FRIDAY July 1, 2022

A Final Exhortation

Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!”
Haggai 1:5

As we have now concluded the book of Haggai, let us reflect back to what we have learned. Do not hold back from what God wants to do in your life. You must seek first the kingdom of God! Are you reading the Word of God, loving Him, and caring for other people? Think about it. What has held you back from seeking God first? Are you caught up with your own life, enjoying everything you have in life? Have you left your first love? Is God number one in your life? If you are not spending time with God, and you are not being convicted by His Word, then God is not number one. Seriously, He has to be number one!

Listen again to the many extortive words God gave the prophet Haggai to speak to His people: “Consider your ways!” (Haggai 1:5). “ ‘Be strong ... and work’ ” (Haggai 2:4). His words of comfort: “I am with you” (Haggai 1:13; Haggai 2:4). Words of reassurance: “ ‘My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!” (Haggai 2:5). God encouraged His people with a promise to bless them for their obedience: “ ‘But from this day I will bless you’ ” (Haggai 2:19).

The name Haggai means “festival.” It is thought, his parents named him after a Jewish festival that happened at the particular time of his birth. Haggai’s message stirred the hearts of God’s people. They needed to get their priorities right. With God as a first priority, a revival began, and the work of God continued––rebuilding the Temple.

Interestingly, the Jewish “festival of weeks” or “festival of harvest,” coincides with the Day of Pentecost––the very time when the Holy Spirit came (Acts 2:1-4). In the early Church, a revival began. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (John 14:26). God’s Spirit remains within every believer (Romans 8:9-11). He empowers us to be strong and do God’s work––building His kingdom. When you obey God’s Word, He will bless you. This will take a daily, sacrificial denial of self, so He can work in and through your life––fully and completely.

There is no better evangelist in the world than the Holy Spirit.
~D.L. Moody~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!