Haggai 1-2

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In This Place I Will Give Peace

“Consider your ways” The Lord (through Haggai) told the people. They were so busy building their own homes that they didn’t have time to build the house of God. And they were too busy worrying about what they would eat, drink and wear. But the Lord was impressing upon the people that they should put Him first. He said that because they put their own needs first, and let the house of God lie desolate, “the sky has withheld its dew and the earth has withheld its produce.” Jesus also shared this spiritual principle with his disciples: “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33). Do we also neglect the house of God because we are busy with our own concerns? The apostle Paul said that we are the temple of God because the Spirit of God dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). Are the weeds of life quenching the Spirit (Matthew 13:22) or are we putting first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? Dear Father, help us to consider our ways. Help us to put You first in our day and in our hearts. Help us to trust in Your provision. May the glory of your latter house (which we are) be greater than the former. And in this place, may we be blessed with Your peace.