The theme this week with the Homeschool Review Crew is something old. I was pondering what this post could be on and then thought… you know what? The bible is the oldest book and it tells the oldest story. I got to thinking about how as I study through books of the bible I am engaging in “something old”. The desire to know God more. My studies in Malachi started on April 28. I will be finished probably May 26.
What is Malachi all about
I started my studies listening to Peter Baker. He summed up the history of Israel before Malachi came on the scene. You can view my entire playlist should you wish to.
I love this idea you know. That discipline starts from a place of love. God demonstrates his love for us. Stating his love for us BEFORE he exercises discipline. We should be like this with others in our lives don’t you think?
I was captured this week by a recurring thought in Malachi 2. How do we honour God? If we don’t go to church expecting to meet God and just go through the motions… how does that honour God? If we fail to consider the one that we call our Lord and Saviour throughout the day… how does the honour God?
We need to consider who God is as we go about our faith duties. Perhaps duties is the wrong word, but how we live out our faith matters! In James, we were oft reminded that if we didn’t let our lives be changed by the words we hear we are merely fooling ourselves. So if God’s word doesn’t cause us to honour him more… what are we really doing?
I don’t want to be seen as offal in the sight of God…the gross bits of cattle, goats and sheep when they were sacrificed to God. Do you? I want God to be pleased when he sees me, to know that he makes a difference in my life. I want God to see the respect I offer to him, as insufficient though it be.
Opinions Abound
Occasionally the comments that made me think caused others to think as well, sometimes with strong opinions. This one on tithing was one such post. The point with tithing though is this… doesn’t matter what you give to God. Other things are much more important. First, we have to remember it’s all his in the first place. Second, our giving needs to be done joyfully and generously. Third, 10% is a basic amount, a good starter for saving for yourself, for encouraging people in ministry and for helping to grow the kingdom of God.
One of the speakers I was listening to made this statement “Our spouses are like a garment”. I was fascinated by that idea and almost forgot to listen to the rest of the sermon! 🙂 But it made me think of how some women need to dress the part or their spouses are looked down upon… even if the wife has no part in her husband’s work. Then I got to thinking about how my hubby doesn’t care about what I wear, if I dress up or down, but how if I dress up, his eyes smile. Kinda like my eyes smile when I’m wearing something that I particularly like to wear. Smiles are worth it, even if it causes you to do something you’d rather not. I keep thinking I might be missing something but for now, isn’t it an interesting thought?
Excellent Sermons
On my second last day of listening to Malachi Sermons I watched this video below. I loved the message of his sermon. Malachi is a book of God calling his people back, offering hope instead of wrath. A call to see something deeper, that something more is offered. Which has people looking forward to the New Testament where Jesus’ birth is the first thing talked about!
Oh…and that depiction of cattle when released from the barn for the first time after winter! Brings back memories from my childhood of crazy cows and heifers delighting in freedom. We should delight in the same way!
Have you written a post about something old? Share it in the linky below!
What with the new year coming up and people starting to think about making a new start I thought I would talk with you abit about doing regular devotions (yes, talking to myself here as well) and about some of the different bibles you could use in your journey.
