Right and Wrong

O. T. #2349 "Right and Wrong"

Dec. 30, 2022 

Malachi 2-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

I realize divorce is a touchy subject. So I am trying to approach it Biblically. What does the Bible, and God, say about it?

There are more Scriptures concerning divorce. Matthew 19:8-9 explains that it was because of the hardness of the Israeli hearts that Moses permitted men to divorce their wives. At the beginning, it was not approved. Jesus said in theses verses that only fornication (sexual impurity), they should not divorce their wife. If that was not the case, the man would commit adultery when he remarried, and the one she marries committed adultery, too. Moses permitted divorce, not command it. Christian couples should not discuss divorce, but do whatever it takes to work things out. (See Matthew 5:31-32)

Mark 10:9 says, What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 

Marital problems are spiritual problems, according to Jerry Falwell. He goes on to say,"If one's relationship with God is correct, he will never have marital problems."

LET IT GROW

Another thing Malachi brought up was that Israel wearied the Lord. (verse 17) How had they wearied the Lord? It was by saying that all who do evil are good and the Lord was pleased with them. 

God's patience was wearing thin. Those faithless, disobedient priests and people had skepticism and self-justification, so judgment was on the way. They were calloused and lacking in spiritual discernment. They had no intention of taking right and wrong seriously. (MacArthur)

Malachi was trying to lead the sinners to repentance.

Wow, this seems to be prevalent in our society and government today

.LET IT GO 

Keep us learning what is right and wrong in Your eyes, God.

Help us to stand for the right and rebuke the wrong.

Forgive our killing of babies, allowing homosexuals .

Remaining Faithful

 O. T. #2348 "Remaining Faithful"

Dec. 29, 2022

Malachi 2-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

God blesses those who remain a faithful servant to Him and to their vows. Everyone has their storms in life, temptations to leave, desires to go our own way and give up on marriage. But remaining faithful to Him and a spouse brings blessings. If only folks would continue on, be an overcomer, be a giver, it does get better and easier through time. Believe me, we have been married 50 years and I have experienced it. Don't expect marriage to be a bed of roses and roses will come, eventually. So let love grow and become sweet.

Malachi confronts the priests and men in Israel who allowed unclean sacrificial animals and brought them to the Temple. Also, those who had divorced their wives and married pagan women, that worshiped idols. They were guilty of dealing treacherously (deceitfully and unfaithfully). (verses 10-11)

What is the result of those sins?

• Their hypocrisy must be confronted and dealt with. (verses 12-13)
• After committing these sins, the men brought offerings to the Lord and wept at the altar seeking His help and blessing.
• If they truly repented, they were told to return to their Jewish wives by Ezra 9-10. It was all hypocritical. God was fizin' to cut off those men and nation that had done this.

Why did God not accept this kind of worship? He witnessed their marital vows with the Jewish wife of youth and their unfaithfulness to her. 

LET IT GROW

What does God want? He wants faithfulness in marriage and godly children from their union. God regards marriage to be a lifelong commitment broken only by the death of one of the partners. (Falwell)

In verse 15, Malachi commends the faithful husbands who obeyed the Spirit and Word of God. The basic issue here is loyalty to the God of Israel and maintaining a godly home. Israel was to be the channel through which the Messiah was to come into the world. Anything corrupting that plan would work against His great plan of salvation. He had a very special task of being a separate nation and sharing the Good News. Purity and faithfulness is what is blessed. We read about the lineage of Jesus in the Gospels. That was His requirement and blessing.

Are we having a struggle in remaining faithful to our spouse? Give it to Jesus. Ask His help in whatever is going on. He is faithful, so we are to remain faithful-to God and our spouse. It will be an example for our children.

{However, if there is abuse, seek help, remove yourself to a safe place.)

LET IT GO

Lord, give us strength to walk the path You have prepared for us to walk.

Because You were faithful, Jesus, to the Father's plan for Your life, help us to do so.

Bless those who are struggling in marriage and other things. 

We need Your peace to carry on.

Divorce and Marriage

O. T. #2347 "Divorce and Marriage"

Dec. 28, 2022 

Malachi 2-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

We read of the third question Israel had for God-Why are we unfaithful to one another? Perhaps the question should have begun with how. (verses 10-16)

God dealt with the sins of the priests and now turns to the nation as a whole and confronts the men who divorced their wives in order to marry pagan women. They profaned God's covenant by committing treachery (betrayal), hypocisy, purity, and hostility, according to Wiersbe.

In fact, Malachi uses the phase dealt treacherously 5 times in this segment of Scripture. (verses 10, 11, 14-16) In the Hebrew language, deal and dealt have the same meaning, to do or make; go about; while the word treacherously means deal deceitfully; offend; unfaithful.

So the Jewish men went about offending God, dealing deceitfully with their brothers, and being unfaithful with their Jewish wives. Let's find out how this happened:

• The men defiled the LORD's beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols. (verse 11)
• They covered the LORD's altar with tears, weeping and groaning because He pays no attention to your offerings and doesn't accept themn with pleasure. (verse 13)
• God doesn't accept their worship because the men were unfaithful with their marriage vows to their wife. (verse 14)
• God hates divorce. (verse 16)
• They wearied God by saying that all who do evil are good in His sight and God is pleased with them. (verse 17)

The Jewish men did the same thing by marrying Egyptian women and Midian women. Soloman oppended the door to idolatry by marrying foreign women. God made man and woman for each other and to establish marriage for the good of the family. (Exodus 34:11-16; Deut. 7:3-4) so the people were disqualified to participate in offering made to the Lord. Their rights and privileges in the Israeli community was nulled.

