Weekly Verse and Song for Tonight Weeks 241 - 249
September 5, 2018
Week 241
Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled
about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
There is something to be said about being busy, but there is something even more to be said about being too busy and making Christ number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7...etc, in your life. In tonight's verse we see Martha welcoming Jesus into her home, but then her sister Mary sitting and listening to Christ's teachings as this was her choice, and at the same time, Martha makes the choice to be busy, to serve her guests, but in that serving she missed out on Christ's teaching that Mary was receiving.
I think all of us, myself included may be busy with things, such as work, studies, friends, etc. but as we see in tonight's verse we all have a choice and that choice starts off with a question, do we make our time with the Lord secondary in our lives or do we put Him first?
Martha turns to Jesus and asks him to tell Mary to help her, however Jesus' response is one that we can learn from. Jesus said, "“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” "
The interesting thing is that Jesus answered Martha, when Martha turned to Him and asked. Today and everyday we should always make a conscious effort to place Christ first. We can do this many ways:
1. First thing daily devotions
2. Prayer
3. Daily Scripture Readings
4. Bible Studies
Starting your day off with any one of these items is a great way to start the day as it sets the course of the day, but here is the truth, placing Christ first starts in your heart not necessarily by your physical actions. Scripture tells us out of the "heart the mouth flows" (Matthew 15:18). Growing up my mom managed a household mainly of 4 kids, however early on Mom managed to make sure we studied our Bibles, at night when we were younger mom would always have nightly Bible Study with us to teach us about God and the Bible.
Set the course of your life by placing Christ first in your heart, and some of the things we listed here and more will become prevalent on it's own. If anything seek Him by prayer and ask for direction.
Love you mom, love you Lord
Home with the One who has our hearts.
Song: Jeremy Camp - Take You Back (Live Unplugged)
Week 241
Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled
about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
There is something to be said about being busy, but there is something even more to be said about being too busy and making Christ number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7...etc, in your life. In tonight's verse we see Martha welcoming Jesus into her home, but then her sister Mary sitting and listening to Christ's teachings as this was her choice, and at the same time, Martha makes the choice to be busy, to serve her guests, but in that serving she missed out on Christ's teaching that Mary was receiving.
I think all of us, myself included may be busy with things, such as work, studies, friends, etc. but as we see in tonight's verse we all have a choice and that choice starts off with a question, do we make our time with the Lord secondary in our lives or do we put Him first?
Martha turns to Jesus and asks him to tell Mary to help her, however Jesus' response is one that we can learn from. Jesus said, "“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” "
The interesting thing is that Jesus answered Martha, when Martha turned to Him and asked. Today and everyday we should always make a conscious effort to place Christ first. We can do this many ways:
1. First thing daily devotions
2. Prayer
3. Daily Scripture Readings
4. Bible Studies
Starting your day off with any one of these items is a great way to start the day as it sets the course of the day, but here is the truth, placing Christ first starts in your heart not necessarily by your physical actions. Scripture tells us out of the "heart the mouth flows" (Matthew 15:18). Growing up my mom managed a household mainly of 4 kids, however early on Mom managed to make sure we studied our Bibles, at night when we were younger mom would always have nightly Bible Study with us to teach us about God and the Bible.
Set the course of your life by placing Christ first in your heart, and some of the things we listed here and more will become prevalent on it's own. If anything seek Him by prayer and ask for direction.
Love you mom, love you Lord
Home with the One who has our hearts.
Song: Jeremy Camp - Take You Back (Live Unplugged)
September 12, 2018
Week 242
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Each morning after the gym I drive back home and do my usual walk around the car. The reason I do this in particular is to check the tires, for nails, I always want to make sure the car is ready for any emergencies that may come up, as I also try to make sure the car is equally gassed up. I would feel unprepared if I walked out of the house in the morning and didn't have enough gas or had a nail in the car's tire.
The Bible tells us to always be prepared in a different more important sense. We as Christians represent Jesus Christ in how we live our lives, people will know we are His (John 13:35 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."). In tonight's verse we see Peter stating to always be prepared to give a reason for your belief in Jesus.
As Christians this is something we must always do, people will see us know there is something different and may begin to ask questions about Jesus.
My mom helped prepare me as a kid to know Jesus, through Bible Study, and the way my mom loved me.
