Daily Bible Reading - August 2020 God's Life-Giving Word of Forgiveness and MercySýnishorn

  

August 23

Introduction

Haggai was one of the prophets who urged the people to rebuild the Temple. The people had returned from exile in Babylonia (538 B.C.) and had lived in Jerusalem for nearly twenty years, but the Temple still lay in ruins. Haggai warns the people that their failure to rebuild the Temple has brought about the hardship they are experiencing but that these hard times will end once construction work begins.

Scripture Reading 

Haggai 1:1-15

Today’s Key Verse: Haggai 1:13

Then Haggai gave the LORD’s message to the people, “I will be with you—that is my promise.”

Reflect

What was Haggai’s message to the people? What were the consequences of their apathy? How did Haggai stir the people to action? Within your community of faith, how are people inspired to take action when faced with a task?

Pray

Lord God, forgive me whenever I am apathetic and fail to carry out your will. Thank you for your steadfast love and words of encouragement from the Scriptures. Inspire me to act when confronted with a task that will further your Kingdom. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Construction workers

Tomorrow’s Reading

Haggai 2:1-23: The splendor of the new Temple is described.