Haggai 1:7-8, Psalm 1, Psalm 95

Karunakar Mallamari considers the importance of studying and obeying God's word

Karunakar Mallamari
Karunakar Mallamari

'This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honoured," says the Lord.' Haggai 1:7-8

Prophet Haggai as the messenger from God is speaking to a remnant of Jews about 520BC, but the message is fresh even today; applicable to our spiritual health. The consequences will be the same if we obey or disobey God's word, building our own lives and neglecting Him and His word and work.

The Jewish people are enjoying their luxurious or panelled houses and neglecting the work of the house of God and the consequences are drought and an unproductive land. The people give careful thought and show fear to the Lord in obedience to the message from the prophet and they came and began work on the house of God. We also need to hear God's word and respond.

The biggest drought in our lives today is the scarcity of God's word in our hearts and its results are always painful defeats, but when we feed on God's word it helps us:

1. Trust God

2. Obey God's word

3. Defeat the devil

4. Renew our minds

5. Help us help others

These are just basic things, but nonetheless essential facts. God is much honoured in our humble and faithful actions.

David is the finest example of someone who trusted the word of God. He was faithful when tending his father's sheep in the wilderness and was faithful in praising God and God honoured his faithfulness to become the king of the Jewish nation. Psalm 95 is a great Psalm to show this praise and also the importance of not hardening out hearts to Him when we hear Him and in Psalm 1 the Psalmist reminds us that God's highest desire for his created humanity is to be fruitful and increase, but that there are consequences if we don't remain in Him.

So today, be blessed and encouraged in your spirit and partake faithfully in studying God's word, obeying Him and in building God's Kingdom work on earth. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.