Friday, February 24, 2012

A Book of Remembrance

For the past several weeks I have had the privilege of leading a group of Christian women through the book of Malachi in the comfort of my own home. (added bonus - a great excuse for dessert and coffee) We are learning to recognize the deception that says modified obedience is a worthy sacrifice. Christians are exhausted in our service and addicted to saying "yes", yet we are failing to please the Lord and starving for His blessing. We must remember His glory, strictly obey and delight in this guilt-free reason to say "no" to things that draw us away from His purpose. A BIG offering is not what pleases the Lord - rather a beautiful one. More service is not His delight - rather obedient service. One particular verse in Malachi addresses this act of remembering.

Malachi 3:16, "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name."

When "those who feared the LORD" realized the sin of their insufficient sacrifices they turned to the LORD and wrote a book of remembrance. Compiling a script of the notable deeds the LORD had done and of the wonder and power of His person aligned the hearts and minds of the people in proper perspective. Our knowledge of Him yesterday is the hope of Him tomorrow and the strength of Him today. He is worthy. He is worth it.

Every day is an anniversary for something if you take the time to remember it. Obviously, there are days that hold more bad memories than good, but, in general "remembering" is a great morning exercise that can give both roots and branches to our day. Besides, you may find there are more excuses for cake than just birthdays. God is faithful and gives good gifts. His activity in our lives is reason to celebrate.

What does your book of remembrance say? Comment below and share. Let us who fear the Lord remember Him and His great deeds.