Did you notice that God is plane spoken? He tells it like it is and what was wrong with the people. That is a hard message to deliver because rejection or conviction of sin is often taken out on the deliverer of the message. 

LET IT GROW

We are living in a day when divorce has lost its stigma. It is acceptable and often unavoidable, even among many Christians. Therefore, people end up living together instead of marrying, which is a sin, too. Christians fail to see the spiritual dimension of marriage and marry unbelievers. (Tony Evans)

Paul tells Christians not to be mismatched with unbelievers. (2 Cor. 6:14-16) which would apply to marriage. When the Christian marries a non-Christian, there will be a clash of gods and covenants. Don't partner with someone who doesn't share your faith because you're going in two different directions. Dare I say that we all have divorce somewhere in our families? 

Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman, as well as a covenant before God. It is not just a social institution, but a spiritual issue, too. God wants us to have and raise children in the knowledge of the Lord so that His image is spread worldwide for His glory. (Tony Evans)

Are we teaching our children that marriage is to be taken seriously, not lightly. Sure it is not easy because two people are different. God does permit divorce in cvertain cases. (Matt. 19:9; 1 Cor. 7:15), but it sin't that He intended for it at the beginning. (Matt. 19:8)

Those men that Malachi was confronting were divorcing for illegitimat reasons and committed injustice. Getting a "no-fault" divorce and separating for "irreconcilable differences" is not a covenantal option. In God's eyes, it is a treacherous act with spiritual consequences. (Tony Evans)

LET IT GO

Help us stay faithful to our spouce and You. Please bless those who are struggling in this area.

Looking Back Over the Year

 #2346 "Looking Back Over the Year"

Dec. 27, 2022

Malachi 2-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

I think it is good to look back over the past year and evaluate my life. Did I follow Jesus? Did I do what He calls me to do? Is my faith growing or just is? Do others see Jesus in me? Am I helping them feel loved, wanted, and needed?

You will recall that Israel had 6 different questions challenging God. 

The first one was How have you loved us?(1:1-5) They were guilty of not affirming the unconditional love of the Lord.

The second one was How have we despised Your name? (1:6-2:9)

The priests and national spiritual leaders of Israel showed contempt for sacrifices to God, His glory, and His law. The unclean and blemished animal sacrifices were forbidden by the Lord. (Lev. 22; Deut. 15:21) Their governor would not have even accepted them. How could the Jews expect God to extend His grace when they were insulting Him with unacceptable sacrifices? By refusing to lead the people to reverence and offer the Lord their best, their attitude and actions were profaning the altar and insulting to the Lord, King of the universe. (1:6-14)

Do we give God our leftovers or our best and first? How worthy is our Provider, Savior, Healer, Intercessor of our best!

LET IT GROW

The Jews were showing contempt for God's glory, by not giving Him the honor and glory for who God is. Instead of blessing His people for obedience, they deserved cursing for disobedience. God was trying to shake the priests out of their complacency by warning them in verse 3 what would happen if they did not repent and change their ways. 

Next, the leaders and priests were guilty of contempt (lack of respect and reverence) for God's law. They were to live godly lives as they taught the people and represented God to the people as they taught the Law of Moses. Being a bad example and departing from God's standards was unacceptable. As a result, shame and degradation fell upon them. (Neh. 13:29)

It is always good to take inventory of our life every now and then. Are we living what we proclaim? Do we show love to others, as the Father has loved us? Do we show mercy as we receive His mercy? When we beg for forgiveness, do we forgive others in the same way? So many times I fall short. 

LET IT GO

Jesus, help me let go of hurt and hard feelings toward others. 

May I be gracious and merciful, kind and generous to others, for You have given them to me.

Change my heart as I look backwards and learn from my mistakes.

Help us look forward to the new year You have for me. Use me for Your glory today. 

Gifts of the First Christmas

 Merry Christmas, Late!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Day. Sorry for not posting on Friday, but I was sick. My husband has been sick since Thursday, so we did not get to attend services on Sunday. However, we

 watched one on television-Charles Stanley preaching a message, Gifts of the First Christmas, which I would like to share. (Luke 2)

1. Mary gave her body to carry Jesus and her reputation.
2. Caesar Augustus gave a decree to tax the people and take a census. (God used that king to fulfill prophecies to accomplish His purposes. Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem.)
3. The inn keeper gave his stable to Mary and Joseph to spend the night.
4. The angel gave an announcement to the Jewish shepherds that the Savior Messiah Jesus, was born.
5. Shepherds gave a testimony of the Messiah being born.
6. Wise men gave their gifts to the couple.
7. God gave His only begotten Son. (John 3:16)
8. Jesus gave Himself; every event in His life was characterized by giving-taught the truth and the Word, healed the sick, changed lives.
9. A true follower of Jesus is a giver. (Luke 6:35-38; 2 Cor. 9:6-8)

What is the most valuable material gift given to you? Does it compare to the gift of eternal life? Thank You God for giving the most awesome gift of Jesus for us sinners. Such love was given, Jesus, that You would leave heaven to come to earth to dwell among people so You could provide the sacrifice, perfect sacrifice we needed by giving Yourself.

so our challenge today is to share the gifts God has given to us. 

Peace and Equity

O. T. #2345 "Peace and Equity"

Dec. 22, 2022

Malachi 2-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Peace and goodwill toward men. We want that in our world, don't we? However, it will not happen until Jesus returns. We as individuals can strive to show it in our own little world. Joy to the world, the Lord (Savior) is come. Let earth receive her King.

