God has always been particular about how we prepare to approach Him – He doesn’t require us to be without sin or dressed a certain way when we approach Him but He does require something specific – He wants you to bring Him something on purpose and with purpose – he doesn’t want our leftovers or our last minute thoughts before going to sleep
exodus 23:15, 34:18 and deuteronomy 16:16 all say that no one is to appear before God empty-handed – and verse 17 in deuteronomy says every person is to give as they are able, as they have been blessed by God
this is speaking of the sacrifices made by the jewish people before Jesus – when they began to approach the temple or their feast days when they worshipped God, they would prepare beforehand – they didn’t just dig around in their pockets and try to find a quarter after they got there – they would make certain to not show up empty-handed
of course this also relates to the tithes and offerings we bring to God today – but look deeper – you have been blessed by God in more ways than financially – each of us has a gift, a talent, a special characteristic trait which God wants us to return to Him for His use as well
why? God gave His best, His own Son (john 3:16) – maybe that’s why He expects our best (colossians 3:23)
the apostle paul wrote in ephesians 4 how God gave different abilities to different people – and not simply to keep us busy – this is impressive stuff: to equip His church, to do the work He wants done, to provide ministry to others, to build us up, to bring more unity, to encourage greater faith, to impart knowledge, for our perfection, to reveal truth and to bring greater love among us all!
so everyone of us has something we can do – not simply busy work – but you – yeah, i said you have something awesome, something excellent to do for God - quit settling for just doing anything!
exodus 23:15, 34:18 and deuteronomy 16:16 all say that no one is to appear before God empty-handed – and verse 17 in deuteronomy says every person is to give as they are able, as they have been blessed by God
this is speaking of the sacrifices made by the jewish people before Jesus – when they began to approach the temple or their feast days when they worshipped God, they would prepare beforehand – they didn’t just dig around in their pockets and try to find a quarter after they got there – they would make certain to not show up empty-handed
of course this also relates to the tithes and offerings we bring to God today – but look deeper – you have been blessed by God in more ways than financially – each of us has a gift, a talent, a special characteristic trait which God wants us to return to Him for His use as well
why? God gave His best, His own Son (john 3:16) – maybe that’s why He expects our best (colossians 3:23)
the apostle paul wrote in ephesians 4 how God gave different abilities to different people – and not simply to keep us busy – this is impressive stuff: to equip His church, to do the work He wants done, to provide ministry to others, to build us up, to bring more unity, to encourage greater faith, to impart knowledge, for our perfection, to reveal truth and to bring greater love among us all!
so everyone of us has something we can do – not simply busy work – but you – yeah, i said you have something awesome, something excellent to do for God - quit settling for just doing anything!
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