No More Leftovers
Devotional
We live in a culture of leftovers. We give our best energy to work, our prime time to entertainment, our focused attention to social media, and then wonder why our relationship with God feels stale. We offer Him the leftover minutes before bed, the distracted prayers during our commute, and the casual worship when we're not too tired. God confronted the Israelites about this very issue. They were bringing blind, sick, and lame animals as sacrifices—offerings they wouldn't dare present to their earthly governor. Yet they thought these leftovers were good enough for the Creator of the universe. The problem wasn't just the quality of their offerings; it was the condition of their hearts. When we truly love someone, we want to give them our best. We plan special dates, choose thoughtful gifts, and invest our prime time in the relationship. God deserves nothing less. This doesn't mean we have to be perfect or that every moment must be a spiritual high. It means approaching our relationship with God with intentionality and respect. Giving God our best might look like setting aside quality time for prayer instead of rushing through it. It might mean engaging wholeheartedly in worship rather than just going through the motions. It could mean studying His Word with the same focus we give to our favorite hobbies. God isn't asking for perfection; He's asking for authenticity. He wants our hearts, not just our habits. When we stop offering leftovers and start giving our best, we discover that God has so much more to give us in return.
Bible Verse
'And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts.' - Malachi 1:8
Reflection Question
What 'leftovers' have you been offering to God that you would never offer to someone you deeply respect?
Quote
We lower the standards. We lower the standards of what we give the Lord. Be honest with yourself. Be honest. We lower the worship. Our prayer life grows smaller and smaller and smaller.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that I've often given You my leftovers while giving my best to other things and people. Help me to honor You with my first and best—my time, attention, energy, and resources. Show me how to worship You with my whole heart, not just the parts that are convenient. Amen.
We live in a culture of leftovers. We give our best energy to work, our prime time to entertainment, our focused attention to social media, and then wonder why our relationship with God feels stale. We offer Him the leftover minutes before bed, the distracted prayers during our commute, and the casual worship when we're not too tired. God confronted the Israelites about this very issue. They were bringing blind, sick, and lame animals as sacrifices—offerings they wouldn't dare present to their earthly governor. Yet they thought these leftovers were good enough for the Creator of the universe. The problem wasn't just the quality of their offerings; it was the condition of their hearts. When we truly love someone, we want to give them our best. We plan special dates, choose thoughtful gifts, and invest our prime time in the relationship. God deserves nothing less. This doesn't mean we have to be perfect or that every moment must be a spiritual high. It means approaching our relationship with God with intentionality and respect. Giving God our best might look like setting aside quality time for prayer instead of rushing through it. It might mean engaging wholeheartedly in worship rather than just going through the motions. It could mean studying His Word with the same focus we give to our favorite hobbies. God isn't asking for perfection; He's asking for authenticity. He wants our hearts, not just our habits. When we stop offering leftovers and start giving our best, we discover that God has so much more to give us in return.
Bible Verse
'And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts.' - Malachi 1:8
Reflection Question
What 'leftovers' have you been offering to God that you would never offer to someone you deeply respect?
Quote
We lower the standards. We lower the standards of what we give the Lord. Be honest with yourself. Be honest. We lower the worship. Our prayer life grows smaller and smaller and smaller.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that I've often given You my leftovers while giving my best to other things and people. Help me to honor You with my first and best—my time, attention, energy, and resources. Show me how to worship You with my whole heart, not just the parts that are convenient. Amen.
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