A king has many assets at his deposal. Wine, land, money, power, and women of all kinds. The Lord warned of a kings needs and the requirements that a king would command on the people back in the book of Samuel saying: "And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons... And he will appoint him captains over thousands... and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest... And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will take your fields... vineyards, and your oliveyards... And he will take the tenth of your seed... And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses... and ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day." (1 Sam. 8:11-18 KJV) And is this not a truer statement with Solomon, the man writing this proverb? He had all any man could ever desire, particularly many concubines (sexual partners), and yet he still was not satisfied. The point of this proverb is to show that for one it is wise for a king with this many responsibilities to be sober minded and fall astray to various vices. Yet, one vice in particular that Solomon failed in was women. He had many as already stated. But he longed for love, real love. He wrote a whole book on it called Song of Solomon, a poetry on love. What this shows is that a wife is truly like no other women. There are plenty of fine women out there, but a woman of God is far less in number, and a women of God fit for a king who can find? Some women are not ready to marry, others are not right for you, but a women ready to be a mother, how hard it is to find with out faith. This last and special proverb gives men a prime example of the exemplary women ready for not only a husband but for that family God willing that should come. Use this young men to guide you on your search. Young ladies use this to become women of honor in Gods eyes. Men seek the Lord and He will provide. Lastly, think about this. There are 30 proverbs for men and one for women, who has more work to do??? Haha Amen and be blessed in Jesus Christs name!

God will provide exactly what we need when we are faithful and patient to wait on our Lords timing. There will come a generation of fools that will have strife over their parents and will make a mocker of Christ. And yet Gods glory of His creation will still be observed in all his creations. From the eagle that takes flight, to the ants that march along, to a ship floating at sea, and a man caught in the folly of a women. How glorious our creator is and all that he has laid His hands to. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." (Rom. 1:18-23 KJV)

In this proverbs we see that there is such a thing as Godly stewardship. In the last proverbs we saw how God expects us to be proper stewards of our finances and our hearts. Here we see that God calls us to also be stewards of our flock, the men and women in our relationships. If we expect to lead others we must do it as faithful servants, as shepherds. God gives us respect, and so must we give our people godly respect as well. Look at how Nehemiah led his people out of Babylon into a destroyed Jerusalem. In a short time Nehemiah lead his flock to rebuild the walls of the city despite fear of other nations. This is faith and strength that over powers fear.

Wealth can be a deceiver, bringing all its pleasure's but blinding you to the truth that is at hand. However, when wealth is handled through a humble heart it can abound. Paul said "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 14:12-14). Through this we see that the faithful man will understand the season he is in and through faith Gods wisdom will provide. Again, to much that is given much is required (Luke 12:48). If the Lord provides wealth is not yours to keep but instead it is for you to steward to be used by the Lord to bless others wisely. When we seek out wealth this way we are less tempted to seek respect of persons for ungodly advantage. This is a must to be a man of God and to be trusted with Gods abundance. Amen

Iron sharpens iron, thus the strength of one can strengthen others. God gives us these strengths not for our self's to over power others, but to help others overcome their weaknesses. When we give into our own desires is when weak men become conniving, deceitful, and lie to themselves and others to get what they want. Judas is a perfect example and lied to himself and betrayed the Lord for the weaknesses that laid in his own soul. A strong my looks at his weaknesses and excepts his own faults, but a weak man will persist to deny any possibility of their own blind spots. After acknowledging the fault, a strong man will seek out how to fix it. The weak man will only begin to see ways he can change his morality to make his morals match his failure to line his actions up with his previous value of integrity. Each type of man develops slowly, day by day, inch by inch, but only one way goes up, and the other down to Hell.

