Unless our hearts are truly repentant and our lives are following Jesus, He will not accept our offerings.

"I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them" - Amos 5:21–22.

Wow. That’s pretty strong condemnation from God! Obviously, this was a time when the children of Israel were engaging in all kinds of evil. They were worshiping idols, committing adultery, divorcing, and giving God only their leftovers. They had turned their hearts against God.

And now they wanted God’s help. The economy had gone south; their crops were not fruitful. They couldn’t understand why God wasn’t coming through. “God, we’re worshiping with passion. We’re weeping on the altar. We’re bringing You our offerings. What in the world is going on?”

Sound familiar? The economy has gone south. Jobs have been lost. Marriages ruined. Do you ever find yourself asking the same question? “Hey, God, I’m going to church; I’m singing Your praises. So why haven’t things turned around for me?” (Never mind that I’m cheating on my income taxes. Or that I’m feasting on pornography. Or that I’m mistreating my children... )

We cannot buy God’s favor with our offerings. We do not impress Him with an emotional, weeping, passionate worship if our lifestyle doesn’t show a heart for God. He is far more concerned with our obedience. In fact, He won’t even accept our offerings or our songs of worship unless our hearts are truly repentant and our lives are following Jesus.

Where is your heart?