Mr. Smith begins this study by pointing out that the word "consider" has a far more serious meaning in Hebrew than it does in English. In this book God asks the Jews that have returned from Babylon to consider why they had built nice houses to live in but have not built a house for God? When the Jews responded quickly to the things God pointed out and started putting God first in their lives, God promised that he would bless them that is similar to what Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33. If we put God first then he will give us many of the things we need or desire.

Gary Smith

United Church of God Pastor

Gary Smith was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but spent most of his youth in the Pasadena, California area. He graduated from Ambassador College in 1976 and he and his wife, Liz, moved to Peoria, Illinois. For the next six years he worked as a nursing home administrator in Illinois, Ohio, and Texas.
In 1982, he and Liz began to serve in the full-time ministry. Since that time, they have served in a number of congregations in the Midwest.
Gary and Liz now pastor in Houston, Texas near their two children and grandson.