The tribe of Levi was to teach Israel, serve at the place of prayer, the altar of incense, and offer the burnt sacrifices which point to Christ. (In spite of Levi being a brutal murderer, his descendants observed the Word of God, kept His covenant, taught the people of Israel to the Law of God. They had godly commitment, character, and communication. Those priests settled disputes with judicious wisdom and served the people with humility and patience. They reverenced God's name, had direct communication with God, and proclaimed to the people of God His Word. 

Aren't we Christians to do the same in our life? Aren't we to have godly character, commitment, and teach the Word of God?

LET IT GROW

Verses 5-9 give more instructions for the Levites (and us) concerning the covenant:

•  bring life and peace;
• reverence for God and in awe of His name;
• sharing the Truth from God with others;
• not lie or cheat;
• walked with God, with peace and equity;
• living good and righteous lives;
• turn away from a life of sin.

Peace means safe; well; happy; welfare; equity refers to straightness; justice; right; justly; righteousness; uprightness.

Does our life show we are happy in Jesus? Are our business dealings upright and just? How about our family and friends? Do they lie and cheat, living in sin? Isn't it good to do a self-check every now and then?

LET IT GO

Thank You for joy in Jesus, eternal life ahead, and knowing an awesome God.

Grace and Mercy Are Available

O. T. #2344 "Grace and Mercy Are Available"

Dec. 20, 2022

Malachi 2-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Something stood out to me as I reviewed the first nine verses of this chapter. Maybe I just forgot or did not get it the time we studied the last part of Genesis. There was a covenant made with Levi, who was the third son of Jacob and Leah. Even though Levi was a murderer (Gen. 49) and supported selling his brother Joseph as a slave, God had mercy and grace on his descendants. The tribe of Levi observed the Word of God and kept that covenant. So they became the priestly tribe chosen of the 12 to teach the people of Israel the law of God and to offer prayers and sacrifices before Him-those sacrifices pointed to Christ. (J. Vernon McGee)

Descendants kept God's Word, revered His name, and lifted Him up before the people. Rome were Eli, Ezra, Moses, Aaron, Miriam, and John the Baptist. Familiar names, huh? God used them in spite of their failures-called grace.

Today, our pastors are called to study and teach the Word of God. The deacons are to visit the sick and take care of the administration of the affairs of the church, as well as serve the tables and witnessing. (Acts 6:2) Now, believers can help in those areas, too. Are we using the spiritual gifts that God has bestowed upon us? Do you know what yours is/are?

I like how McGee put it-if the pastor is running all over the countryside visiting sick babies and burping them he is not spending that time in the Word of God and preparing to teach his people. Jesus gave His all in meeting the needs of people, loving them with God's love, and sharing the Word. Can we do less?

LET IT GROW

What does that have to do with our chapter? The Levites didn't get it. They didn't learn from their captivity in Babylon of 70 years. Malachi was sent to point out their failures, sins, and bring them to repentance, turning around back to worshiping God only. 

Although the Levites departed from The Way, (verse 8) and caused others to stumble at the Law, they heard the truth. 

Jesus is our High Priest who intercedes with God for us. He forgives our sins when we repent (confess and turn away from them). That is why Jesus came to earth, took on the form of a man-to be our Savior, the sacrifice for us because we can never be good enough to meet God's standards. 

LET IT GO 

Glory to God in the Highest!

Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords.

Thank You for grace and mercy when we stumble and sin, Jesus.

Staying on the Right Path

O. T. #2343 "Staying on the Right Path"

Dec. 20, 2022

Malachi 2

LET IT GLOW

God is gracious and loved, and to be held in reverence. Israel had some problems: doubting God's love, dishonoring His name, and despising divine privileges. God had shown Israel His love for them by caring for them, electing them to be His chosen people and nation. However, Israel despised God's name.

Let's skip down to verses 5-6. The purpose of the Lord's covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what He gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered God and stood in awe of His name. They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from God. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with God, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin. (New Living Translation)

Aren't we as believers in Jesus to walk with Him, live good and righteous lives, and turn others from lives of sin? The student is to follow the teacher.

LET IT GROW

Previously, we read what the priests of Israel are doing wrong, being reproved for profanity. They did not honor God in worship. The Jews offered blind, lame, sickly, and even stolen animals were as sacrifices, which was not rebuked by the priests. 

If the priests did not repent of their sins, God was going to exchange blessings for judgment by splattering their faces with the manure from the unapproved sacrifices. He would throw them on the manure pile, in other words. Such humiliation. And nothing stinks worse than pig waste. 

In verses 7-9, we find the words of the Jewish priests should preserve knowledge of God, and the people should go to him for instruction. He is the messenger of the LORD of Heaven's Armies. But they had left God's paths. Their instructions have caused many to stumble in sin. They corrupted the covenant God made with the Levites. Therefore, the priests will be humiliated. 

Our pastors should be trustworthy and honoring of God. They should be following God's path for them and the church. Are we staying on God's path for our life?

Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths. (Psalm 25:4)

Are we following Jesus along the twists and turns of our life? Even when we mess up, He forgives us and shows us mercy and grace. 

LET IT GO

 Keep us on the right path of Your Word, Jesus. 

Guide us in Your will.

 May we honor You through it all. 

How do We Worship?

O. T. #2342 "How do We Worship?"

Dec. 19, 2022

Malachi 1-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

This prophet of God is pointing out the problems (sins) which Israel had at that time. First, they doubted God's love. (1 1-5)  Secondly, they dishonored God's name. (1:6-2:9) They did not follow God's requirements in order to please Him.

