December 31 -- "The Full Tithe"

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Today's Reading: Malachi 3 & 4

In the closing chapters of the Old Testament, God uses the prophet Malachi to deliver an urgent call to His people. He urges them to return to Him, promising rich blessings for their faithfulness and warning of judgment for their unfaithfulness. The message is clear: The Lord deeply desires a genuine relationship with His people. He invites them—and us—to honor Him, promising blessings for those who do.

Malachi 3:10 offers a powerful in invitation from God, asking His people to test His faithfulness by bringing the "full tithe" into the storehouse. It underscores the principle of trusting God with our resources, promising that He will "open the windows of heaven" and pour out abundant blessings. This verse highlights God’s challenge to His people to rely on Him fully and witness His provision. It's one of the few places in Scripture where God invites us to test Him, emphasizing His desire to bless those who trust and obey Him.

The Israelites were guilty of offering less than the full one-tenth of their increase ("tithe"), essentially shortchanging God. This disobedience showed a lack of trust in His provision and a failure to honor Him properly. God’s command to bring the whole tithe is a call to faithfulness and an invitation to experience His abundant blessings.

God's invitation to bring the full tithe not only promises abundant blessings but also reveals His desire for our total commitment. The word "full" signifies giving God our whole devotion, holding nothing back. God isn't interested in partial offerings or half-hearted devotion. He calls us to trust Him completely by bringing the entire tithe, showing our reliance on His provision. To live “holy” for God is to live “wholly” for God!

However, be cautious. Some misunderstand this verse as a formula for personal gain, thinking if I give, I will get. While it's true that you can't outgive our gracious and generous God, this verse isn't a map to personal wealth. The blessings He promises from your "full" devotion may not come as money or material wealth. But you can surely expect "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

Reflect on the areas of your life where you can more fully surrender to God. Are there aspects of your time, talents, treasure, or personal ambitions you've been withholding? Don't shortchange the Lord. Embrace the call to give your whole self to God.

May you go beyond financial offerings, and dedicate your time, talents, relationships, vocation, and entire being to His service. And, as you surrender every part of your life, may you experience deeper intimacy with God and the abundant life found only in Him.

December 30 -- "Marriage—A Three-Way Bond"

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Today's Reading: Malachi 2

Marriage is more than a human contract; it is a sacred covenant designed by God for His glory and our good. In Malachi 2:15, the prophet asks, “Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union?” This highlights marriage as a divinely established bond where God seeks godly offspring and faithful devotion to Him.

The phrase "a portion of the Spirit in their union" highlights God's active role in the covenant of marriage. It suggests that the union between husband and wife is not merely a two-person relationship, but a three-way bond infused with God's Holy Spirit. This "portion of the Spirit" points to the divine blessing and empowerment given to the couple, enabling them to reflect God's image through their relationship.

A marriage infused with God's Spirit is a glimpse of Heaven on Earth. When God's Spirit is present in a marriage, the relationship transcends human effort and becomes a reflection of divine love, grace, and unity.

Malachi goes on to rebuke the people of Israel for their unfaithfulness, both to God and their spouses. The Lord reminds them that marriage is a union the Lord created for a holy purpose. The "oneness" of marriage reflects God’s design from the beginning (Genesis 2:24). It is meant to be a relationship of loyalty, love, and spiritual unity. When couples abandon this covenant, it dishonors God and disrupts His purpose for their lives.

For believers, this truth is a reminder to rely on the Holy Spirit in their marriage. It encourages couples to pray for the Spirit’s presence in their relationship, seek His guidance in challenges, and lean on Him for strength to honor the sacredness of their bond. Marriage is not meant to be lived out in mere human strength but with the divine portion of God’s Spirit empowering the union.

May the Lord bless your relationships with faithfulness, love, and His abiding Spirit. May He draw you closer to Him and to each other, and may your life together shine as a testimony of His unfailing love.

December 29 -- "Fatherly Respect"

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Today's Reading: Malachi 1

God, as our Heavenly Father, deserves the highest honor and respect. In Malachi 1—the final Book of the Old Testament—God is grieved over being treated without the honor and respect due to a father or master, questioning why His people fail to recognize His rightful place in their lives. This verse challenges us to evaluate our attitude and actions toward the One who created and redeemed us.

