Shopping Strategy

Read: Malachi 1:6-14

"You bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick. ... Should I accept this from your hand?" says the LORD. --- Malachi 1:13

The Bible In One Year:
Genesis 41-42
Matthew 12:1-23

"I have no pleasure in you." This was the Lord's stinging rebuke to His people through the prophet Malachi [1:10]. God was angry with their careless, shoddy methods of worship. The animals they brought for sacrifice were not acceptable to Him because they were not the best of the herds and flocks. Instead, they offered stolen, lame, and sick animals [v.13].

While we may not be showing this degree of contempt toward God, sometimes we are too casual in our worship. A friend of mine made this observation about herself: "When I shop for simple things like soap or butter, I hardly think about it. But when I'm looking for a blouse to match a skirt, I shop very carefully. I go from store to store until I find exactly what I'm looking for." Then she added thoughtfully, "I should pay that same attention when I am worshipping God. But sometimes I approach Him as casually as if I were shopping for a box of Kleenex."

During worship services in our churches, we may fail to give God our full attention. We rush in late. Our thoughts wander. We need to discipline our minds so that we are not focusing on yesterday's cares or tomorrow's responsibilities. When we worship the Lord with all our heart, He will be pleased with us. --- Dave Egner

Our very best we offer to You,
Gracious God, Almighty King;
As we come to You in worship,
Let our lives Your praises sing. --- Sper

AT THE HEART OF WORSHIP IS A WORSHIP FROM THE HEART.