DAY 1: HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Sep. 1st, 2025
“Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.” – Malachi 3:16
Growing up, I loved collecting sports cards and iconic shoes from some of my favorite athletes. Let’s be honest—I still do. I remember looking through my dad’s stamp collection and his ticket stubs from historic sporting events. Today, I know people who collect Bibles, coins, and even vintage video games. The truth is, we all have a little collector in us.
But did you know that God is the ultimate collector? We collect things that matter to us—but God collects what matters most to Him. John tells us in Revelation 5:8 that God collects our prayers. David writes in Psalm 56:8 that He collects our tears. And in the final book of the Old Testament, Malachi shows us a moment that captured God’s attention: people who feared the LORD and spoke with one another.
Something about a group of people with a shared conviction—living in awe-filled, holy reverence of God—stirred His heart. He paid attention. He listened. And then He recorded it in His book of remembrance. How important must the fear of the Lord be if God Himself journals about it?
As we begin this 21-day journey, I encourage you to fully commit—to grow deeper in your understanding of the fear of the Lord and in your relationship with Jesus. Don’t keep it to yourself. Find a partner to grow alongside. God loves when His children encourage each other in faith. And who knows? Perhaps the God of the universe will write this season of your life into His book. May these next 21 days be truly life-changing for you.
“You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.” — Psalm 115:11–13
Father, I come before You hungry and eager to grow deeper in the fear of the Lord. Help me know You more throughout this journey and show me a partner I can grow alongside. Thank You for remembering me—my tears, my prayers, and this season of my life. I’m ready to go all in. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Ask the Lord to give you a fresh understanding of what it means to fear Him. Then invite a friend to join you on this 21-day journey. Consider journaling your prayers and reflections, knowing God is keeping His own book of remembrance.
Debra Palakiko
Divine confirmation….. A mother/grandmothers instructions to her children & grand children to show reverence by fearing the LORD….