Memorise: The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. – Proverbs 15:8
Read: Genesis 4:3-5 (KJV)
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Bible in One Year: Ezekiel 24-27
MESSAGE:
It is only a beggar who would not consider the status of whoever is giving him/her gifts; he/she just collects alms from whoever, whenever. God is not a beggar. He accepts gifts only from His children and rejects the proceeds of cheating, embezzlement and the like.
The fact that money lands in the offering bag or Church account does not mean it has been accepted by God.
“…And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect…” – Genesis 4:4-5
Note the sequence in the verse above: the names appeared before the offering. This means that the acceptance of the offering depends on the giver. If God accepts your offering, He has accepted you.
Some people have complained of stagnation despite being faithful in the payment of their tithes and offering. This might be because God has not accepted them. If He hasn’t, He cannot accept their offering. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-8, Paul asked the Macedonian Church to give themselves to God first before giving to the man of God. That is the only acceptable offering – one that is offered after the giver has given his life to Christ. So, before your next offering, ask yourself: “Am I a genuine child of God?”
It is a terrible thing for God to reject an offering; because it means He has rejected the giver. Cain, out of envy, killed his brother because of this.
A long time ago, the RCCG was in dire need of a new sound system and a rich man donated the latest model to the Church. While I was still rejoicing about this, I heard God say “Tell him to take the gift back; I don’t want it.” The man left in sorrow knowing God had rejected him. May God never reject you and your offering in the mighty name of Jesus. For that prayer to be answered, you must ensure you are in right standing with Him, living a holy life.
Key Point: God only accepts the offering of those who are His children.
Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.
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