On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing

 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up

And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit. 

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” - Rev 21:1-5

“Furthermore the LORD said to him, “Now put your hand in your bosom.” And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow.” |Exodus 4:6 NKJV

We are called to host God's fire, but we are not the fire. Neither do we contribute to the survival of the fire. Our mandate is to be vessels, not anything else.

Often there's a temptation into thinking that we have authority over the fire.

 The name Malachi means “My Messenger”, he lived in around 5^th century BC, long after the temple had been rebuilt. His message to the saints at that time was to call the people to renew their faithfulness to God. So much had been lost in the exile, and those who returned had forgotten why they did certain things. There was corruption, cheating and misery. Even the priests who were tasked with leading the people to God had corrupted the system. The time was also miserable; for the longest time, they had been promised a glorious future, but their anticipation seemed bleak and remote. 

The whole world is seeking peace; nations are fighting for it. Millions of people are selling their souls to obtain riches in hope it will bring them peace and happiness, but there is no real abiding peace except that which comes from the Great Prince of Peace. As families before we can even discuss other issues we need to have peace – a peaceful mind leads to peaceful home and ultimately, a peaceful church. Often we have people running around militant, not knowing what is the world has done to them – we can solely put it in the restlessness of their heart. 

• God's will
• Providence
• Forgiveness
• Temptation

“Fear not I AM your Shield” – Before God commissions you, He deals with your insecurities first. God invokes His Sovereignty. “I AM” I was before there were any kings, people or world! I pre-existed and self-existing! I control the past, present and future. Your protection is my priority.  Imagine how calming it is to serve a God who is your personal bodyguard!

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·         The World is At Peace: God sends His messengers, who patrol around the world and they cleared whatever issues which could hinder the work. Never think the work of restoration is human effort. God has already gone before you to clear the way. He cleared the way for Abraham, He cleared the way for Joseph, He cleared the way for Moses, He cleared the way for Joshua, He cleared the way for Gideon, He cleared the way for Samuel, He cleared the way for David, Solomon, Esther and indeed, He cleared the way for the returning exiles. When you want to return to God, He will clear the way for you!

3 But Samson lay there only until the middle of the night. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, together with the two posts, and tore them loose, bar and all. He lifted them to his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. - Judges 16:1-3