This week we learn the importance
of Repentance, Passion & Waiting to position rightly to experience God.
On Monday, we learn from
Joel 1-2 to Return to the Lord.
On Tuesday, we learn from Amos
2-5 to Guard Against Indifference.
On Wed, we learn from Jonah 3-4
to Share Message of Compassion.
On Thurs, we learn from Hab 2-3
to Wait Upon God thro Hard Times.
On Friday, we learn from Haggai
1-2 to Get the Priorities Right.
Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face…In Jesus’ name.
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)
Yet now be strong Zerubbabel, and be strong Joshua the high priest;
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
importance of pursuits that matter
to You God. And even as we seek
to further Your kingdom, won’t
You ambly provide for us. Amen.
Lord, help me to not be concerned
with outward appearance and
selfish pursuits, but rather to be
concerned with spiritual growth,
the condition of our hearts and the things that touch the hearts of You.
Help me to have my priorities
in order so that my walk with
You continues to grow closer
and deeper over time. Amen.
Lord, sometimes You God gives
us challenging tasks to do. And
they may seem completely out
of our reach; and we may feel
like just give 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 & perseverance. Amen.
