“So, they said to each other, ‘Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us’?
Luke 24:32

I love the story in Luke, where the unknown disciples are walking and talking along the road after Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. On their way to Emmaus, the unidentified Jesus moseys right in among them and joins the conversation. They have no idea who He is or why He doesn’t know what just took place in Jerusalem three days ago. He continues to walk with them as He explains the appearance of Himself throughout the Scriptures.

It is not until evening and Jesus breaks the bread that their eyes are opened to who He really is. They were amazed and exclaimed excitedly, weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He talked with us on the road, explaining the scriptures? I hope we have that same zeal for God’s word and our hearts are ablaze as He walks with us today!

While your heart is ablaze let your belly be satisfied with all of the polyphenols, antioxidants, magnesium, manganese, vitamin C, and nutrients these easy Quinoa Breakfast Treats Provide!

Enjoy! What’s in the garden is good

• 3/4 CUP QUIONA
• 4 OZ APPLESAUCE
• 1/2 TSP CINNAMON
• 1-2 TSP CHIA SEEDS
• 1 TBSP PUMPKIN SEEDS
• 1 TBSP WALNUTS OR PECANS

PLACE QUINOA, APPLESAUCE, CINNAMON, CHIA SEEDS IN A SMALL BOWL, MIX WELL, PLACE IN THE REFRIGERATOR OVERNIGHT.

THE NEXT MORNING LIGHTLY TOAST IN A SKILLET CHOPPED PECANS AND PUMPKIN SEEDS.

MEANWHILE REMOVE QUINOA MIXTURE FROM THE FRIGE STIR IN 2 TBSPS ALMOND MILK. THEN HEAT QUINOA MIXTURE IN THE MICROWAVE 1 MINUTE ADD THE TOASTED NUTS AND SEEDS.

A 4TH WAY…..MASH A BANANA INTO 3/4 CUP QUINOA, ADD 2 TBSP ALMOND MILK, 1 TBSP WALNUTS….HEAT 1 MIN. ADD 1/2 CUP FRESH

Enjoy your Quinoa Breakfast Treats!

Quinoa & Chia Breakfast Bowl – Strengthen Your Heart (mystypfeffer.com)

Benefits of Quinoa

11 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa (healthline.com)

Biblical Use of Salt Free Spice Blends

 The Lord spoke to Moses:  “Take for yourself the finest spices: 12½ pounds of liquid myrrh, half as much (6¼ pounds) of fragrant cinnamon, 6¼ pounds of fragrant cane, 12½ pounds of cassia (by the sanctuary shekel), and one gallon^[of olive oil.

Exodus 30:22-24

In ancient times, spices were not only used to flavor food but in anointing oils for the priests and burning incense to God. Many sources and books are written on the health benefits of spices. Spice benefits range from vexing tumor necrosis, decreasing inflammatory markers, to reducing oxidative stress in the body. Check out this NIH article on Spices for Prevention and Treatment of Cancer more information

We can not only take joy in savory food, but also in knowing God has a special plan for the body when we consume them.

NOTE: THESE ARE TRIAL SIZES FOR STARTING A BLEND……IF YOU LIKE THE BLEND YOU USE 1 TABLESPOON IN PLACE OF THE TEASPOON THE NEXT TIME YOU MAKE THEM AND USE 1 TEASPOON FOR THE 1/4 TO 1/2 MEASUREMENTS. ADJUST AND OMIT AS YOU LIKE

Mexican Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika, 1/2 Teaspoon each—Black Pepper, Cumin 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Cajun Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Oregano1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional or more if you like it hot)

Curry Blend

1 Teaspoon each—-Cumin powder, Coriander, Turmeric1/2 Teaspoon each—Cardamom, cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper (opt)

Greek Blend

1 Teaspoon Each—–Garlic Powder, Oregano, Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg

No Salt Flavoring

1 Teaspoon each: Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seed1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

I’m not a big fan of white chocolate, but many of my friends are!

So, here is a healthier version of White Chocolate Granola Bars. Let’s face it, we are not going to deny ourselves a small pleasure after a hard day of work or an exhausting day with little ones. However, we can make that gratifying choice a better one. One consists of good fiber, protein, omega rich walnuts and infection quelling cinnamon.