How did they dishonor God's name and not take His worship seriously?

• The priests and Israel did not honor God as a father nor with proper fear due a master. (Deut. 32:6)(verse 6) Instead of admitting their sins, confessing them, they chose to respond in unbelief and ask for evidence.
• They offered bread and animal sacrifices that were polluted. Those were blind, crippled, and diseased animals. (verse 7-8)) The priests and their families were fed with the sacrifices, and they wanted to be sure it was provided so they accepted any sacrificial animal, instead of being by God's standards. They brought God less than their best. 

Why should God bless, be merciful, and show you favor when you act like that toward Him, perhaps Malachi meant. Their offerings were contemptible, which means to disesteem; think to scorn; despised.

Are we guilty of not giving God our best? Do we give our leftovers? 

LET IT GROW

The Lord said it would have been better for the priests to shut the Temple doors so that those worthless sacrifices could not be offered. (verse 10)

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same My name shall be great, among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto My name, and a pure offering: for My name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of Hosts. (verse 11)

Malachi could be speaking of events in the future. We Gentile believers in Jesus Christ offer Him praise, honor, glory for His sacrifice for our sins. May our worship turn to only ritual, empty religious formalities that disgust the Lord. 

To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Sam. 15:22; Mark 12:28-34)

Do we skip our tithing in order to give gifts to our family? 

Worship to the priests of Israel was a nuisance. They looked to God as a God of convenience. When they didn't live up to God's standards, they did not make Him more important than anything else in life.

LET IT GO 

Help us remain faithful to giving back to You, God our Father, for You are so faithful in giving to us.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Praise be to the Creator, Savior, and Redeemer!

Showing Love

 O. T. #2341 "Showing Love"

Dec. 16, 2022

Malachi 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Yesterday I went to three stores located in 3 different towns looking for a specific gift for 3 people. Finally, after parking on the back 40 at two stores, enduring the cold wind and traffic, my hunt was successful. It was love that motivated me to endure. 

I don't think we should ever get over how God has shown us His love for us. Neither should Israel. How did God show the Jewish people His love for them?

• He spared the Jews in exile in Babylon. (Jeremiah 29)
• He moved Cyrus to make a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerussalem to rebuild the Temple. 
• He provided the leader Joshua, Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. 
• Also provided by God were the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

If the Jews had only obeyed the terms of the covenant with God, He would have blessed them more. In Malachi, God is referred to as Lord of Hosts, that is, Lord of the Armies. That was used 24 times by the prophet Malachi and nearly 300 times in the Old Testament. The military name of God, for hosts comes from a Hebrew word that means to wage war. 

The Lord is the Commander of the hosts and heaven: the stars (Gen. 2:1), the angels (Ps/ 103:20-21), the armies of Israel (Exodus 12:41), and all who trust in Him. (Ps. 46:7, 11)

Think about that-Jesus has an army of angels at His disposal. Although, He chose not to call upon them while hanging on the cross. That was because He loved you and me so much that He knew we could not go to heaven for all eternity if He did not provide the sacrifice we needed-Himself. I hope I never get over such love demonstrated that day. Since Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He has shown us the way to live, the way to go, the way to love. 

How will we show that love to others during this Christmas season?

LET IT GROW

The final way that God showed His love to the Jews was by giving them the privilege to witness to the Gentiles. (verse 5) The love of God was manifested as He restored Jerusalem as a new beginning. The Gentiles witnessed grace and mercy of God. 

A world is watching us as we go through trials, pain, hardships. Are we showing His love through it all?

LET IT GO

Trust Jesus everyday. Declare His everlasting love to

Undeserved Love

O. T. #2340 "Undeserved Love"

Dec. 15, 2022

Malachi 1-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Like other prophets, Malachi had a difficult calling and responsibility, which was to rebuke the people for their sins they were committing against God and one another.  Also, he was to return to the Lord. Delivering the truth of God's Word is not always easy. Especially when one knows they may be treated badly for sharing the message God gave them. 

What was the first message Malachi delivered? I have loved you, saith the LORD. (verse 2)

Did Israel take God's love seriously? It was what Israel needed, yet eight times they questioned God's affirmation. How did God prove His love for Israel?

1. First was His sovereign choice of Israel. Israel was the smallest of nations. It was His plan to bless them through their faith in God and obedience to His Word. We have read about Abraham being faithful to his call to leave his country and go to a land God had designated for his descendants to inherit as their Promise Land flowing with milk and honey. Then Isaac was born to the elderly couple as the promised child. Can you imagine such joy in their lives when he was born? 

Abraham must have taught his son to listen to God's voice, obey all God's requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions as he did. (Gen. 26:5) Isaac experienced the faithfulness of God as he experienced God's provision as a ram was provided in his place as the sacrifice unto God. 

Then the twins came to Isaac, but Jacob was the chosen son for God's purpose. He became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel, another name for Jacob. That family multiplied and became the nation of Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, we read of the love of God. His ultimate evidence of love came when He came down to take on flesh in the form of a human-Jesus Christ. Jesus lived the perfect life without sin, as a lamb for the sacrifice offered Himself for sin of the Jews and Gentiles alike. Love to the max! 

How has God loved you? Anyone who believes Jesus is the Savior and asks forgiveness of their sins, will experience the love of God in their heart and soul. Jesus is the only way to heaven. (John 14:6)

2. God proved His love for Israel through His sovereign preservation of them. 

You are not here by accident, friend. Have you ever come to Jesus by faith? He awaits.

