29 OCT 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses.” Haggai 1: 9
Do you ever get your priorities out of wack? You can get so focused on things that don’t matter and can miss the truly important stuff. God’s people focused on building wealth, establishing themselves, building their fancy homes, and forgetting God. In and of themselves wealth and property are not an issue. If we make those things our complete focus then they become idols that take up our time, talent, and energy.
In Haggai, the people were sent back to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and the city's walls. The favor of God was shown by influencing kings to give them the ability to restore the central part of their culture and lives. Because they didn’t prioritize the things of the Lord, he ruined the harvest thereby damaging their economy and expectations. God got their attention and told them his intentions both in punishment and in stating his expectations.
Where does that leave us? As the church, locally, nationally, and globally, we need to ask ourselves if we are keeping the main thing the main thing. Are we prioritizing the work of the Lord and his mission or are our efforts and labor on our desires? How do you know? Take a look at your bank account and your calendar.
How much do you spend on the spread of the gospel or support of the local church? How much time are you intentionally spending sharing the gospel, serving others, praying for the lost, and building up the church? Be honest with yourself and the Lord. Don’t be surprised if God gets your attention through unpleasant measures. Stop delaying and start doing what he says.
Are you focused on God’s priorities?
Reading Plan: Psalm 63:1-8, 98; Haggai 1:1-2, 9; Acts 18:24-19:7; Luke 10:25-37
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