This is the best way to know Christ, through prayer, Bible Study and seeking Him. Today and every day know your Savior more by seeking Him.
Love you mom and I love you Lord
Home with the one we Know.
Song: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) | BYU Noteworthy (Chris Tomlin A Cappella Cover)
Week 242
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Each morning after the gym I drive back home and do my usual walk around the car. The reason I do this in particular is to check the tires, for nails, I always want to make sure the car is ready for any emergencies that may come up, as I also try to make sure the car is equally gassed up. I would feel unprepared if I walked out of the house in the morning and didn't have enough gas or had a nail in the car's tire.
The Bible tells us to always be prepared in a different more important sense. We as Christians represent Jesus Christ in how we live our lives, people will know we are His (John 13:35 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."). In tonight's verse we see Peter stating to always be prepared to give a reason for your belief in Jesus.
As Christians this is something we must always do, people will see us know there is something different and may begin to ask questions about Jesus.
My mom helped prepare me as a kid to know Jesus, through Bible Study, and the way my mom loved me.
This is the best way to know Christ, through prayer, Bible Study and seeking Him. Today and every day know your Savior more by seeking Him.
Love you mom and I love you Lord
Home with the one we Know.
Song: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) | BYU Noteworthy (Chris Tomlin A Cappella Cover)
September 19, 2018
Week 243
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
A lot of times when I get up in the morning to start the day I feel so exhausted. There are times where I think if I can just lay here I'd feel better. The truth is however I know I won't feel better if I just lay there. In tonight's verse we see Paul preach to the Church in Corinth about honoring God with their bodies. I always go with the thought process that the Bible is written to a particular group of people but it is for us today.
With this in mind I am reminded each day as I get up in the morning to honor God in all that I do. Laying there and not getting up to start the day is a sure fire way to add guilt to me. I get up and it takes about 2 hours for me to leave, but it's so important for me, because one of the main things I do in the morning is my scripture reading and devotion as it starts the ruttier of the day for me.
My mom always asked us when we were kids, "did we read our Bibles in the morning?". Mom never said why nor did we ask but today I believe the reasons are because mom wanted us to honor God and this was a great way to start the day.
Today and everyday we as Christians we must remember to honor God for we are His paid bu Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Love you Mom and I love you Lord.
Home with the one we Honor.
Song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Matt Redman (Best Worship Song Ever) (with Lyrics)
Week 243
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
A lot of times when I get up in the morning to start the day I feel so exhausted. There are times where I think if I can just lay here I'd feel better. The truth is however I know I won't feel better if I just lay there. In tonight's verse we see Paul preach to the Church in Corinth about honoring God with their bodies. I always go with the thought process that the Bible is written to a particular group of people but it is for us today.
With this in mind I am reminded each day as I get up in the morning to honor God in all that I do. Laying there and not getting up to start the day is a sure fire way to add guilt to me. I get up and it takes about 2 hours for me to leave, but it's so important for me, because one of the main things I do in the morning is my scripture reading and devotion as it starts the ruttier of the day for me.
My mom always asked us when we were kids, "did we read our Bibles in the morning?". Mom never said why nor did we ask but today I believe the reasons are because mom wanted us to honor God and this was a great way to start the day.
Today and everyday we as Christians we must remember to honor God for we are His paid bu Jesus and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Love you Mom and I love you Lord.
Home with the one we Honor.
Song: 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) - Matt Redman (Best Worship Song Ever) (with Lyrics)
September 26, 2018
Week 244
Luke 11:33 -35
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness."
Yesterday marked 5 years that my mom had passed on from this life. Though the day comes and the day goes I am reminded more each year of who my mom is, in Christ. In tonight's verse we see Jesus stating that a light must shine, as no one would light a lamp for example and hide it. Just the same Jesus said that we are to examine ourselves that the light within us in not darkness.
Over the last few weeks I have been constantly examining myself to see where I am. Do others see me and then see the light of Jesus or do they see me and see darkness. I think it is very important to remember that as Christians when we walk this earth others see us and will either testify that we are His, or will testify we aren't. As I think of mom I see mom shining Jesus' light in how mom took care of us for one. As I grow older I can see how mom could have easily given up and let things go, but mom pushed forward letting Christ be mom's guide. Even after mom left this life the best part is how others have come up to me and stated how nice my mom was.
