Today’s scripture reading finishes up the Old Testament and then has a 400 year break and then begins the New Testament with the Gospel of Matthew.  The final words in Malachi are important to consider.

He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.  Malachi 4:6

It really is all about the heart.  The Lord wants our hearts.  He wants a relationship with us…so much so that He was willing to send His son into this world in order to make a way for our hearts to turn back toward Him.

There are three passages that I can’t help but put down in this blog from today’s scripture reading.  Check them out some time.

Habakkuk complained in his first chapter, “How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you don’t listen?….Later the Lord said, “Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed.  For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”  (Habakkuk 1:2-5)

Hillsong and Laura Story were not the first to sing of God as the one who was mighty to save.  Zephaniah said, “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over your with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

Haggai prophesied about those who would be selfish and live in fancy homes while neglecting to give back to the Lord and build the church.  “Is it time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?…Give careful thought to your ways…build the house [the house of the Lord], so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord.” (Haggai 1:4-8)