In Malachi's day, sons honored their fathers through obedience, respect, and honoring their father's authority. This would include listening to their guidance, working diligently in the family business or inheritance, and carrying out the family responsibilities.

The priests in Malachi's time dishonored God through halfhearted offerings and careless worship. Though they claimed to serve Him, their actions spoke of indifference. God’s rebuke reminds us that His fatherhood is not merely a title—it demands reverence. Jesus echoed this truth when He taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed [holy and sacred] be your name” (Matthew 6:9). Respect for God is foundational to our relationship with Him, expressed through obedience, reverence, and wholehearted devotion.

As Christ’s followers, we honor God as our Father by giving Him the reverence, obedience, and devotion He deserves. This includes obeying His Word, aligning our lives with His commandments, and demonstrating our trust and love. We offer Him wholehearted worship, not just in church but in every aspect of life, through sincere prayer, praise, and service.

Honoring God means giving Him our best—our time, talents, and treasures—prioritizing Him above all else. We also reflect His character by living in a way that upholds His holiness, love, and authority. We truly acknowledge this authority by humbly submitting to His will, trusting His plans, and seeking His kingdom first. In these ways, we show that we truly recognize and honor Him as our loving Father, worthy of all respect, gratitude, and praise.

Choose today to live in a way that honors your heavenly Father. Evaluate your heart and your habits. Are you giving God your best, or settling for less? Let your reverence for Him shape your priorities, decisions, and devotion.

May the Lord open your eyes to His worthiness and fill your heart with awe and gratitude. As you walk in His ways, may your life bring Him the honor He deserves, reflecting the beauty of a child who loves and respects their Father.

December 28 -- "From Tears to Joy"

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Today's Reading: Psalm 126

Seasons of sorrow and hardship are not the end of the story for God’s people.  The big idea of Psalm 126 is the transformative power of God to restore us from adversity and bring us back to a place of joy.

This Psalm celebrates the restoration of Zion (Jerusalem) and the immense joy experienced by God's people. It recounts the time when the Lord turned Jerusalem's fortunes around, filling the people with laughter and shouts of joy. The psalmist credits their incredible turnaround all to the Lord's unwavering faithfulness.

Verse 5 reveals a profound truth about our life’s journey, emphasizing the transformative power of God's work. For the Jewish people, "sowing in tears" refers to the hardships they endured during their exile in Babylon and Persia. Yet, the psalmist offers a hopeful outlook, proclaiming that those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. This imagery of sowing and reaping illustrates the victory the Lord brought about when He returned the exiles to their homeland with great joy.

For today's Christ followers, Psalm 126 reminds us that our struggles are not in vain nor will they continue forever. When we face trials with faith and perseverance, God works through these tough times to bring a harvest of joy and blessings. This principle aligns with Galatians 6:9, where Paul encourages believers— “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” 

So, dear follower of Christ, find hope and encouragement in the midst of your trials. Know that God is at work, and your tears and struggles are part of His larger narrative of redemption and restoration. Your faithfulness in sowing seeds of righteousness, even in tough times, will lead to a harvest of joy and fulfillment.

May the Lord of restoration and joy fill your heart with steadfast hope. As you sow in faith, even through tears, may His transforming power turn your sorrow into laughter and your trials into triumph.

December 27 -- "Remember Me For Good"

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Today's Reading: Nehemiah 13

God is good.  All the time. Nehemiah's words, "Remember me for good," encapsulate both a desire for God's recognition of faithful service and a plea for His divine favor. It reminds us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and God sees and remembers every act of obedience, no matter how small it may seem.

The Hebrew phrase in Nehemiah 13:31, "remember me for good," can be understood two ways: (1) Remember the good I have done on Your behalf; and (2) Don’t forget to bless me with Your goodness and favor. Thus, this quick prayer of Nehemiah is one of asking for God’s blessing upon him for the good works he is doing and has done.

First, this speaks to the importance of leaving a legacy marked by faithfulness and righteousness. It reminds us that our actions in this life have a lasting impact and that we should seek to be remembered for the good we have done, especially in serving God and others. Without a doubt, Nehemiah made mistakes and committed sins during his lifetime, but his request here is that he wouldn’t be remembered for those things, but for the good he has done. While salvation is a gift of grace, the New Testament also speaks of God remembering His children for the good they have done. Hebrews 6:10 tells us, "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name." This suggests that our actions, motivated by faith, can have eternal significance.

