{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"32. \u00a0Restoration","description":"Today\u2019s Scripture reading comes from Malachi 3:3, quoting from the NASB: \u201cHe will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.\u201d Will I be an agent of restoration? Restoration has to do with being allowed to get back on the right path. It occurs when one has erred, paid the price and repented of the error. Restoration allows one to prove that true, permanent, positive change has occurred. Often servant leaders have the opportunity to practice being an agent of restoration. What causes us to second-guess whether a person deserves a second try? Perhaps it has to do with not wanting to give counterparts the impression of weakness, of questionable judgment or of being a soft touch. Should desire to keep up good impressions with peers and counterparts replace God\u2019s restorative act? In the sight of the Lord, restoration might be a multiple part process. Psalm 23:3 says, \u201cHe restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake.\u201d God restores and renders fit for service the repentant one who confesses sin. In Malachi 3, God announced the sending of a messenger who would purify the priests, making what was \u201cnot fit for service, fit for service.\u201d The act of purification restores a person or thing to the original value. Whether I accept the prerogative of being an agent of restoration or not, it will not nullify the cleansing power and restoration God grants through confession and repentance. Cleansing and restoration has everything to do with the integrity of who God is. As God completes His refining process, we must be mindful that if we want God to forgive us, we must be willing to forgive and help restore others.   \/\/ Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, would you say you are an agent of restoration in word or deed? Forgiveness is a noble act that helps facilitate restoration. Second, what role can our words play in the restorative process? Third, in real terms, think of the purifying cycle as spiritual breathing. When we confess our sins, we exhale. We inhale by receiving God\u2019s forgiveness.   \/\/ About the Narrator COL Laurence Mixon, USA, a 1986 graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point, retired in June 2016 after a 30-year career with the Army and transitioned to an Army Senior Executive assignment at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He served on the OCF Council from 2011-2019 and has also been active as a local leader in OCF. He and his wife, Tracey, have 8 children.   \/\/ Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon. ","author_name":"Leader, Draw Near","author_url":"http:\/\/ldnpodcast.libsyn.com\/website","html":"