Scripture for today: Malachi 3; Malachi 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5 (The Message)
Scripture-My special verse today: Malachi 4:1-3 ”Count on it: The day is coming, raging like a forest fire. All the arrogant people who do evil things will be burned up like stove wood, burned to a crisp, nothing left but scorched earth and ash— a black day. But for you, sunrise! The sun of righteousness will dawn on those who honor my name, healing radiating from its wings. You will be bursting with energy, like colts frisky and frolicking. And you’ll tromp on the wicked. They’ll be nothing but ashes under your feet on that Day.” God-of-the-Angel-Armies says so.
Observation: Malachi warns the people on God’s behalf that a day is coming when the evil people will be punished for not loving and following God. Those who actually honor God’s name will have renewed strength and will be happy and exuberant. They will overcome the evil just as God promised all along. However, only those who honor the name of God will be lifted up.
Application: Evil seems to be everywhere and the evil seem to prosper. At times this just doesn’t seem fair. They seem to have the good life, spending their ill-gained money on themselves and their desires only and they seem to be able to do no wrong in economic standards. However, a time is coming when they will no longer be getting a free ride according to Malachi. Promises for those who honor God are what keep the remnant going. Anyone can love God and follow him when things go well, but not anyone can when the evil seem to be prospering.
I hope that in the end I will be counted among those that truly honored his name. I pray I will be among the remnant.
Prayer: Lord, let me remain faithful and not fall into temptation.
Categories: Malachi
Tagged: Honor God
Scripture for today: Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1; Malachi 2; Acts 4 (The Message)
Scripture-My special verse today: Malachi 2:1-3 ”And now this indictment, you priests! If you refuse to obediently listen, and if you refuse to honor me, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, in worship, then I’ll put you under a curse. I’ll exchange all your blessings for curses. In fact, the curses are already at work because you’re not serious about honoring me. Yes, and the curse will extend to your children. I’m going to plaster your faces with rotting garbage, garbage thrown out from your feasts. That’s what you have to look forward to!
Observation: Malachi is not fooling around. Nope, he is seriously asking the people what it is they are seeking. Do they want to go back to the times when God turned his back on them or do they want to stay in God’s favor? What are they going to choose? Malachi makes clear what God has spoken to him and wants the people to know that they will not like the consequences if they do not follow God with obedient hearts.
Application: Are we sure that God gives blessings and curses or are those the things of long ago prophets? Do we even believe that God is in work in our lives daily anymore? Is he too far removed for us even to speak of him and fear him?
In my life, I see that when I lack obedience God’s blessings do not fall upon my life. Not blessings in the way of things, but rather in the way that he is working in my life. Delayed obedience is not obedience and it is way too easy to fall upon habits of disobedience when things are going OK. However, when things turn bad it is time to get in shape with God. Unfortunately it should never be this way. I should seek God first and last, quick to do what he desires me to do and slow to voice my own feelings.
Prayer: Lord, let me seek your blessing each and every day and love you enough to obey you always.
Categories: Malachi
Tagged: Obedience