Take heart in your hard work, God is setting an example for your little ones through you! It is your care, your love, your daily sacrifice that shows them God’s love. The bible says, “From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each of us.” (Acts 17:26-27 HCSB)

Whether you’re influencing your own little ones, or someone else’s we can be the light they may need to reach out and find Him. So, power up, and keep your physical strength for this task, too! I hope you enjoy these bars. They contain those rich beta glucan coated oats I love to use. As well as those pressed olives, in the most famous garden of my favorite book!

These are super easy and not too sweet.

3 Cups organic oats

1/4 Cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 tsp salt

1 Tsp cinnamon

1/4 Cup organic unbleached flour (or any gluten free flour of your choice)

3/4 Cup cranberries

3/4 Cup chopped walnuts

1/2 Cup Mini white chocolate chips

Combine in a large mixing bowl all of the above dry ingredients.

Next Add

2 Eggs

1/2 Cup Organic Olive Oil

1/3 Cup honey or maple syrup

Add the eggs until all of the dry are coated well. Then add the olive oil, coat ingredients well. Lastly, add the maple syrup or honey, also coating well.

Stir well and add to dry ingredients. Once combined add 1/4 cup raw honey until all the oats are wet and sticky. 😉 Place onto baking sheet and roll out until flat and even.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 15-18 minutes–they should be golden brown.

Enjoy!

The Spirit gives life and breath and all things. I can’t help but think of Him hovering over the water ready to breathe life into humanity on that first day of creation. The third part of our triune God is ready to provide ALL the things we need. It’s easy to meet partial needs here and there, however, we often overlook …. ALL that we need.

In our rush to meet demands and take care of others, we sometimes neglect to nourish ourselves. We may take the time to fill our soul with a good Word, yet rely on a man made item to fill our belly. Not really considering how little value the item provides in sustaining our much needed energy levels.

I wish to share with you today a little fix for nourishing the body in your day to day and remind you of the depth of love infused into every gift from above. When the complexity of simple things we take for granted every day are brought into our focus, we see their true value. Although your value may seem small at times in our heavenly Father’s eyes, I assure you, it is greatly treasured. When it’s unveiled under the scope of His well planned creation, you’ll see your worth.

Provision for our worth started in the garden. So, the plan for our garden this fall is to prepare the soil by planting oats. In addition to their magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron, B1, and some B5, they provide protein, and fiber for our bodies.

With that said; they provide excellent organic matter to the soil as a fall cover crop. Especially for my neighbors across the river who have clay soil. God’s plan for creation is revealed throughout the bible in a macroscopic way, yet with these little tidbits of scientific information we can follow His plan microscopically!

Benefits of planting oats according to Mother Earth News, Modern Farmer, and Gardening Channel are as follows:

1. “Bulk up soil with organic matter, cover crops prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and create and cycle soilborne nutrients using the power of the sun. Recent advances in soil biology have revealed two more ways cover crops can improve soil.”

2. “Rhizodeposition is a special advantage to working with cover crops. Many plants actually release sugars and other substances through their roots. They are like little solar engines, pumping energy down into the soil.” (https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/cover-crops-improve-soil-zmaz09onzraw)

3. “Many cover crops are legumes that convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into a soluble form that other plants can absorb. Some cover crops accumulate other essential nutrients like phosphorus, but all cover crops add organic matter to the soil. Rather than being harvested for food, cover crops are tilled back into the soil at the end of their growing cycle where the nutrients are released as the plants decompose. In a way, cover cropping is like composting in situ – no need for hauling in manure or building a pile – and they’re sometimes called ‘green manure’ for this reason.” (https://modernfarmer.com/2015/08/how-to-grow-a-cover-crop-this-fall/)

4. Oats improve overall soil quality by preventing erosion, adding organic matter, and improving soil aggregation. For best results, sow oats six to 10 weeks before your local average date of first frost. Oats are less frost tolerant than most winter cover crops and are killed by temperatures below five degrees Fahrenheit

5. Dead oats form their own mulch, which is typically well rotted by spring. If oats do not die during winter, mow and till them before seed heads appear in late spring. (https://www.gardeningchannel.com/winter-cover-crops-guide/)

So, while you enjoy these websites to implement ideas and strategies for improving your home gardens; Think about these tasty granola bars to enjoy for snacking that provide you with essential fiber and minerals to get you through your day! Build the strength of your body, so you can carry out the good work of your mind; as you sew the seed of God’s Word in the soil of your prepared heart.

