Weekly Creative Devotional – Haggai 1:8

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Weekly Creative Devotional

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the message of Haggai, inspire us to prioritize Your kingdom in our lives. Help us see the areas where we need to refocus on You and stir our hearts to action in building for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

REFLECTION

In the book of Haggai, God’s people are called to rebuild the temple after neglecting it to focus on their own homes and needs. God reminds them to prioritize His work above all else. This is a reminder for us to evaluate our priorities—are we putting God first in our lives? Sometimes, we become so focused on personal goals that we forget our calling to build God’s kingdom. Haggai’s message encourages us to realign our hearts and actions with God’s purposes, trusting that when we seek His kingdom first, He is glorified. Consider:

• In what areas of your life might you need to reprioritize God’s work?
• How can you actively participate in building God’s kingdom in your family, church, or community?

MEMORIZING THE VERSE

Meditate on Haggai 1:8 (ESV) this week: “Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD.” Let this verse remind you to put God first and commit to building His kingdom with your time, energy, and resources.

CREATING AND MEDITATING

Choose a creative activity: Option 1: Create a “Kingdom Priorities” list. Take time to reflect on where you are spending your energy and resources. Write down ways you can shift your focus to include more intentional time and effort in building God’s kingdom – through service, prayer, or outreach. Option 2: Bible Journaling: Spend time Bible journaling Haggai 1:8. Use colorful pens, stickers, and artwork to creatively express the message of building God’s house and glorifying Him. As you journal, reflect on how you can be part of God’s kingdom work in your life. Write down specific areas where you feel God calling you to “bring wood” and build for His glory. Your Bible journaling page can serve as both a creative expression of worship and a personal reminder of your commitment to His work.  

TAKING ACTION AND APPLYING

This week, take one small, practical step to contribute to God’s kingdom work. Whether that’s volunteering in your church, encouraging someone in their faith, or spending more time in prayer and Scripture, know that even the smallest actions build toward God’s greater purpose. Let this be a week where you tangibly invest in what matters to God.

 

Hymn

 

I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord

1 I love thy kingdom, Lord, the house of thine abode, the church our blest Redeemer saved with his own precious blood.

2 I love thy church, O God: her walls before thee stand, dear as the apple of thine eye and graven on thy hand.

3 For her my tears shall fall, for her my prayers ascend; to her my cares and toils be giv’n, ’til toils and cares shall end.

4 Beyond my highest joy I prize her heav’nly ways, her sweet communion, solemn vows, her hymns of love and praise.

5 Jesus, thou Friend divine, our Savior and our King, thy hand from ev’ry snare and foe shall great deliv’rance bring.

6 Sure as thy truth shall last, to Zion shall be giv’n the brightest glories earth can yield, and brighter bliss of heav’n.

Words: Timothy Dwight, Music: Aaron Williams

 

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to build Your kingdom. Help us to see the areas where we can realign our priorities to put You first. Empower us to take steps to glorify You in all that we do. May our lives reflect Your kingdom and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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