TODAY’s SCRIPTURE : Malachi 1-2 Chapters
DEVOTION
The city of Jerusalem and the temple had been rebuilt for almost a century, the people had gradually become complacent in their worship of God. Sadly, even the priests had lost their reverence and seriousness toward the things of God.
Malachi 2:1, 2 reveals that the priests were not taking God’s commands seriously. God had repeatedly reminded them through His Word, yet they had allowed familiarity to replace devotion.
How do we know what is important to God?
It begins with loving Him with all our heart, soul, and strength, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5.To love God is more than simply saying that we love Him. It means listening to His Word, allowing it to shape our hearts and minds, and willingly surrendering our will to what He says.
When we truly love God, His Word becomes the light that guides our daily lives. It helps us distinguish between what is good and what is evil in His sight. It exposes what needs to change in us and directs our steps according to His will.
The priests in Malachi’s time had stopped loving God wholeheartedly. As their love for Him grew cold, they also lost sight of what mattered to Him.
And today, we must ask ourselves honestly
Do I truly love God?
Not just with my words, but from the depths of my heart?
Do I know what is on the heart of God?
God’s heart longs for people to be saved and brought into a relationship with Him. His desire is that no one should perish but that people would turn to Him.So the question is not only, “Do I love God?”
The deeper question is“Does my heart long for what God’s heart longs for?”
When we truly love Him, His desires begin to become our desires. We begin to see people differently. We begin to notice opportunities to share His love, His truth, and His Gospel.May we never become complacent in our walk with God. May our love for Him remain fresh, our hearts remain tender, and our lives remain available for His purposes.
PRAYER
Lord, Help me to know Your heart and to desire the things that You desire. Forgive me for the times I have become complacent or taken Your Word lightly. Give me a heart that listens to You, obeys You, and delights in Your presence. Lord, let my heart long for the things that Your heart longs for. Give me a genuine burden for souls and a desire to see people come to know You. As I go through this day, open my eyes to the opportunities You place before me. Give me courage, wisdom, and love. In Jesus name, Amen.