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.
What Is 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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41 thoughts on "Haggai"
Hi Dorothy! Praying for you and your health. I hope you are doing better!
TRACI GENDRON I really can relate to your post today. I too don’t see moving me out of my comfort zone because I am so busy with my grandchildren or life in general. I’m in a new environment too after living in another state for such a long period of time. I’m still trying to figure out here and I miss home but today’s reading in Haggai constantly tells us, “do not be afraid “ and I find hope and peace in Haggai 2:9 The final glory of this house will be greater than the first,”says the Lord of Armies. “I will provide peace in this place” this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies.
Father I pray that as Dorothy reads Your word and meditates on Your word that her whole body is normalized and strengthened. I thank You that You are taking her from faith to faith and that her testimony will continue to reflect Your kindness and mercy. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Thank you so much for the prayers and encouragement. Yes, brain pain is the worst. I have blue screen glasses so I can do my SRT study. I am taking baby steps back to normal activities. And Angie, bless you. I love your words that I will be different, but I will be better. So sweet. And when I’m able to express myself better I will share with all you ladies the many ways God has been with me through this scary event. Hugs to you all ❤️
God gives us peace, all we have to do is ask for it. God takes away our burdens, when we ask, He alleviates our anxiety and worries, when we ask, He gets rid of all of our cares and problems, when we ask. All we have to do is ask. But God does it on His own time, in His own way. Sometimes we have to wait and pray — ask Him for help.
I have prayed for all of you my sisters who have asked for prayers.
I am asking for prayers for two things, first, I have started a new medicine for tremors (which have gotten worse) and the side effects are hard to handle at times but I need to see if my body can adjust to the medicine. I am slowly increasing it so hopefully that helps. My second prayer is that I have been lacking in motivation to do much of anything but the basic things I need to do — work, sleep, shower, eat and read my devotions — my apartment is a mess, I wait until I have very few clothes to do laundry, I eat junk food (I usually love to cook). Thank you sisters for your prayers.
Sisters have a blessed day.
Accepting myself as the Lord made me and finding my identity in him is how God is taking me out of my comfort zone.
Angie thank you for your beautiful post today. It gave me great healing and comfort.
I’ve had to run out early the last couple of days and didn’t have a chance to respond, but I’ve been praying for those requests and praises…like your successful surgery Claire B. and Mari V for your daughter. Since you like to read and were sharing about the book, I was wondering if you had read Jennie Allen’s book Get Out Of Your Head…or Louie Gigglio’s new one Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table. Both books deal with battling our negative thoughts, anxiety, etc. with scripture. I’m doing a study with Faith Gateway right now (well sorta, I’m way behind!) on Jennie’s book. Both books are excellent!
Heidi, Taylor, ERB, Julie Scott I’m praying.
Love & hugs to all y’all.
I’m not sure God is calling me to step out of my comfort zone. I’m so busy helping my son that I really don’t have any extra time. I guess it would be to accept living in the west. I grew up in the midwest and I sometimes miss it immensely. I miss the familiarity that I had. I was there for 46 years. I don’t fit in very well in the west. Just not my way of thinking. So maybe God wants me to get over it and accept this is where I live now. To lay a foundation. To find like minded in Christ. To be an example of Christ to those that I encounter.
