God Who Speaks (June 15)
Consider your ways & Finish what
you have begun are the resounding calls of prophet Haggai as he tries
to awaken the people spiritually.
They have just returned from exile
in Babylonia and are discouraged
by the destruction in the city.
But Haggai’s message brings encouragement, particularly to the governor, Zerubbabel, who must inspire the people. I am with you,
declares the Lord as the people are called to rebuild and fight against future oppression. There is hope and
future blessing for their obedience!
Lord, we’ll Straighten Priorities:
Thus says the Lord: Consider
your ways! Go up to the mountains
and bring wood and build the
temple, that I may take pleasure
in it and be glorified, says the Lord.
You expected much, but see,
it turned out to be little… Why?…
Because of my house, which
remains a ruin, while each of you is
busy with his own house (Hag1:8-9).
Then… Zerubbabel… with all the
remnant of the people, obeyed the
Voice of the LORD their God (v12).
Yet now be strong Zerubbabel…
and be strong all you people of the land, says the Lord, and work; for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.
My Spirit remains among you, just
as I promised when you came out of
Egypt. So don’t be afraid (Hag2:4-5)
Lord, help us learn from Haggai’s
prophesy that one possible reason
one does not have enough may
be because of misplaced value.
Help us guard our spiritual priorities;
help us allocate our time, energy
and resources, not to forget
the pursuits that matter to You.
And even as we seek to further
Your kingdom, won’t Yo provide
for our needs. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Lord, help us not to be concerned
with selfish pursuits, but rather be concerned with spiritual growth,
the condition of our hearts and
the things that touch Your heart.
Help us to have our priorities
in order so that our walk with
You continues to grow closer
and deeper over time. Amen.
Lord, sometimes You God gives
us challenging tasks that seem completely out of our reach;
and we may feel like giving up,
thinking the job is impossible.
But Lord, no job is impossible
when You God tells us it is part
of Your plan and You say it’s time
to do it. Empower us Lord with Your
wisdom and perseverance. Amen.