In this life that we have, and as Christians, it is important to continuously examine ourselves to make sure that we are a reflection of Christ.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home where the Light shines.
Song: Casting Crowns ~ Who Am I - Official Video + lyrics
Week 244
Luke 11:33 -35
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness."
Yesterday marked 5 years that my mom had passed on from this life. Though the day comes and the day goes I am reminded more each year of who my mom is, in Christ. In tonight's verse we see Jesus stating that a light must shine, as no one would light a lamp for example and hide it. Just the same Jesus said that we are to examine ourselves that the light within us in not darkness.
Over the last few weeks I have been constantly examining myself to see where I am. Do others see me and then see the light of Jesus or do they see me and see darkness. I think it is very important to remember that as Christians when we walk this earth others see us and will either testify that we are His, or will testify we aren't. As I think of mom I see mom shining Jesus' light in how mom took care of us for one. As I grow older I can see how mom could have easily given up and let things go, but mom pushed forward letting Christ be mom's guide. Even after mom left this life the best part is how others have come up to me and stated how nice my mom was.
In this life that we have, and as Christians, it is important to continuously examine ourselves to make sure that we are a reflection of Christ.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home where the Light shines.
Song: Casting Crowns ~ Who Am I - Official Video + lyrics
October 3, 2018
Week 245
Isaiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
These past 7 weeks I have been on a 8 week training program it's called The 8 Week Hardcore Trainer. It's been really tough and I have 1 more week to go, the cardio training is 2x a day and I am up to 60 minutes this week, and every week it goes up by 5 minutes. It's tough and when done correctly it requires a lot of concentration and will. There are many times I am tempted to just quit, however in my heart I know I can't. In tonight's verse we see the Prophet Isaiah stating that those who have hope in Christ their strength will be renewed and He will give them the strength throughout life to persevere. This is not a verse about working out, etc. but the application is still the same that in life we all struggle through things, however keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, keeping our hope in Him, will see us through.
My mom no doubt experienced so much turmoil in this life. Imagine raising 5 kids and yet no help from family, or anything, yet mom's eyes I know were fixed on Jesus. At the same time I want to be careful not to make mom seem like a saint, however, mom struggled but I know towards the end of mom's life here mom saw the result of the struggle. Mom saw mom's kids grown, and mom's strength renewed in Jesus.
All of us as Christians must remember that this life whatever we go through is part of life, it's never easy. However, through the struggle, our hope must be placed in Christ, knowing these struggles will come, go, and new ones will arise, but firm hope in Jesus will carry us through it all.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home with Christ, struggle free.
Song: I Give You My Heart | Hillsong (Featuring Holly Dawson)
Week 245
Isaiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
These past 7 weeks I have been on a 8 week training program it's called The 8 Week Hardcore Trainer. It's been really tough and I have 1 more week to go, the cardio training is 2x a day and I am up to 60 minutes this week, and every week it goes up by 5 minutes. It's tough and when done correctly it requires a lot of concentration and will. There are many times I am tempted to just quit, however in my heart I know I can't. In tonight's verse we see the Prophet Isaiah stating that those who have hope in Christ their strength will be renewed and He will give them the strength throughout life to persevere. This is not a verse about working out, etc. but the application is still the same that in life we all struggle through things, however keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, keeping our hope in Him, will see us through.
My mom no doubt experienced so much turmoil in this life. Imagine raising 5 kids and yet no help from family, or anything, yet mom's eyes I know were fixed on Jesus. At the same time I want to be careful not to make mom seem like a saint, however, mom struggled but I know towards the end of mom's life here mom saw the result of the struggle. Mom saw mom's kids grown, and mom's strength renewed in Jesus.
All of us as Christians must remember that this life whatever we go through is part of life, it's never easy. However, through the struggle, our hope must be placed in Christ, knowing these struggles will come, go, and new ones will arise, but firm hope in Jesus will carry us through it all.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home with Christ, struggle free.
Song: I Give You My Heart | Hillsong (Featuring Holly Dawson)
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October 10, 2018
Week 246
2 Peter 3:17
"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position."
Sometimes I feel as if my actions puts me far away from ever calling myself a Christian. In tonight's verse we see Peter telling his friends to be careful, and to be on guard that you may not pursue things that are away from the Lord.
