What changes should we make to align with God's will, as in Haggai 2:15? Setting the Scene Haggai ministered to returning exiles who had begun rebuilding the temple, then stalled for sixteen years. God confronted their misplaced priorities, calling them to “consider carefully” (Haggai 2:15). Key Verse “Haggai 2:15 – ‘Now consider carefully from this day onward: from before one stone was placed on another in the temple of the LORD,’”. What God Was Saying Then—and Still Says Now • Evaluate your life in light of God’s work. • Recognize that blessing follows obedience, not the other way around (Haggai 2:18-19). • Understand that unfinished spiritual assignments invite frustration (Haggai 1:6-11). Specific Changes to Align with God’s Will 1. Reorder Priorities • Put God’s agenda first. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) 2. Resume Neglected Obedience • Finish what God already told you to start. • Israel’s task was the physical temple; ours includes stewarding our bodies, families, churches, and communities as His dwelling (1 Corinthians 3:16). 3. Repent of Self-Reliance • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Turn from schedules and plans that crowd out worship, fellowship, and service. 4. Recognize God as the Source of Blessing • “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1) • Shift focus from productivity metrics to faithfulness. 5. Renew Holiness • Unconfessed sin hindered Israel’s harvest (Haggai 2:16-17). Confession restores fellowship and fruitfulness (1 John 1:9). Practical Steps for Today • Set aside time this week to “consider carefully” your priorities. • List any unfinished tasks God has impressed on you—reconciliation, ministry involvement, giving, prayer habits—and schedule concrete actions. • Simplify commitments that compete with worship and discipleship. • Invite accountability from a mature believer to ensure follow-through. • Celebrate progress, trusting God to provide as obedience progresses (Haggai 2:19). Courage to Move Forward The same God who stirred the remnant promises, “From this day on I will bless you” (Haggai 2:19). Obedience today positions us for His unmistakable favor tomorrow. |
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