For 16 years the rulers and the people in 520 B.C have had a delay in rebuilding the temple. The prophet, Haggai, comes along to share with these folks four message of encouragment to get their focus back on God.

If he was preaching a series it would be called, "Consider your ways" because that is the statment that rings out throughout this small Old Testament book. The first message in Haggai 1:2-11 explains why the people are experiencing lack in their lives.

The more they work - the less they have.
The more money they make - less they have.
The more clothing they put on - they are still cold.

Haggai tells them through the Holy Spirit that its because they have devoted so much time into rebuilding their houses and they have forgot about God's house.

How easy it is to get so busy with our home life that we forget about coming to God's house to worship Him. Many will say, "Preacher, God will understand if I have to miss due to 'this' or 'that'." Really? You think our God understands and allows you to continue to place Him on the back seat of your life while you continue to feed your own personal life?

I don't think so. The bible says that God is a "jealous God". He wants your full attention. Excusing yourself from worshipping Him and serving Him is the reason these folks in our text where in lack. Because they continued to live only for themsleves.

Prayer: "God, help us to put everything else on hold while we run after you!"