LET IT GROW

How does God love Israel? Though they (like Edom) sinned and rebelled against Him, God still had mercy on them. Though He cursed Edom (1:4), the Lord continued to pursue, love, and forgive Israel. Though He sent His people into exile, He brought them back. Israel, though, had forgotten the Lord's love and mercy. (Tony Evans)

God declared His love. God's love is unconditional. We can't earn it. We don't deserve it. Yet, He graciously lavishes it upon us. God shows His love through His election of us as His child. It is not based on our performance, position, or power. We don't deserve the Grace of God. 

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8) As God delivered Israel from slavery, He wants to deliver us from the chains of slavery to sin. Have you been freed? No one will ever love you like God loves you. (1 John 4:9, 19)

LET IT GO

Such love, Jesus!

A Free Gift

O. T. #2339  "A Free Gift"

Dec. 14, 2022

Malachi 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Don't we all like a free gift? God has one waiting for you, dear one. Will you accept it or reject it? The gift is salvation in Jesus Christ, God's Son.

The theme of this book is God's love for Israel in spite of the sins of the priests and people. We are to take God seriously, and His Word.

Here we have the first dispute God has with His people. God declared His love for Israel. However, they did not accept whatever He said, questioning Him. 

I have always loved you. Really, How have you loved us? (verse 2, NLT)

God showed His love for Israel when He loved Jacob and rejected Esau, devastating his hill country. Israel is reminded of the two sons of Isaac. Those two brothers gave birth to 2 nations, Israel descending from Jacob and Edom descending from Esau. We read about this in Genesis 25.

Esau was rejected because he rejected his birthright. Wickedness and violence of the nation of Edom is well-knowns.  How did the Lord respond? Edom would be a wasteland. (verse 3) It is called selection-choosing something. His election is evident in this story. We are not to question God, but accept His choice. Should Edom rebuild, the Lord would demolish them, knocking them back down should they try to get up. We see the mess of the desert today and the hateful characters in the land. Edom was cursed. (verse 4)

Israel, well, God had mercy on them, although they sinned and rebelled against Him. He continued to pursue, love, and forgive Israel. They returned from exile in Babylon but forgot His love and mercy. 

[Resources: Tony Evans Bible Commentary; Liberty Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

We can be assured that God loves us, His children of believers. Although, in our world of political and economic unrest, we may question God's love. Do we measure His love by our pocketbook? He loves us with an everlasting love. He made us, so it is ongoing. Regardless of our circumstances, know you are loved. We will receive eternal rewards when we are faithful to Him, when our faith is in Jesus. We see evidence of God's love when He shows us grace, salvation in Jesus Christ, and blessings. God could have left Israel in Babylon for longer than 70 years.

Is there joy in your world today? Are we spreading the love of Jesus all around us? 

For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Will you have everlasting life in heaven or hell? The price has been paid. will you accept the free gift?

LET IT GO

Rekindle our love for You and Your Word.

Fill our cups (souls) with love and mercy overflowing to others.

May the Lord bless you and cause His face to shine upon you.

 

You Are Lovd!

O. T. #2338  "You Are Loved!"

Dec. 13, 2022

Malachi 1 

LET IT GLOW

Dear friend, do you need to feel loved today? Be assured of this one thing-God loves you. Sometimes during the holidays, we feel left out or unimportant, lonely, having just another day of life to mark off the calendar. The holidays seem to make us miss our loved ones gone on or we can't make it home for Christmas. Read on to find it here.

Doesn't it seem a common thing for teens or even children to question what they have been told to do by parents, teachers, adults? A likely sarcastic response from them is "Whatever." Israel was that way, too. Join me as we take a closer look.

As the prophet delivers God's Word to Israel, the people respond by arguing. Seven times the Jews respond and arguing with God, trying to defend their sinful ways. 

Wherein means What? How? Why? When?; whatever; what (end, good, purpose, thing).

Malachi pointed out the terrible sins of the people and the priests. How did they respond?

1. They doubted God's love. (1:1-5)
2. They despised His name.  (1:6-14)
3. They defiled His covenant. (2:1-17)
4. They disobeyed His Word. (3::1-15)  [Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament]

Burden refers to load, or thing lifted up.

It was a burden for Malachi to bring these messages with his people. He does not take delight in bringing it, but he does faithfully deliver it. It is what the people need, whether they like it or not. Sometimes today's preachers carry that burden if they tell the Truth of the Word.

Word means matter, thing.

Jehovah, Yahweh, the eternal God, is the source of the Word here. It is addressed to Israel by Malachi.

Do we consider a sermon a message to us individual or to a church from God? What Word have we heard lately that God is trying to tell us?

LET IT GROW

What was the first message from God?

I have loved you.

Isn't love the basic thing we humans need? We love to be loved, need to be needed, want to be wanted. (my own quote) Do we recognize that children and elderly, especially need those?

In the Hebrew language, loved is the word ahab (aw-hab') means to have affection for; like; friend.

Did you hear that? God has affection for you and me. He loves us and likes us, even as a friend.

Jeremiah 31:3 says, The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

I think that is the good news we need to hear and proclaim-God loves you. His love always has been, always is, and always will be. He proved His love by coming to earth in the human form of Jesus. Therefore, we are to love each other, dear one.

Today's challenge is to go show the love of God today with others.

LET IT GO

Are You Jumping For Joy Today?

