December 1, 2025 WEST

Today's journey through Scripture invites us to examine the quality of our sacrifices and the authenticity of our worship. Beginning with Malachi chapter 1, we're confronted with a piercing question: what are we really bringing to the table of the Lord? The passage challenges us to move beyond mere religious routine and ask ourselves whether we're offering God our best or simply going through the motions with leftovers and half-hearted efforts. This isn't about perfectionism—it's about excellence born from genuine love and reverence. When we bring defiled sacrifices, when we treat the altar with contempt, we reveal the true posture of our hearts. The Lord doesn't demand perfection, but He does desire our wholehearted devotion. As we read through Isaiah 50, we see the ultimate example of sacrifice in the prophetic picture of Jesus, who set His face like flint, determined to fulfill the Father's will despite mockery, suffering, and rejection. This reminds us that our obedience matters more than our comfort, and that true worship costs us something. The thread continues through 2 Chronicles 21, where we witness the devastating consequences of compromised devotion and unholy alliances. Finally, Revelation 19 brings us full circle to the wedding feast of the Lamb, where the bride has prepared herself. This is our calling—to prepare ourselves, to make our lives a pleasing offering, and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we await His return.