Give of Your Best to the Master

​​This is a breakout post from our 27-day devotional, Come and Gather: Family Time With God, or what we lovingly refer to as Gather. You'll find this post featured in Part Two: Days 6-10 A Walk Through God’s Word.

“Animals blind or disabled or mutilated or having a discharge or an itch or scabs you shall not offer to the Lord or give them to the Lord as a food offering on the altar.

​You may present a bull or a lamb that has a part too long or too short for a freewill offering, but for a vow offering it cannot be accepted. Any animal that has its testicles bruised or crushed or torn or cut you shall not offer to the Lord; you shall not do it within your land.” Leviticus 22:22-24

The book of Leviticus is often overlooked due to the many Levitical commands related to the sacrifices and responsibilities of the priests. As is always the case, however, no part of Scripture should ever be looked at as outdated or unrelated to today’s circumstances. Such is the passage for this devotional. 

While the sacrifices are no longer needed, a tremendously important principle is discussed. The Israelites were made keenly aware of the fact that God is worthy of the very best, and only the best.

This principle was passed down through the generations and is evidenced by David in II Samuel 24 as he purchased the threshing floor of Araunah to offer a sacrifice to stay the plague from the land.

​Far too often, Christians adopt the philosophy of the world and attempt to offer the Lord just enough to get by, when in reality He deserves our very best.

He offered His best for us; how can we offer anything less to Him?

“Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart.
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above:
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration,
Give Him the best that you have.”
—Howard B. Grose

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Come and Gather: Family Time with God

Introducing Come and Gather: Family Time with God, or what we lovingly refer to as Gather.

Gather is a lovely, 35-page, daily devotional centered around families enjoying time together with God and each other

This 27-day devotional is divided into 3 parts: ​

Part One: Days 1-5, is written specifically with husbands and wives in mind. In this part of Gather, husbands and wives will explore 5 Signs of a Functional Family.

5 Signs of a Functional Family includes:

1. An Attitude of Service
2. Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife
3. Husbands Who Are Loving Leaders
4. Parents Who Teach and Train
5. Children Who Honor and Obey​

​Part Two: Days 6-20, is written with the whole family in mind. It's A Walk Through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation we will discuss subjects like God's mercy and protection, being humble, dealing with difficulties, having a teachable spirit, dependence on God, and much more.

Part Three: Days 21-27, is a Men of God Character Study. We'll learn character traits that every Christian should strive to demonstrate in their life straight from characters in God's Word. 

At the end of Gather, you'll find a place for your family to record specific prayer requests. I love being specific with my prayer request and seeing God answer in specific ways. Recording the answers, as well as the requests, is a great way to help your children see God working in your lives.

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"He offered His best for us; how can we offer anything less to Him?" That is a great question! How can we?

Come and Gather: Family Time With God published with permission
​Pastor Jeremy Sweatt, Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford, Connecticut

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