Scripture Reading: Haggai 2:1-9, 1 Corinthians 3:8-17, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Ephesians 2:19-22
This is the last week of This Is the Old Testament! Next week, we’ll continue our thematic overview of the entire Bible with This Is The New Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
The Book of Haggai: The book of Haggai contains a plea from the prophet to the 43,000 Jewish pilgrims returning to Jerusalem from exile. He called them to continue rebuilding the temple and examine the ways they were living their lives as God’s people.
How Haggai Fits Into the Story: Haggai admonished the Jewish people living in Jerusalem after the exile, urging them to choose God over what made them comfortable. Their response to this challenge would be reflected in their work on the temple. In the New Testament, Jesus echoed Haggai’s message when He said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” (Mt 6:33).
Reflection Questions:
1. Is there a specific way God may be calling you to step outside your comfort zone in order to serve others? If so, how?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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86 thoughts on "Haggai"
Question 1 hit me where I’m living right now. I worked as a chaplain for hospice and in hospitals until I retired at age 62 due to health reasons. Since then, I’ve been a bump on a log. Literally. I rarely go anywhere other than doctor appointments, stay at home and read all day long. Since moving here seven years ago, we have visited several churches, but have not found a church home and are not active in any church. I feel like God called me to chaplaincy to minister to hurting people. I prepared for that calling through education, clinical pastoral education and residency, ordination and endorsement. Then, when I got sick and retired, I stopped doing anything. Recently, I’ve been talking to my therapist about feeling so far away from God (and I’m well aware of who moved). Today reminded me that God may be calling me to step out of my comfort zone and use some of my talents, education and calling to serve others. Maybe that’s in a church. Maybe it’s as a volunteer at a hospice or hospital or nursing home. I’m 69 years old now. I have health issues, including that pesky Alzheimer’s diagnosis. But Since learning a few months ago that the physiology in my brain of Alzheimer’s has not led to dementia. and may not do so, maybe God isn’t finished with me yet. Maybe He wants me to step out of my comfort zone and actually serve Him by serving others. As always, prayers welcome.
I do believe that I have been called to work on a hotline for immigrants who have questions about their legal rights and the services available to them. I have worked with this organization in other capacities for eight months now, and I’m almost done with the hotline training, but the last few weeks I’ve really been exhausted and have had trouble finding the time to finish it up. I’m a wee bit intimidated by talking on the phone in Spanish, but much more so by the different technologies I will have to work with. I know that with God’s help, I can do what he calls me to, but I’m also wondering if he is calling me to slow down and wait for a bit, at least until one of my daughters goes back to college. This summer has been so exhausting, but I have also been chronically exhausted since my knee replacement 18-20 months ago. It’s just hard to figure out how much to pace myself and how much to push myself. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for me around these and other matters that I’m trying to find balance with in my life.
And Rhonda, praying for your words tomorrow to be words of grace. I know they will be.
Margaret, I think that sounds like a wonderful way to serve others. I will pray with you that God will bring discernment as to how or when He wants you to move forward, and to heal this exhaustion you’ve been feeling.
God has been calling me these past few years to be way outside my comfort zone in multiple ways to serve His people at my church.
I’ve been learning and growing so much, praise the Lord!
Prayer request for a friend’s dad who is non responsive after a fall yesterday.
Oh, SEARCHING, Iam so sorry! Praying right now! ❤❤❤
Praying now for your friend’s dad ❤️
Be strong and don’t give up. That is something I should remind myself of each day!
As I read 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, I think of Jeff’s parents. My father in-law will be 87 in Sept. my mother in-law will be the same in Dec. They have both been given the gospel numerous times. Two years ago my FIL almost died, he was on life support, and yet – he miraculously recovered! At that time we once again had opportunity to share the gospel. God had literally snatched him from the edge of death and let him live…and yet, he still has not received Christ. My MIL is a very sweet person, but she too, fails to understand her need for a Savior. The god of this age has blinded their minds so that they can not see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ.
My FIL fell on Sunday night and fractured his pelvis. He is getting older every day, the day is at hand – the time is short and they are not saved.
Please pray for my FIL Al and MIL Phyllis, for his recovery and for both of them – salvation.
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Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary – all of our materiel earthly possessions – but what is unseen is eternal – our salvation and our home in glory! Amen!
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@Kimberly Z – prayers for your friends sister to overcome her addiction to alcohol.
@Mari V – continued prayers for your Alyssa and Caleb. Did either of them get the jobs they interviewed for?