Second, in Nehemiah’s prayer, he is expressing the heartfelt plea, that God would never forget to shower his life with goodness and blessing. It's as if Nehemiah is saying, “Don't forget to do good things in my life, Lord." This cry echoes the deep longing we all share for God's continuous presence, favor, and blessings in our lives. It reflects a heart that understands the vital importance of God's hand of favor as the most essential element in our journey of faith.

"Being remembered" in the New Testament context signifies a deep and enduring connection with God and His people. It conveys a promise of divine favor, eternal life, and a lasting legacy. In reality, God will never forget to show His children His goodness and favor.  Throughout Scripture, we see countless assurances of God's faithfulness and steadfast love towards His people. Psalm 23:6 declares, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Today's verse beautifully encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to showering His children with His goodness and favor.

May the Lord, who sees and remembers your faithful service, shower you with His goodness and favor. As you walk in His ways, may His steadfast love and mercy follow you all the days of your life.

December 26 -- "Sounds of Joy Heard from Afar"

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Today's Reading: Nehemiah 12

The sound of rejoicing echoed far and wide, both inside and outside the city. Imagine the air filled with awe-inspiring sounds—the joyful shouts of people united in praise of God's faithfulness for rebuilding the walls and restoring their city. These shouts would be accompanied by the harmonious tones of harps, lyres, and cymbals, creating a melodious and rhythmic celebration.

Hearing their joy from afar represents more than just a loud celebration; it symbolizes the profound impact of genuine worship and gratitude on surrounding cities, towns, and nations. Practically, these joyous sounds could indeed travel far, resonating across the landscape of Jerusalem. On a deeper level, this imagery underscores the powerful effect that authentic worship and thanksgiving can have on those who witness it.

When our lives reflect true joy in the Lord, we become beacons of hope and encouragement to those around us. Just as Nehemiah and the Israelites' celebration reached far beyond the walls of Jerusalem, our joyful devotion to God can resonate with others near and far. This isn't mere noise but a proclamation of faith that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural barriers.

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of being a light to the world and a city on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14-16). Our rejoicing in God's faithfulness contributes to this shining testimony. It draws attention, stirs curiosity, and invites others to experience the same joy and faith we have in Christ. Let's not only think about the audible sound of rejoicing but also the spiritual resonance it creates.

May your life be so filled with gratitude and worship that the joy you experience in God's faithfulness reverberates throughout your communities, drawing others to Christ, the source and center of your joy and celebration.

December 25 -- "The Contagious Joy of Thankfulness"

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Today's Reading: Nehemiah 11

Mattaniah's role was pivotal: he led the people in praise and thanksgiving during worship as recorded in Nehemiah 11. His voice inspired others to turn their hearts toward God, rejoicing in His faithfulness. Thanksgiving wasn’t just a personal act for Mattaniah—it was a ministry, a means of pointing others to the greatness of God.

At Christmas, we are reminded of a similar calling. The angelic host broke into praise on the night of Jesus’ birth, declaring, “Glory to God in the highest!” (Luke 2:14). And Mary sang her Magnificat, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." (Luke 1:46) Gratefulness and praise have always been key elements in celebrating God’s redemptive work.

Christmas is not just about exchanging gifts but about recognizing and praising the greatest Gift—Jesus Christ. Mattaniah’s example challenges us to lead in thanksgiving and praise, not only in song but in how we live. Our gratitude can be contagious, inspiring others to see God’s goodness.

This season, let gratefulness shape your heart and overflow into your relationships. A thankful heart turns ordinary moments into opportunities for worship, just as Mattaniah turned his role into a melody of praise that honored God.

Take time this week to reflect on God’s blessings, especially the gift of His Son. Express your gratitude through worship, prayer, praise, and acts of kindness. Share the joy of thanksgiving by encouraging others to focus on Christ during this season.

Imagine a candle lighting ceremony on Christmas Eve. One person’s flame spreads until the room is glowing. Thanksgiving works the same way: one grateful heart can ignite others to join in praise, just as Mattaniah did in Jerusalem.

May your heart sing with praise this Christmas, glorifying God for His gift of Jesus. May your gratitude inspire others to see the beauty of His love and the joy of His salvation. Merry Christmas!