Thursday, May 31, 2012

This month I’m digging into the book of Malachi. No, I didn’t just choose it randomly; it’s the focal book of my Sunday morning Bible study group. But I am choosing to make it more than a Sunday morning drive-by. Have you ever read Malachi? If yes, then you already know that it’s not your feel-good, don’t-sweat-the-small-stuff kind of book! Instead, it is full of reminders to the Israelites that they needed to shape up or ship out. If you’re looking for a place to land in your Bible reading this month, I’d love to have you join me in Malachi. As the Lord opens your eyes to His truth, feel free to add comments with your insights and encouragements. Here’s a little something to chew on as you get started. In chapter one, the Lord brings up the issue of “blemished sacrifices,” taking offense to the fact that they probably wouldn’t offer crippled or diseased animals to their governor, so why do they offer these animals to Him, the Lord Almighty? Ouch! What am I offering to the Lord that is so much less than the absolute best He deserves and demands? I better process this carefully so that I am not included in the “cursed is the cheat” admonition, directed to those who have better but give less. Now it’s your turn. What’s God teaching you so far this summer, whether it’s in Malachi or one of the other 65 books He’s pulled together in His bestseller?