If God repeats something twice within three verses it might be worth paying attention to!!  As we embark on a new year, would you agree that it makes sense to give careful thought to our ways?  These verses mention planting, eating, drinking, putting on clothes and earning wages, all done without the results that one would imagine should occur.  In verse 9 God gives the answer to the why.  “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.”  Wow, how true is that of our lives today?  Can you think of areas in your life where you are putting in a lot of time and effort with little or no results?  As you look ahead in 2012, what are some of your goals?  Do they include more financial resources, new car, new house, more vacation time, more exercise, less food, new iPod, iPad, laptop, TV, or furniture?  Are you busier worrying about your own house than you are about God’s place in His?  At the time of this passage in the Old Testament, God’s presence was in His temple.  Today, as Christians we have the Holy Spirit residing in us(1 Corinthians 6:19).  Our body is the temple of the Lord.  So the question becomes, are you so busy with your own house that God’s presence in you lies in ruin?

Here’s our challenge...really, a challenge from God out of Haggai.  As you think about the new year, give careful thought to your ways.  Is 2012 going to be a year where you get busy about the things of your own house or will you get busy about God’s presence in you?  Are you going to focus on what you can do for God or what God can do through you?  Will spending time with Him be a priority or will He become a priority only after you are emotionally and physically spent and need help?  As the passage in Haggai suggests, we will surely miss out on blessings from God if our focus is on ourselves.  What could 2012 look like for you if you began the year with a commitment to put God’s house in order in your life before you begin to focus on your house?