The old saying “Familiarity breeds contempt” may be well known, but I wonder how much of our current storms result from complacency?
READ MALACHI 3 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Years ago, I had the privilege of speaking at a ladies conference in Italy and, using the vision of this ancient Hebrew prophet Malachi, I titled my four sessions: “Honesty”. While my talks focused on how honest we are about who we are and what we’re doing with our lives, abilities, and resources, the problem most often at the back of what we’re facing is neglectful complacency.
24 centuries ago, the issue of complacency was just as prevalent. It was during a time of relative peace when life had become comfortable. Unfortunately, comfortable moves into complacency, then transfers unnoticed to arrogant insensitivity when it comes to our Maker. For one thing, the people in today’s chapter had turned away from their Maker’s Handbook for LIFE. [v7] By not turning to Him or sticking to His decrees, the very basic things got missed – like funding His work on earth [v8-9]; or, not trusting Him for who He is: Creator and Provider. [v10-12] In confronting their complacent neglect, the Creator God warned that the Lord Himself will come suddenly to sort things out. [v1] But when He comes, His role will be that of a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. [v2]
Read More? CLICK to follow “31 August – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to have an honest relationship with your Maker? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
You Lord made the heavens. Splendour and majesty are before You. Strength and glory are in Your dwelling place! [Psalm 96:5b-6]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
- The World: The people of Mexico[b]
- Your Country: Debt counselling Charities
- Yourself: Your role in your community
- Your concerns for today
Thank-you Father God, that You know what I need before I ask You. [Matthew 6:8]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Great are Your purposes and mighty are Your deeds, O Lord. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind. You repay each one of us according to our conduct and as our deeds deserve. [Jeremiah 32:19]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
There’s no god like You, Lord God Most High, in heaven above or on earth below—You who keep Your covenant of love with Your servants who continue wholeheartedly in Your way. [1 Kings 8:23]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[c] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Prayer
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” [Philippians 4:6]
[a] Matthew 6:5-15
[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/mexi/owtext.html
[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31