Today’s reading really struck me. In answering the questions my thoughts were: 1) Our Sunday school class leaders moved on at the beginning of the year, and we haven’t had Sunday school since covid started. I have learned that we will no longer call it Sunday school, but small groups instead. And these small groups can meet on other days and at different times. It has been suggested to me that my husband and I lead a small group for our former Sunday school class group. The person who suggested it said she misses the discussions we had and feels disconnected. I have never really seen myself in that kind of position. I know that ultimately it is His Word that is spoken, and that we generally lead ourselves because we all chip in on the conversation, but I am hesitant in taking the title of leader. But, I do kind of feel a tugging at my spirit to do it because there is a need for it. At this point, I continue in prayer for the Lord’s guidance in this matter. 2) The temple in the Old Testament is where God’s presence was with people of that time. But now that Jesus has walked on the earth, suffered on the cross as the once and for all sacrifice, was buried, rose again on the third day, and is now at the right hand of God; the Holy Spirit was given to us, God’s presence is in us, and we are His Temple. Therefore, He no longer needs a stationary place to dwell. But that means our actions need to reflect that glorious swelling. We need to pick up our cross and follow Him. I was also struck by 2nd Corinthians 4:16-18. This morning I woke up not feeling very well then I read these verses. I began to think about how temporary my afflictions are in this world, and I gave thanks to God for the eternal life that awaits me on the other side of this life. I may not post very often, but I am truly enjoying this study.
ANGIE, thank you for your response and thank you, again for sharing the gift God has given you. Praying along with you for those unspoken needs. I look forward to sharing your words as they mesh well with the closure of our study in Job.
TAYLOR, prayers for strength against those “urges” and for your move and bonding with your new roommate.
HOPE, what God’s timing for you to read the genealogy of Jesus so you could share with us today!
CLAIRE B, thankful your surgery went well and praying for your recovery/PT.
VICTORIA, still praying!
ERB, my heart aches for hearing about your news. You have such a gift and your insights bless my heart each day! Praying God’s protection over you.Love and sisterly hugs to you, dear one!
MARI V, awesome how God used the book. May that seed be watered well and grow and multiply through God’s grace and timing!
HEIDI, prayers for Nate, B, and the mom, and for you as you walk the rocky path with them. May God protect your relationship with B as she needs you in her life to guide her in truth.
JULIE SCOTT, truth and breakthrough!
@Taylor, praying for your move into a new apartment, that you would connect well with your new roommate and that God’s light would shine through you!
@Hope, I LOVE that connection!! I love seeing how intentional God is and how it all connects to him sending Jesus to the world. So amazing!!
Heidi, Taylor, GramsieSue, ERB, Mari V, and others/ thank you for sharing and I will be praying for you. Thank you for those who are praying for me. Julie Scott I will be praying for truth and breakthrough for you. Hope Trent I hope you are doing well during your TWW: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7
@ERB – Thank you for being such a blessing every morning. Despite recent challenges I have brought forth, I am a VERY joyous person so your posts resonate. It’s funny that you mentioned “bubbling” recently because that’s what I feel when I read your posts — bubbly:)!! I’m not forgetting your pain and the hard stuff too and am praying.
@HEIDI… Praying! Thank God, He knows which “I don’t know what” to pray for your ex-SIL. Tons of prayer for all of you.
@KRISTEN – that translation was SO helpful! Much appreciated
@TAYLOR, praying.
@CLAIRE B – I’m so pleased. Praying for continued healing.
@JULIE SCOTT – Lord Jesus, Truth and Breakthrough. Amen.
Julie Scott – praying Truth and Breakthrough in Jesus name Amen. ERB, just read your comment. Love how you focused on the beginning of Isaiah 58 and said it so beautifully. Indeed! I am sorry for your news. I will be praying for you to feel His Truth, His Peace and His strength in what you are facing. Hugs my Friend. Mari V praying for your daughter and love what you shared. Love how He works.
@VICTORIA Yesterday you wrote “I also ask that I might not waste this time of waiting and all the suffering it’s taken to get to here, I want to have a testimony that shows God’s glory and not to just “white knuckle” it through until His blessing arrives!”….That REALLY spoke to me.
Praying extra today, the eve of Thursday.
@HOPE So cool! Indeed we don’t know
@GRAMSIESUE I understand “brain pain”. Praying for you. PLEASE don’t rush things…Be good to your brain and follow instructions given e.g. minimize screens and reading unless it’s SRT ;) — I’ve been through it.
@Nads thank you so much for your prayer !