Be carful in whom you give your trust to. For there are many that will come to you in sheep's clothing, flattering with there lips, yet inside they are ravenous wolfs (Matt. 7:15). Likewise, there are those whom will come to you that are fools, if you trust them with your concerns they will not be able to handle it. In the end they will destroy you out of there own folly. Binging simple minded, these folk may not do wrong to you intentionally, but out of sheer lack of understanding will only disappoint your confidence that you have placed in them. So, be wise in your council and at all times use discernment to guide your steps when bringing people into your life. For God does not use those that are waiting on Him, but instead, he will seek those that are seeking Him fervently. Let us all have faith to chase after the Lord with all our hearts so that He may be pleased with our good works, and use us if He pleases to do his will. For we are not fools in His eyes, but children, friends, and servants of the most high. He whom is greatest among you will be your servant (Matt. 23:11). Through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ we are made saints. Amen

To much of a good thing in this world can become a vice and a stumbling block. For in moderation all things can be constrained, through discipline. One of the fruits of the spirit is self control, so prey for it to be apart of your life as well (Galatians 5:22-23 ). With out this constraint we can become idle, and maybe even make the good things that God gives us in to idols? For they worshiped the creation rather then the creator (Romans 1:25). Likewise, as we learn how to have self-control (discipline) we begin to be trusted by God for more and more gifts because God will begin to recognize that you are growing and over time He will began to trust you more. For to he that is given much is also required of much (Luke 12:48). This is why every prayer we have may not always be answered due to our own lack of obedience, and all God is doing is waiting on you as a loving father. Once He knows your ready He will provide faithfully. So be patient and content and give praises to the Lord when He anoints you for your next blessing. For with every blessing God gives us He will likewise have a expectation of faith for you. Amen

A house is built with wisdom, and Jesus says it must be built on a firm foundation. The wisdom in this is that to build a house in the spirit you must be one with Christ, made right with God through his redemption. Through this redeemed relationship a man can grow and receive all the riches through the wisdom that God offers us. God cannot give you a proper house unless He trusts you can handle the responsibilities that come with it. This trust is built through being responsible with the little things He offers us each day to be responsible for. He that is faithful with little will be faithful with much (Luke 16:10). Likewise, knowledge is what expands our understanding of the world and life around us, but wisdom is the guiding principle that tells us how to handle the knowledge we receive. Knowledge itself is not good or bad, but understanding can give us the wisdom to know what to do with the knowledge that we obtain. May the wisdom of God keep you and guide you in all things. Amen

Be sober minded, for there are snares waiting to catch you like prey. Falling for simple pleasures can lead you off course to death. These pleasures must not be abused but used in moderation and in Gods order. Also, we are warned here in this proverb to raise a child with discipline to keep them from failing. However, this is likewise a simple example of how we are conversely raised up and matured by our Father, Christ, as he disciplines us. With this understanding I hope that we can all continue our walk with God in obedience and understand when our father chastens us to receive his discipline and warnings with affection. Amen

There are many traps laid before man in this life. Both the Devil and the nature of our fallen flesh has lead to this abundance of temptation. Do not let these to enemy's fool you, they are waiting, watching for when your weak to slip in and bite. But, the good news is that the Lord on the cross has made it possible for you and I to make it out of this place alive and fresh ready to live with the Lord as His holy children. Likewise not only can we receive eternal life, but He has promised us that he will help lead us out of the pitfalls of our life's when we listen to His wisdom. This may not make life perfect, but you can have the peace and assurance of Jesus to keep you from the fatal wound of forever falling. In Jesus Christ name let us rise and strike the enemy with the power of the Blood of Jesus whom has slain all. Step out and face the enemy and the Lord will protect you in your faith. Hallelujah! Amen!

The ways of the wicked tend to be selfish. A man can blind himself with all the pleasure's of the world but still find himself yearning for more, and yet end his days of life in a pit. The world has a way of distracting you, but applied wisdom can help you to build a callousness to the distractions of this world that can allow you to find deeper truth. Seek wisdom not pleasure, and the Lord will preserve you faithfully. "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38)

Do you desire wisdom? Then seek it out. Do your desire truth? Then run to it. There is no time to waste. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but you cant just begin, you must continue in wisdom each day. If Christ is the firm foundation, then wisdom is what develops the strength of the walls of the house. So please help continue the building process the Lord has begun in your life by establishing the walls of your faith. Amen

