Here you go God

                    Why is it that when we're done setting aside the money we'll use for our plans, after we're satisfied with how we spent our time,  then we give God what's left?  Is there something wrong with that picture?

                 When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong?  When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong?  Try offering them to your Governor!  Would he be pleased with you?  Would he accept you? Says the Lord Almighty.
                                                                                                                              Malachi 1:8 

                Naturally we are not thoughtful of others.  Even if we do think of others out of our sinfulness we think of how we can get something out of it.  It always has to come back to us.  How does God feel about that?  Does that make him angry, jealous or sad? 

                                                          Really?!!

                First off, God is angry at the audacity we have and the arrogance it takes to truly think that because God doesn't need anything, then His demand must be more of a guideline.  

               Second, he's jealous that we are giving ourselves over to an object or person wholeheartedly but then realize out of regret that we didn't pray or read our Bible that day so it's more guilt time then quality time.

             Third,  it fills him with grief and sadness.  It's not because he's lonely but more because he wants us to get to know him and he wants to share himself with us on a more intimate level.  

                      When I fed them they were satisfied; when they were satisfied they became proud; then they forgot me.
                                         Hosea 13:6

              Really?! Really?!!!  How can people be so self righteous and snub their nose at God once they have everything they want and their life is going "their way."  Oh, he he he....that's me too.  

              Sadly the reality is all of us are prone to becoming like that.  How do we keep from that path?  How can we strive closer to God and actually desire to be with him, to give him our best and enjoy his company?

                                    Give me a chance

                    Now Abel kept flocks and, Cain worked the soil.  In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. But Abel brought fat portions from some of the first born of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
                                                                                                        Genesis 4:2-5

                Well, Cain gave some of his fruit...whats the big deal?  He brought God something, isn't that enough?   

                It's not the stuff that matters. What really matters is where your heart is.   Was Cain excited to give his fruit to God?  Now get this.  It says over time Cain gave God some of the fruits of his soil.  Then,  Abel brought some of the fat from the first born of his flock.  Cain brought his offering...eventually.  But Abel brought his offering right away.  

               Have you ever done that?  
                     " Come on do I have to?  Wait until next week.  I'll see what I have left."

              Why can't we do this?
                      "Thank you for providing this for me.  Take this portion and may your will be done."

           It doesn't have to go that way precisely but you get the idea.  Be honest with God.  Tell him where you are.  At first it will be hard giving up your time, money or whatever else to God. But over time it gets easier if you're committed.  The biggest thing is, if you truly desire for God to change your heart on that subject, he will.  Even praying, asking him to change your heart is a beautiful thing.

           Give God a chance; because he gave you one through his son.