JMD Devotional 199 Haggai 1:5-10 God First

Now therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways and set your mind on what has come to you. You have sown much, but you have reaped little; you eat, but you do not have enough; you drink, but you do not have your fill; you clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; and he who earns wages has earned them to put them in a bag with holes in it. Thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways (your previous and present conduct) and how you have fared.
Go up to the hill country and bring lumber and rebuild [My] house, and I will take pleasure in it and I will be glorified, says the Lord [by accepting it as done for My glory and by displaying My glory in it]. You looked for much [harvest], and behold, it came to little; and even when you brought that home, I blew it away. Why? says the Lord of hosts. Because of My house, which lies waste while you yourselves run each man to his own house [eager to build and adorn it].
Therefore the heavens above you [for your sake] withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its produce.

Vs 4 Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house [of the Lord] lies in ruins?

In the Gospels, Jesus also has much to say about our priorities and our relationship to ‘things’.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

The ‘these things’ are food, clothing, shelter, etc., all good things; but secondary to our primary calling to serve God first. One way that God gets our attention is through financial stress. When our obligations exceed our resources we are forced to make choices; something has to be jettisoned. Let it be HBO, the Health Club, a subscription, eating out; but not one’s support of the work of God in your community! God will bless you for giving Him your ‘first-fruits’ and not your leftovers.

Dear God,
Often I have struggled due to misplaced priorities. My checkbook bore witness of inordinate affections and mismanagement. My presumption came out in credit debt. Please help me to manage my affairs and household well; and to put You first and establish your lordship over all things, especially my income. For Your Kingdom and glory.
Amen

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