God tells the Israelites through Malachi that they are defiling his altar by bringing blind, diseased and crippled animals as their offering.

He tells them they can go ahead and beg for mercy, but why should God show them any favor at all?

God asked them and he’s asking us today for the first fruits of our labor.  The first.  The best.

Not the leftovers.  Not the amount that we can do without.

And he showed us exactly how to do this when he sent his son, Jesus.  His first.  His best.  For us.  He held nothing back.

God could ask for it all – since it’s all his.  And God does ask some people to give it all – including their lives.

For the rest of us, he asks that we put him first and give him our best.                      

Then we can anticipate his blessings as we are obedient and walk in his will.

Thank you, dear Father!