@Rhonda – continued prayers for you, your family and that God will give you the exact words He wants you to say on Friday. ❤️
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Happy Wednesday She’s. Praising God for life and breathe today!
My mom is in that boat with your in-laws. It is a sad situation, yet He can save them. I hope your in-laws and my mom see Jesus for who He is and what He has done. ❤️
Praying for your mom’s salvation ❤️
Praying for Al & Phyllis, for their minds and hearts to be opened to the truth of Jesus. And praying for Al’s recovery!
Sharon, I’m praying for Al and Phyllis to believe and accept Jesus into their hearts. For the scales to be lifted from their hearts and eyes, and for them to see not only their need for Jesus, but His amazing love and grace for them. Praying, too,too,for Al’s recovery.
1. YES, it may not be relatable, but here goes. As I mentioned my son Caleb has been unemployed since Jan 1st. Thank you for praying for him during this season and thank you for praying for him yesterday as he had a background interview for this job that is taking a long time. I feel God is calling me to have another conversation (not nag) with him as he has also sought other employment in case this one does not work out. HOWEVER, I feel that the job here in town, is the better one as they are going through extensive detail to make sure they higher the right one. I want to encourage to hold off with the other job until he hears from this one. He’s getting tired and frustrated and I can’t blame him! The job here in town is “more” stable. Please pray for the right words. I will say what I need to say and let it go. Please pray for the right words.
2. Either way my God will be glorified. AND as a mama of now two adult children. I place my trust in HIM who knows it all!
Happy Wednesday sweeties!
Praying God will give you just the right words that Caleb needs to hear, and that he will listen. ❤️
It is difficult to parent young adults, for sure!
Praying for God’s guidance for Caleb in the search for the job God is guiding him to. And praying for you in knowing how to talk with him. I agree with Adrienne – it is very difficult to parent adult children. ❤️
Shake the heavens stood out to me as well! I think we see God’s character in the reading today. He is just and there will be a day of judgment but He also tells us to take courage,
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1. Question 1: This year they needed a co-leader of our community group. I was interested and five minutes after I prayedd about it in the chapel I ran into a woman who just randomly said,” I think you would be a great leader of our group”. I felt that was a confirmation. Trust me I prefer being one of the participants.
2. God has redeemed us for a purpose. We are redeemed to establish his kingdom on earth. Adam in the garden had a work to do and so do we. Adam was to tend the garden. God redeemed the Isarelites from Egypt to be a “light to the nations” and to worship Him. Redemption has a purpose>
Most would prefer to be participants…but God wants more of us to take action! You will grow in profound ways just by leading (or facilitating!)! Praying you step on in that you would love to do it!
Reflection Questions:
1. Is there a specific way God may be calling you to step outside your comfort zone in order to serve others? Sometimes. If so, how? Discussions/questions between friends and family.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Such a relief to that this world is temporary and we will find our eternal rest in our God.
Q1 is so timely. I invited a small group of women that I got to know during our missions trip to Honduras to do a Bible study and we start this Friday. We are going to be doing “Jesus and Women” by Kristi McClelland. (Highly recommended!) We have had to push the date back a few times, and I even considered cancelling because it is making me nervous. The Lord is asking me to step out of my comfort zone I guess.
Today is the one year anniversary of my brother’s passing and we will all get together to celebrate his life with my nieces today.
Praying, Tami, that God gives you peace as you remember and honor your brother on this first anniversary of his death. Also prayers for confidence and boldness as you lead the study with these women.
Praying for you Tami as you start this Bible study with no more delays and you start!
Praying for you, Tami. I’m in the middle of that study with a group of women. May it be a blessing to each of you.
Prayers for you, Tami. Two hard things indeed. ❤️❤️
Praying for the group and for your remembrance time with your nieces.
You will do great with the study, Tami! Prayers for your family on this sad anniversary and that many sweet memories shared will bring gladness, too! ❤
Praying for you Tami! ❤️
A year already…does not seem like it! I think of your two nieces often, and pray they are doing good.
Don’t cancel group…the devil loves doing that to us!! I just left a message for Tanya that it is so good for us to step up and lead groups…!! We that are in the word everyday, need to do more with groups, making sure that other women join a group and keep their fire for Jesus! We are all too busy, distracted, and many others reasons (excuses,lol). We all make time for what we deem important, but that becomes idols.
