The Call to Listen and Obey

Dearly Beloved, 

Day 188 of Bible in One Year Devotion:

Today’s readings draw our attention to the themes of deliverance, obedience, and faithfulness. Each passage underscores the importance of listening to God’s voice and following His commands for a life of blessing and peace.

Psalms 81:1-7 is a call to worship and remember God’s deliverance. God reminds His people of the time He rescued them from Egypt, removing their burdens and setting them free. He calls them to listen and obey His voice, promising to fill their lives with good things if they turn to Him. This passage is a beautiful reminder that God is not only our deliverer but also our provider. When we heed His voice and follow His ways, we experience His blessings and freedom.

In Acts 25:1-22, we see Paul’s trial before Festus. Despite being falsely accused, Paul stands firm in his faith and defense, appealing to Caesar as his right as a Roman citizen. Festus, unsure of how to proceed, seeks advice from King Agrippa. This narrative highlights Paul’s unwavering commitment to his mission and the courage to proclaim the truth despite opposition. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust God’s plan, even when facing trials and uncertainties.

2 Kings 12 recounts the reign of Joash, who repairs the temple with the guidance of Jehoiada the priest. Joash’s efforts to restore the temple reflect his initial commitment to God’s ways. However, after Jehoiada’s death, Joash turns away from God, leading to his eventual downfall. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of sustained faithfulness and the dangers of straying from God’s commands.

2 Kings 13 tells of Jehoahaz and Joash, kings of Israel, and their struggles against the oppression of Aram. Despite their unfaithfulness, God shows mercy and delivers Israel through a series of victories granted to Joash. This passage demonstrates God’s grace and willingness to rescue His people even when they fall short, encouraging us to seek His help and return to Him in times of trouble.

2 Kings 14:1-22 describes the reign of Amaziah, king of Judah, who initially follows God’s commands but later turns away, leading to his defeat and capture. Amaziah’s story underscores the need for consistent obedience to God. It teaches us that partial obedience or turning to God only in times of need is not enough; true faithfulness requires a wholehearted and continual commitment to His ways.

As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded of God’s deliverance and the importance of listening to His voice. Whether it’s the call to worship in Psalms, Paul’s steadfast faith in Acts, or the lessons from the kings of Israel and Judah, we see the significance of obedience and faithfulness. God desires to free us from our burdens and fill our lives with His blessings, but this requires us to listen and follow Him wholeheartedly.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being our deliverer and provider. Help us to listen to Your voice and follow Your commands with unwavering faithfulness. May we always seek Your guidance and walk in Your ways. Fill our lives with Your blessings as we commit ourselves to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Listening to God's Guidance

Dearly Beloved, 

Day 176 of Bible in One Year Devotion:

Today's readings underscore the importance of heeding God's guidance and passing on His truths to future generations.

Psalms 78:1-8 begins with a call to listen to God's teachings and a commitment to share His mighty works with the next generation. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of remembering and recounting God’s deeds, ensuring that each generation remains faithful and does not forget His commands. This reflects the verse of the day, "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."

In Acts 16:1-15, we see the beginning of Paul's second missionary journey. Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, selects Timothy as a companion, and they travel to spread the Gospel. Their journey is marked by attentiveness to the Holy Spirit's leading, culminating in the vision of the man from Macedonia calling for help, which leads them to Philippi. Their obedience to God's guidance results in the conversion of Lydia and her household.

1 Kings 12:25-33 details Jeroboam's actions after becoming king of Israel. Fearing that his people might return to the house of David if they continued to worship in Jerusalem, he sets up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into sin. This act of disobedience highlights the consequences of ignoring God’s commands and relying on human wisdom instead.

1 Kings 13 recounts the story of a man of God who prophesies against Jeroboam's altar. Despite performing signs to validate his message, the man of God himself disobeys God's command by eating and drinking in the land, leading to his tragic end. This chapter serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of complete obedience to God’s instructions.

1 Kings 14:1-20 tells the story of Jeroboam’s wife seeking the prophet Ahijah for a word about their son. The prophet, though blind with age, delivers a harsh prophecy due to Jeroboam’s disobedience, predicting the downfall of his house. This passage underscores the inevitability of God's judgment when His commands are disregarded.

Reflection:

These passages collectively emphasize the importance of listening to and obeying God’s guidance. The psalmist's commitment to teaching future generations, Paul's attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, and the narratives of Jeroboam and the man of God all highlight the blessings of obedience and the consequences of straying from God's commands. As believers, we are called to faithfully listen to and follow God’s guidance, ensuring that His truths are upheld and passed on.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to listen to Your guidance and faithfully follow Your commands. Give us the courage to share Your mighty works with future generations. May we always remain attentive to Your Spirit, walking in obedience and trusting in Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

HOW TO GROW IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - Step Three

Listen to the Holy Spirit. This means being sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit, who is God's presence and power in your life. The Holy Spirit is a tremendous gift that God has given you when you accepted Jesus as your Savior. 

The Holy Spirit helps you to understand the Bible, to pray, to overcome temptation, to produce the fruits of the Spirit, and to use your spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit also convicts you of sin, guides you into truth, and reminds you of God's promises. See also Galatians 5:16

HOW TO GROW IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - Step One

Spend time with God every day. This means setting aside some time to pray, read the Bible, and listen to His voice. Prayer is a way of talking to God and expressing your needs, praises, and confessions.

Reading the Bible is a way of learning from God and discovering His will and His ways. Listening to His voice is a way of hearing from God and receiving His guidance and comfort.

You can start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase your time as you grow closer to God.