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Giving careful thought ...

I was recently challenged by reading through the book of Haggai. To set the scene the Old Testament prophet was speaking to the people of Jerusalem following their return from exile in Babylon - ie. post-deliverance from their bondage. So how does this speak to us today you might ask? For the purposes of my thoughts I was comparing their situation to mine, and to that of any Christian, we live post-deliverance ... Having been delivered through faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, from darkness into light, from bondage into liberty to live an abundant life in Christ. The question Haggai poses, and one we should all ask, is "What do we do with that freedom?"

The phrase "Give careful thought to your ways ..." occurs a number of times. This comes as a challenge both to reflect on 'how your life actually is', and 'how your life should be'. This is what we must be doing as we seek to grow as disciples and mature in our faith. Questions such as 'Why are we doing what we do?' 'What should we be doing?' and 'What are the fruits of what we are currently doing?' become vital tools in the shaping process as we ponder them before the Lord.

The fruits of asking these questions include;

Freedom to be satisfied
The word of the Lord to the people, through Haggai, was that their focus was not right. They were building 'panelled homes' for themselves whilst neglecting the building of the temple. They were focussed on their own ends and not God's - building their own empires and not God's Kingdom, spending their time, resources and energies on themselves. However, the word makes it clear that the former is not ultimately satisfying, it does not bring blessing we seek, whilst giving God our best in all things and focussing on His priorities leads to the abundant blessing!

Freedom to please and honour God
In 1:8 the prophet speaks ""Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, " says the Lord." What motivates us in what we do, and how we do it? In all that we do are we motivated by the desire that in all things our God is pleased and honoured? What struck me here is the amazing truth that we enjoy the freedom to do that which pleases and honours God. Ponder the breathtaking liberty that this is ... To not be people under wrath, but people who can please and honour Him in all that we do!

Freedom to enjoy the presence of God
In 1:13 we read "Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: "I am with you," declares the Lord." Freedom to never be alone, or isolated, but rather to enjoy the constant presence of the Lord. And, perhaps more importantly, are we confident that the the Spirit of the Lord is capable of stirring up others along with us, to fulfil what He is leading us to do? With presence comes provision! He is not only our Supplier, He Himself IS the supply too! (We can read more of that in the book of Haggai's friend Zechariah - but that's another thought!!)

So give careful thought;
Where are our priorities?
Do they align with God's?
Are we trying to create our own abundance rather than serve Him and be blessed abundantly?
In our obedience, do we have confidence of the Lord's constant presence?

Press on!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

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