If the President of the United States was coming to your home for dinner, would you open your refrigerator and feed him your leftovers? I imagine you would prepare an exceptional meal, maybe your favorite meal, and display it on the finest set of dishes you had available. This question is similar to one posed in Malachi 1:8.
Throughout chapter one, Malachi may be the author, but the Lord was the one speaking. In these fourteen verses, God did not hold back His feelings. It is evident that His words are telling us that we are not to take His love for granted or embrace Christianity casually. We are to love the Lord with ALL we have and are, and to be bold.
My notes on the Malachi chapter 1:
- 1-5, The Lord has always loved Israel.
- 6-8, When they worshiped with sacrifices, they did not give their best. We are to give God our best.
- 9-11, God does not show favor. What’s fair is fair. Other countries do show their respect and honor to the Lord. Just because you are a Christian, doesn’t mean you get off easy in life. Show honor and respect by giving your best.
- 12-13, Our actions/words/deeds reflect how we respect God. Have a godly attitude, pleasing to Him.
- 14, When you show lack of respect to God in how you live, you are cheating yourself and God.
We are to remember that God is almighty, all-powerful, firm, and loving. He is to be respected. We need to be bold and stand up for our faith, don’t take being a Christian lightly, and let other see Christ in us by our attitudes and actions.
God doesn’t want your leftovers. He is much more than a president, He is the Lord or lords, the King of kings. Give Jesus an exceptional you.
Here’s some questions for you to ponder on:
- Are you giving the Lord your best?
- How’s your daily attitude? Would someone know you are a Christ follower or are you displaying an attitude not so worthy?
- How are you going to step up your game and display a godly attitude?
Here’s my plan…I am intrigued by the books written by the minor prophets. Why? Maybe because they are some of the least read or known books in the bible. These minor prophets wrote the last twelve books in the Old Testament. God has these writings in this sensational published book, so…I want to know more. Although my plan is a bit unconventional, I am going to start at the end of the O.T. and work my way backwards. Who knows how long it will take me to dive into these small but mighty books, but I am beginning. There may be postings regarding my findings, or God may have me keep some discoveries in my heart to ponder on. Either way, I want to encourage you to choose a book in the bible to plunge into and allow God to speak to you and through you.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