O. T. #2337 "Are You Jumping For Joy Today?"

Dec. 12, 2022 

Introduction to Malachi

What does it take to drop us to our knees, to bring us to tearful repentance of our sins, to break our strong will, to surrender wholeheartedly to God's will? Only God knows what it will take Would it be the death of a loved one, loss of a job, a hate-filled chewing out, or just a lack of joy in our life? When it is all said and done, what really matters when the tinsel and lights are gone? When the dishes are done, everyone is gone home, wrapping paper is in the trash, gifts are on the shelf, what do we have left of Christmas that will sustain us for the rest of next year? Is it the love and peace of God in our hearts? Is it a faith growing stronger? Is it a relationship like no other? Is it Christ forevermore? Things to think about.

Now, we don't know anything about Malachi's background. He was the last of the Old Testament prophets, before the 400 years of silence before the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came to earth. His name means My messenger. God has a message to give to His people and did it in a unique way through Malachi, so the prophet wrote it down and proclaimed it to the people.

During the time of Malachi, there was once again only one kingdom-Israel. The Jews no longer had the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Southern Kingdom of Judah but were united now. You will recall that Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon and Assyria, who had taken the Jews captive. He permitted the Jews to return home to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple and city. Once again, they were in the Promised Land. 

But time has passed, and Israel was in the spiritual cycle once again-repentance, living for God, then back into sin. Malachi faced moral degradation, adultery, divorce, intermarriage, falsehood, fraud, lack of tithing, hypocrisy, false god worship, and sorcery running rampant in his nation. Traditionalism began to be more important than the Scriptures. God was not esteemed as the Great King anymore. 

God doesn't beat around the bush and is blunt about the sins of Israel, reassuring of His love, divine justice, and a day of judgment coming. When God neamed the sins of the priests and people of Israel, they returned it with a question:

1. How have You loved us? (Malachi 1:1-5)
2. How have we despised Your name?  (1:6-2:9)
3. Why are we unfaithful to one another?  (2:10-16)
4. Where is the God of justice?  (2:17-3:5)
5. How can we return?  (3:6-12)
6. What have we spoken against You? (3:13-4:6)  [from Life Way's January Bible Study on Malachi]

Tony Evans gives an outline in his commentary (Tony Evans Bible Commentary) dealing with what God takes seriously:

His love, worship, covenants, marriage, His justice, giving, rreverence for God, and His sovereignty.

All hope is not lost for Israel. God can heal and mend hearts and relationships. As a seamstress can mend a torn article of clothing, sho can our God make things right once again. Forgiveness is available and grace abounds. His mercies are new every morning. 

but you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall. (4:2)

I love looking out my kitchen window and watching the little calves running and jumping around, chasing each other. How carefree they are. Their needs are met, and they are enjoying life. Friend, are you enjoying life, the abundant life which Jesus said He came to give us? Let's not get bogged down with the things that we put on our need-to-get done list. They can zap our joy in celebrating the coming of the Savior to earth. 

Love, joy, and peace of Jesus be with you today. 

Feasts

O. T. #2336  "Feasts"

Dec. 9, 2022

Summary of Zechariah

There is a memory which I share with my siblings and children-Christmas dinner feast at Mom's house. She took pride in providing everything on a beautifully set table for her loved ones to enjoy. There would be a golden, juicy turkey and dressing, cranberry sauce, all sorts of vegetables, not to forget mashed potatoes and gravy, plus homemade rolls. The desserts were spectacular-pies and cakes, not to forget the homemade assortment of candies on the freezer in the laundry room. I can't compare with her feasts, but I can still share her love that flowed from her heart to her family and others.

Looking back over this book of prophecy, we find Zechariah received 8 visions in the night, 4 messages, and 2 burdens from the Lord God. The 4 messages are found in chapters 7-8:

• Obedience is better than fasting. (7:1-7)
• Disobedience leads to severe judgment. (7:8-14)
• God's jealousy over His people will lead to their repentance and blessing. (8:1-17)
• The fasts will become feasts. (8:18-23) [Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Because the Lord desires a relationship with us, He also wants obedience from us. When we pull away, He becomes jealous toward whatever has become more important in our life than He. Especially during this time of the year, do we not tend to have this problem? We get caught up in the decorating, buying of gifts, send out cards, and cooking, that we lose sight of the meaning of Christmas-worshiping Jesus as our Savior every day? 

So let us draw near to God and He will draw near to us. Encourage others to remember the reason for the season. Sing His praises throughout the day. 

Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men..

Blessings Overflowing

O. T. #2335 "Blessings Overflowing"

Dec. 8, 2022

Summary of Zechariah 

We have been blessed beyond all thoughts. Our church has been such a loving and giving family to us. We can't out give them. It is so amazing. In 40 years of ministry, we have never experienced anything like them. How God has blessed our faithful service to Him. Our cup overflows.

Chapters 9-14 reveals a Word from God after the Temple is completed. We read of the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, entering Jerusalem. This was some 500 years before it all happened. The gospels tell of this event happening in Matt. 21:5, Mark 11:9, and John 12:15. 

Then the prophecy of the Millennial reign of Christ for 1,000 years in Jerusalem. The Jews will then recognize Him as the Messiah predicted so many years earlier by the prophets. Jesus said He came to fulfill the law, not change it. 

We read of all the many blessing upon Israel and Jerusalem:

• hope-Israel will be victorious over their enemies. (9:12-16)
• a bountiful land-corn, wine, strong young men (9:17)
• deliverance from idols (10:2)
• Deliverer is recognized as the Messiah (10:2-7)
•  restoration by the Messiah-Redeemer Jesus Christ (10:8)
• national redemption (10:9-11)

 Israel will receive the New Covenant-God the Father, Christ the Savior-Messiah, part of the Trinity. DAniel had predicted that the Gentiles (you and me) will be a part of God's plan and program-grace and mercy through faith in Christ and salvation only in Him. (church age) The devil, the antichrist, and their followers will be destroyed eventually. 

