In Malachi, we see people trapped in religious routines, forgetting the very God they’re meant to adore. Their sacrifices are mere leftovers, their worship is a chore, and their hearts are indifferent. When God declared, “I have loved you,” they cynically replied, “How have you loved us?” This startling exchange should unsettle us. But before we criticize their callousness, we must ask: Is our worship vibrant and transformational, or just a lifeless checkbox on a religious to-do list? Beware, because spiritual apathy creeps in quietly! If you’re just going through the motions, ask God to rekindle your love and restore a genuine heart of worship. It’s not about rituals—it’s about a relationship that ignites awe for the One who first loved us.
Facing a Shaky New Year with an Unshakeable Faith
2009 and 2010 have been years of dramatic economic decline, collapsing financial institutions, staggering job loss and shrinking retirement accounts. People’s hearts are filled with fear and anxiety, wondering what the future holds. As we step into 2011, is it possible — even thinkable — that we could face this shaky new year with an unshakeable faith?