There is a beautiful song that is sung in our churches today that has the lyrics “all my life You have been faithful; all my life you have been so, so good”. Now that I have been a Christian for 40+ years, I sing that song through tears because its my experience and I realize how faithful God has been to me. He has listened to me and responded to my pleas for help, life, love, safety, friendship, family, provision, rescue, health, purpose, and more. I have tried to listen to His voice as well and to be obedient to His call upon my life. This is what it is to have a ‘personal relationship with God’… a dynamic prayer life of two-way communication. Sadly, the people of God neglected the opportunity they had in Zechariah’s day. God was returning them to the land promised to Abraham, their forefather. But, they refused to listen to God and to follow His ways. So, when they really needed Him, He would not listen. Let’s make sure in our day we listen and obey!
And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:8-10 NIV “‘When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen,’ says the Lord Almighty. v13.
What is God saying to me? Is there anything lacking in my obedience? Why?
God, as this day begins- I am so glad to have You as the Lord and guide in my life. I know some areas that need attention. Would you please help me reduce the commitments that I have right now to a manageable level? I certainly don’t want to disappoint people. As I think about close friends, I am praying for Patti and her health. Please be very real and close to her as she discovers the results of tests. Protect her in every way. I want to be a minister of Your justice, mercy, and compassion.