As the servant of God, we should be wholehearted ly devoted to our Savior. Are we loving Him and others today? Is our service faithful to the Lord? Are we obeying the Word? These are all challenges for us today. 

Keep Christ in this season as we we shop, decorate, give gifts. Do all to the glory of God.

. 

Failed Dreams and Hope

 O. T. #2334

Dec. 7, 2022 "Failed Dreams and Hope"

Summary of Zechariah

It is good to have hope. But putting our hope in plans, expectations, dreams, outcomes, jobs, bank accounts, medicine, people, timelines, and any of those things can wander off, fall through, disappear, taking your hope with them. We're not meant to find hope in anything in this world; we are meant to lose hope in all the things here. Hope Himself never looses track of you. Jesus our Hope is the one constant you can count on because you can count on Jesus constantly with you. (Waymaker by Ann Voskamp)

As we continue reviewing verses, here are some I highlighted:

Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother. And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor: and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. (7:9-10)

God's standards have not changed. We can't be right with God if we aren't right with people in our life. Let us consider the reason behind our giving to others-love or recognition? Are we showing mercy and compassion as we shop this season?

All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God's people. But is it impossible for Me says the LORD of Heaven's Armies? (8:6)

He is speaking about the time of the Millennial reign of Christ. Peace in the streets and with enemies? Nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) 

O house of Judah, house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong. (8:13b)

God gives rich rewards and blessings when we are obedient and faithful to Him-tell the truth, exercise justice, and love peacefully. 

Rejoice, O people of Jerusalem! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet He is humble, riding on a donkey-riding on a donkey's colt. (9:9)

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is recorded in Matt. 21:5; Mark 11:9; John 12:15.

God keeps His word and is faithful in doing what He has said. Are you ready for the rapturing of God's children from this world, friend? Asking Jesus into your heart to be your Savior and forgive your sins will be your ticket out of here when that time comes. Don't be left behind.

Return, Sing, and Obey

O. T. #2333 "Return, Sing, and Obey"

Dec. 6, 2022 

Summary of Zechariah 

On my dirt road, houses are popping up right and left. There are currently two houses not completed. One has only the frame up and the other has the frame and walls up. Work has stopped on the houses, probably because of the supplies being on back order.  This is similar to the returnee Jews to Jerusalem. They had stopped working on the Temple when God spoke to Zechariah with messages to make rebuilding a priority. The first messages were given to encourage them to finish the Temple and return to worshiping the Lord there. (chapters 1-8)

• Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. (1:3)
• I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. (1:14)
• Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. (2:10)
• For, behold, I will bring forth My servant the BRANCH. (3:8)
• Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the LORD of Hosts. (4:6)
• Even He shall build the Temple of the LORD; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit, and rule upon His throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both. (6:13)

God wanted complete obedience from the Jews. They had only shown partial-obedience by not finishing the Temple. God wanted a relationship with His people, yet they were distracted. 

Are we completely obeying the Lord or just partially? Are we doing His will or ours; doing things how we want or how He wants? God will bless complete obedience. Let's get back to the basics of life-setting aside Sundays for worship and fellowship with believers, studying the Word daily. 

Who is Jesus to You?

 O. T. #2332 "Who is Jesus to You?"

Dec. 5, 2022

Summary of Zechariah

As many of you faithful readers know, I like to summarize what we have studied when finishing a book of the Bible. Also, I share meaningful verses to me. 

Zechariah ministered with Haggai during the difficult days when the returnees of 50,000 Jews to Jerusalem. It was around the year 536-535 BC when they laid the foundations for the Temple. However, opposition arose and the work stopped. So the Lord raised up those two prophets in order to stir up the leaders and the people to finish the Temple. Zechariah was a young man who was both a prophet and a priest. (Neh. 12:4,16) His name means "Jehovah remembers." 

The city of Jerusalem is mentioned some 40 times. A key verse is 1:14-17, God is jealous for Jerusalem. He will punish the heathen for what they did to His city; and one day He will restore it in glory and peace. God has chosen Jerusalem as His beloved city with grace and mercy and will one day dwell there. History tells us that the armies of Alexander the great and the Romans conquered Jerusalem and corrupted the Temple. 

Jerusalem will be delivered, cleansed, and reestablished in peace and prosperity. (chapters 1-6) Fasting should come from the heart, not out of habit or ritual, as done in Babylon by the Jews. (chapters 7-8) Then, God will have victory over the enemies of Jerusalem and Israel. (chapters 9-14)

Zechariah shows us Jesus Christ in many aspects of His ministry:

• the King (9:9; Matt. 21:4-5)
• the Stone (3:9' Rom. 31-33)
• the Slave sold for 30 pieces of silver (11:12; Matt. 27:3-10)
• the smitten Shepherd (13:7; Matt. 26:31)
• the Branch (3:8; Isa. 4:2, 11:1)
• the glorious Ruler (14:1-4, 9, 16-17)

[Resource: Wiersbe's Exposditory Outlines on the Old Testament]

In his prophecies, Zechariah did not see Israel as a weak nation, nor a ruined city of Jerusalem. He was given the opportunity to look down through the centuries and see the future of the beautiful city where its King and Messiah will reign.

