Malachi 3:16-17 (NLT) Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
I have often looked at this passage, even including it in many of my previous writings. However, it never ceases to amaze me what new things I can add to my understanding when I look carefully. This morning I discovered at least two points of interest.
First, did you notice the people were speaking amongst themselves; but the LORD listened to what they said. This is a great reminder to each of us that we may not be speaking directly to our Heavenly Father...but he is always listening, not only to our spoken words, but to the words in our hearts.
Another interesting point concerns the scroll of remembrance. This list of names wasn’t created to help God remember because his memory is without flaw. The list was created to help the people remember their commitment to obey, honor, and serve the LORD God Almighty and him alone. God knows each of us. He will not forget his faithful people. It is we who need to remember our pledge to serve him in all that we think, in all that we say, and in all of our actions. When we are obedient to God, when we fear him, and when we always think about the honor of his name, then we are his treasure—something of great value to him—something he will keep as his own.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we forget you are always listening to our words and to our hearts. Remind us that we are your valued treasure and you will not forget us. Create in us a new resolve to honor you with our thoughts, our words, and our service.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The devotional TREASURE—something of great value appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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