December 6
Scripture of the day: "'For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure ... But you are profaning it, in that you say, "The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised." You also say, "My, how tiresome it is!" And you disdainfully sniff at it ... and you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?' says the Lord. 'But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord, for I am a great King,' says the Lord of hosts, 'and My name is feared among the nations.'" Malachi 1:11-14
Thought of the day: The Lord condemned the Israelites of Malachi's day for speaking against serving Him ... for complaining that serving Him was tiresome ... and for sniffing at it. Sniffing at it means to sneer or to puff air in a disdaining way. God condemned them for bringing sacrifices obtained with stolen money ... for offering blemished sacrifices ... and for breaking their vows to give their best to Him.
Challenge of the day: It is okay to be tired from serving the Lord ... but not right to be tired of serving Him. Every cry for help is not a call to you from God to do another task at church. Don't let yourself despise serving Him because you get overly committed. Stay focussed on His specific will for you. And then be steadfast ... endure to the end. And be very careful about what you promise to God. Take your vows as seriously as He does.
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