FRIDAY June 3, 2022
Time to Examine Your Priorities
Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?”
Haggai 1:3-4
The prophet Haggai faithfully spoke God’s Word to the remnant of Jews who had returned from captivity in Babylon to Israel. They were supposed to take care of the Temple of God that needed to be rebuilt; but instead, they got caught up in themselves––building their own paneled houses. They had become utterly selfish. God’s people did not care there was no Temple for worship. What was God’s complaint to them? They were neglecting their relationship with God, and the house of the Lord was in ruins––did they not care?
The philosophy of the world remains the same––me, myself and I; but as Christians, God must always be first in our lives. God first! We need to be last. I know life can be so busy, but we should not spend all of our time on our own selfish desires. We need to have an eternal perspective in all the things we do. What responsibilities and priorities has God given to you to take care of in His kingdom?
Sadly, often the house of the Lord is neglected. God’s work and developing a heart of worship has become less of a priority. Do not make the same mistakes as the people of God. Seriously, we need a renewal of heart and purity of life. There is too much carnality, pride, selfishness and ungodliness in the Church. And yet we serve a holy God. May we place our lives in the hands of God, asking Him for His mercy and grace.
As I travel around the country and go overseas, I see God moving in some places; but in others, I see that the churches have become dry places––dead spots. My desire is to see the power of the Holy Spirit operating in every person in the Church. I pray God speaks to your heart in a mighty way through the book of Haggai. Let us all have an ear to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church.
The truth is, men are not basically good; they are basically evil, and the essence of their sin lies in their selfishness!
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