Good Morning Sisters, not sure my SRT is updating as I don’t see many comments yet today. How is God stretching me? Oh my, such a question. I have felt a bit lately like Haggai 2:6 6 For the Lord of Armies says this: “Once more, in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.” So much though in it all that depends on me knowing who He is, and trusting that He is going to move the mountains, that He is in control. I love the declarations of the Lord of Armies in Haggai, Be strong! Work, for I am with you. My Spirit is present among you; don’t be afraid. I will fill this house with glory. The final glory of this house will be greater than the first. I will provide peace for this place.” Reading for my own heart this morning this house, this place being me. Foster Mama – thank you for mentioning another Tasha Layton song. I loved Look What You’ve Done. Then I listened to Safe Here by her. Good for my heart. :) Angie, praying for you, love your words always, May our Lord take the broken pieces and make His masterpiece. Love the quote by Leonard Cohen – “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” May His light shine through all the cracks. Claire, thanking God for your surgery going well, asking for continued healing. ERB, loved your comment yesterday. Asking God to send you a day of joy bubbling up in unexpected ways and answers to prayers. So love God’s words in Isaiah 58:6-14 of the kind of fasting He desires, I am going to write down these verses and ask God to help me work out these things more in my life. That I could not react to things but act in ways that bring Him glory. Hugs all my Sisters, you are the light of the world, May His light pierce the darkness as you shine right where He has placed you and may you know you are LOVED.
Please pray truth and breakthrough for me. Those two words!
I found a beautiful gem this morning and wanted to share it. I am prone to skipping past the names and genealogies in the Bible. They’re confusing and don’t mean much to me,but… last night I read through the genealogy of Jesus. When I read this morning’s reading, two of the names were familiar to me, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel. Both of these men are Jesus’ ancestors according to the lineage found in Matthew 1. So here we are 536 BC, and Jesus’ ancestor is among the remnant, leading the rebuilding of the second temple foundation. It doesn’t seem to be going well. He may have been frustrated. Given Haggai’s words, Zerubbabel probably needed encouragement. He had no way of knowing that his lineage would produce THE temple. Sometimes, maybe most times, we don’t know the full fruits of the work we are called to by God. God is so good and faithful, even in the little details.
Love this! Thank you for sharing,hope!
Amazing thank you hope !
I loved reading your connection today. Spoke hope into my weary soul. Thank you.
This is beautiful Hope. Thank you for sharing your insight.
two weeks ago on my flight back home from Oklahoma I was reading a book. I made it a point to read this book on the flight to and from. I mentioned this book yesterday, “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget”. On my flight back to California we had a layover in Vegas. It was a two hour flight and 15 minutes before we landed the person next to me asked me about the book. I know it was God and only God because words just started coming out of my mouth. I explained to her what the book was about, a little bit about my testimony, and how great God is and a little bit of what my story was like. I don’t remember her name but God does she even took a picture of the book and I introduced her to celebrate recovery. It was amazing! It was all God, not me at all. I just happen to be at the right place at the right time even though it was the last 15 minutes of the flight.
I have heard of that book too:) So awesome to see how ones story can help another …❤️
Haggai 2:7-9 such an awesome promise!!
1 Corinthians 3:8-17 I love how these verses remind us that God lives IN us, that CHRIST is our only true foundation, and that only WE are responsible for what we build/make!!
2 Corinthians 4 …I actually read this whole chapter, instead of just the 2 sections that were suggested to us, and it made a huge difference!! …I ended up highlighting most of it!!
I loved this in verse 13 “…I BELIEVED, therefore I SPOKE, we ALSO also believe, and therefore SPEAK.” ..such a powerful statement!!!
and verse 16 “.. we do not give up.”
and verse 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.”
These verses encouraged me SO much and reminded to get my eyes and my focus off from myself and the circumstances/struggles I am in and to get my focus back on God and HIM alone!!! For He is the ONLY one who can help me through this!!! He is my Deliverer, my Protector, my faithful Promise Keeper, my Comforter, my Encourager.. He sees the BIGGER BROADER picture, and I need to TRUST Him!!