Enjoy the beauty of God’s garden around you in even the smallest things. Give thanks that his provision and plan for you is good!

Dark Chocolate Granola Bars

3 Cups Organic Quick Cooking Oats

¼ Cup Honey or Maple Syrup

2 Teaspoons Ceylon Cinnamon

1/3 Cup plus Organic Olive Oil

½ Cup 72% Cacao Chips (Simple Truth Brand has no soy)

½ Cup Chopped Walnuts

1 Large Egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil and set aside. In a large mixing bowl add your oats, stevia (or sugar) and cinnamon. I whisk these together very well to distribute the spice and sweetener. Then I add the walnuts and chocolate chips. Next, incorporate the two large eggs making sure to coat each oat. Then add the oil, again coating and mixing the batch to cover it well; I use a fork to do this. Then, last add the maple syrup to further moisten and coat your oats. Then they are ready to spread into your baking dish. Use the fork to flattened the grains into the pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown then cut into bars. This makes 21 bars. I let them cool then store in snack bags, placing half in the cabinet and the other half in the fridge to avoid spoilage.

My prayer for you today is that God fill ALL that you need physically and spiritually, for He makes you worthy!

Potato and Tomato Salad is a delicious summer salad combination using what’s on hand in the garden. Since this combination provides quality C and A vitamins, potassium, as well as lycopene, its quite nutritious. Making it a good portion of God’s goodness to strengthen our hearts.

My Flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

I was reading in my study time this morning about grace. I’m thinking about how it has strengthened my heart over the years. I hope His Word is a source of strength for you too. I also hope you enjoy what is available in the garden to strengthen your body today, even if that garden is the produce section of your grocery store!

My prayer for you:
God in heaven, your love astounds me daily and your presence is vital to my being. I am humbled by your grace and thank you intensely for your forgiveness. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever—not bound by time in a fragile human frame like mine. Please be with those seeking more out of life than their current experience. You are more satisfying than material things and guide them to the way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I used to love tomatoes, and even though I cannot eat them very often, we still love to grow them. Are they not just spectacular to look at in this basket? For many, they will make a delicious potato and tomato salad.

I hope you enjoy this summer salad as much as my family does.

Use what you have on hand. What’s in the garden is good! 🙂

You can also use your potatoes to make this really nice potato soup!

You can also find more benefits of tomatoes Here.

“And here is my advice in this matter: Last year you were the first to not only to give but also have the desire to do so.”

2 Corinthians 8: 10

Paul has to continually remind the believers in Corinth to remember the grace of God. He recounts the Macedonian churches who overcame ‘severe trial and extreme poverty but still welled up in rich generosity.’ (2 Cor. 8:12) In comparison to Jesus who left the vast wealth of the Heavenly realm to become the poorest of poor for us (vs.9).

The apostle says the sincerity of our love is tested with the earnestness towards others. I believe that is true. It’s tempting to hold on to our resources and forsake giving, but these people were impoverished and still giving all they had. He doesn’t want us giving out of guilt, but gratitude!

It’s a heart check for all of us!

Here’s my heart for you today: I desire for you to know Jesus, enjoy life, enjoy food, and live gratefully.

I eagerly offer you this delicious Quinoa Black Bean Chili to start your day living in the full grace and love of others; the essence of strengthening our hearts. I know, everyone has there own recipe and this one is not very original, but I used what I had in the cupboard and from the garden at the time to make this, and it turned out pretty good. I hope you enjoy it too!

