November 21

In Haggai 1–2, the prophet calls God’s people to examine their priorities. They had returned from exile and started rebuilding their own homes, but the temple of the Lord still lay in ruins. Through Haggai, God says, Give careful thought to your ways. You plant much but harvest little… because My house remains in ruins, while each of you is busy with your own house. The people respond with repentance and renewed obedience, and God promises that His Spirit will be with them. He declares that the glory of the new temple will surpass the old, not because of gold or stone, but because His presence will fill it.

Zechariah 1 continues the call to return. God says, Return to Me, and I will return to you. Though His people had faced discipline, His heart still longed for restoration. God’s mercy and His covenant love remain steady even when His people stray.

Psalm 138 echoes this same truth. The psalmist praises God for His faithfulness, saying, The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. God’s plans are not hindered by our weakness. He restores, rebuilds, and strengthens those who trust in Him.

In 1 John 2, believers are reminded that true faith shows itself in obedience and love. John calls us to walk as Jesus walked, to turn from the world’s desires, and to live in the light of God’s truth. Just as the Israelites rebuilt the temple, we are called to build our lives into a dwelling place for God’s Spirit—holy, devoted, and filled with His presence.

Together, these passages call us to realign our hearts with God’s priorities. We are reminded that His presence is our greatest treasure, and His work in and through us will outlast every earthly pursuit. When we return to Him with all our hearts, He restores what was broken and fills our lives with lasting glory.

To receive daily One Year Bible devotionals directly to your email, sign up here.