Leviticus 22:21-22 – “If a man presents a peace-offering sacrifice to the Lord for a special votive offering or for a freewill offering from the herd or the flock, it must be flawless to be acceptable; it must have no flaw. ²² “‘You must not present to the Lord something blind, or with a broken bone, or mutilated, or with a running sore, or with a festering eruption, or with a feverish rash.  You must not give any of these as a gift on the altar to the Lord.”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word, I was challenged regarding offerings to God.   A less-than-perfect sacrifice was unacceptable.  I heard the word in my heart, “Blind Sacrifices.”   I pondered the question, “Do we sometimes give God blind sacrifices or flawed offerings? Do we give Him our leftovers or the unusable ones? “  That would reveal why many live in a constant state of lack and turmoil.

The Lord used that account to bring me to something in 1 Thessalonians that set my heart ablaze.  It was a dual message.  1 Thessalonians 5:14 demanded my attention.   One translation says, “We appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not in their place of battle.  Be skilled at gently encouraging those who feel inadequate. Be faithful to stand your ground.   Help the weak to stand against.  Be quick to demonstrate patience with everyone. “

Not in their place of battle?   The Greek word ‘atakos’ is often used for troops that are not in battle formation or unarranged, disorderly, or idle—those who are losing heart.

The ministry assigned to every leader and every believer is to encourage others.   In 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Paul spoke of the reality that those believers were putting their faith into practice.   Love motivated them to serve others, and they were unmovable in their hope in Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 gives life patterns to follow and details the benefits and fruit of that life.  We are to live in a continual attitude of Joy that is so extravagant and encompassing that it is a continual feast.

• Make your life a prayer.

Pray unceasingly means to be in a constant state of communion with God, always open to dialogue. Prayer is not giving God our list of demands or desires; it is open dialogue. It means expressing our desires and listening for His response and directive.   

• Live in a continual attitude of gratitude.

Then, he unveils a super serious danger that blocks the move of God in us.  In verse 19 –“Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.”  Wow!   They were baptized with the Holy Spirit and fire!  That fire is a source of divine energy that enables the Holy Spirit to work in us.  It purges, purifies, and empowers. 

1 Thessalonians 5:20 speaks of prophecy, both personal words and corporate universal words.  Don’t scorn them.   No matter how they sound, examine them by putting them to the test.  How?  The revealed written Word and the witness of the Spirit.  Once tested, every prophecy that proves valid is to be embraced. 

Remember Jeshophat’s instructions in 2 Chronicles 20, “Believe in the LORD your God, so you shall be established; believe in His prophets, and you shall be delivered.”

If we give God our best, fully surrender our hearts, hold fast to His Word, and always maintain an attitude of gratitude and patience seasoned with prayer, we will see victory beyond what we have experienced.  

God seems to be saying, “Give Me blind sacrifices and fail.  Give Me the best, and I will give you My best.”

Let us consider our lives and act accordingly, examining our hearts and actions.   Victory is within our grasp!  God desires for us to walk in fullness.   It is up to us, so let’s seize the day!

Give God your best, and you will receive His best in return, which is far better than yours!