Here is what you’ll need:

• 1 LB of Lean Ground Beef (Substitutes: chicken/turkey or 1 cup lentils)
• 1 Cup Rinsed, Red Quinoa
• 2 Fresh Ears of Corn, Shucked (sub: 12 ounce bag of frozen)
• 2 Cans Rinsed Black Beans
• 6 Large Fresh Diced Tomatoes (this is how you control the salt/if no concern/ substitute 3 cans diced stewed tomatoes)
• 1 Large Onion Chopped
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 Small green pepper Chopped
• 2 Teaspoons Oregano
• 1 Teaspoon Organic Chili Powder
• 1 Teaspoon No Salt Seasoning
• 1 Teaspoon Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Paprika (sounds like a lot, but I don’t add salt, I’m a heart nurse, remember?)
• 2 Teaspoons Cumin
• 4 Cups Low Sodium Beef Broth (Sub. Vegetable or Chicken)
• 4 Cups Water

In a large soup pot, sauté’ the beef with onions, garlic, and peppers until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain fat if necessary (mine is lean and this is not necessary). Add the corn, tomatoes, and spices. Add the broth and the water. Bring to a boil, turn it on low and add the quinoa, let simmer a couple of hours until thick and all the flavors meld together.

I hope you enjoy this satisfying Chili with your group today as you excel in all you do for the Lord!

The sound and smell of spring is so relaxing coming through the back door, as the hubby and I lounge on the couch for movie night. There’s not quite enough room for both of us lying side by side, so my bare foot falls frequently to the floor. It’s sticky and I think the culprit is lying beside me.

The urge to get up and clean at 9:30 pm in the middle of a movie is almost overwhelming. I thought I cleaned the floors well enough on Monday. Apparently not. Ignoring it, I move my foot back to the couch; it slides back down.

My slightly obsessive-compulsive side says, “Ewe. This is gross. I have to clean it. Right now.” My tired body that babysat, cleaned, exercised, and cooked throughout the day says, “No, it can wait until morning. After all, you’re off all day with a “nonessential” travel ban in place. Relax.”

“It’s not as though the movie is good anyway!”  My mind retorts stubbornly. The return to high school plot line is tiresome. A typical heroine tries resisting her high school sweetheart’s charms in the midst of his murder charges……really!? There is a reason that relationship tanked and she moved across the country.

So, the internal battle rages, do the habitual thing and remove the stickiness or put it off until morning.

It’s interesting how a physical situation often mimics the spiritual. Behavior change begins with small steps in the right direction and encouragement from tiny victories. Steps that propel hearts to make more thoughtful decisions in the day to day permit lasting change. Deflected compulsive urges slowly steer the heart away from clinging patterns of self-ruin.

For instance, determining priorities for spiritual growth can involve distance from relationships that tempt me to continue selfish endeavors. Replacing short sightedness with intentional action on behalf of others during casual moments of noticed need is empowering.

Perhaps I’m filling a void with material things, I’m bored, or succumbing to emotional eating. Stuff I mostly avoid, yet at times still do. Similar to the heroine of the movie plot, clearly understanding her return home is a bad idea, although still drawn inexplicably.

There is a tension in the indecision. Making difficult choices often infringes on instant gratification.

 The apostle Paul states this beautifully, “So, I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.” (New International Version, 8:21-23)

The struggle is real for even the strongest Christian, like Paul. The stickiness of sin wants to cling to my mind and distort the changed heart that longs to be rescued from ‘the body of death’ (vs 24).  Because I battle the flesh every day.  The tenacious thoughts of self-reproach are slowly replaced with wonder and gratitude in the presence of Jesus’ sin offering.  A small victory over the mind renews strength and empowers the flesh.

Stepping forward with such grace spurs the next step in the right direction. A new habit begins, relax in Jesus and strive to please Him. I am reassured by meditating on the words of the apostle’s truth as I hear him declare further:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (NIV, Romans 8:1-2) So, I choose to live according to the Spirit and have my mind set on what the Spirit desires.

Aw, like a cool spring breeze my heart is set on the Sprit’s desires, the decision pleasing to Him is the one I choose.

A word study of the heart

Day 1

Welcome to a short word study while on the go! If you want to draw closer to God and don’t know where to start, a word study may be a good place. Understanding God’s word and the themes in the bible can be intimidating. This study might just spark your desire to go deeper in God’s word…..when you’re ready!

In this 5 day bible study we will take time to compare the heart of man to the heart of God. You can look up the verses and write out references to the heart or you can use the Biblegateway.com verses to read on the go. If you have OneNote you can copy and paste the verses that really touch your heart.

I like the work of writing out the scriptures on a note pad. It is helpful in meditating on God’s word. 

You do whatever works best for you!

