From this day, I will bless you. (Haggai 2:19)

Having become so busy with their own interests the Jews who returned from their exile, were neglecting the construction of God`s house. Their own houses were panelled with beautiful cedar, while the temple remained in ruins.

Haggai the prophet insisted that God and his work had to come first. Likewise for us, God`s kingdom and righteous concerns must be the first and highest priority in our lives. (Matthew 6:33). God`s people had lost his blessings because they were living self-seeking lives. They showed minimal interest in his goals and purposes. We may also find God`s blessings and help decide in our lives if we are not vitally concerned for his work.

But when the people responded to the words of the prophet by obeying and fearing the Lord, they committed themselves to resuming work on God`s house. God also responded to his obedient people by promising to be with them and bless them.

Today we must ask ourselves why we have not been blessed in some areas of our lives, maybe because of our disobedience, not giving priority to God`s work, unwilling to build the temple of God, and living a self-seeking life.

Now God assures us that when we respond to his word and build the temple and his kingdom, He will bless us. From this day He will bless us in all our works, family, church and nation.