals to us.

The eternal and perfect Father does not need anything that might come from man. When He guides us in relation to an offer or any other subject, He is helping us. We are truly benefited by the Almighty’s directions. So be faithful to what you are told to do because otherwise you may be rejected as Cain was.

In this matter, the divine love always speaks to the heart concerning what should be offered and the Word says that God is the one who supplies seed to the sower (II Corinthians 9:10). If the sower eats what he is supposed to sow, bread will not be granted to him but if he willingly and joyfully sows, the Lord will be pleased. By following the divine instructions, establish a firm partnership with the Father and thus the doors will open for you.

Undoubtedly, the Creator of heavens and earth, the One who can bless, heal, deliver and prosper us should be pleased with the best that He puts in our hands; failing to do that is to try to deceive Him. The prophet Malachi was used to admonish people as to the mistake of not putting the Lord in the first place. So, no matter what He commands you to do you should fulfill it with joy.

Acknowledge the Almighty in all your ways so that He may direct your paths. Keep an eye out because the warning is serious. We have to understand that when we offer something to God a battle erupts in the spiritual world, in which the enemy tries to convince us to offend our Father. However, at the same time, the Holy Spirit guides us into doing our best to please Him; for this reason, stick to His direction at all times.

Moreover, there is only one way to serve the Lord: with gladness. Abel did exactly what he was told, so his offer was accepted. Ananias and Sapphira were respectful at first, but eventually disrespect prevailed. Do not let the devil influence your life in any way because it is God you must serve with your life and with everything you own.

The reward comes to those who are faithful. Even dead, the blood of Abel still speaks (Matthew 23:35, Luke 11:51). May your deeds concerning the Father speak to someone’s heart after your death, just as the bones of Prophet Elisha (II Kings 13:21). Oh, how the Lord is good to those who listen to Him.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares