September 1 - The Day Is Coming

Today's Reading: 
Malachi 3:1-4:6 
Mark 16:1-20 
Proverbs 31:21-31
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Focus Verses:
Malachi 4:1-3 
¹ “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. ² But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. ³ Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty.

Insight:
People of faith cling to God's promises of judgment and redemption. Though the wicked may prosper and the righteous may suffer for a season, God promises to one day set things straight. Believers put their trust in God's will and ability to put the world to rights. Those who love and revere God are promised healing, freedom, joy, and triumph over evil.

Response and Action:
I need to persevere in faith. I must remember God's promises to deliver and save his people. I want to live in reverence before God, and acknowledge him in all my ways.

O God, remind me of your promises and help me to persevere in life out of love and reverence for you. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Protect me from discouragement, and encourage me by your Spirit through your word, your people, your promises, and all that is beautiful and true. Bring me safely through this day and all the days to come. Be my hope and my life and my strength. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 
¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
 
Resources: 
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church
by N. T. Wright