"Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 'Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?'" (Haggai 1:3)
(Now no one get paranoid. This is just in my regular reading the other day.) Some regular viewers of Christian television have told me that there are a number of prominent ministries which are no longer on the air in the Pittsburgh area. I have heard too that there are many ministries which have had to cut back in their services because of the economy. It would be good for Believers to take a look at the first thing they cut when times get rough.
In our text, we see that the Jews were taking good care of their own private houses, but the House of the Lord lay "in ruins." There was no, "Oh, I understand. Times are tough and you must make choices as to which bills to pay." Rather, the Lord God told them, "You have planted much but harvested little....You have wine to drink, but not enough to satisfy your thirst....Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes." (NLT) This sounds like the headlines in today's media. Could the reason be that America is in this most embarrassing situation because of its abandonment of our heritage in Jesus Christ, His Kingdom, and His Words?
Too many in the modern American church have been acculturated to live by, "Seek first your own survival, and you will survive." It is incumbent upon every Follower of Jesus to live by His "God-Breathed" Word, not the foul breath of society. Jesus said it very succinctly and clearly, and it applies to individuals, congregations, businesses, and nations alike. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Father, in Jesus' Name, Blessed Holy Spirit, convict me any time You and Your Kingdom are not my priority. Amen.
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Be sure to see the prophetic video at: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
