How Do You Think of God?

O. T. #2357 "How Do You Think of God"

Jan. 16, 2023

Malachi 3-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

Thanks all for the prayers. As I write this Saturday, I am some better, just weak and one-eyed. (The Band-Aid is up to my eye since it is still swollen.)

We learned that the Israelites withheld their tithes, since the crops were failing. And since the crops  were failing, it was because they withheld their tithes from God. A cycle, huh?

What was another declaration from God concerning them? Verse 13 tells us their words had been stout against the Lord. 

Stout means to be strong; conquer; severe.

They said terrible things against God? What did they say against God? Verses 14-15 give us the answers:

• What's the use in serving God?
• What have we gained by obeying His commands?
• What's gained by trying to show the LORD of Hosts that we are sorry for our sins? 
• From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. Because those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.

The heart of the problem was a problem of the heart. If you are not tithing to God, then you are not trusting Him to provide for you.

LET IT GROW

Guess what? The Lord was listening to them. A scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared Him and always thought about the honor of His name. (verse 16)

What did God have to say about those faithful ones who fear God? 

• They will be His people.
• When judgment day comes, they will be His own special treasure.
• God will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.
• Then they will see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

To fear God is to reverence Him, stand in awe of Him. The God of the universe looks at you as His private treasure, as the object He values highly and protects next to His heart. God loves you!

LET IT GO 

Lord, I stand in awe of You, Jesus!

Please bless and protect Your children today.