By Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu

As we remain indoors in compliance with government directives to combat the covid-19 pandemic, the need for sacrifice remains a compelling issue but not all sacrifices are pleasing to God.

In 1 Samuel 15:22, “And Samuel said hath the Lord a great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifice as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

Obedience to Gods word and instruction is better than sacrifice in defiance of Gods word. As you attempt to please God in well doing and other sacrifices, you must be conscious of his word and the need to abide by them.

We are told in Proverbs 15:8, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord but the prayer of the upright is his delight”.

Intercession and supplication is certainly a sacrifice that pleases God but he looks at the heart and not at the outward appearance. If you don’t forgive, keep malice and harbour evil thoughts against your neighbour, your sacrifice cannot be acceptable.

What you offer can bring acceptance or rejection. God is not a beggar and your sacrifice must show respect and reverence.

In Malachi 1:8, the word of God says, “and if you offer the blind for sacrifice is it not evil? And if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now unto thy Governor, will he be pleased with thee or accept thy person saith the Lord of hosts”. Let us therefore be careful about what we give as sacrifice to God or even those in need.

Who you are to God will determine the acceptance or rejection of your sacrifice. What is your relationship with God? Does he know you and consider you as his own?

In 1 Corinthians 10:20, God spoke “but I say, that the things which the gentiles sacrificed, they sacrificed to devils and not to God and I would not that we should have fellowship with devils”.

Who are the gentiles today? Those who have not accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and saviour. As you make sacrifices therefore, consider and evaluate your relationship with God.

We cannot continue in sin and expect God to accept our sacrifices. Hebrews 10:26 says “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins”.

We pray therefore that our sacrifices will not be rejected by God but rather this month, mercy, restoration and favour shall be our portion in Jesus mighty name Amen.

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is APICP (CSR) RCCG SOUL WINNERS ASSEMBLY EDO 2