Pastor Bob DuPar
December 31, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Malachi 3:1-4:6; Revelation 22:1-21; Psalm 150:1-6; Proverbs 31:25-31

Observation

“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”
Malachi 3:8-10

“You have said harsh things against Me,’ says the Lord. Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against You?’ You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out His requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty?” Malachi 3:13-14

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 22:5

“I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
Revelation 22:18-20

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30


Application

Sometimes we feel like it’s futile to serve God. But, this is because we measure the “gain” according to earthly standards. We don’t serve God to secure all the things we ever wanted. We serve God because He is worthy of our praise - even if we never receive any recognizable benefit; and, because only our Creator knows the means to our greatest fulfillment.

Prayer

“Lord, I can’t comprehend the future glory spoken of in the book of Revelation. I look forward to that day. Help me to be faithful now – to do my part. Thank You for Your promises, Your presence and the strength which You supply.”