2004-07-04 - First Things First!

Haggai, Part 4

Haggai 1:1-15

As we discussed previously, it seems like setting priorities is a serious struggle, both for people in general and specifically for the church. People come to me for counseling because their lives are in turmoil. A common problem is the way they set their priorities. Their methods seem at odds with their expressed desires. As a couple, probably the most important priority in strengthening a relationship is spending time with one another. But jobs, school, kids, and life in general get in the way. "We want to spend time together, but we can’t find it." Spare time isn’t just lying around. You have to make it, not find it.

"I want to grow in my relationship with the Lord." But we can’t find the time to pray, study the word, be in fellowship with others. So is it a surprise that there isn’t any real growth?

Our words aren’t a testimony to our maturity or our desires and intent. How we set our priorities, make our decisions and use our time all say more about our focus and priorities than any words ever will. The struggle for the believer will always be putting "first things first!" And as we will see in this study, this isn’t a new struggle. The saints of God have been struggling with this same issue for hundreds of years, and maybe even back to the Garden. Setting priorities is really a question of how and whom we worship. But first … Feinberg, in his commentary on Haggai, recommends the books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther be read in conjunction with Haggai. This will give the reader the background on the same period of the history of Israel.

To be continued.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org