Obeying The Voice Of The Lord

Haggai prophesied unto “all the remnant of the people” that were “in Judah and Jerusalem” (Ezr 5:1), after their Babylonian captivity (Jer 29:10). When the people obeyed and “did fear before the Lord,” then He promised to be with them (v. 13). But whenever they disobeyed God, it defiles the earth and causes things to be out of order (Isa 24:5)! Understanding the importance and the blessings of obeying God’s word (Lk 11:28), is the foundation of our faith (Jn 14:15). Studying and applying His truth in our lives (Eph 2:10), provides us with guidance in our daily walk (Prov 16:9), as well as in making important decisions in our lives (Prov 3:6).

 Our obedience should flow from a heart that loves God (Mt 22:37), and faithfully desires to honor Him in everything we do (1 Cor 10:31)! Most folks look at God’s word as only being filled with restrictions and judgments (Jude 1:15). However, our God is also “full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth” (Ps 86:15). The restrictions, trials, and testing that He allows in our lives (Jms 1:3), are always for our own good (Rom 8:28).

 It is like the doctor setting a broken bone; it requires proper alignment and immobilization to ensure healing during the painful recovery. Often, a cast is placed to provide the necessary restriction for the bone to properly grow back. God loves us “with an everlasting love” (Jer 31:3). It can hurt deeply when He corrects us (Heb 12:6). And He places those restrictions because He wants to guide us towards “the strait gate” (Mt 7:13), so we can line up with His plans for us. When we lovingly obey Him and follow the right path (Ps 37:23), our lives will be in order (Ps 119:133)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera