On My Mind...
He had studied long and hard. He was tireless, working day and night, reading, writing, attending seminars and lectures - he was driven. He was a college graduate, had earned a master’s degree but he was determined to reach the pinnacle. He wanted to be called, “Doctor.” Just as it seemed the illusive title was in sight - tragedy struck. His main professor, the one overseeing his doctoral studies, died of a heart attack. “No! It can’t be. God, how could you do this to me?” After much prayer, and a good deal of pleading, his degree was back on track. One day, in a moment of weakness he prayed, “Lord, is it ever going to happen? Am I going to graduate? Will I ever be known as “doctor?” The Lord answered, “I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news on December 10th during the graduation ceremony at exactly 10:52 AM you will be hooded and declared, ‘Doctor.’ The bad news is, at precisely 10:53 AM, I will return in power and glory and no one will care that you are a doctor!”
Do you ever worry that you worry about the wrong things? Ever concerned that you care too much for that which does not last? Are your priorities in line? Are your priorities consistent with the mind and heart of God? It’s possible, as individuals and as a church, to be busy doing good while neglecting what is best. We can busy ourselves with things that are helpful and beneficial but may not be in keeping with the assignment given to us by our Lord and Master.
His name was Haggai. He was the 75-year-old prophet sent to the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem charged with the difficult task of rebuilding. Gone was the glory of the kingdom and the temple. Gone was the great population. All that was left were the charred remains of the once great city. The prophet came with a thundering call to faithfulness in the midst of trying times. They needed to realign priorities and they need to adopt a lifestyle of repentance. He called on the people to make an honest assessment of the times and circumstances in which they were living. He then called them to put their trust in God, His power and promises.
Keep in mind Haggai is addressing a discouraged and distracted people. He is calling them to realign priorities and to focus on the promises of God. Take your eyes off of what is wrong and the voices of the naysayer and look to the LORD. And do what He says.
Another thing is to note Scripture has a lot to say about attitude and motivation. The condition of the heart matters. Why are you doing what you are doing and how are you going about it. You probably don’t care about the heart condition of your mechanic. I’m not saying you don’t care about his soul, I mean concerning your car - your concern is, “does he know what he’s doing? Is he fixing my car?” But when it comes to spiritual work - heart condition matters.
In 2:10-23 the prophet reminds them that a disobedient heart defiles the work of the hands (10-14) and brings the judgement of God (15-17). While a repentant heart releases God’s blessing (18-19). The point is, in the face of hard, difficult and discouraging times, we must make certain our priorities are in line. Our hearts are focused on God’s glory and our desire is to be faithful. Then do what we know to do.
Have a great week and I’ll see you Sunday!
Rod
Do you ever worry that you worry about the wrong things? Ever concerned that you care too much for that which does not last? Are your priorities in line? Are your priorities consistent with the mind and heart of God? It’s possible, as individuals and as a church, to be busy doing good while neglecting what is best. We can busy ourselves with things that are helpful and beneficial but may not be in keeping with the assignment given to us by our Lord and Master.
His name was Haggai. He was the 75-year-old prophet sent to the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem charged with the difficult task of rebuilding. Gone was the glory of the kingdom and the temple. Gone was the great population. All that was left were the charred remains of the once great city. The prophet came with a thundering call to faithfulness in the midst of trying times. They needed to realign priorities and they need to adopt a lifestyle of repentance. He called on the people to make an honest assessment of the times and circumstances in which they were living. He then called them to put their trust in God, His power and promises.
Keep in mind Haggai is addressing a discouraged and distracted people. He is calling them to realign priorities and to focus on the promises of God. Take your eyes off of what is wrong and the voices of the naysayer and look to the LORD. And do what He says.
Another thing is to note Scripture has a lot to say about attitude and motivation. The condition of the heart matters. Why are you doing what you are doing and how are you going about it. You probably don’t care about the heart condition of your mechanic. I’m not saying you don’t care about his soul, I mean concerning your car - your concern is, “does he know what he’s doing? Is he fixing my car?” But when it comes to spiritual work - heart condition matters.
In 2:10-23 the prophet reminds them that a disobedient heart defiles the work of the hands (10-14) and brings the judgement of God (15-17). While a repentant heart releases God’s blessing (18-19). The point is, in the face of hard, difficult and discouraging times, we must make certain our priorities are in line. Our hearts are focused on God’s glory and our desire is to be faithful. Then do what we know to do.
Have a great week and I’ll see you Sunday!
Rod