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Daily Inspirational Devotionals
The Great Divorce “I hate divorce!” says the Lord. (Malachi 2:16) Why does God hate divorce? What is it about this particular human transgression that elicits such strong emotion from our Father? Why would he choose to mention this sin above so many others as an act that he literally abhors? Could it possibly be because God feels like he’s been through one himself? “I have loved you deeply,” he says to Israel through his prophet Malachi (Malachi 1:2). It is a sentiment that he relayed thousands of times in many different ways throughout the years to his beloved people, yet they continued to turn their backs on him. No matter how many times he lured his bride back, she continued to be unfaithful. In spite of his love and provision, Israel’s heart wandered relentlessly. And in the end she left him and never returned. God hates divorce because he understands firsthand what it feels like. He knows the pain that comes from having a spouse leave you. He knows the bitterness of unkept promises and broken vows. He’s experienced the sorrow of a fractured relationship, and it pains him deeply to see his children go through it. God doesn’t look on divorced people as greater sinners but as hurting children—people who have gone through the ultimate sign of rejection. It’s a pain he knows too well to easily dismiss. Often the church treats those who have been divorced as second-class citizens of the Kingdom when it should be extending compassion to them. God never singled out divorce as the greatest sin. He sees it as one of the most hurtful acts one person can heap on another. And because of that he will always hate the idea of divorce. Broken vows are something God understands intimately. His heart deals with them on a daily basis. Every time we turn our back on God and toward another, he feels the pain of rejection. Every soul who denies him adds another dagger to his heart. Everyone who leaves the earth without accepting his love brings the pain of Israel back to his mind. God is the ultimate jilted lover. He’s been abandoned more often than you and I can fathom, yet still his faithfulness abounds. Still he remains true. Still he loves us deeply.
Today’s Reading Hosea 1:2–3:5; Malachi 2:16 Reflection In what ways have you hurt God by turning your heart toward another? What are some things you can do to remain faithful?
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The best-selling Left Behind series has captured the attention of millions of readers, and it has changed lives. It has brought millions of believers the motivation to examine their hearts. Are you ready to embrace eternity? Live each moment as if it could be your last? Your future is more important than your past. Where you are going matters more than where you have been. What you do from this day forward means much more than what you have already done. You may be affected by your past, but you are not defined by it. Not in the eyes of God. What does it mean to embrace eternity? It means grasping each breath as if it could be your last, living life moment by precious moment with your feet planted firmly on earth but your heart aimed squarely at heaven. It means learning to embrace the role of dual citizenship—living in one world while belonging to another. It is a lifestyle of living like there’s no tomorrow and then dying so that your real life can finally begin! This 365-day devotional explores the themes introduced in the Left Behind series—themes of salvation, grace, obedience, and faith. New believers as well as mature believers will find a message of faith that will inspire and motivate daily.
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