July 18, 2025

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“You have wearied the Lord with your words.

‘How have we wearied him?’ you ask.

You have wearied Him by saying, ‘All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and He is pleased with them’ or ‘Where is the God of justice?’” (Malachi 2.17)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD TO US:

Have you ever listened to someone and wonder “What are they thinking?” I have no doubt those who have read these reflections of mine on the Word of God as I have wrestled with the Spirit of God like Jacob by the River Jabbok seeking a blessing of wisdom and insight have thought that on more than one occasion. [Let me say at this point that I do not believe these reflections to be authoritative. The Word of God is the only authority we should have over our lives. We are to live in obedience to it, by it and through it. Nor do I think that these reflections, seeing God’s Word with one eye on His Kingdom on earth and yet to come and the other on the world and the foolish direction in which it is heading, are without question or issue. I do believe, however, that God intended for this mission he has given me since 2006 to daily dive into His word seeking insights to share with others from the Spirit and study that will challenge their reflections and convictions with a perspective perhaps not seen and thus engage in seeking deeper and greater truths to build up the body of Christ until it reaches His full measure and stature is valid. Mighty ones of God, we are more on point when we share and challenge each other in seeking to increase our vision in the word and the integrity of our witness for others in the world. There is no problem with having polar opposite perspectives or even those which are just a few degrees off from one another. The strengthening of our faith comes in the sharing of it. Sharing it publicly, even in those times of disagreement, does not weaken our witness. In fact, for those who are seekers and unbelievers it allows them to see that their own questions concerning God and His Word, Jesus and the gospel and the presence of the Holy Spirit which is to support and inform our collective discipleship are valid and purposeful. They are also the opportunities to put some aside and be transformed in one’s heart, soul, mind and body. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind; do not be conformed to the ways of the world. Then you will be able to test and approve what is God’s will- His good and perfect will.” (Romans 12.2) Without such testing, questioning, challenging and encouraging within the body of Christ (which is the Church in all of its manifestations) then we are left with what Malachi was empowered to see: leadership seeking its own way believing it is good for them in the moment without concern for its impact on the future. We dare not believe that we cannot be challenged by other Christ followers or the world in what we say or do. Even Jesus Christ our Lord was presented with such opportunities to defend the faith, proclaim the truth and live it out in all its fullness laying down His own life for the sake of those whom He loved! We should not be in mortal conflict but rather in challenging engagement “iron sharpens iron.”]

Malachi was called to engage in such dialogue for transformation. He did not shirk the opportunity nor the responsibility given to him by the God who loves His people. He is faithful to answer even with answers that we may be uncomfortable hearing. But if God withheld those answers, challenges and invitations to be transformed and renewed, then what kind of God would He be and what kind of love would it present. Be not afraid to speak even if you are not as sure of your own understanding. Lean upon God and His Word to guide you and speak so you can hear, hear so you can listen and believe so that your faith may increase. God is preparing the greatest answer for all of us. We have seen it in many places. We will see it in Malachi, chapter 3, and find its message familiar to us from our shared experience with the gospel of Jesus the Christ. Until then, shalom.

TODAY’S PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness but as righteous works which bring others near to Jesus in faith, hope and love. AMEN.