WHAT CAN I DO?

In 520 B.C., the people of Jerusalem once again heard from a prophet who was trying to call them to  action to rebuild the temple of God.  The prophet's name was Haggai.  In Hag. 1:3, the Lord said to Haggai, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while my house remains a ruin?"


In the Study that follows the scripture, we read, "God asked his people how they could live in luxury when his house was lying in ruins.  The temple was the focal point of Judah's relationship with God, but it was still demolished.  Instead of rebuilding the temple, as the people worked for themselves, the less they had, because they ignored their spiritual lives.  The same happens to us.  If we put God first, he will provide for our deepest  needs.  If we put him in any other place, all our efforts will be futile.  Caring only for our physical needs while ignoring our relationship with God, will lead to ruin.
The people listened to Haggai and began rebuilding the temple just 23 days after his message to them.  Rarely did a prophet's message produce such a quick response."


How often do we hear a great sermon and think, "I need to do that," only to leave the church and forget to act.  We must ask ourselves, "What should I do about it?"  And then put a plan into action.


In our house on Tuesday mornings, we have a small group from our church.  While we are together this is the question that we ask of one another.  What am I going to do about the message that I heard? We pray, then, for one another, and try to check in with one another about our progress.  It isn't perfectly done, but it is a start.  And we are sincere with one another and hopeful for one another.


I love going to church at our church.  The music and the Word and the teaching of the Word warm my heart so very much.  And I try to figure out what God wants me to do about His teaching so I can be ready on Tuesday morning to respond whole heartedly to that question, What are you going to do about it?


Someday, God may ask me, What did you do about what you heard preached?  I am hoping He won't have to ask.  I am hoping it will be apparent.  I am hoping He will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"


I have the same hope for you, my friend. I hope your meeting with the Lord will be an explosion of love and joy!


With the hope that we are in this thing together!


Jo in MN