Wine is a mocker, and can lead a man to poverty and strife (Prov. 1:1). It, along with any other vice we face in this life, is a ploy by the devil to kill you. We must pray for the strength to overcome such faults. Remember that all these difficulties we have are not special to ourselves and our circumstances as much as we may like to think (1 Cor. 10:13). So, don't take it out on yourself to much when you fall short, and don't judge others to harshly. We must have sympathy for each other and ourselves. Work with what you have and grow from it. War is waged by the understanding of a council, so don't fight against your suffering alone. Develop a team of brothers and sisters to help you win this war (Prov. 20:18). For God is bigger than our sins, and has given us wisdom on how to accomplish his mission in our lives. Move forward and take hold of victory. Amen

Family is central to Christs teachings. Wisdom teaches us that to respect our elders and show that respect through love, and obedience, is a key to life. This is an example of how we love God, the Father. Through a life of applied wisdom we show our Father respect, but through disobedience shame. God is a Father and there for he corrects us when we fail because He loves us. When we come to Him honestly He receives us with joy, but there are still consequences for our actions. These consequences are what teach us not to do the wrong thing again. We must become mature in our faith. This is done through the faithful testing of the Lord. Amen

The Lord tests the heart and seeks all that is in it. A man with understanding thus would seek the heart of God to become more like Him. This is not an easy task. In proverbs we see that God says it is the only way to long lasting life, happiness, and right living. We each will be tested, and those that allow God to transform there hearts will be saved, but for others, through stubbornness and neglect they will be scraped out of the furnace and tossed away never to be used again.

The lips of the wise bring joy, peace, and happiness. There is a great connection our speech has with our thoughts and the peace hidden with in our hearts. Think of your ways and see what you can say today that may change the rest of your life, and the depth of your relationships. Ask the Lord what the best thing to say is and He will provide a timely response. Amen

We often want so much, and expect so much out our modern life. But this proverb seems to show us a different way to gain piece. Psalm 23 says that we shall not be in want. That dose not mean we cant have a desire, but its showing us that a continual state of wanting leads to sorrow. The Lord knows what we need and if we can simply humble ourselves he will provide always. This simple acceptance can help us to find the blessings in what we already have instead of having that continual disappointment that we can get when all we see is lacking. The Joy of the Lord can sustain you. Likewise, the wisdom of God shows us that every time we gain something there is a cost. When we go from renting a house to owning one, there are new responsibilities that we never would have expected. When you get promoted, there are more demands placed on you related to that position. So, the love of the Father sometimes prevents us from having everything we want because the Lord knows that we may not be ready to handle the burdens that come with it. Also, the Lord tells us that if we our faithful with little we can be faithful with much. Just like a business, if the business grows to fast and the owner does not know how to mange properly, the business will most likely fail. What true father would allow that calamity to a happen to there son?

Is wisdom on your lips? Do the friends around your speak truth? Look at your ways? Are they yours, or His? Are you proud or prudent? Is your heart burning for Christ, or passions?

Money can be a vice, a tool, and the security for many. Other than the want for greed is not bad to use money for what it is intended. Here in the chapter we can see some of Gods' guiding principles in handling our relationship with money. Simply remember that we work first for the Lord and the money we make is simply a means to living, and it can become an extension of yourself to bless others. One of the Lords promises here is that when we seeking Him, the money and finances we have can never define us, instead the Lord can multiply what you have. However, when money becomes your Lord and through pride and vain thoughts you seek it with all your heart, slowly but surely you will lose it all and suffer spiritually for such choices. Seek the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and He will guard your heat and mind through Christ Jesus, Amen (Prov. 3:5-6).

If we weighed the transaction of what the Lord has done for use to what we have done for him, one side would greatly be out weighed down, and this we can never repay. But what is it for us to lie to another man or women, what we should be providing God and others is our best. We must give our Lord and Savor Jesus Christ our first fruits, and provide value to Gods kingdom. This is not a demand for salvation, but a cry and prayer for laborer's. Give to the King and sing praises to the almighty. for when we give we receive much greater eternal gifts. Build up treasures in heaven, and let your light shine. Amen Is your balance lopsided???

