Let’s be honest…probably not too many of us can quote a passage from the book of Malachi, can we?

It is one of those Old Testament books that we read as we’re making our way through the Bible.

For me, I can honestly say that I have read through it a few times now and I know there are parts I read and it feels like the first time.

That is the neat thing about the Bible and the awesome thing about the Holy Spirit…

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that

The word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

That means, as the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 that the

Gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

My point is that the Bible is the living word of God that is given to us to be used by the Holy Spirit to move us.

So, when I read the book of Malachi – or a portion of it like I did today – it can be like I am seeing it with fresh eyes.

Simply amazing.

Malachi 3:13 is God speaking and telling His people that they spoke rudely and harshly to Him when they said it doesn’t do any good to serve God: “What do we get out of it anyway?”

How many times have I been guilty of that? I may not say those words, but my lack of action in doing something for the Kingdom can certainly speak louder than words.

How easy is it to not do something because we do not see the benefit for us in it? Perhaps, in Covid-19 days, we see only the risk or annoyance of intentional effort…

How easy is it to think that what I do doesn’t matter so why bother trying?

Malachi 3:17 encourages us to do something in service to the Lord…God’s response to our action is this~

He claims us as His own!

In Malachi 3:18 the world sees this of our efforts~

Once more you’ll see the difference it makes between being a person who does right and one who doesn’t; between serving God and NOT serving Him.

What can we do in these days?

Encourage each other… don’t sit and wait to be encouraged. Make that call first. Send out a text. Write a letter. Be encouraging with truth on social media.

Make a meal for someone and drop it off on their porch. Don’t wait for them to ask for your help. Do what your heart is leading you to do.

If you have the means, buy groceries for the person behind you in line or for your extended family members.

Put hearts up in your windows for the neighbor kids to see.

Open your curtains and blinds to see who is outside your windows instead of blocking the world out for your “privacy”.

What we do in these days matters. It matters for today and into eternity.

It resonates.

Let the glory of the Lord be among us and let Him shine into those who live in darkness!

If you are a believer, NOW is the time to show the world, your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors who you serve.

Is it fear or the fear-maker?

We need to look deeply into ourselves.

Are we serving God?

Serve the Lord by beinging honest with your emotions to those around you. Your honesty allows them to be honest in return…sharing each other’s burdens is serving the Lord.

Serve the Lord by bringing hope and grace to those we come into contact with and let His Peace rule in our hearts…not fear.

Be safe. Be responsible. Stay distanced physically NOT emotionally from people. Read the Word and share what you read. That encourages me.
Remember that you are loved. You matter to me and to the One who created you.