Haggai 1-2 & Zechariah 1-3

Priorities.  That is what comes to mind this morning as I read Haggai and Zechariah.  These two prophets deal with the same topic.  God wants His exiled people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild His Holy temple.  Seems like common sense, right?  As Christians we all say God is a priority.  The problem is, God's people are so busy with their own houses, they are neglecting God's House.  

“Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”

Haggai 1:4

Priorities.  We all have them.  I started making a mental list of mine this morning.  You know, God, family, friends...it's one thing to state them, but then how do I really spend my time?  How I spend my time reveals what is really important to me.  It's a reflection of my heart and a reality check.  There are some areas of my life, some things, I say are important, but I know I am not giving them the time and attention they deserve.  That's where I have some prayers to say and some work to do.  And that's where my head is this morning.  How about you?

When our priorities are out of whack we don't use our time efficiently.  We work overtime, our minds are in overdrive.  And at the end of the day, we are still not satisfied.  Does that ever happen to you  God puts it this way, 

“Give careful thought to your ways.  You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”

Haggai 1:5-6

There's no question about it, God wants to be our number one priority.  When we follow Him first, all our other priorities fall in to place, because we can hear His voice in our lives.  I love that Haggai says, the Lord, "stirred up the spirit (1:13)" of His people.  That's how we feel God's presence.  That's how we know He's directing our steps.  Then, our work has purpose, His purpose.  

Yes, God was talking to His chosen people before Christ in the book of Haggai, but I know He is talking to us too.  God is telling us to be strong.  If you try this verse on for size in your life (just put your name in place of Joshua's), what do you hear God saying?

'Be strong Joshua...Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.  ‘This is what I covenanted with you... And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ 

Haggai 2:4-5

A prayer for today-

Dear Lord Almighty,

Thank you for dwelling in me.   Thank you for stirring up Your Spirit in me.  Help me hear Your voice today.  Forgive me for letting my priorities get out of whack.  You are my priority.  Your work is my work.  I pray you will shine Your divine light where I need to focus my time and attention.

Lord, help my prayers reach people that need them most.  I especially pray for ________________ this day.  May ___________________ know Your comfort, Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

  Peace of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.