I think every Christian encounters this, they may look in the wrong direction at someone, they may think something ill about someone, they may even commit and act that is vile. In fact this is true for all people, not just Christians. The one thing however, is that a Christian should be aware of their actions, be careful not to visit them again, and ask God for forgiveness.
Regarding my mom, every time I did something such as get upset at mom, I always remembered each night to go before my mom and say sorry. It was something I just had to do before going to sleep, and I knew this because in my heart I never wanted to do things that were wrong. I also prayed and continue to pray each night and ask God forgiveness for getting upset at mom and today for any wrong that I do or did to others.
If I think about it is all about being on guard as Peter mentioned above, to not fall into wrong doing. However, this cannot be accomplished on our own it takes knowing Christ, forgiving others in our heart, just as Christ forgave us.
Love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with the Forgiver of Life
Song: Don Moen, God is the strength
Week 246
2 Peter 3:17
"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position."
Sometimes I feel as if my actions puts me far away from ever calling myself a Christian. In tonight's verse we see Peter telling his friends to be careful, and to be on guard that you may not pursue things that are away from the Lord.
I think every Christian encounters this, they may look in the wrong direction at someone, they may think something ill about someone, they may even commit and act that is vile. In fact this is true for all people, not just Christians. The one thing however, is that a Christian should be aware of their actions, be careful not to visit them again, and ask God for forgiveness.
Regarding my mom, every time I did something such as get upset at mom, I always remembered each night to go before my mom and say sorry. It was something I just had to do before going to sleep, and I knew this because in my heart I never wanted to do things that were wrong. I also prayed and continue to pray each night and ask God forgiveness for getting upset at mom and today for any wrong that I do or did to others.
If I think about it is all about being on guard as Peter mentioned above, to not fall into wrong doing. However, this cannot be accomplished on our own it takes knowing Christ, forgiving others in our heart, just as Christ forgave us.
Love you mom and I love you Lord.
Home with the Forgiver of Life
Song: Don Moen, God is the strength
October 17, 2018
Week 247
Psalm 37:25
"I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread."
I recall after my mom passed, that a lady who would come to mom's house to clean called me and we talked for a bit. One of the things that this person said was that "I am going to miss your mom, your mom was very wise". In tonight's verse we see the Psalmist declaring that those who are righteous have not been forsaken. This verse addresses many topics but one focus I have on it is that it calls out our experiences. Our experiences can teach us a lot, for example, the writer of the Psalm could not declare with credibility that "I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread." if he never experienced this at least a few times. However, based on these experiences, it should convincingly draw us closer to Christ.
My mom I remember was able to help me with encouragement and wise words when I was struggling, and it's something that I didn't consider then. Now as I look back I am able to identify and state that my was indeed wise. This godly wisdom comes from two things:
1. Trusting in God
2. Time/Experience
I would state that trusting in God, truly trusting Him in every circumstances comes in time and with the experiences that are experienced within that time. Like the Psalmist it would be hard for me to (with credibility) share with someone why they should trust in God based on my experiences if I never had the time, and the experiences. It is therefore through these experiences that we can say without a doubt that "I trust God".
When we struggle through many areas of life, it's so easy to just focus on the situation and wonder why me? However, it is through those experiences that we can eventually share with others a credible reason for trusting in the Creator of the Universe. This is something to keep in mind when we get into those "low valleys", our experiences can lead others to Jesus.
Love you mom, and I love you Lord.
Home with Jesus
Song: Chris Tomlin - Nobody Loves Me Like You (Official Music Video)
Week 247
Psalm 37:25
"I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread."
I recall after my mom passed, that a lady who would come to mom's house to clean called me and we talked for a bit. One of the things that this person said was that "I am going to miss your mom, your mom was very wise". In tonight's verse we see the Psalmist declaring that those who are righteous have not been forsaken. This verse addresses many topics but one focus I have on it is that it calls out our experiences. Our experiences can teach us a lot, for example, the writer of the Psalm could not declare with credibility that "I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread." if he never experienced this at least a few times. However, based on these experiences, it should convincingly draw us closer to Christ.
