Today is Tuesday, October 26th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1932

Sometimes I like to read obscure parts of the Bible. Last night I read the 'entire' book of Haggai (you ought to try it, it is a total of two chapters, 38 verses!).
 
Haggai, the author and a prophet, learned from God that he was to tell the people living in Jerusalem, to rebuild the Temple. God had given the Jews the assignment to finish the building when they returned from captivity. After 15 years, they still had not completed it. They were more concerned about building their homes and lives. Haggai told them to get their priorities straight.
 
God spoke to the people through Haggai, when he told them, "You plant much but harvest little. You have scarely enough to eat and drink, and not enough clothes to keep you warm. Your income disappears, as though you were putting it into pockets filled with holes (1:6)."
 
My Bible commentary on this verse: "Because the people had not given God first place in their lives, their material possessions did not satisfy. They concentrated on building and beautifying their own homes, but God's blessing was withheld because they no longer put Him in first place."
 
Doesn't sound like us today, does it?  
 
God's messages from yesterday can read like this morning's newspaper.....
 
"....because of God's warning through his messenger Haggai, the people began rebuilding the Temple just 23 days later!"
 
"....as the foundation of the Lord's Temple is finished, and from this day onward, I will bless you. Notice, I am giving you this promise now before you have even begun to rebuild the Temple structure, and before you have harvested your grain, and before the grapes and figs and pomegranates and olived have produced their next crops: From this day I will bless you." (2:18,19)
 
Again from my commentary, "The people built the Temple foundation, and immediately God blessed them. He did not wait for the project to be completed. God often sends his blessing with our first few steps. He is eager to bless us!"
 
In the final verse of Haggai, God says, "I have specially chosen you!" (2:23)
 
Bible commentary, "Such a proclamation is ours as well.....each of us has been chosen by God . The truth should make us see our value in God's eyes and motivate us to work for Him. When you feel down, remind yourself that 'God has chosen me!"
 
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