Do we have a tendency to put off God’s priorities for seemingly good reason, rationalization, sometimes fear or maybe we are just not seeking Him to know His priorities for our life? Do we really think our priorities are superior or more beneficial to us than His? Are you giving careful thought to your ways? Are you never satisfied (with your job, spouse, family/friends, finances, possessions?) Are you planting much (spending time and resources) but harvesting little? Are you not getting a return on anything you’ve invested in? Then it may be time or ask God if your priorities are in line with His for your life. Sometimes we think we are making a prudent decision when God is really moving us to faith and bring Him honor as we can learn from these verses in Haggai below. God gives them a clear directive of what to do and calls them at the end to be strong and work because God is with them. Pray for God to show you what to do and trust that when He tells you, He’s with you, then be strong and get to work!
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’” Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!” -Haggai 1:2-6 NLT
“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 honored,” says the Lord. “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.” -Haggai 1:7-9 NIV
“But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” -Haggai 2:4 NLT
-LMM
Photo by Thomas Martinsen on Unsplash
Scott Maxon 