 

Surely, this same God can look down through our years and see our needs and provide for them as He did Jerusalem and the Jews. In Matthew 5, Jesus told us that we are blessed when we are poor in spirit, mourn, gentle, hunger and thirst after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and persecuted. As we are, then we will be comforted, obtain heaven, be satisfied, and called sons of God. Jesus tells us to rejoice and be glad, for our reward is great in heaven. Remember that they persecuted the prophets, too. 

As we have entered the Christmas season, may we be assured that Jesus is no longer a baby in a manger, but sits at the right hand of the Father God. He intercedes for His believers. May we keep our eyes and ears open for the trumpet announcing the return of the Savior!

Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Savior, Redeemer, Almighty God? He wants to be the love of your life? Have you let Him come in and dwell with you? Is Jesus your King today? If not, simply ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be your Savior. How blessed you will be.

Skillets, Pots, and Bowls

 O. T. #2331 "Skillets, Pots, and Bowls"

Dec. 2, 2022

Zechariah 14-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

All is well. Doesn't our heart long to be able to experience all being well in our life, our family, and our world? There will be a time in this world when all will be well. Continue to read about it as the prophecies of Zechariah come to an end.

In that day, of the Millennial Kingdom Age, when Jesus Christ will reign as King-Priest, the earth will be a wonderful place in which to live. And it will last 1,000 years. Hard to imagine the peacefulness of such an environment in which to live, isn't it? All of those who survived the Tribulation, remaining a faithful believer in Jesus, will enjoy such a place. If there is rebellion by not going to Jerusalem to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles, then their land would have no rain and thus no crops for food. Open rebellion against the Messiah will be quickly crushed, because Jesus will be ruling with an iron rod.

In that day,

•  the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with these words: Holiness Unto The LORD; (verse 20) Even such a lowly item will be used for the glory of God.
•  the cooking pots in the Temple of the LORD will be as sacred as the basins used beside the altar; (verse 20) The bowls and cooking pots were to be made of gold, which were used in the first Tabernacle for offerings.
• even in the private homes, vessels are holy unto the Lord. (verse 21)

LET IT GROW

In that day, everything will be sacred, and the whole earth will be permeated by the holiness of the Lord. (Tony Evans)

That skillet you have, the pot for cooking beans or cabbage, in that day, all will be for the service of God. Everything will be dedicated to Him. ((McGee)

Holiness will pervade the land and become the way of life. Every unbeliever will be removed, and there will be none in the service of God unless they belong to Him. There will be no longer a distinction between sacred and secular, in that day. Every aspect of daily life will be a manifestation of holiness.

For the believer today, the Old Testament version of 1 Corinthians 10:3 applies, Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

Everything comes from God and should be used for His glory, now and in time to come. Are we using our "things" for His glory?

This knowledge of God's glorious future for His people should motivate believers of every age to endure and obey. Let us joyfully worship the One who will bring history to its divinely ordained conclusion. (Evans)

LET IT GO

Our hope is in You, Jesus, for You are in complete control of the world and our life.

Holy God, You are Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, that is who You are God.

All that we have is Yours and You and provided it all for us.

May we use it for Your glory.

What's the Millennial Going to be Like?

O. T. #2330 "What's the Millennial Going to be Like?"

Dec. 1, 2022

Zechariah 14-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

So far, we have learned some things that will take place during the Lord Jesus' reign on earth as King-Priest:

• The land will be healed. (verse 8)
• The topography will be changed. (verse s 10-11) Land around Jerusalem will not be hilly any longer, but a plain, and Jerusalem will be raised above it.
• All dangers will be removed. (verse 11) Israel's enemies will be destroyed, so there will be safety in the streets.
• The Gentiles will worship at Jerusalem. (verse 16)
• The Lord will exercise justice. (verses 17-19)

Since unbelievers will be destroyed at this time, the Gentiles (and Jews) will go up to Jerusalem to worship Jesus as Savior and Messiah. Keep in mind that the people will still have a sin-nature. During the Millennial reign, all people are required to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles. disobedience will result in rain being withheld, so no crops will be harvested. 

The Feast of the Tabernacles will be the only feast out of the 7, which will be celebrated during this time. The others will have been fulfilled by this time: Passover-death of Christ for our sins, Firstfruits of His resurrection, the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread-believers in Jesus and the church are saved and separated from their sins, Pentecost-baptized believers recognize Christ's sacrifice of blood and body, filled with the Spirit, and the Feast of Trumpets-people gathered together, the Day of Atonement-Israel recognizes Christ is the Messiah, repents, and is cleansed from their sins. 

Friend, we no long celebrate those special times setting aside certain days but rejoice in Christ having fulfilled them. Can you rejoice with us this Christmas that a Savior was born to take away our sins, cleanse our heart, and restore our relationship with God the Holy Father?

LET IT GROW

What happened during the Feast of the Tabernacles?

• Its purpose was to remind Israel of the blessings God gave them in the past-deliverance from slavery in Egypt.
• During the week, the priests would have offered 199 animals for the sins of the people and Israel.
• The scattered people would gathered, the sinful people would be cleansed, and the sorrowful people would rejoice.

The Jews added two extra rituals-pouring out water from the Pool of Siloam, recalling water provided in the desert traveling toward the Promised Land; and placing 4 lighted large candlesticks to recall the pillar of fire leading them in the desert.  

[Resource: The Wiersbe Bible Commentary]

Jesus is our living water for our soul and light for us. (John 7-8)

May we be reminded that Jesus Christ died for our sins so we do not have to pay for them, arose from the grave and lives forever. Christ is coming again to earth, to rule as King of kings and Lord of lords. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

LET IT GO

Help us be ready for Your return, Jesus.

Thank You for Your love and mercy for us sinners.