Living It Out-Day 2-True Love

Graciously, the Lord told the Israelites that He loved them.  Oh, how we all want to be loved, to be known and received just as we are.  Here, in Malachi 1:2, God tells them He has always loved them and the tone of the people when they answer is anything but respectful. 

"How have you loved us?", they ask, in disbelief.  The promises they were expecting about their kingdom had not happened upon their return to Judah. The blessings they awaited, specifically, the Lord, had not yet manifested.  They had returned from Babylon many years ago and still they were waiting.  And while they remained, they became slack in the things of God.  I can almost hear the tone of the disgruntled lot, the indignation in their voices.

Living It Out for Today:  Do I become disgruntled and indignant when I am waiting on God to bring something about that He has placed in my heart, something I need or desire?  Am I being slack in my Christian walk, more focused on me than on Him?

In fact, my heart sinks as I muse that I probably sound like they did when I think He has forgotten me or not answered a request I might ask.  His promises are supposed to remind me of what I need to think on.  But you know what I do instead of focusing on the promises from the Bible?  Like the Israelites, I often question and doubt my Lord and put my thoughts on the situations of life. You see, I'm no different.  I live now, they lived then, but I'm a lot like them.  Nothing has changed on the human scope of life-we still question and walk in disbelief rather than confidence and trust. 

Living It Out:  When He says to believe, I must do it in faith, in Him not me.

If God looked down from heaven and told me He loved me, unless I was having a really spiritual day, I might react as the Israelites did.  I like to see and feel things.  I want LIVING proof of the spiritual realities the Bible says is true.  But, the Christian walk is all about walking in faith not sight.  In my flesh, if life isn't treating me well, I might think just like they did.  Instead of focusing on God and His love for me, believing He is for me not against me, I'd probably focus on my circumstances and the whirlwind of life-marriage, kids, bills, sickness, hurts.

God told them He loved them in the Old Testament, and we continue to see it in the New Testament.  He is consistent and true to His Word.  1 John 3:1 "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!" 

Living It Out:  What a privilege to be called His child!  Just as God had an inheritance for the Israelites, so He has for His children today.  He wants us to bask in that love, walk confidently moment by moment realizing He is with us and has eternity waiting for us.   In a world that offers nothing of permanence, we can hang on to His promises that will never fade or be blown like the wind.

Your true worth and legitimacy all come from the One who has always loved you and always will.

You have a burden, He's got you covered



 LIVING  IT  OUT...What does the Old Testament book of Malachi have to do with you and me?  Spend 31 days with Curly Girl Meets Grace and you will discover what the prophet spoke in 430 B.C.  (or so)  has relevance for our lives in 2013, practical tips and guidance for our hurried lives in a messed up world.  Slow down, take a breath, and follow along as we see the hand of God throughout all time speaks the same message for us today.

The opening line of Malachi 1:1, "An oracle:  The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi", indicates Malachi heard directly from the Lord and this can only be done through a personal relationship, being alone in thought with the living God and hearing His voice.  A messenger must receive something before he can deliver.  A simple truth to learn from Malachi in the opening line is to take time to listen and hear from the Lord.

After hearing, we must do something. Obedience is the second step and practical truth. Malachi delivered a message to the Israelites because it was a burden, a heavy weight on his heart.  The hearing of the prophet would have meant nothing without obedience to the Word.  However, the message was so powerful, he had to speak it out.

 "When God puts a burden upon you, He puts His own arm underneath."  -Spurgeon

As a Christ Follower the message on our hearts is always to tell others about Jesus and to be LIVING IT OUT.  When He gives you the burden, He will give you the way, the strength, and the power (Eph. 1:19 & 20).  Receive it for yourself, obey, share the message with others. 

You see?  God's Word never changes and the principles endure time. 

                                                                            ~Blessings, my friends!

Meeting A New Challenge

Living It Out....How can an Old Testament book of the Bible like Malachi speak to me in todays world?  What does that look like in this century?  It's my October challenge!  Stay tuned for real life practical tips from The Word.

Cinderella, Your Chariot Awaits

Have you ever noticed life doesn't always hand you a glass slipper?  I often forget that every new day brings a different set of challenges and midway through the day have to stop and remind myself that the obstacles I am facing at that moment are the very vehicle God is using in my life to conform me to His image.  For example, it could be an interruption in my schedule and God wants me to learn patience, a problem in my family and He wants better communication, or a hurtful thing someone has said and God wants me to let go of offense.  None of these are easy but there is a greater reward when I understand God has a purpose and His mode of transportation isn't always pretty.  After all, He came in on a donkey!

Whatever it is, instead of viewing the situation as a clunker, I need to remind myself it's a chariot that takes me to a deeper place of sanctification.  If you don't have a glass slipper, just remember it might be a chariot in disguise!

" 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares The Lord."
           Isaiah 55:8

Power thought: His Right Hand is Big Enough

Wouldn't it be great to have a friend that came alongside you to continually support you?  Whose primary thought was what you need for today?  That's the comfort I receive when I read God's Word like He's talking to me personally.

"So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Is.  41:10

In case you missed that, here's the power promise we can stand on today:
1.  DON'T be fearful-it's a command
2.  He is with you (you are not alone)
3.  DON'T be dismayed (or discouraged-ANOTHER command)
4.  He is my God (meaning He is before all things)
5.  He WILL strengthen me
6.  He WILL help me
7.  He WILL uphold me (this one seals the deal)

After you read that and think on His commands and what He says He will do, think on this:

His righteous right hand must be mighty big and strong enough for you to lay down every fear and discouragement.   Selah.

Power thought for today: He Strengthens You For Battle

Do you feel weak today and need a little help?  Whatever obstacle is coming your way, when the Lord is on your side, you can overcome no matter how massive the situation.

"With your help I can advance against a troop, with my God I can scale a wall."  Psalm 18:29

Climb the wall with confidence as you realize He is your strength.

Power thought for today

Are you fearful or afraid about anything this morning?  Your God is bigger!  Think on this power verse:

"He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"  Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the       waves, and it was completely calm."  Matthew 8:26

Just remember who controls the winds and the waves of your life today and may your peace be restored.