MAURA, hope you are doing well.. I had a bit of a struggle yesterday as I received news from my neurologist that I didn’t want to hear and it deflated me… I shed a few tears and grieved a bit, but I talked it out with God, my parents and a couple really close friends..and feel I am on the other side of it now!! And I am thanking God for His faithfulness and am placing my trust completely in Him!! Not an easy thing… but I desire and want to do it!!
Isaiah 58… on the surface it is talking about fasting.. the right way and the wrong way…but I found a lot beneath the surface…
The 1st verse, I love how it is calling out rebellion in a clear and concise manner! There is no escaping it! I also love how it says in verse 2 that “they SEEM eager to want to know God’s ways and for God to come near to them” ..but in reality that’s NOT what their actions showed.. they were doing the bare minimum and wanted maximum reward and recognition for it!! I mean, if we got real honest with ourselves, this is TRUE now, in our own lives and in the world today!! Very convicting, but so good to hear and so needed!! I love how this chapters verses are calling things out for exactly what they are!! Verse 4 “You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.” WOW!!! What a statement!!! Absolutely incredible!!! We cannot live separate lives (from God & His statutes) and expect to be unified with Him!! He wants us to be FREE!! In order for this to happen, our whole lives (within & without) need to be transparent and devoted to God and letting His character and His love and His glory shine (v. 8-10) above everything else!! Because HE is what impacts and changes hearts & things. HE makes the difference!! Let our hearts be teachable and moldable.. let HIS light and Glory shine through us, in ALL that we do!!! We won’t be perfect, but that doesn’t matter, because God sees the desires of our hearts and finds joy in our willingness!!! He is the redeemer and He wants to redeem!!!
SO much but SO awesome!!!
May God be with each of you wonderful ladies today! And please know that He loves and cherishes us so much!!! ❤️
Ephesians 3:20 is a verse I claim & pray often! Things may look quite impossible, without a chance of change, but then I remember – God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we think or ask. He does, and He will – to Him be the glory!
@Claire – so glad to hear that all went well with your surgery! May God continue the healing process & completely rid you of all your pain!
@Taylor – will be praying for your new housing situation, that all goes well, that you form a wonderful friendship, & that she will Jesus at work in you
A blessed Wednesday to all my SRT sisters!
I know I’ve been a bit MIA, I’ve been back and forth with another summer-bible-study these weeks….
But I wanted to come and offer a request to all of you warriors I know take these seriously. PRAYER is for my brother, Nate and his middle daughter B. He and her mom divorced a few months ago (relationship has been unbelievably unhealthy and broken for more than 20 years). As sad as divorce is, unfortunately in this case it turned into the only way he felt he could bring protection to his children (who are middle school, high school, college). Anyway- his ex is bipolar along with some other severe issues and has been manipulating the middle daughter in some emotionally awful ways and has her almost convinced her dad is a “danger” to her. She’s threatening getting a lawyer to change custody arrangements that would basically end B getting to see her dad. It’s such an awful mess. I hurt for my niece whom I’ve always been so close with and who’s mom has tried (so far unsuccessfully) to convince I am “poison” as well. Praying for wisdom for my brother, healing and discernment for my niece, and i don’t even know what for my ex SIL. I really don’t…
Thank you- it means so much to know more ppl are praying over this issue…
Heidi. I will pray for this difficult situstoon
Praying for God’s presence in this turmoil Heidi.
As I read Haggai I see a people disappointed because of their memory of what the temple was, what it is now, and their lack in being able to return it to its former glory. God doesn’t see the wreckage, He sees the deeper beauty that will result from the people’s obedience and heart desire to give to God. He tells them to be strong (several times). He admits they will need to work. He also promises that He will finish and in His power, strength and glory the end result will be greater than the first and flowing with peace. There are places in my life that were once beautiful and presently wrecked. In their wrecked state they do not honor God. I do not have the power or ability to rebuild them, but God does. They will not “look” to the eye like they did before, but I trust Him that one day, in His time and by His will they will be better than the first and full of peace. I will be strong. I will work and pray. I will love. And I will trust the God of Armies for the battle and strength to endure. I will praise the God of Armies for His victory is sure. Alpha and Omega, beginning to end, we can trust Him. My part today? Love God. Love people. Worship and obey as I work in His strength.
