Pastor’s Letter – June 13, 2020 – Consider Your Ways

Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.

Haggai 1:5

Dear Church and Friends,

Is it possible to become so busy with life that we let our devotion slip? Schedules fill up, family events, projects around the house, and work/life balance all contribute to the cooling of our discipleship. This is one of the methods the enemy uses to weaken us and cripple the church.

Haggai faced the same thing in his day. The people had returned from Babylon and began to rebuild the Lord’s House. Then, something happened and they got busy with their own houses. The Lord’s temple sat unfinished while everyone rushed about doing their own thing.

The prophet calls to them to stop and, “consider your ways.” What a good word for us to hear. The problem was not unique to Haggai’s day. It’s something that Christians deal with no matter where they are. We need evaluation to make sure we are putting first things first.

Take time to consider your ways. Evaluate your hours, and energy. As the apostle said, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16).

Poetry: Unkindness by George Herbert.

Lord, make me coy and tender to offend:
In friendship first I think if that agree,
Which I intend,
Unto my friend's intent and end.
I would not use a friend, as I use Thee.

If any touch my friend, or his good name,
It is my honor and my love to free
His blasted fame
From the least spot or thought of blame.
I could not use a friend as I use Thee.

My friend may spit upon my curious floor:
Would he have gold? I lend it instantly;
But let the poor,
And thou within them starve at door.
I cannot use a friend, as I use Thee.

When that my friend pretendeth to a place,
I quit my interest, and leave it free:
But when thy grace
Sues for my heart, I thee displace,
Nor would I use a friend as I use Thee.

Yet can a friend what thou hast done fulfill?
O write in brass, My God upon a tree
His blood did spill
Only to purchase my good-will:
Yet I use not my foes, as I use thee.

Music: Farther On by the Jackson Family.

Prayer Request: Please pray for the Zerma of Niger.

• (ZAR-mah) – Pastor Buka* sent a text message to missionary Phil Cain to say that in one village where they’ve shared the gospel for a couple of years, 17 women have accepted Christ as their Savior. Praise God that the work of sowing gospel seed is bearing fruit! Pray for these women and other believers in the village to grow in their new faith and to rest on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ in the face of persecution. (*name changed)

Question 84: Are we in the same state?

Answer: No doubt, as our Master testifies.

Question 85: When do we know God aright?

Answer: when we give to Him the honor due to Him.

Question 86: What are the chief elements in this honor due to Him?

Answer: Faith, obedience, prayer, and thanks, with their fruits.

“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”

All my best.

Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.

Haggai 1:6

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