email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

December 11, 2018

Haggai 1:12-14
Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared the Lord. Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: “I am with you,” declares the Lord. So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God,

New International Version (NIV)

   What did you start this year but not finish? Often we begin with big plans on January 1. We make resolutions in the area of exercise, or diet, or our spiritual lives. How have we done?

                When the people returned to Israel from captivity, they planned to rebuild the Temple. They started on the Temple the same time they started with their own houses. They finished their houses but they forgot about the Temple. Simultaneously, they were struggling to survive. Life was hard.

                The prophet Haggai offered wisdom to make life better. Take care of the things of God first, and watch him provide for your whole life. Zerubbabel and the others took him up on this challenge. God blessed them.

                So let’s get a head start: how will we plan to live in 2019? What commitments will really matter 12 months from now? What if we start with God? Seek first the Kingdom, the reign of God and his righteousness, being right with him. He will take care of everything else you need. First One first. Now watch God work.

Pray with me:

Father, who always finishes what you start, we confess that we are not exactly like you. In this year we have started so many things, but not finished well. So today as we look into the future, help us to discern your priorities for our lives. Thank you for finishing the good work you have already begun in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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