Circling or highlighting the word heart (and what the verse says about the heart) as I write out each verse helps me emphasizes the main point. Also, compiling my favorite promise verses on an index card and posting them on the bathroom mirror helps to remind me of the heart of God and how he moves through His word!

Something else I find helpful is writing out beside the verse (or group of verses) who the writer is speaking to. This task keeps in place the appropriate context of scripture.

So, the object today is to have a clear view of my heart compared to the Father’s heart because therein lies the beginning of understanding. In the background of my mind is the knowledge that in spite of my tendency for straying, the heart of God is steadfast. I recall the childhood memory verse pointing me in the right direction:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

I pray you are reminded through God’s word today and encouraged to know —it’s ok to not be perfect, you are still loved! He is working in you and through you and me to accomplish His purpose. All we have to do is cooperate, open our minds, and pray for understanding and the heart change we so desperately need.

How can a heart be deceitful or wicked according to the following verses?

Genesis 6:5

Genesis 8:2

Jeremiah 17:9

Mathew 12:34

Mathew 15:8-9

Mathew 15:18-20

Deuteronomy 9:4

Psalm 7:9

Psalm 10:13

Psalm 28:3

Psalm 36:1

Proverbs 21:4

Isaiah 47:10

Jesus’ words in scripture tell us to ‘take heart’ he has over come the world. And not to let our hearts be troubled. He says, “You believe in God; believe also in me.” (Mathew 14:1) The condition of our hearts are changed when we encounter the all-consuming love of Jesus. I’m so grateful to him for that today. The disruption of wickedness is not immediately resolved when we place our trust in Him, but our desire to be more like Him is present. He slowly transforms the thoughts and desires of the selfish heart into one that puts others first.

Lord of heaven, you are merciful and mighty. Thank you for the hope expressed so eloquently in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

“And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

Isaiah 6:5

When the eyes of Isaiah fall upon the seraphim praising and worshiping the Lord, he is stricken with grief at his own corruption. Images of the people in his life and his interaction with them dart through his memory. Immediately he feels remorse.

The acute presence of a Holy God brings us to our knees. Every time.

When the scales fall off my eyes and I see clearly my sin before Him, I then understand and grieve words from my own lips. The sharp tone, criticism, nor the callous remarks spilling from my mouth are the hope our Lord wishes us to impart to others. Quite the contrary, it’s a sure sign of lingering bitterness. The stricken conscience resulting from the barrage of words, acknowledges the grievance before our Savior. Therefore, opening the door for repentance.

How important are words among people anyway?

Several years ago, I reprimanded my daughter for her language. Her friend promptly responded, “Why? They’re just words.” Taken aback by her response, I shut down. A less wise woman at the time, I withdrew to contemplate the carelessness of words, the deepness of words, and how often we assume our words have no impact.

Are they just words? It’s obviously not “cool” to think too highly of them. I often regret passing up the opportunity to teach that young lady. I just didn’t want to hurt her feelings or know how to guide her thinking at the time. Maybe her own scarring from past hurtful words led her to convince herself “words don’t matter”.

 What I would love to tell her now is that words have the power of life and death. I’d ask, “How many relationships have been torn apart because of words? How many children live in fear and anxiety because of the unleashed fury of words?” Most likely, the same number of children who learn compassion, love, kindness, and patience by the use of gentle words.

The beauty of Isaiah’s unclean lips is submitting them to God. He is forgiven and has the opportunity to make amends! Because the moment Isaiah realizes his shame and guilt before our Holy God, he has a heart change. Oh, how I’d love this to happen for this girl! Maybe it will! God is open to intercession and while we’re both alive, it’s never too late.

Isaiah’s desire is to ask God for restoration. He says in Isaiah 6:5 “And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost.’ Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” (New International Version Isaiah 6:5-6).

The burning coal for you and me is the Holy Spirit living in us. He is guiding us through the difficult areas of restoration. Even though our heart reconstruction has taken place, maybe our old habits are hard to break. Here are three ways we can ACT to clean up our lips:

1. Acknowledge the careless or hurtful words and the emotion behind them.
2. Confess: Lord, I see my words have power of life and death, please forgive me for my words of anger, frustration, gossip, and slander that hurt others. Please fill me with words of life that encourage and love others.
3. Tell the person at the other end of those words, ” I am sorry“.

