The Upper Room 27 April 2022 Daily Devotional | Rebuilding God’s House
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TOPIC: Rebuilding God’s House
TODAY’S READING
Haggai 1:3-11
KEY VERSE: [The Lord of Hosts said], “My house lies in ruins, while all of you hurry off to your own houses.” – Haggai 1:9 (NRSV)
The Upper Room 27 April 2022 Daily Devotional MESSAGE
My church has recently undergone a split where about half of the congregation has left for a variety of reasons ranging from doctrinal disagreements to personality differences.
In today’s reading Haggai challenged the governor and the high priest about their priorities. The temple that had been demolished by the Babylonians when Judah went into exile had lain in ruins ever since. Then Haggai intervened.
These verses challenged me regarding the situation of my church. Amidst the rubble of hurt, questions, and doubt there is also a sense of growth and rebuilding. So I asked myself, “How can I be involved in rebuilding our congregation?” I can participate in the many prayer sessions, Bible studies, and activities. I can invite friends to come with me and to share Christ with others more often. I can offer a positive outlook when negativity emerges, and I can support our pastors.
When we are willing to participate in rebuilding rather than simply attending to our own desires, we can rebuild our church — renewing our faith in the process.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, help us to focus on you today and what you would have us do to bring renewed life to your beloved community on earth. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How will I participate in building God’s beloved community today?
PRAYER FOCUS
Churches facing internal conflict
The Upper Room 27 April 2022 Daily Devotional Message. The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. The meditations are stories of real people working to live faithfully with the Bible as their touchstone. Every day, readers of The Upper Room around the world read the same story in many different languages and pray the same prayer together. Read More