Verse of the Day for November 7

God asks a question in verse 13 that is almost funny. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Israel had been bringing sacrifices as if heaven were hungry and needed feeding.

He does not need their cattle. A few verses earlier he points out that every beast of the forest is already his. So what does he want?

Three things, and none of them involves a barn. Offer unto God thanksgiving. Pay thy vows unto the most High. And call upon me in the day of trouble.

Thanksgiving here is called an offering, the thing you bring. Paying vows is simply doing what you said you would do. Calling in trouble is admitting you need him. It is a very ordinary list. It fits inside a working day.

So the work in front of you, the report, the shop counter, the children's homework, is not a distraction from worship. Do what you promised, say thank you while you do it, and ask for help when it goes wrong. That is the sacrifice he asked for.

Doing what you said you would do is part of your thanksgiving.

He would rather hear your call for help than receive an impressive gift.