Memory verse for my thoughts and words:

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” ( New International Version, 2 Corinthians 10:5).

I pray you and I have the wisdom to compare our lives to the life of Jesus and no other starting today. The first step to restoring unclean lips is acknowledging the root cause and seeking God’s healing power of forgiveness. True repentance is signified in the grief over our sin, and it is a clear sign of a transformed heart. We want to please our Father. May we remember and pray this for lost opportunities as well as future occasions sure to arise.

“Because I, Yahweh, have not changed, You descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.”

“Malachi 3:6”

Week 3 Day 4

The beautiful mercy of God is unwavering. May we take comfort today in that simple fact. Even though the descendants of Jacob falter, Yahweh’s love does not diminish. The same love He graciously offers to Israel, is bestowed upon those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. A wonderful promise we can rejoice in as we wrap up our study today!

While we, like Israel, will stumble and waver in our walk with Him, He shows us a better way. A way of forgiveness and thankfulness. He puts in our hearts a desire to please Him. We are products of change. Not perfect, by any means, but hungrily seeking Him. The discipline of God in past choices and resulting consequences prove to us, He is the better way.

Congratulations! If we’re feeling the refiner’s fire, we’ll see ourselves as He sees us, before we leave this place.

It’s going to take some heavy reading today to see it though. Hopefully we’re up for the challenge!

Please Read Malachi Chapter 3 and answer the following questions:

1. There are two messengers in chapter three verse one. Look up the following verses to see who Malachi is referring to in the first sentence:

Isaiah 40:3

Mathew 11:9-11

Mark 1:2-3

The person explaining who John is according to our cross reference is Jesus. The second messenger in verse 1.

What do we learn by looking at what Jesus says in Luke 7:18-29? Restate it in your own words below:

• Malachi asks, who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For He will be like a ________________   ____________ or a ______________ soap.
• Who is he going to purify like silver and gold? (vs 3)
• Please read Mathew (the reformed tax collector) chapter 23 to appreciate a small taste of what this refining fire looks like for the Levites. Note how many times he uses the word hypocrites.

Boy, did Malachi’s prophesy come true! The Lord came in the form of Jesus to reign and usher in a new covenant. He not only refines the priests, He raise up a spiritual army of “men to bring offerings in righteousness acceptable to the Lord.’ The twelve disciples, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Paul, Phillip, and many of the priests, became followers of the Way. All because, “I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)

• Although, it wonderful to look ahead at the power of God’s refining. What is another area of trust the Israelites are having difficulty adhering to? (vs 8-10)

Tithing is the ONLY area in scripture where we are encouraged to TEST God. He says, “Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour our so much blessing you will not have room enough for it.” (vs10). Praise God, He is faithful to meet our needs above and beyond what we need. What encouragement to stay the course, in spite of our circumstances!

Furthermore, Malachi inspires the few unwavering Israelites who pass the tithing test. He has a special message for believers who persist and revere the Lord.  

• In your own words, please write Malachi 3:16 below:
• Would you say it is important for us, our children, and those seeking the Lord to understand why we are to fear’ the Lord?
• What does Proverbs 1:7 clarify about fear of the Lord?
• What is God’s promise for those who honor His name? (vs 17)
• The thing we will see, that never ceases to be in our life on this earth is the distinction between the ___________   and the _____________ , between those who serve God and those who do not. (vs 18)

The hope of Jesus, alive and active in our hearts takes this distinction and spurns the desire to transform wickedness to righteousness. A close encounter with our own degradation and change of heart gives us the empathy to help and understand others. We were there, too once! Trained by the penalty of our sin, we’ve felt the death of innocence. Longing for peace and fulfillment, we listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit calling our name.

Praise God! He continues to work in us and through us to bring the hope and light of salvation to others. Even in our imperfect state, we know, our wickedness is covered by His righteousness.

Romans 8:10 says it better, “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life, because of righteousness.”

What joy! The Lord, Yahweh, has not changed!

May God Bless you and fill you with His Spirit today as you share His love! It is a pleasure to look closely at this overview of God’s unwavering love with you. I pray we all understand he is forgiving and merciful as our hearts are encouraged to trust in his faithfulness. God Bless you!