“These are the things you shall do:
Speak each man the truth to his neighbor;
Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace;
Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor;
And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate” Zechariah 8:16-17
God showed His loving kindness and mercy toward the Israelites and promised to restore them after He had severely punished them for their disobedience.
God spoke to the Israelites and very explicitly told them what they must do to please Him and retain His favor.
Speak the truth at all times. Build your life on truth, justice, and peace. Do not entertain any thoughts of evil against another person. Do not accept or love any false oath. God hates all these behaviors and judges you according to your actions.
The Israelites would go on to fail God again. They could not live up to these standards of God and neither can you.
So the question is how do you please God and keep His commandments? This can only be accomplished by yoking yourself to God through His Spirit who lives within you. It is impossible to please God through your own efforts. You will keep failing just like the Israelites.
You become one with God through the working of the Holy Spirit. He resides in you and desires to give you wisdom, protection, and transform you into a godly person.
This is the only way you can lead a life pleasing to God. You must abandon yourself to God and immerse yourself into prayer, His Word, and the leading of His Spirit.
Hal Hollister Ministry 