From the Heart

I was reading the book of Malachi and it amazed me how it is actually referring
to the condition of our hearts.
Malachi actually means 'my messenger'. He was the messenger of God for that
time which was about 433BC. (This is just a side note).
Chapter one talks about the offerings the people were presenting to God and how
they were impure and unacceptable.  God was having nothing to do with such
offerings. "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you
might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you," says the
Lord of hosts, "nor will I accept an offering from you."  "For from the rising of the
sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every
place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that
is pure; for My name will be great among the nations, " says the Lord of
hosts." (1:10-11 NAS)
This made me think. When I bring my offerings of praise and worship, what
is my heart truly like? Am I really thinking about what I am saying? Am I going before
God with a clean heart? Am I worshipping Him with true, unadulterated heartfelt
worship?
If I am to be honest with myself I would have to say that there are days that I
just go through the motions. I allow circumstances and distractions to rule my
spirit and this is unacceptable. It is not a pure gift to My Lord.
Thankfully I can go before Him and repent knowing He will forgive me and once
again restore me to righteousness. Amen.
There is so much more in Malachi. This is just chapter one, but the other three
chapters have a lot of meat in them too. I suggest you chow down on this book
and see for yourself.  A small four chapters, but full of nourishment.
Blessings,
Shifra