This morning the reference to God saying He would “shake the heavens,” etc., caught my interest. We have seen that recently so I went to Bible Gateway and typed it in the search box. In the New Living Translation there were 2 references in Isaiah, 1 in Joel, 2 in Haggai, 1 in: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Hebrews- 9 total. Sharing results here:
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Isaiah 13:13-
For I will shake the heavens. The earth will move from its place when the Lord of Heaven’s Armies displays his wrath in the day of his fierce anger.”
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Isaiah 24:18-
Those who flee in terror will fall into a trap, and those who escape the trap will be caught in a snare. Destruction falls like rain from the heavens; the foundations of the earth shake.
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Joel 3:16-
The Lord’s voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel.
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Haggai 2:6-
For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land.
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Haggai 2:21-
Tell Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, that I am about to shake the heavens and the earth.
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Matthew 24:29-
Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
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Mark 13:25-
the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
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Luke 21:26-
People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
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Hebrews 12:26-
When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”
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I know that is not the focus today; just my inqiring mind begging to be satisfied!
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SONG SHARE:
Mike Donehey, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mark Hall, Mandisa – Jesus, Firm Foundation
Partial lyrucs:
How firm our foundation
How sure our salavation
We will not be shaken
Jesus, our foundation
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
RHONDA J- Much love, hugs, and prayers for strength and guidance. ❤❤❤
I like your inquiring mind, Cee Gee! Thanks for digging in. I’m so thankful that God is our strong foundation, our Rock, and our Refuge.
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Thanks for sharing this! What an interesting theme to explore on shaking the heavens.
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Thanks! ❤️
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Haggai challenged me to think about the ways God may be calling me beyond what feels comfortable or familiar. For me, that has looked like stepping out in faith to gather women for community and fellowship through things like Jesus & Jammies at my house. It isn’t always in my comfort zone, but I feel God continuing to nudge me toward creating spaces where women can connect, encourage one another, and grow in their faith together.
Today’s reading also shaped my understanding of redemption by reminding me that God invites His people to participate in His work of restoration. The rebuilding of the temple points to the greater restoration we have through Christ and His desire to dwell with His people.
Jesus and Jammies! What a cool idea! ❤
I love that…that would be my ideal group…Jesus and Jammies (but in my own house and people come to me!! lol) DO IT!
I have mentioned it many times here but the book “When Women Say YES to God” by Lysa Terkyst! So good! Lights a fire to ask every day “what do you have for me Lord!)
What great readings today, and my favorite 2 Corinthians 4:17 was there (just in God’s timing!) B/c I was thinking of using this one at the Service Friday. I said it at the service for my friend and co-leader just a few weeks ago. We WILL have, have had, am having so many hard times, afflictions, conflicts, sicknesses..struggles, dark times. That’s why to me, the old testament gives us such courage to see these issues in all the great names throughout. So why are we so surprised? The rain falls on the just and unjust! Oh how fun it would be if those bad things only fell on unbelievers! Yes..wouldn’t that be great…
No, because we all were once, and we have so many loved ones that are still lost. And my heart now even hurts for the lost I don’t like.
The pits, fires, lion’s dens, storms, and giant’s are all there to give us a chance to look beyond ourselves for help. He lets all things happen for purpose. Turning our eyes to a Savior, help, and growth. And mainly to long for our heavenly home.
We are doing okay here at my sisters, we are tired from all things to prepare for the service. You know how it is for us, the women, that do it all, lol. We have some littles here, and a new baby (that I especially love holding as much as possible!).
Let us be THE light Lord. Let our strength and faith IN YOU give others a longing for it as well. Let us be the hands and feet for you, active and willing. Help all of us She’s speak your word and truth. Let us be there for the ones struggling, searching, and lost…that YOU are here. All things are working for good, for those that love you, and called to your greater purpose. Help us to know that with all our might…never losing focus of that. amen.
I have been here everyday…and your comments have been so good over the last week…I want to use them all in my “reflection” on Friday!lol Sort it all out Lord in my head…exactly what you have for me to share.
Praying for you Rhonda. May the Lord’s comfort, strength and courage meet you and your family in every moment ❤️
Praying for you Rhonda – the Lord is going to use you in a mighty way for such a time as this…
We love you sweet lady!
Praying, Rhonda
Keeping you in my prayers, Rhonda, as you prepare for the service and love on those around you.
Continued prayers for you Rhonda, especially for Friday.
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 ❤️
Praying for you and your family, Rhonda. May the Lord give you the words He wants you you say and may he comfort you all.
