In the last book of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi rebukes God's people for falling into religious indifference and a state of spiritual deadness. Oh, they were still "worshiping" God, but God was not pleased and did not accept it. Malachi wrote to admonish them toward repentance. In Malachi 1:1-13 we can see what the heart of the problem was.

It is helpful to know our boundaries, so that we do not spend our efforts in attempting things that cannot be accomplished.

God's eternal purpose cannot be overthrown (Acts 5:39)

One cannot bear good fruit without Christ (John 15:5)

When we start out life there are goals that we set;

Like climbing a mountain, much strife may be met.

So make this your motto and never forget -

We're not at the top but still climbing.

A grandmother and a little girl whose face was sprinkled with bright red freckles spent the day at the zoo. The children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws. "You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint," a boy in line cried.

As Moses found out, the hands of a leader can get heavy (Ex. 17:8-13). Amalek had declared war on Israel and Israel was assured victory as long as Moses could hold up the staff of God, but the battle outlasted Moses' arms and he was in need of help. . . . enter Aaron and Hur. They helped Moses keep his hands lifted the rest of the day until victory was secured for God's people.