There is a vast dichotomy of consequences and actions between the life of the wicked and the righteous. Each step we make can give way to a outcome in either category. However, in a true proverb, these are merely examples of extremes to make sure that the reader really understands the point. The reality of life is that we will all fall somewhere in between these dichotomies, and these examples can be used as tools to stay as far away from failure as we can. But life is life, and we are only flesh. Be wise in each matter and wisdom can not fail if it is truth. Amen

Wisdom is the foundation for everything in life. From a solid home, a fruitful family, a healthy body, and successful life; she is there to guide you. One man will receive this knowledge with joy, while another will scorn at it. Who are you? "The fear of the Lord is beginning of wisdom..." (Proverbs 9:10 KJV)

Please join us together in fellowship of the spirt of wisdom that God shall provide as we dig into His word. This will be a series of the chapters from the book of Proverbs KJV over the course of a month. This series is meant to be followed day by day as there are 31 chapters in the book of proverbs, so we will read through 1 chapter a day, and 2 on the last day of April (30 days in April). Lets remember that April 1st is considered by most to be "April Fools Day". However, the word of God states that he who is a fool does not know God (Proverbs 14:1). This is simply not whom we should be, and I doubt most watching are. So with that said, we need to come against these silly lies the Devil has placed in our culture with truth. For we are not fools, and we do not have to operate ignorantly as believers. Let us ask God for wisdom, and He will provide. Amen

Today we will look into the wisdom of Proverbs 2. Seeking hidden knowledge and understanding, asking God to bring this forth into us, and allowing Him to guide us onto the right path of Life.

The cost of knowledge does not compare to the wealth of wisdom that it can provide. Sacrifice all for it, seek it, hunt for it, and acquire it. More importantly, apply it and guard it. Amen

Day 4 of the Proverbs Journey. In this chapter we see the calling out of wisdom and the power that wisdom gives us to escape from the world around us! Staying on the path is a difficult challenge, but with wisdom we can come back to the path if we stumble. Wisdom is not hidden but canceled for those that seek it out. We must guard our heart. This is achieved by remembering and obeying the laws given to us by the word of God. Love the words of wisdom like a wife. Stay close to her, listen to her, love her, and she will not leave you and you not forsake her. Amen

The path of Lust will kill you. This is not a question but a fact and it is easier to fall into then you may think. As a young man there are many things that tempt us and lust is by far a stronghold for many (and women). Look at all the old testament saints. King David slept with Bathsheba. King Solomon had a 700 wives and 300 concubines, and I doubt that that was what God intended. Samson was led astray by Delilah and lost all his strength because of her. Never the less, let us remember that: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13 KJV) Likewise, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." (Heb. 4:15 NIV). So let us use these examples of saints from times past to avoid foolish mistakes, and use Christ as the prime example of perfection to aim for. With His help we can make it to the finish line, and overcome the sins of this life. Amen

A good father gives you instruction and truth. His words are pure and ripe for the soul. Listen to your Father in heaven so that you can make him proud and receive a blessed life. The laws and commandments of God can bring piece to your soul when applied correctly. Likewise, when we are led astray by lust and other pleasure's that they can be so powerful that everything else in our life can fall away to dust. A man can become a beggar for the compulsion to want more then what's already given them. And what does our heavenly Father say of want; " The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want..." (Psalm 23:1). Wants can lead to ruin, but the Lord will provide for our needs when we give Him our hearts. Amen

Sin lurks around every corner. In the shadows of the night it waits to attack you at your weakest moment. Tempting, and begging you to come in and indulge. And yet, the fruits of it will only lead to a blow of death after sin gets what it wants from you. In the end you get nothing in return but misery. These words of wisdom are to guide you away from such possibilities and keep you on the path of Christ. Amen

Wisdom is the key thing. She is always waiting and was always there ready to carry you along and invite you into her understanding. But, sadly many of us neglect her until its to late. We neglect her truths for the simple pleasure's of our current circumstances. Therefore, we must look into the eyes of wisdom and see her prospective on the future that only she can give us. She will give you understanding that transcends the circumstances of the now. She will give you the reality of eternity and the power that each choice you make has. Like the Holy Spirit she is quite and still and unchanging. Therefore she can be hard to hear in all the chaos. Remember that she is waiting, listing, watching, and calling. I pray you find her, and embrace her truths in Jesus Christ name. Amen