Dear, sweet Rhonda. You and your family have been and will continue to be lifted up, up, up! ❤️
Continuing to pray, Rhonda, for the Lord to guide your words and hearts to be changed. ❤️
Great post, Rhonda! Thank you for taking time away from your family duties ti share your heart. Cintinued orayers for strength fir the days ahead esoecialky Friday, and for God to gives you just the right words of munistry and in your eulogy. Prayers for the needy hearts to turn to God.
Continued prayers Rhonda! ❤️
Continued prayers!
Please pray for my healing and the restoration of our relationship with our oldest.
Praying Melanie for both!
Praying for you Melanie.
Praying Melanie.❤️
Praying for both of you ❤️
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Amen
Sharing a few verses that got my attention:
2 Corinthians 4:6
6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
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Ephesians 2:20b,21-22
20b Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
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The time is now, sisters. God’s expectations are real, let’s draw close, working for and following Him.
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KIMBERLY Z -praying for your friend and her sister, for freedom from addiction, restoration of her mental health, protection of family.
MERCY ❤️
CHERYL BLOW ❤️
MARI V ❤️ praying for Caleb
WENDY B praying for this person who stole, and for this ministry. This recount made me so thankful I was raised where we had enough, had what we needed, no excess many times, but enough. And we were taught right from wrong from basically birth, and held to that standard.
SARAH NELSON praying for your brother’s healing from addiction, restoration of mental health and for you as you pray for the safe way to interact.
Praying over your requests
Amen ❤
This verse really stood out to me today. 2Cor 4:18 “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” So ladies I’m 52 going on 53 and I’ve been battling my age hard.
Sending prayers that you will embrace this time of your life.
You are not alone on that Melissa. Prayers for you.❤️
Girl, you are still young!!! I remember so well when my age dawned on me! I was at the doctor’s office. The staff had put a bracelet with my id, etc., on it on my wrist. I looked down at it and saw the number 52 and thought, ” What’s that number for?” Then I realized that was my age!!! I was so stunned! Now I am 72 and I just finished working in the yard for over 3 hours with only a 10 minute break. Enjoy your 50’s and 60’s! The 70’s do bring a few more challenges, but most can be overcome!
Lord, may I be open to your calling today, knowing your Holy Spirit is at work in me, giving me grace to do your will and reflect the great love with which you’ve loved me!
Good Morning, Kayla!
Yes, the birthdays add numbers. But, they don’t reflect the YOU that is YOU. Sometimes, birthdays are a good time to reflect on where you are–good, bad–and where you want to be. Let go of the unattainable (for me it was having my own children) and embrace the path you have been given. Haggai reminds us to be strong! And you are. Happy Birthday.
Good morning! Our reading from Haggai stresses the words Be Strong! And in the Bible these words have been connected to reminders for courage! We can pray for this courage to act as He wills and I am praying that for us today! ❤️
Hannah, I also picked up on be strong and also don’t lose heart. Courage goes with both be strong and do not lose heart. We need each of these characteristics to be all we are called to be in Jesus.
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Today’s reading highlighted to me that God has invited me (us) to take an active role in the story of redemption. He invites us to join Him in building His kingdom.
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May we be faithful.
Kelly, yes I saw that as well. God wants to use us in His redemption work with others. May we see and respond to His call.
Yes, can you imagine if we all step up and out just a little more…and really let God use us! I have definitely seen the immense lessons, joy, and beautiful connections that God gives when we step out in action! :)
Amen, Kelly!
Amen! The sermon my husband preached on Sunday – The Parable of The Mustard Seed and The Parable of the Yeast, hit on this very thing. He used a phrase I had not heard before, but describes us as God intends us to be, as His “human agencies”. It is through us that the gospel spreads – just like the tree from the mustard seed, and the yeast in the dough. And that is how His kingdom is built.
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Yesterday I felt called to speak to an acquaintance in the grocery store that I used to work with. I got nervous and kept walking. I should have stepped outside my comfort zone and did what the Lord asked. I’m glad his mercies are new every day and that hopefully I’ll get another chance to plant a seed.
Praying you will have courage to speak.
I see myself in your response. Be thankful you at least heard the spirit talking. The next step is to act upon the spirit when it moves. I have made progress in this area but still struggle as well. Peace to you encourage.
I kicked myself over a lost opportunity at the blood center the other day. I get it.
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I enjoy seeing your heart each day!
I pray all is well with you.