Day 2

Malachi 3:6-12

“...Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me ... put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you...”

It is hard to read this passage without focusing on the words, “you are robbing me”! No one who follows Jesus would ever want this indictment. But, look more closely. It is more than a condemnation. These words are part of the appeal of a loving Father who is pleading with us to return to Him and to trust Him! Read it slowly. God is inviting us to believe that He wants to bless us! When we rob Him, we cheat ourselves of the wonders of His provision and generosity.

Holding on to our resources can be a mask for fear and unbelief, even greed, behind the veneer of caution. But time and again, by God’s grace, Chapelgate has ministered in faith and God has generously provided - for the construction of facilities and sanctuaries, staff hires, and the formation of innovative ministries, such as Metro Baltimore Seminary, Life Counseling Center Ministries, and our Special Needs Ministry (Keystone).

When you read this passage, what is your first sense, condemnation or invitation? Can you pinpoint why, and is there anything in your life that is driving this?

One Takeaway:

Prayer:

Gracious God,

We come before You with hearts filled with gratitude for the invitation You extend to us—to come and receive, without cost, the gift of Your salvation and daily sustaining grace through Jesus. Thank You for the abundance of grace and mercy that meets us where we are and transforms our lives.

Lord, we recognize that everything we do as Your Church—every song sung, every Word preached, every prayer prayed, and every tear comforted—is to declare this invitation to the world. May this new space be a place where Your invitation echoes loudly, where the weary find rest, the lost find hope, and a place where Your name is glorified. Lead us in generosity, that we might reflect the boundless grace You have so freely given us.

In Jesus Name, Amen