Psalms 2, the authority of god over worldly kingdoms

Psalms 3, When we have nothing, god is there. Ask for his help and see what unfolds

Psalms 23, Freedom in god, Freedom in Christ

The Day of the Lord is at hand! Destruction and waste is to come, famine, depravity, no wine, no vine, no seed, what! The sound of the trumpet is called, the enemy is on their way, the fire is set. Who will stop this destruction? Here we see how God's Judgment is to come. When is not specified, and for what exact sin is not said either, but in general God will come to judge all sin. Now how does this all tie into Jesus and the second coming? First, the new wine will be removed from those that are drunkards (Joel 1:5), the vine is dried up (Joel 1:12), and the seed is rotten (Joel 1:17). Who is the new wine? Who is the Vine? What is the Seed? Ahh, this is the Lord and savior, Christ? He provides the new wine (Matt. 9/ Mark 2/ Luke 5/ Luke 22:20). He is the vine (John 15:5), and the seed is the spirit sown in a soul (Hebrews 2:10). So, with that connection lets see when the day of the Lord will come? Probably not before the Lord came to sow the seed, to provide the vine, and to bless the wine. Therefore, I take it that this prophecy is describing the second coming of the Messiah. Hence why there is no time given to the coming of this judgment Joel spoke of as no man knows the day or the hour as revealed by Jesus during His life (Matt. 24:26). With all this said, Joel continues on in chapters two and three to declare that a way to be right with the Lord is possible, repent! Not in outward appearance but within, just as how Jesus heals and changes the heart. Let this book be a warning to us that we may find comfort in Christ so as to avoid the destruction that is to come. For the Lord Jesus Christ is the only means to escape this judgment of sin (John 14:6). Amen!

God's displeasure with Edom due to their great arrogance, pride, and evil. God proclaims destruction to Edom. A hope for Israel in the coming Messiah that He shall come out of Zion!

Oh Jonah, why did you run? Jonah was told by the Lord that he had been selected to be the messenger of God to speak against Nineveh (the long-time capital of the Assyrian empire) and tell them to repent. Yet, Jonah was afraid, and went in the opposite direction away from the direction the Lord had told him to go. We cannot blame Jonah for this decision as the Ninevites were people of a explicit moral depravity that put fear in all of Israel. Wicked, evil, and barbaric Assyria was reported to have taken the skins of their conquered enemies and lay the skins over the walls of their cities (Grisly Assyrian Record of Torture and Death By Erika Belibtreu pg. 5) So, Jonah had good reason to stay clean of such a land, but this did not go well. Jonah therefore sets out to a stormy sea and is forced to leave the ship when ruff seas arise as the crew members threw Jonah off the ship in fear of Jonah's God. With that Jonah was then swallowed by a large fish. While in the fish, Jonah came to the realization that he was helpless. So he cried out to the Lord, and he repents before God and after 3 days he was released by the fish. Jonah now understood that He could not run so he now made his way to the great city of Nineveh. Once there Jonah releases his words from the Lord to the people. To Jonah's surprise the king repented of his ways and told all of the people in his land to fast for 3 days to seek God's mercy. Jonah then leaves the city and sits away from the city looking at it all. The story ends with Jonah being asked a question by the Lord; "Should I not spare this Nineveh?" (Jonah 4:11) There are many abstractions that we can take from this book, and far too many to list. But, in short, first look at what can happen to our own lives when we turn from the path God has set for us to walk. We inevitably get swallowed up. God does not do this to punish us but to correct us and teach. Secondly, why did Jonah end with a question from the Lord? This leaves the reader to ponder. Also, just like in Job, if you question God he will question you right back. If God is God who are we to question Him? Lastly, look for the symbolism of the coming of Christ and think about how the Lord Jesus said the only sign I will give you is the sign of Jonah. May the Lord reveal these mysteries to you dear bretheren, Amen. https://youtu.be/g_UJOIgazU4?si=B9reqH4ksWkTxxab https://youtu.be/dLIabZc0O4c?si=l4ijlJI1ujwudRg4 https://youtu.be/nnQonSTPPOM?si=zJ0id-wJtwuoyjb9 https://youtu.be/MaDeQIW11FM?si=jc3F2sgigWz8OEuR https://faculty.uml.edu/ethan_spanier/teaching/documents/cp6.0assyriantorture.pdf

