“Consider your ways!”
If we consider our circle of influence, then we know there are certain people, particular areas, and significant situations where we can make a difference. Consider how the LORD saw the humanity He created, saw their sin, and came into this world, fashioned in the form of a man. JESUS influenced the surrounding world by offering humanity forgiveness of sins. If you have received God’s free gift of salvation, then you are a redeemed child of the King. You no longer have the right to live as you please, to walk as you want, or to continue as you have always done.
YOU HAVE BEEN CHANGED FROM THE INSIDE OUT.
YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE POWER OF GOD TO INFLUENCE THOSE SURROUNDING YOU, FOR THE GREATER GOOD—THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. &
AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS, YOU ARE THE LIVING, BREATHING TEMPLE OF GOD.
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways!”
(The Book of Haggai 1: 7 NASB)
Some individuals will arise today, on this first day of the new year, maybe sluggishly from the leftover effects of last night’s festivities and lack of sleep. Others may awake regretful, yet hopeful, for the newness this first day will bring. While all people alive are gifted with this new year that begins today, the child of God is different because he has been commanded by the LORD to look toward the new 365 days, even as he looks reflectively back at the way he walked with God last year. . It’s as if the child of God will open a new book, one that will be lived AS he arises each morning, one that will be read AS he lives each day. It’s a book with blank pages, and chapter one begins today—January 1st
In the Bible, we read the account of Haggai, the prophet of God who lived during the reign of King Darius. Six months of the year had passed, and it was day one of the next month when the LORD called His prophet (Haggai) to speak difficult words the people needed to digest.
“Thus says the LORD of hosts,
(The Book of Haggai 1: 2-7 NASB)
‘This people says, “The time has not come, even the time for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt.” ‘ “
Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying,
“Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?”
Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts,
“Consider your ways!
You have sown much, but harvest little;
you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied;
you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk;
you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough;
and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.”
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways!”
We know from Bible history that the prophet was speaking to those of the land of Judah about how the temple of the LORD lay in ruins. We read and understand how the LORD commanded His people to rebuild, to glorify and bring honor to Him. We also read the LORD’S warning to His people if they do not heed His Word.
In the New Testament portion of the Bible, we are told in as least two passages (The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 3: 16-17 and 6: 19-20) how God’s Holy Spirit dwells inside the redeemed person. Thus, inside each Christian is the temple of God. Take hold of this truth: the presence of God’s Holy Spirit was given at the moment of the person’s salvation. The Bible tells us how God seals His redeemed ones with His Holy Spirit, certifying that believers belong to Him and carry the very presence of God into the world as they enter each new day. Totally amazing, right?!
God is the keeper of HIS HOUSE, HIS TEMPLE—our bodies.
We are walking, breathing holy sanctuaries that influence the world as we live.
We have a heavenly calling to live holy lives that honor Christ.
Do not procrastinate. Begin Today: January 1st.
The melody: “If God Lives Here” by Christian artist Zach Williams reminds us not to forget God’s truth.
“If God lives here, He hides real well. . . . You’re still here (2x) You’re still here in this man now.”
May we be desperate, down on our knees, seeking the LORD, asking Him to lead us in the changes we need to make.”
May we evaluate our lives & May we ask critical questions—
- This new year, how may we enjoy the LORD more?
- As we step into this new year, what may the LORD ask of us, tasks that may seem impossible without His help?
- Are there bad habits we need to stop & hurtful memories we need to forget?
- Are there relationships we need to mend?
- In what area of our lives do we need the most change & What will we do to make the change?
- How we can begin to live better & stronger lives that glorify and honor God?
- When looking at our families, what can we personally do that might improve them most?
- When looking at our faith-families (the church), what can we do that will help strengthen it?
- What spiritual discipline needs the most attention in this new year? & What will I begin doing today to make this happen?
- As we look back on the previous year, where do we see that most of our time was lost?
- Did we bring glory and honor to God in doing it (that action that took most of our time)?
- Should we continue as we have done OR Should we refrain in the new year?
We have received the gift of a new year from the LORD.
Some may have been given a full 365 days to live & Some may have received less days to live.
In peering forward, let us be resolved, for this is our Spiritual Legacy.
- What is the most important way we can strive to make this year different?
- How can we live more God-centered this year?
- What can we do now (today) that will matter in ten years?
The melody by Christian artist Katy Nichole: “Have Your Way” reminds the children of God to ponder the teaching of our heavenly Father.
It’s the first day of a New Year.
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, “Consider your ways!”
(The Book of Haggai 1: 7 NASB)