SARAH JOY – I love Jill Briscoe’s quote you shared. She wrote several things when I was a young mom. What a wonderful woman of God she is.
CLAIRE – Praise God for your surgery and the healing that will continue.
GRAMMIESUE – You are in my prayers sweet lady. God help her, ease the headaches and may she rest. Heal that brain of hers. We do not always like the time table of your will, but we remember that You are good and we can/will trust you. Thank you for the continued time you have given her to praise and be a witness for you. She will not be the same when this is passed, she will be different, even better and closer to You.
@KELLY – this is so beautiful. I have considered something like this, but it’s never gotten off the ground. Thank you for sharing. I hope that it continues to be fruitful.
@TAYLOR – moving back to your hometown has so many connotations in today’s world. I too had big dreams that did not include Iowa. However, here I am raising our girls in the same school district that takes me back to some awkward years. God has proven Himself faithful in planting me here in ways I could not have imagined.
Me: “I love to perform.”
God: “How about a Christian theater ministry for a few years?”
Me: “I love speaking Spanish, and I want to live in Mexico.”
God: “How about I miraculously open the door for you to interpret at a clinic part time where I will bring the nations to you?”
He even brought my future husband back here from Texas. (He wasn’t planning on Iowa either.)
I could not have written that story when I came back home twice (and then stayed). But God…
Trying to guess what God’s doing will make you frustrated. (I’m in a season like that now.) Walking forward in today and pressing in to know the Lord – that’s the calling. “Go where you are sent, stay where you are put and give what you’ve got.” – Jill Briscoe (author)
Saying a prayer that you can bloom where you are currently planted for as long as this season may last.
Thank you for the prayers for my surgery. All went well and my pain has been manageable thanks to all my groups of prayer warriors. Good d again shows His Grace.
❤️
Amen!! So thankful God hears our prayers and answers
CEEGEE – I am not sure if I commented but you asked earlier if you could share from one of my posts. You always have permission to share anything I write, without asking. It is not mine. I pray it is from the Holy Spirit and what He gives is meant to get out there. Every time we listen and obey, when God is praised, it is as it should be. All credit, all glory, goes to Him alone. (I apologize if I forgot to respond earlier about this.)
Being called to work back in my hometown was DEFINITELY out of my comfort zone, and quite frankly out of my plan entirely. However, now that I’ve been working for 3 months and have had my fair share of rants to God about how “unhappy” I am, I’ve been drawn into a place of surrender and thankfully now I feel at peace most days. I trust that God has me here for a reason and will use this season for His glory and my good. Haggai 2:4 stood out to me in this regard where God is telling the Israelites “Be strong and work. For I am with you.” That message resonated with me.
2 Corinthians 4:17 also stood out to me “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” I’ve been struggling with some “urges” the past few days, and this verse was comforting that I can view this struggle as part of my sanctification process and to keep laying my burdens down at the feet of Jesus. He will provide, He will rescue, He will heal. I hope everyone has a great Wednesday!
Small prayer request, I’m moving on Saturday to an apartment with a girl I don’t know but who seems nice from our Facebook messages and texts. Prayers for the move to go well and that my roommate and I form a good relationship!
Taylor thank you for sharing I will be praying.
You got it, Taylor! That verse (actually 16-18) jumped out at me as well.
1. Taking part in a racial reconciliation group through my church is my current stretch. God has been gracious to show Himself strong as we listen and learn from one another. In this we are building God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven – every tribe and tongue united
2. God is with us. When we put Him first, He sees to it that we have what we need and sometimes even what we want.