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ARE WE SERVING LEFTOVERS?

Matthew 18:2-5

 

Have you ever had leftovers for supper when you expected a fresh home cooked meal?

 

There is not much time put into fixing leftovers.

 

Are our sacrifices (money, time, and possessions) just leftovers?

 

Did God allow 2nd best for sacrifices? Deut. 17:1

“You shall not sacrifice to the Lord your God a bull or sheep which has any blemish or defect, for that is an abomination to the Lord your God.”

 

Today I am not talking to you about giving to God, but our attitude towards God.

 

We read in Exodus 20:1-17 of the Ten Commandments. First part is about God and our attitude towards Him.  In Exodus 34:14 “… for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

 

Do we do what we do to please God?

 

Can we pay back God for what He has done for us?

No, because in Rom. 5:18 we are told it is a free gift.

 

So, can we please God?  Yes!!  Jesus tells us in Matt. 22:37-38 to focus on God and in Matt. 22:39-40 to focus on others.

Does God need what we have?  No.  Then why do we give to God?

 

To give/do things for God and others takes the focus off of us.

 

Matt. 20:25-28 Those who desire to be first, let them be a slave.

 

Matt. 26:6-13 The expense oil that was poured on Jesus.

 

Matt. 6:1-4 Do good secretly pleases God.

 

Matt. 18:21-35 Parable of the unforgiving servant.

 

Mark 12:41-44 The widow’s two mites.

 

Matt. 18:2-5 We are told that if we want to get to the Kingdom of Heaven , we first have to change and become like little children.

 

Too many times when we talk of giving, it is about the offering and/or centered on the building, house or projects.

 

How are we focusing on God away from here today?

What you do unto the least you do unto God.

 

Love is an attitude put into action, not an action hoping for an attitude change.