Life Lab:  Read Haggai 1:2-7

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “CONSIDER YOUR WAYS !”  Haggai 1:7

In these first few verses God was asking the people how they could live in such luxury while His temple remained in ruins.  Because the people had not given God first place in their lives their work was not fruitful or productive, and theri material possessions did not satisfy.  Moses

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39 Old Testament Books

LAW:  Genesis, Exodus Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

HISTORY: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samual, 2 Samual, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

POETRY/WISDOM: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

MAJOR PROPHETS: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel

MINOR PROPHETS: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

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Life Lab: Read Haggai 1:2-7

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!”  — Haggai 1:7

I would live for Thee, Lord Jesus,                                                                                                                 Keep my eyes so turned toward Thee                                                                                                            That the world and all its system                                                                                                                  May attract no part of me.   –Graves

When Christ is the center of your interests, life will be in focus.

In this very first part of Haggai God asked His people how they could live in luxury when His house was lying in ruins.  Instead of rebuilding the Temple the people spent there energy  beautifying their own homes.  The same happens to us.  If we put God first, l He will provide for our deepest needs.  Caring only for your physical needs while ignoring your relationship with God leads to ruin.  Because the people had not given God first place in their lives their work was not fruitful or productive, and their material possessions did not satify.  Moses predicted that this would be the result if the people neglected God (Deut. 28:38-45)  ((This comes from the commentary of the Life Application Bible))

Personal note:  I know that the world tugs at me constantly.  Our culture is so luring with all it attractions.  I also watch as the world pulls at my children.  It is not an easy task but well worth the fight to put God first.  I do not do it all the time and I trip up a lot but I continue to try to run the race strong.  I know I am going to someday see where God has carried me a lot of times and has had to pick me up.

How do you keep God first in your life ??