The Lord will bless us, spiritually, if we fear -reverence- Him and walk after Him. Even in the face of our afflictions and those who hate us, they will -not prevail against' us but will be driven back in disgrace. Yet, we must not bless, support, approve, or allow -even by inaction- sin.

Our Freedom from sin and punishment should result in our shouting with joy as the desert is watered with the Sprit and our weeping will turn to joy. We must remember unless we are living for the Lord our building, watching, and labor is in vain. May we seek to work for the Lord sharing with the world the good news that we can become the children of God.

We continue our Ascent in the Psalms. We are reminded the Lord is on our side- Even as the world tries to flood over us, He is our protector. We also know our souls have escaped the fowlers snare. We are reminded that He is like an unmovable mountain and we trust Him. Weaknesses shall not rest on us if we do good and walk straight-

As we continue the Psalms of Ascents we are reminded that we must we should be glad to go up to the house of the Lord where we are bound firmly together with peace. And that we are to lift our eyes unto Him to behold his mercy and grace which is more than enough.

As we consider the 15 psalms of Ascent we consider what to do when we are in distress -Psalm 120- and where our help comes from--from the Lord- He never sleeps nor slumbers and He will keep you- -Psalm 121-.

'I Don't Know'- are three words we don't like to say. However, as the world presses in and tests us we must be ready to give an answer, if possible. Especially to our family, children, and to spiritual issues. -1- If you don't know and 'can' you need to know. -2- If you don't' know and 'can't' know, admit it--the Lord knows- -3- If you don't know the Lord, you don't know anything.

Who or what did you worship last week- Don't fool yourself, if it was not the Lord, you filled that void with something- We must -1- remove our idols of worship and -2- be obedient to Him so that we can say, -As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord--

Haggai reminds us to trust in the Lord in the face of external troubles such as discouragement, frustration, false accusations, and orders to stop. The people also faced internal struggles believing the time had not come and using the Lords gifts for themselves rather than His service. Haggai reminds us to be obedient, remember we are the Lords temple, and to -Consider your ways and thoughtfully reflect on your conduct-

God does not generally do things 'to' us or 'for' us, but 'with' us- God desires to collaborate with us, not because he has to but because he wants to. What is require on our end is faith and obedience.

Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of beans. He preferred to feed his belly for a day than consider the financial, emotional, and spiritual ramifications with his his father Isaac and brother Jacob. Are you selling something dear to you for momentary pleasure- Have you despised the privilege you have to know your Spiritual Father for what the world offers you-