How many times do we skate through life without giving a thought to much of anything? Habits form. We go through the motions. Drive to the store not even aware of what route we’ve taken or what we need to buy. That’s me, sad to admit. Yes, telling the same old stories. Repeating worn-out, stale jokes. Stuck in the mud without a clue. But what if that changes? Pull myself out of this rut with help from what I discover in Haggai Chapter 1? Where? Yes, Haggai!

This rarely-read Old Testament prophet uses a certain phrase a few times in that first chapter. I’ve highlighted it in my Bible. Haggai tells us that these words are from on high–‘Thus says the Lord of hosts…’ (Haggai 1: 5, 7). Sounds like we better listen up, doesn’t it? From God’s mouth to our ears.

But what specifically should we pay attention to?  That we’re to ‘consider your ways’. ‘Your’ refers to you and me. In the biblical Hebrew language, that phrase literally means–‘put your heart on your roads’. Read that again. ‘Consider your ways’=’Put your heart on your roads’.

I think I get it. Whatever I do for the Lord, put my whole heart into it. Be passionate about my relationship with Jesus Christ. Stop going through the motions. Quit play-acting. No phony baloney. Be the real McCoy. For a change. ‘Put your heart on your roads.’

Don’t you know when you’re heart isn’t in something? Of course, you do. When I was fourteen years into serving my last church, which originally was to be for two months, I found myself feeling grouchy, bugged, and a bit of a sourpuss. Some people get on my nerves who least deserve it. I’m visiting church families less and less. Like a grinding chore rather than doing handstands to get to church, so to speak.

Guess what? You’re right. My heart wasn’t in it. So, I refused to draw a paycheck to make money from serving God’s people. It was time to move along. Best of all, the Lord had a new man in mind to continue His ministry with His people in that place. And he’s still doing a super job. God too!

After I retired, an idea came to mind. We were traveling across the state of Texas on one of our seven cross-country drives when I had a strange thought, like a quiet voice within, saying ‘Start writing for me’. Do what for who? ‘Start writing for me.’

That’s how this weekly devotional and two published books get launched. With a heartfelt idea on a highway. I know who was calling out to me. And what I was to do. Sort of. When the details get worked out, after my wife figures out how to computerize it all, the excitement begins and keeps me at the computer keyboard, happy as a lark, day after day.

Ten years later, I’m still following my heart on this roadway, willingly and joyfully! Never making a red penny. Actually setting me back a shekel or two. Good!

How about you? Something God wants you to put your heart into as you travel life’s highways? If you’re not sure, ask Him. Wait on Him. Don’t be surprised when His answer comes. And then go with Jesus on any highway He leads you on. Put your whole heart in gear. Not reverse. Forward!

Lord Jesus, may you always be the passion of my heart and the direction of my life. For your sake. Amen.