Daily Devotions
The Key to Receiving God's Blessings
Reading for September 28th: Haggai
Guest author Brent Acree
"I struck you and all the products of your toil with blight and with mildew and with hail, yet you did not turn to me, declares the Lord."
Haggai 2:17
The book of Haggai contains only 38 verses; yet in it, the phrase, "Thus says the Lord" (or some close derivation) appears 26 times. The message of the prophet is simple, yet powerful. The children of Israel are working day and night to provide for themselves, yet their efforts continue to fall short. When this is pointed out to them by the Lord through Haggai, He tells them that while they have been working to serve self, they have allowed His house (the temple) to remain in ruin.
Haggai's message is that if we want to be blessed, we must listen to what the Lord has to say. Are you working hard, yet feeling unfulfilled? Are your efforts constantly coming up short? If so, have you been listening to the Lord?
If you want to be blessed in this life, and in the hereafter, first take the time to study God's word. This will guide you in understanding His will for you in your life. Then, get to work in His kingdom. And as you grow closer to His word and work in His kingdom, you might find your understanding of what it means to be blessed in this life will change dramatically.
If you want to receive God's blessing, then get back to God's message. Examine your efforts against God's law, and not man's ideals. Put your efforts toward growing yourself spiritually and bringing others to Christ. The Lord will bless you.
Great God in heaven, help us to honestly consider our ways.
