In Touch Daily Devotional 8th January 2023 By Dr. Charles Stanley, Sunday Reflection
Read In Touch Daily Devotional 8th January 2023 and be blessed.
TOPIC: The Best Offering
To get the most out of this devotion, set aside time to read the scriptures referenced throughout.
The prophet Hosea spoke a condemning word to the nation of Israel at a time when they were prospering. In fact, the Israelites were so successful, and so diligent in offering sacrifices to God, that they began to rely on Him less and less—and more on themselves. That’s what prompted the Lord to speak through Hosea: “For I desire loyalty rather than sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).
Jesus echoes this phrase later in the company of Pharisees, saying, “Now go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). Though Christians don’t offer animal sacrifices to the Lord, we can be tempted to think in a similar way about our good deeds, sound theology, and hours logged in church. But what God wants from us is our very selves—He values our trust and reliance more than anything else we might offer Him.
Think about it
• What is something you typically “offer” to God? Consider setting it aside this week. How can you genuinely connect with Him apart from that?
Bible in One Year: Genesis 26-28
Reflect: Have you given God your whole heart, or are you offering Him substitutes?
In Touch Daily Devotional 8th January 2023. He is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church Atlanta and founder of In Touch Ministries, both located in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Stanley’s heart’s desire is to get the gospel to “as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, as clearly as possible, as irresistibly as possible, through the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God.