Destruction to Nineveh (and at large the empire of Assyria) has come. Nineveh, a city of violence, idolatry, and pure evil has finally been judged by the Lord. Nahum the prophet declares this before God's people. Back in the book of Jonah we see how God had mercy on Nineveh by sending them a prophet to declare a prayer of repentance, but now this city of evil has met the extent of God's allowance of time to stop their evil ways. Ironically, let's remember now, that many prophets ago, such as Isiah and Jerimiah, God was calling the Isrialites out for the same wicked ways. So maybe, God relaid this message of destruction of Nineveh to Juda not only to uplift the broken hearts that had suffered under the affliction of Nineveh, but also to show how God could have done the same things to them. Let God have mercy on whom He chooses, but we should not take his mercy or grace for granted (Romans 9:15). This should be an example to us about how we are all worthy of the same destruction, and so we should not look on the fall of others and rejoice but praise the Lord for his grace to not take us out in the same way. As the scriptures say; do not rejoice in the destruction and downfall of your enemies (Proverbs 24:17-18). Likewise, Jesus said to "love thy enemies" (Matthew 5:43-44). https://youtu.be/-5FR4avQjPI?si=nPyPnhQ7Mn2PYWED https://youtu.be/Y30DanA5EhU?si=QXuT4ZYhPW1zg7kP https://youtu.be/nPe0-YDFe1I?si=P_Eh8aLLpBVpPN3S

Habakkuk begins with a concern in his heart asking God "why?" Why is there evil? Why are you not helping? Why has the law been neglected by the people and their leaders? God answers, and He speaks to Habakkuk that He is not neglecting these matters. God declares that there shall come a time for judgment and a way of correction. The Lord will respond, but God must do it in His time. Habakkuk concludes with a prayer to the Lord in a poem format, possibly accompanied by song and music. The prayer consists first of a plea to the Lord to "revive" His people, and continues on to a revelation of deep reverence and praise for the Lord (Habakkuk 3:2). When coming to this book from the modern era we must first remember that all scripture is inspired by God, and is useful (2 Timothy 3:16). With that understanding we can begin to unveil the wisdom and truth hidden within this wonderful writing. First, we must look at the words of Habakkuk through the lens of the Isrelites that received this prophet at the time of its writing. Habbkuk reminded Israel that God will, in his time, prevail over evil. In chapter two we can see that this conquest will come through the Messiah, which we know is the only way to true peace (Habakkuk 2:3-4). We can look to the book of Habakkuk for answers to our own life's questions if we put ourselves in the shoes of the Isreiaites during Habakkuk's time. Sometimes, we may ask ourselves the same questions as Habakkuk. Where are you God? When will my enemies cease? What am I to do for now? Like Israel we must have patience and wait on God. Take comfort and have faith that the Lord will make all things right even if we do not see the effects of His hand immediately. Finally, always rejoice in the Lord and praise Him for all His glory as this worship will strengthen and comfort your heart as you lean on Him in times of trouble. Praise be to God, Jehovah. Amen

