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janelvoth

Haggai: Obedience



This morning, we were driving to my parent’s house for a couple of days to celebrate Christmas. We have four children, so car rides can be interesting! It’s always an adventure for sure. When the kids are all reading, or sleeping, or just being quiet I love to use that time to read my bible, or work, or just gather my thoughts and make new task lists! (Can you tell I don’t know how to relax very well!?)


I choose to start with a few minutes with my bible. I am trying to read through the entire bible and am almost to the New Testament. Luckily, I’ve spent most of my time in the New Testament, so I’m hopeful I will finish in the very near future.


So, this morning I was reading Haggai. I have a NIV Bible (New International Version) which is a study bible, so each book has an introduction that explains the author, the background, the date and the themes and teaching. I have enjoyed reading those to better understand what I’m about to read.


This morning as I was reading the introduction for Haggai, I read the following: Haggai clearly shows the consequences of disobedience and obedience. When the people give priority to God and His house, they are blessed rather than cursed. Obedience brings the encouragement and strength of the Spirit of God.


That last line really struck me. I literally stopped reading and just sat with that sentence for a bit. “Obedience brings the encouragement and strength of the Spirit of God.” I have really been struggling lately with my attitude and have really felt attacked by the enemy lately. Doesn’t it feel like whenever you start to get back on track with your faith that the enemy does something to try and deter you? The first thought I had after reading this was, “Am I being obedient to God’s will with my life? Am I slowing down enough to hear Him and his guidance so that I can be obedient? Or, am I just going through life doing what I think is right, what I know works for me and ignoring Him?”


These are things I have struggled with forever, but they feel more “at the surface” now than they have in a long time. I am feeling lots of “nudges” to do something different. The last time I felt a big nudge was last year when I decided to start this blog, finally, after wanting to for years! The feeling of joy and excitement as I created it was exactly what I needed to know it was the right thing. I truly believe that God wants me to write this blog. I truly believe that I can help other people with what I have learned and know. If I even help just one person, that will be a success to me!


So, as I read this I wondered if I was being obedient with ALL parts of my life or just the parts that I am ok with being obedient! And I wondered, if I was obedient with ALL parts of my life, how would God use me?


Thank you for reading my rambling. I pray that you find time today to sit with the Lord and with His word and that it speaks to you in ways that answer the questions you have.


Blessings! Janel

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