He lives!

Haggai 2: 4&5

“But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,” declares the Lord.  “Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak the high priest.   Be strong, all you people of the land,” declares the Lord, “and work. For I am with you,” declares the Lord Almighty.  “This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt.  And my Spirit remains among you.  Do not fear.” NIV

This is a pretty effective recipe to banish worry:

Be strong.  Work.  Remember God’s promises.  Know that God is with you.  Don’t fear.

I love the way The Message translates these two verses:  “So get to work, Zerubbabel!” — God is speaking.  “Get to work, Joshua son of Jehozadak — high priest!”  “Get to work, all you people!” — God is speaking.  “Yes, get to work!  For I am with you.”  The God-of-the-Angel-Armies is speaking!  “Put into action the word I covenanted with you when you left Egypt.   I’m living and breathing among you right now.  Don’t be timid.  Don’t hold back.” MSG

There is work to be done here.  I serve the living God.

That’s what I’ll think about today.