“We really should be doing something for the family,” Maria said. “This tragedy couldn’t have hit them at a worse time.”

“Now just a second, Maria! We can’t be dishing out dollars to families in need in our community. Their house burned down last week. It will be somebody else’s next week. I know they lost a daughter in the fire and it really is a tragedy but there’s not much we can do about it. Maria if you want to take them over lasagna, go right ahead. But as an assembly, we have other places to put our money. We need to redecorate our building and get softer seats too.”

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“I haven’t seen them for ages. They’re just not around anymore. It’s too bad but that’s just the way it is.”

“Yeah, I’ve been really missing them. I remember at hymn sings they would be the last ones to put down their song sheets. I remember their home being a real busy place – they genuinely enjoyed having people into their home. They were at their happiest when they could help out here and there.”

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“We’ll, they’re a real embarrassment. You know how there are just some names you want to be associated with and then others you just want to avoid like the plague? Well, I’ve got two of them at least in my blood line. And quite frankly, when someone asks me if I’m related to them I try to change the subject.”

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‘Well, it just doesn’t seem fair. They’re doing practically nothing and we’re working our heads off. I’m tired of trying to do the right thing. What’s the payback? Is my life any better because of it? Why bother? Why not go with the flow? If they can, so can I.”

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It was an elaborate scheme but somehow Rebekah seemed comfortable with it. She was out to deceive her husband and scuttle his plans to give the family blessing to Esau, their oldest boy. As Esau left for the field to get some wild meat for his old dad, Rebekah did some fast thinking.

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There is smoke coming out of their upstairs window. But you are new in the neighborhood and you don’t want to disturb your neighbor. If you get an opportunity to mention the puffs of smoke you will but that’s not where you want to start the conversation. You gently knock on the door:

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I wonder if there were some ‘inner fists’ raised in the hearts of the audience when Haggai the prophet chided them in words to this effect: “Get with the program! Your priorities are completely reversed. You’re wondering what’s wrong in your life – give your head a shake. It’s pretty obvious. You are living for yourself - me, my and mine! God is at the bottom of your pile. You are so wrapped up in your own little world, you can’t see the big picture. You’ve paneled not just the walls of your house but you’ve also extravagantly paneled your ceilings as if you were princes in a palace. Meanwhile, what’s important to God you’ve left in shambles.”

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“Donald, why would you be prowling around through the night? Too much caffeine or did you have something on your mind?” He thinks to himself: “Too much on my mind??! That’s an understatement. If you only knew a half of what was going on, you wouldn’t sleep either!”

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