Gems 2015 — December 26 Scripture Selection: Haggai 1-2

Guest post by Jeanette Andrade

December 26 Scripture Selection: Haggai 1-2

Food for Thought: Hag. 1:5-7

A little self reflection with the help of the Holy Spirit is a very good thing—not for self-condemnation, but to judge our heart and see if we have included the Lord in every area of our lives, or if we are trying to do things on our own. In Haggai the Lord gives indications of the people that need to make a complete turn-around and include Him in all they do. The first thing to do, the Lord says, is “Consider your ways.” Look at what you do and the results you have had.

There are people who are pouring their heart and soul into their work, trying s hard to get ahead, but are really getting nowhere. All their efforts have produced nothing. They are just getting by. Even though they earn wages, and no matter how much they earn, it’s never enough. This is not just something that happens to the poor, uneducated in society. It happens to people in all walks of life. In fact, there are people all around who put on a smile every day and appear to be doing all right, but the truth is they are struggling, and most of all, in the hearts.

They go through their day ignoring the One Who loves them and would really like to be involved in their lives. He is the only One Who can direct them and make all things work out for their good (Rom. 8:28). He wants to be their provider and give them abundantly, above all that they could ask or think (Eph. 3:20; Phil. 4:19). Like any good father, He desires to see His children succeed.

As we come up on another new year, it is good to examine ourselves and make sure we are not as those described in Haggai. There may be areas in our lives that we have not included the Lord in or even asked Him about, areas that are not going well because we have tried to do it on our own. If the Holy Spirit puts His finger on something that we have been doing in the exclusion of God, now is the perfect time to repent and turn it all over to Him. Then we will begin to experience true satisfaction in our lives and peace in our hearts. To begin with, as He says, “Consider your ways.”

Digging Deeper (What scriptures can further enhance today’s reading?):

Getting Personal (What has God shown you in today’s reading?):

Confession of Faith (Example: Lord, based on Mat. 1:21 and 23, I understand that Jesus is God, and I receive Him as my personal Lord and Savior.):

Important Events on This Day (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.):