My mom I remember was able to help me with encouragement and wise words when I was struggling, and it's something that I didn't consider then. Now as I look back I am able to identify and state that my was indeed wise. This godly wisdom comes from two things:
1. Trusting in God
2. Time/Experience
I would state that trusting in God, truly trusting Him in every circumstances comes in time and with the experiences that are experienced within that time. Like the Psalmist it would be hard for me to (with credibility) share with someone why they should trust in God based on my experiences if I never had the time, and the experiences. It is therefore through these experiences that we can say without a doubt that "I trust God".
When we struggle through many areas of life, it's so easy to just focus on the situation and wonder why me? However, it is through those experiences that we can eventually share with others a credible reason for trusting in the Creator of the Universe. This is something to keep in mind when we get into those "low valleys", our experiences can lead others to Jesus.
Love you mom, and I love you Lord.
Home with Jesus
Song: Chris Tomlin - Nobody Loves Me Like You (Official Music Video)
October 24, 2018
Week 248
Proverbs 16:9
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
I've been praying a lot lately about a decision I would like to make and it's one that I feel I need to act fast on. In tonight's verse we read that the writer of Proverbs states that a person plans his ways but the Lord establishes his steps. For me this is always one of the most important steps when living the Christian life. We all make choices but the Lord leads us, and if I am honest with myself, and the way I try to live this life I know for sure that one thing that I try to do is to draw closer and closer to Jesus. One reason is for me to know and understand His ways so that when decision times come I will have no doubt what the right choice is.
I know my mom had been faithful to Jesus, and as mom's marriage was coming to a close, mom had a choice:
A. to raise us here in the United States, without any help, knowing mom would most likely never see mom's dad again,
B. to move back to India where we would live and mom would have help raising us.
Mom after prayer and seeking the help of council chose A.
I know my mom struggled here, raising us a lone, but that decision and sacrifice has afforded myself and my siblings with opportunities here that we would never have. Mom in a sense made a plan not knowing what would happen and God directed Mom's steps.
In my life, mom's example of decisions-though I may not always think about it- has helped me in my own decision making. Ultimately drawing closer to the Savior and knowing Him, more and more, is choice that will lead to a fulfilled life.
This is the choice for every Christian in their life, to first draw closer and closer to Christ and let Him, guide their ways.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home having a fulfilled life.
Song: Skillet - "Lions" [Official Lyric Video]
Week 248
Proverbs 16:9
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
I've been praying a lot lately about a decision I would like to make and it's one that I feel I need to act fast on. In tonight's verse we read that the writer of Proverbs states that a person plans his ways but the Lord establishes his steps. For me this is always one of the most important steps when living the Christian life. We all make choices but the Lord leads us, and if I am honest with myself, and the way I try to live this life I know for sure that one thing that I try to do is to draw closer and closer to Jesus. One reason is for me to know and understand His ways so that when decision times come I will have no doubt what the right choice is.
I know my mom had been faithful to Jesus, and as mom's marriage was coming to a close, mom had a choice:
A. to raise us here in the United States, without any help, knowing mom would most likely never see mom's dad again,
B. to move back to India where we would live and mom would have help raising us.
Mom after prayer and seeking the help of council chose A.
I know my mom struggled here, raising us a lone, but that decision and sacrifice has afforded myself and my siblings with opportunities here that we would never have. Mom in a sense made a plan not knowing what would happen and God directed Mom's steps.
In my life, mom's example of decisions-though I may not always think about it- has helped me in my own decision making. Ultimately drawing closer to the Savior and knowing Him, more and more, is choice that will lead to a fulfilled life.
This is the choice for every Christian in their life, to first draw closer and closer to Christ and let Him, guide their ways.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home having a fulfilled life.
Song: Skillet - "Lions" [Official Lyric Video]
October 31, 2018
Week 249
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
I normally write the "Weekly Verse and Song for tonight" articles on Wednesday mornings, however today for some reason I forgot to do it. A lot of times I know God allows certain things to happen to accomplish His glory, and this article comes after I had a long text conversation with a friend in regards to tithing. Though this may seem a little controversial please allow me the grace here to give a thought about the verse tonight. This verse in Malachi 3:10 comes after God tells Malachi to bring the entire tithe to Him, and to test Him, and watch what Him send so much blessing that there will not be enough room to store this blessing. My friend quoted this verse saying instead of giving on a particular day like Halloween (which is today), that she gives and God blesses her in return. The idea she has is that this is the only verse in the Bible where God asks us to test Him in that particular area which is giving.
