5/5/26

If I were to ask everyone who reads this devo the question, "Do you love the Lord," I am confident almost all would say yes. We see a similar response from the Jews in Malachi when God says you don't love me but I love you. They say, " How have you loved us and how can you say we don't love you?

God doesn't speak just to be talking. When He says something, He speaks the truth, and He has the proof of the truth.

So when you say you love God do not be surprised if He shows you examples of how you do not love Him.

In our text today God shows the proof of the lack of love by the Jews, and it proves our lack of love also.

Malachi 1:8 NASB95 “But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?” says the LORD of hosts.

Do we dedicate our best and most devoted time to God, or what we have left over?

Are you focused on Him and His word when you spend time with Him, or contemplating everything else in life?

Do you tithe from all you receive or do you just give a little of what you feel you can afford? Do you sacrificially give above your tithe to Him, or do you feel like what He requires is more than enough? Therefore what is above His requirements, you use for what you really care about.

Do you give the best of yourself when you serve God, or just what is left so you can get by? Are you attempting to sneak by with counterfeit worship instead of the real thing? Would you give counterfeit money to the IRS for your taxes? Of course not but that is what we give to God.

We say we love Him but when we attempt to sneakily cheat Him of our best, we are showing that our love is not sincere! God says this is evil.

If you needed a kidney and someone donated a kidney to you. Then 1 year later they needed blood. Would you donate for them or would you draw blood from your pet and give that?

Jesus gave His life for you to have eternal life with the Father. Now here you are later faking giving your life back to Him. This is evil! This is not love, and this is God's proof.

Do you love God? Even if you haven't shown love to Him, He still loves you.

Love Bro. Scott