Simply Obey – Beloved Women – June 12, 2020
READ: “Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord.” (Haggai 1:12 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: “God don’t like ugly,” the elders would say when a person was caught doing something “they had no business” doing. Any negative consequences of those actions became their proof.
Haggai confronted the remnant – and their leaders - about their selfishness in neglecting God’s house, while being busy with their own. As evidence of their ugliness, he suggested they “consider their ways,” pointing out their current consequences. During a time when they should be celebrating the harvest, there was scarcity, unfulfillment, and unfruitfulness, with little to show for the effort they had put forth (v. 5-11)
So, the Israelites agreed with the Lord, and feared Him. They acknowledged their wrongdoing and immediately repented, demonstrating their repentance with obedience. They didn’t give thought or ponder over their options or next steps. They did not first gather together to plan and strategize, weighing the pros and cons or reliving past difficulties and challenges. They simply obeyed.
PRAY: Lord,Your word says that “All have sinned and fall short of your glory.” I shouldn’t be surprised or defensive when You reveal my sin. However, often, I am. Conviction is a gift. It leads me to repentance. Repentance leads me away from the thing that broke Your heart, and back to You. You are always waiting for me with open arms. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
REFLECT: Sometimes, unfulfillment is simply a season of life. However, there are other times when it can be a result of disobedience or misplaced priorities. Is there currently an area in your life where you feel unfulfilled or unfruitful? Has the Holy Spirit convicted you in some way that you have not yet taken the time to address? If so, take time to do so now.
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Kim Gillespie on Instagram @kimgillespie03.
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© 2020 by Kim Gillespie. All rights reserved.
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