The day of the Lord is at hand. His coming judgment will come and is shortly before us. These are the first words presented by the prophet Zacheria in chapter one. Chapter 1 is a description of God's judgment on those who have sought others to worship. For instance, in ch 1:8 the book says ".. I will punish...such as are clothed with strange apparel." Think back to Genesis Ch 3:21 how God killed an animal and covered Adam and Eve with the skin of that dead animal. The shedding of blood had to take place to cover our nakedness. This is an illusion to the coming Christ who covers our nakedness in sin before God. However, if you happen to wear some other cloth not provided by the Lord, i.e. worshiping Baal to cover you, or hiding behind your money and pride; you are indeed wearing strange apparel, and will be treated as such. None of these will cover you with the grace needed to enter in before God, except the shed blood of Christ. Chapter 2 moves on to speak of the destruction of particular nations that have come up against Israel and in general have been wicked in nature. He will make them as Sodom and Gamora, and they shall fall to ruin. Interestingly enough, it turns out that the nations spoken of in this chapter can be seen to come from all cardinal directions. The direction of a compass has been used in other parts of the bible to describe significant metaphors or parables (I found this fact out in a lecture by David Pawson so please watch). The amount of enemies that had come against Israel brings the idea of 'compassed about' to a whole new level. Lastly, there is hope. God is present even in our sin and in our righteousness and still can be found if we turn from evil into His love for us and accept Him. Chapter 3 in general speaks of this hope God has for all to return to him. It concludes with the hope that the Lord will restore what was lost. Related links https://youtu.be/oFZknKPNvz8?si=WQV1rfRdW-sc9dFs https://youtu.be/S_NEUA55I_U?si=Iz2kt1jcxbOBfIoF

The book of Haggai is about the rebuilding of the temple during a time when the Israelites had started the work on the temple yet neglected it for many years. At this point the prophet Haggai comes to the Israelites to prompt them to begin again on the work that they started. What Haggai reveals to us in our modern age is how easy it is to neglect the building of His temple in your heart due to the distractions in this world and the temptations around you. Haggai is calling out to us to become the righteous men and women of God and to not neglect the building of His temple in your heart. The Holy Spirit now dwells within us. We are the temple of God now. Let not your love for Christ dwindle away but use this book to encourage you to come into the life of Christ that we can obtain when we focus on that which God has already started within you.

Malachi is considered by most the last book of the Old Testament. It takes place after the second temple had been built, and many had returned from exile to their home land. Roughly 400 Years before the coming of Christ, Malachi the prophet comes to Jerusalem with a word from the Lord. Malachi starts with the statement "The burden of the word..." Let that sink in. The word of God can be a burden (in some parts) because God speaks of all truth. The Lord is all knowing and here the Lord came to give one final message before a period of silence. Sometimes, silence can speak louder than words and that might have been tough to hear this prophet come and go and to be left to think about these strong words. Sometimes the word of God can do that to you. You hear something from the spirit one day while reading and the fire of God comes on you and then all of a sudden you read something and it stings. This is because the Lord reveals truth to us even when it hurts because that is the love of a Father. Sometimes when the word stings, the Lord may walk away for a season, but this is only to test you and give you the time you need to truly reflect on what the Father has said. Have you ever been grounded, a parent says something that cuts you deep but you know they're right, and then they walk away? After some time the parent comes back but during that gounding you suffer, you cry, you might even beg, but yet most importantly you will learn from such experiences of solitude. Malachi restates the fact that God had made a covenant with His holy people long ago, but yet, they had found ways to slack in all He had told them to do. This book is not simply getting on the people of Israel alone, but more graphically the Lord speaks against his priests, i.e. Leaders! At this time the priests have backslid and slacked in all they were commanded to do. For it is one thing for the average man to stumble, but these priests had a special covenant with the Lord to handle the things of the Lord. We must handle the gift of God with care, reverence, and fear. The fear is not out of dread, but instead think of the ways in which only the Lord can forgive, give grace, and be so Holy. Amen. This is what I fear, that fact that God can forgive people that no man can, and He is almighty in doing so. Wow! This is what Malachi is hoping to invoke in these men of God to bring them back into the understanding of why they should walk upright and do the commandments of the Lord that they had been so dedicated to in the past. Let not your fire dwindle for He is a good and Loving God. It says in chapter 3 of Malachi: "Ye have said, It is vain to serve God, and what prophet is it that we have kept his ordinance..." This is how we can become as believers when we suffer for long periods of time, but yet the Lord is faithful, for what is to come no man knows or can understand (1 Corinthians 2:9). These are the things we hope in and seek in our coming Lord.