This may on the surface seem to be true, but there are a few points I want to make here:
1. The Bible was written for us not to us
As such is the case God was stating to the prophet for him to test God, not that we too can also test God like God allowed Malachi to. This is very important, as many will take scriptures out of context believing certain things are true for us (which they may, but also they may not). In this particular case we must keep in mind that Malachi and the Israelites in those days were looking forward to the cross, where today we as Christians look backwards to the cross. We must remember that we should give, and give to others not expecting anything back because unlike the Israelites in those days we look backwards to the gift we already received. So like bringing the tithe into the store house, they were looking forward to Jesus Christ the true blessing.
2. Jesus is the greatest blessing we could ever have.
Today as Christians we receive Christ, who is the greatest blessing. Again when we give to others we must keep in mind that anything that God provides back to us, is temporary and is just for here and now. We give not in order to get because again unlike the Israelites in Malachi's days, we have already received the greatest blessing, Jesus Christ. When we give it is out of our love for Christ to draw others to Jesus, not to ourselves. If we as Christians can truly say that there is nothing more important in life than Christ then when we give to others its all in the hope that they will see the love of Christ, through us.
There is a commentary on Malachi that states this:
"Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," spoke to the Israelites after their return from exile. The theological message of the book can be summed up in one sentence: The Great King will come not only to judge his people, but also to bless and restore them"
So today my mom is with mom's greatest blessing Jesus Christ, and it is only because mom received this free gift, this blessing of Jesus to restore my mom and all who follow Him, back to our loving Heavenly Father.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home with the only true Blessing of Life
Song: You Raise Me Up | BYU Vocal Point (Josh Groban A Cappella Cover)
Week 249
Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
I normally write the "Weekly Verse and Song for tonight" articles on Wednesday mornings, however today for some reason I forgot to do it. A lot of times I know God allows certain things to happen to accomplish His glory, and this article comes after I had a long text conversation with a friend in regards to tithing. Though this may seem a little controversial please allow me the grace here to give a thought about the verse tonight. This verse in Malachi 3:10 comes after God tells Malachi to bring the entire tithe to Him, and to test Him, and watch what Him send so much blessing that there will not be enough room to store this blessing. My friend quoted this verse saying instead of giving on a particular day like Halloween (which is today), that she gives and God blesses her in return. The idea she has is that this is the only verse in the Bible where God asks us to test Him in that particular area which is giving.
This may on the surface seem to be true, but there are a few points I want to make here:
1. The Bible was written for us not to us
As such is the case God was stating to the prophet for him to test God, not that we too can also test God like God allowed Malachi to. This is very important, as many will take scriptures out of context believing certain things are true for us (which they may, but also they may not). In this particular case we must keep in mind that Malachi and the Israelites in those days were looking forward to the cross, where today we as Christians look backwards to the cross. We must remember that we should give, and give to others not expecting anything back because unlike the Israelites in those days we look backwards to the gift we already received. So like bringing the tithe into the store house, they were looking forward to Jesus Christ the true blessing.
2. Jesus is the greatest blessing we could ever have.
Today as Christians we receive Christ, who is the greatest blessing. Again when we give to others we must keep in mind that anything that God provides back to us, is temporary and is just for here and now. We give not in order to get because again unlike the Israelites in Malachi's days, we have already received the greatest blessing, Jesus Christ. When we give it is out of our love for Christ to draw others to Jesus, not to ourselves. If we as Christians can truly say that there is nothing more important in life than Christ then when we give to others its all in the hope that they will see the love of Christ, through us.
There is a commentary on Malachi that states this:
"Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," spoke to the Israelites after their return from exile. The theological message of the book can be summed up in one sentence: The Great King will come not only to judge his people, but also to bless and restore them"
So today my mom is with mom's greatest blessing Jesus Christ, and it is only because mom received this free gift, this blessing of Jesus to restore my mom and all who follow Him, back to our loving Heavenly Father.
Love you mom, Love you Lord.
Home with the only true Blessing of Life
Song: You Raise Me Up | BYU Vocal Point (Josh Groban A Cappella Cover)
